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RENSSELAER CO..
1TEW YORK.
ith Illustrations and ijjiagraphkal &hefche£
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OF
ITS PROMI1TE1TT jyEZEZST .A-HSTID PIONEERS.
BY
NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER,
Author of "Historical Sketches of Northern New York and the Adirondack Wilderness,"
" History o! Garaio^a County, New York," etc.
PHILADELPHIA:
EVERTS & PECK.
l880.
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PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADELPHIA.
475603 4
.
PREFACE.
In the preparation of this work the object aimed at has been to furnish in its pages an authentic
and exhaustive history of Rensselaer County, from its earliest settlement to the present time, in all its
varied interests. To accomplish this object, several writers have spent many months in its preparation,
equaling in all the work of one person for several years.
Considerable material has been gathered from published works, and more has been obtained t'r
the tiles of old newspapers, the State archives, and the county and town records. In the preparation
of the town histories much information has been furnished by the oldest residents and well-informed
people of the county.
It is impracticable to give separate acknowledgment to each and all when so many have kindly
rendered aid and encouragement by furnishing valuable' material and otherwise. Especial thanks are,
however, due to the newspaper press of the county, particularly to the Troy Daily Times, the Troy
Daily Press, to the Daily Whig, and the Northern Budget, for the use of valuable material found in
their columns and kindly and freely proffered to us.
Acknowledgments are also due to the excellent " History of Troy," by A. J. Weise ; to Messrs.
Benjamin H. Hall, Robert H. McClellan, John Fitch, Dr. C. C. Schuyler, Dr. E. S. Coburn, Rev. Father
Havermans, William H. Young, Dr. Nathan B. Warren, De Witt Clinton, James Forsyth, Harvey -I.
King, William Gurley, F. J. Parmenter, Mrs. Sarah Vail Gould, Gen. Alonzo Alden, and Mr. Rousseau,
of Troy; to Col. Park and Col. Walter L. Church, of Albany, and Col. Colvin, of New York City.
CONTENTS.
HISTORICAL.
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
CHAPTEB PAliK
I. — Introduction ........ 9
II. — Civil Divisions — Original Counties- -Towns II
III. — Topography . . . . . . . .13
IV. — Geological Outlines Hi
V.- — Indian Occupancy . . . . . . .17
VI.— Early Navigators 22
VII. — The Manor of Rensselaerswick 27
VIII.— The French-and-Indian Wars— 1642-1763. . . 31
IX.— War of the Revolution 35
X. — War of the Revolution — ( Continued) .... 49
XI. — The Hampshire Grants ...... 54
XII. — County Organization — County Buildings — Early
Courts ......... 57
XIII.— County Civil List Gil
XIV.— The Early Militia of Rensselaer County ... 68
XV.— Anti-Rent Troubles 73
XVI. — Rensselaer County in the Great Rebellion of 1861 . 74
XVII.— The Bench and Bar 109
XVIII.— The Medical Profession 135
XIX.— The Press— Books and Authors 144
XX. — County Societies ........ 159
CHAITF.K PAOR
XXI. — Internal Improvements River Navigation, Rail-
roads, etc. . . . . . . . .hil
XXII.— Statistical Tables 167
11ISTOHV OF THE CITY OF TROY ITo
HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OI<" RENSSELAER
COUNTY.
Town of Lansingburgh ........ 292
" Greenbush ::::::
" North Greenbush 344
" East Greenbush 352
" Hoosick 300
•' Schodack 397
" Nassau . . . . . . . . .119
" Schaghticoke 438
" Petersburgh 459
" Pittstown 171
" Stephentown 491
" Berlin 5112
Sand Lake 518
" Brunswick ......... 532
" Grafton ... ...... 546
11 Poestenkill ......... 557
IB I O G IR, A IF DEI I O A L.
PAGE
Alden, Gen. Alonzo ......... 106
Archibald, John ....... facing 217
Anthony, Jesse B. ...... " 256
Abbott, Royal ........ "472
Armstrong, Dr. Asher " 368
Armstrong, J. P " 368
Allen, Dr. Charles S 343
Allen, Col. J. H 544
Allendorph, Lewis W. ........ 531
Ball, Hon. Levi Chandler 372
Bratt, Nicholas 439
Buell, James 279
Buel, Jr., Hon. David 262
Beach. William A 114
Bolton, Samuel 332
Bullard, Gen. E. Fitch 132
Browne, Irving 133
Breese, Abram facing 370
Butts, Judge Elihu •' 443
Button, William Pitt 457
Bulkley, Cassius E 134
Bloss, M.D., Richard facing 143
Brinsmade, M.D., Thomas C 1411
Bontecou, M.D., Reed B 141
Burton, M.D., Matthew 11 142
Bloomingdale, William 352
Barton, William between 280, 281
Bosworth, Benjamin 490
Blatchford, A.M.. Thomas 139
Burden, Henry 218
Clough, Moses T 132
Colby, John H facing 132
Clowes, Thomas ....
Carr, Brevet Maj.-Gen. Joseph B
Cluett, William .
Cluett, George B.
Cornell, Gerothman W.
Clark, Otis G. .
Corliss, John M.
Clark, Hamilton .
Coleman, Rev. I. B. .
Carpenter, Sylvanus .
Coleman, Thomas
Carmichael, Dr. Eber W.
Collyson, John L.
Cottrell, William L. .
Davis, Kenneth M.
Dickerman, Jairus
Derrick, Richard C. .
Eaton, Amos
File, Hiram
Fitch, Hon. John
Forsyth, James .
Fursioan, Edgar l.uv-ter
Flagg. John Lamson .
Flagg, John
Francis, John M.
Freeman, Jonathan W.
Frear, William H.
Griswold, Hon. John A.
Green, David H.
Gurley, William
Gould, George .
Graves, Timothy
facing
PAGE
facing 134
286
289
230
331
216
230
facing 460
498
.501
between 280, 281
facing 520
. 545
. 564
facing 120
between 216, 217
538, 539
. 236
. 189
. 435
. 128
. 1311
facing 135
between 216, 217
152
280
290
272
359
284
109
36fi
facing
CONTENTS.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
i
.
. Hannibal
Huntington, SamuH tirar
H.lr. M.I' . U
I, U D l
arles I..
Hart. Kirhani P.
II II.
M
Harder, Krank P.
.
Heartl
I.. .
Hafth"rn. Th-.ma- fl
Hall. Daniel
Hall, I ■ i
r. Jr.. William II.
Hull. 1
Hull. Nelaon
Hull. ' il. .
Huff, '
,•■ I hi\. IL.
.
I. .
\m .
Ham-
.
ho .
Lao* Paeally, n..
am Learn- I
Man
Murr.hT. J-
usai .
Franklin J.
Pern I A.
r*o«
i.i".. n 880, 281
Parmcntor, Jerome 11.
. 281
Pawling, Col. Albert .
. 281
Parmolc, Dr. Pranok It.
116
I'r-
138
Pcck. Joel II. .
III
Peek, Bli uer A.
III
Quackonbusb, Peter .
18!
Robertson, .Ir.. Qilberl
I..
Rousseau, I>r. Alexander
102
Robbing, M.D., Amain-
l02
Roj ii. .L1-. Qideon
. 118
Reynolds, E. C. .
137
Rogers, Harper .
oolds, Dr. II. M. .
279
Reed, Qeorge I.
Rousseau, Henry
331
harlea 11.
351
Reynolds, William W.
194
Reynolds, Elijah
195
1:. . n. .1.1-. I'a]. lain S. 1 .
•J II
Roberts, James 1..
lb, Levi
517
Smith, '/.. V.. . . .
.."7
Smith, Harvey .
lu-'iir. David Lowery
531
Strait, B. Smith .
110
Shirland, William 11. .
129
Sbopard, Henry Vail .
ll'Ll
Skill M.D., Avery .1.
Soymonr, William P. .
fn.-ir.K
Strong, Col. Latham C.
.
Squire, Dr. .loho
100
Spalding, A.M.. Rev. Nathi
281
w. .
. 286
Strung. Henry Wright
Stiles, Robert B.
359
Silliman, Robert Dai i-
131
. irt. Philo 1'.
136
Bbeneser
112
Townsond, Martin 1. .
[-.<
Townscnd, Rufiu M. .
Thompson 1 .
ISO
Th.'rn, M.I'.. J ami - .
Tibbits, George .
■ M.
Tibbits, William It. .
Thnnnan, Richnrdnon II. .
1, John B.
log
Burtoo \.
IS]
\'ni . Stephon .
Van Seboonhoven, Jaeob 1.
III
Van - in"ii
u :.
Vail. Henry
11V
V:»;
i"l
Virgil, Cept, Bbenesar II. .
w arras Pamlly, The .
w arran, Moses .
Warren, Hon. IVrrv .
Ward, Ml' l: HalsUd .
f acini
Willarl. .fnhn I).
Willard, Mrs, Bmma .
.
« •• 1. Henry E.
racing
1
1. Walter A.
112
tkjms, I'r. Alfred .
Whu ■.„. M.n. Henrj B,
ing, William II.
facing
facing
lacing
PAOt
153
ISO
342
198
530
289
364
122
136
139
facing 362
363
309
. 41G
. 436
. 193
257
461
401
405
5*5
130
117
232
112
130
133
134
140
111
150
403
410
436
283
330
196
226
468
117
120
132
llii
192 »
192 I
192 "
lacing 211
491
529
235
278
299
192
192
283
180
129
473
142
115
234
281
261
392
136
141
168
facing
facing
facing
CONTENTS.
ILLTJSTRATIOITS.
I'AOI'.
Outline Map of Rensselaer County (colored) . faoing '■)
Map of the Manor "t' Itonsselaerwiok, 1767 ■ . " 27
Autograph of Eiliaen Van RensBelaer ..... 30
\ i endt Van Curler . . . . . '■'> I
Plan of Battle of Bennington, 1780 .... facing 4!)
Portrait of Gen. Alonzo Alden (steel) ... " 106
Charles R. [ngalla " ... " 110
•' David L. Seymour " ... "112
John H. Willard •• ... " 115
Samuel G. Huntington ...... 1 Hi
" Martin I. Townsend lis
" Francis N. Mann (steel) .... facing 121
" Gilbert Robertson, Jr 122
Robert II. MoClellan (steel) . . . faoing 123
" Roswell A. Parmenter "... " 121
. I ami's Forsyth "... " 128
Levi Smith "... •• 129
E. Smith Strait "... •• 130
" James Lansing "... " 131
John 11. Colby "132
" Harvey J. King "133
" Thomas Clowes •• 134
John L. Flagg "135
Alfred Wotkyns, M.D " 136
" R. H. Ward, M.D. (steel) ... •• 112
R. Bloss, M.D "III!
Fac-simile of first page id' the first number of the Budget issued
in Lansinghurgh . . . . . . . .147
Fac-simile of third page of the first number of the Budget pub-
lished in Troy ......... 148
Portrait of C. L. MaoArthur (steel) .... facing 14!)
John M. Francis " " 152
" Col. Latham C. Strong .... "156
" William II. Young (steel) ... " 158
TROY.
View of the Polytechnic Institute
" Poestenkill Falls .
Church of the Holy Cross .
Mount Ida
Portrait of Richard P. Hart (steel)
" Derrick Lane
" Jacob L. Lane "
" George Tibbits "
" George M. Tibbits "
Portraits of Ebenezer Prescott and Wife
Portrait of Richardson H. Thurman .
" Otis G. Clark .
" Jairus Dickcrnian
" John Flagg
" John Archibald
" Henry Burden (steel)
View of the Oakwood Stove-Works
Portrait of John M. Corliss (steel)
" George B. Cluett "
View of Troy Female Seminary
Portrait of Mrs. Emma Willard (steel)
Father Peter Havermans
St. Mary's (R. C.) Church .
" Commercial Academy
St. Joseph's Theological Provincial Seminary
Seal of the Young Men's Association
Portrait of Jesse B. Anthony
Charles H. Rising .
" Maj.-Gen. John E. Wool (steel)
" David Buel, Jr. "
" John A. Griswold "
Hon. Isaac McConihe "
" Mrs. Sarah S. McConihe "
facing 17.0
175
. 185
. 186
facing 187
18!)
1 90
" 192a
" 192p
" 198
214
216
between 216, 217
216,217
facing 217
" 218
. 223
facing 228
230
" 233
234
. 245
246
246
246
251
256
257
261
262
272
between 274, 275
274, 275
facing
facing
PAOI
between 276, 277
276, 277
facing 277
278
27-
between 280, 281
280, 281
2-". 2-1
280, 281
280, 281
280, 281
facing 281
282
2-:;
between 284, 2-:.
" 284. 285
taeing 2n>
286
287
288
" 289
between 290, 291
290, 2!)1
I'm trait "t [saac Met lonihe I steel i
" Gen. John MoConibe i steel I
(mil Samnel McConihe .
" .1. Lansing Van Sohoonhoven (steel)
James Baell (steel) .
Jonas I ' Hes i " itcel)
.1. W. Freeman "
Thomas I loleman
11 William Barton
" John Le Grand K mix
Liberty G Libert
'• 1'ri Gilbert (steelj .
" Harvey .Smith (steel)
" Henry W. Strong (steel) .
" Ebenezer II. Virgil "
" William Gurley "
" Edward Murphy, Jr, i steel I
" William Kemp
" Gen. Joseph B. Can- "
E. A. Peck (steel) .
" William Cluett (steel)
" William H. Frear "
" Albert L. Hotchkin (steel)
LANSINGBURGH.
Residence and Brewery of S. Bolton and Sons
Portrait of" Hon. Samuel Bolton
Residence of J. K. P. Pine
Portrait of Robert B. Stiles
" Thomas W. Hartborn
" Gerothman W. Cornell
dill AIM Ml
Portrait of Dr. Francis B. Parmele .
" Dr. Charles S. Allen
NORTH GREENBUSH.
Residence of William Bloomingdale (with portraits) . facing
Portrait of Garret De Freest
Residence of Delia Koon (with portrait of Alfred Koon) lacing
" Lewis Kinney (with portrait)
" James Henderson (with portrait) .
Portraits of John S. Myers and Wife
EAST GREENBUSH.
Residence of N. Davenport ....
" Wm. P. Irwin ....
" Alex. Livingston ....
" David Phillips ....
" David H. Greene (with portraits)
" John C. Karner
t;i ■ - 1 n _r
302
302
:;nl
330
331
331
343
343
344
345
346
348
150
351
facing 352
354
" 356
" 356
between 358, 359
35S, 359
HOOSICK.
Portrait of Gideon Reynolds
" E. C. Reynolds
Portraits of Peter Quackenbush and Wife
" Timothy Graves and Wife
Portrait of J. P. Armstrong
Portraits of Harper Rogers and Wife
" Abram Breese "
" Wm. H. H. Haynes and Wife
Church of the Immaculate Conception
House of the Augustinian Fathers
Portrait of Walter A. Wood (steel) .
" Sylvanus D. Locko (steel)
SCHODACK.
Residence of J. I. Knickerbocker (with portrait)
" Milton Knickerbocker (with portraits) .
" Col. N. S. Miller (with portrait) .
facing
362
363
364
366
36S
369
370
374
380
3S0
392
395
397
4011
401
CONTKNTS.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Portrait* -f Dn ■|imo mil .liinip> 1 M
Portrait of Dr. John Squire
I>r. Bomaol UoOlallui rtoel) .
B ■ • Bogh W. UeClellan
It II. If. 1'.. mi ■: i .
Rai R. '.. 3p tiding
/.. /.. Smith ....
RtaUhnM if N. G ...
Portrait of prank P. II u In
i;<"i danoc ■•:' Prank P. Harder .
f».'in^
TAOB
10]
III
IIS
i I'-
ii:
1 1 7
117
ti-
ll-
facing 120
137
N \ss \i .
Portrait of Kenneth M. Davi. an-1 vl
Straw Wrapping Paper Mill- t J. D. Tompkini
Hrainarl
• of Hon. John flush iteal
8trmit
■;• rgi I. Reed
8CHAGHTICOKE.
Ratidaoeeol Charii \ Benutnel with portraits facing
William Pitt llutton
Portrait of JodgC Klihu Hutu
Thciirant Fan Mill and Cradlo-Mannfactory
The S.-h»ithtif-ik<- Powder - Company*! Work- double page
i i<-w ........ bclwi
PETER8BI IM.II.
Portrait of Hamilton Clark ..... facing
William W. Reynolds
portrait- of Klijah Reynolds ami Wife
Portnil of 8. F.. Reynolds
Portrait- "f Kl^n' tod Wife
IMTTSTOM \.
Portrai' \Kbott facing
Boo. IVrrv Warr<-n
138
I in
143
1 1 1
I...:
100
u; i
In I
ISA
172
173
Residenoe and Mill- of Hiram File (with portraits!
Portrait ol Thomas Lape (steel)
Nath'l Mo-worth ....
Portraits of Benjamin Boewortfa ami Wife
Portrait of John B. Twog 1 ....
STEPHENTOWN.
Portrait- of ReT. I-aiah P. I'oleman anij Wife
hoc of Sylvanus Carpenter
BERLIN.
Portrait nt |lr. A. K. Hull ....
taof.
facing
I7n
"
IS!)
"
urn
"
190
I'M
facing
4!>R
501
SAM) LAKE.
nee of Joel P. Peok (with portraits)
Portrait- of Dr. B. W. t'artnichael ami Wife
Residence of Lewis w. Allendorph (with portraits)
Qoorge P. Hull with portraits I
P. \ . Thomas ....
Portrait of B. A. Thomas (steel)
Dr. A. H. Hull (steel)
BRUNSWICK.
K< -nl.-ncc of John L. Collyson (with portraits)
1'errick V. Leveraee with portraits)
Sylvester McChcsney (with portraits)
Portrait of Richard C. Derriok ....
Residenoe of Riohard A. Derrick
James L. Robert- (with portraits)
John Han- with portraits
P. P. Link | with p'.rlrail- | .
I ph Kilmer ....
t'ol. .1. II. Allen (Willi porlr.u
Edward McCbesney with portrait)
I'OESTENKIEL.
Residenoe of W. I,, t'ottrell (with portraits)
517
facing
.1-
.
520
522
.
524
ictweeu 52S
520
528
529
facing
530
facing
532
..::i
.
536
■el ween 538
539
538
539
facing
540
.
541
542
.
543
.
544
'*
545
facing
557
PUBJ :ARY
^ -OF
Rensselaer Co.,
NEW YORK.
ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY rOR THIS WORK.
HISTORY
OF
RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
I.— THE GREAT EASTERN WAR-PATH.
THE county of Rensselaer is not renowned in war. Her
name is not, like Saratoga, forever associated with one of
the world's decisive battles* Nay, the historic page gives
the credit to a neighboring State of the one important
event of the Burgoyne campaign of the year 1777, which
took place wholly within the borders of the territory which
now constitutes the county of Rensselaer, and what should
have been called the battle of Hoosac, or the battle of
Sancoik, is known to the world as the battle of Benning-
ton.
Neither was the territory of the county of Rensselaer,
like that of Washington County, crossed by the old Indian
trail and provincial northern war-path, over which vast
armies traveled in their toilsome marches through the old
blood-stained wilderness during the long French-and-Indian
wars. Yet, of a truth, across Rensselaer County once ran
an old Indian trail and war-path, now quite forgotten and
left almost unnoticed in our histories, which, during the
Indian occupancy and the early colonial period, was scarcely
less famous than the great northern and western trails.
This was the great eastern Indian trail. The reader will
bear in mind that the northern trail led up the valley of
the Hudson and down Lake Champlain, while the western
trail led up the Mohawk Valley to the basin of the great
lakes. The great eastern trail led from the Hudson up
the valley of the Hoosac River and over the Hoosac Moun-
tain, now pierced by the Hoosac Tunnel, to the head-
waters of the Deerfield River, and down along that stream
to the broad valley of the Quon-eh-ti-cut,-\ so called in the
Indian tongue, and from thence to Massachusetts Bay.
* Henry Hallain, author of the celebrated work, the " View of the
State of Europe during the Middle Ages," defines decisive battles as
" tli...-,' few battles of which a contrary event would have essentially
varied the drama of tho world in all its subsequent scenes." E. S.
Creasy, professor of history in the University College of London, has
selected fifteen battles, beginning with Maratl which took place
two thousand three hundred and sixty-six years ago, and ending with
Waterloo, in 1815, as the only ones coming within this definition.
Al ^r fie fifteen he names Saratoga.
t Prom Quin-ni-tuk, long-tidal or wind-swept river. Qmn-ni-tuk-ut,
tl"' country mi either side of "long-tidal river."— Collections Conn.
Hist. Society, vol. ii. p. 8.
This was the great highway leading from the Iroqi
tribes of Central New York— the " Five Nations" — to the
Algonquin tribes of New England, — the Squak-heags and
Pa-comp-tucks, the Nbn-o-lucks and Ag-a-wams, of the
Connecticut Valley, and the Mass-ad-chu-sits, Narragan-
setts, and Po-kan-o-kets of the Atlantic coast. Between
these Algonquins of the east, and the Iroquois of the west
there was perpetual war. The valley of the Hoosac across
Rensselaer County lay between them, and this valley was,
in the olden time, the scene of many a bloody conflict
between the red men. Thus, in the year 1663, several
hundred Mohaicks went up the Hoosac Valley on the war-
path, and, crossing the mountains, fell upon the Pa-cowp-
tucks and Squakheags, of the Connecticut Valley, at Deer-
field and Northfield, and laid waste their country.
In retaliation, the Mass-ad-chu-sits and Narragaiiselts
united with the Sguak-heags and Pa-comp-tucks, in the
year 1669, in an expedition against the Mohawks. The
band consisted of seven hundred warriors, led by Chic-ka-
taw-but, chief sachem of the Mass-ad-chu-sits. They
passed down the Hoosac Valley, penetrated the Mohawk
country, and laid siege to the nearest castle, called Te-hon-
de-lo-ga, at the mouth of the Schoharie Kill, afterwards
the site of Fort Hunter. The Eastern allied tribes failed
in their attempt and retreated towards their own country.
The Mohawks followed, and, making a ditour, formed an
ambuscade, into which the Eastern Indians fell and suffered
fearful loss.
KING PHILIP.
So also King Philip, in the winter of 1G75-76, left for
a while the scene of his great conflict with the white men
for the mastery of the land, and traveled over this great
eastern war-trail to rest for a while on the banks of the
Hudson. Thus writes Governor Andross, of New York, to
the Governor of Connecticut:
" Xkw York, Jan. 6, 1676.
"This is to acquaint you that late last night I had intelligence that
Philip and four or five hundred (forth Indians' fighting-men were
come within forty or fifty miles of Albany, northerly, where they talk
of continuing this winter; that Philip is sick, and one Sahamtisjch-
aha| the commander-in-chief."
The wiuter of 1675-76 was the darkest period in New
England history. The war with the Indian tribes had
lasted with unabated fury through the summer and autumn
months of the year 1675, and was stopped for the time
% San-cum-a-cha was a tfan-o-tuek chief.
9
10
BISTORI OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW FORK.
being by the Dnoommoii depth of snow which fill that
winter. In February ■ sudden thaw came and left the
Taking advantage of this, the Mohawks li fl
their castles, and, attacking Philip and his band, drove him
back np the II - o Valley to the Squak-heags country,
mi tin- Connecticui River, where all the tribes under Philip
gathered for tin- final struggle of the year 1676.
On the 12th of August of thai year, King Philip, a
hunted fugitive, was killed on tin' very threshold of his
~tr-.il lodge, al Mount Hope, and liis followers tl • • I from
their ancient homes forever.
\ fticfts, whose country was in the vol-
lej of the Connecticut, at the mouth of the Decrfield River,
in their Sight went up that Btream along tin' old trail, ami,
-in;,' tin- mountain, came down the valley of the Boosac,
•1 at ii- month i'i) tin' Hudson, ami afterwards became
In. .uii to tin- whites as tin- Schaghlicoke Indians, a name
still familiar in the annals of Rensselaer County.
Willi these Pa-comp-tuckt, who settled at Schaghlicoke,
win- ..!--■ - remnants of the NarraganteUs, Wampanoogs,
A E stern tribes.
OR \', LOOK.
tig the fa us Indian war chiefs wl ft en passed
over the II Vallej was Gray-Lock, of Wo-ro-noak.
I n the downfall of King Philip, Graj Lock -so called
from the color of his hair — fled from the home of the II •
thi \ _ awam River, to the Mo-
hawk country. In the year \~1'.\ he lived at bis fort, on
Missisqnoi Bay, al the northerly end of Lake Champlain.
I G Lock, al the head of a band
flowers, made numerous r.ii^U into the Connecticui Val-
1 . -_v . ili.- most noted of which were the attacks on North-
field on the 13th ol 1723, and the 18th of June,
1T_'I The highest mountain in Massachusetts, standing
the old eastern trail, perpetuates the na f Gray-
I. I of I H ro-noata.
< OL, > PBRAIM Mil. 1. 1 \ '
the breaking out of the French ami-Indian war of
1 7 1 1 I- the proi inet to protect
her w. stem frontier settlements, erected a line "I foruj alone
this eastern trail, the i rn of which was Porl
Nl iw Williamstown, in the
1711. In the month of kugust, 1746, the Marquis
• I V.imlr. nil led ■ hostile Prcoch-and Indian force, nuin-
berii ;.-lit t.. nine hundred men, up the valley of
II tern «ar path, to attai k I
H Vandrouil invested the fort on the 26th
- - -nt I ■ \t the lime there were but twenty-two
John H Por twenty-
i bruin ili.- l.r.iv.' liti -, held '"it against rach
fearful odtfa in bo] Bui no help came, ami
I
7 1- Port Massachu-
was ati.i. • hundred Indians. Tlie
little fort wi< . no linmlr.'.l men, un
lir.iim Williams. After
the Indi
1 the at' f..rt ami
with tin in tli.ir dead and wounded. Capt. Williams be-
camc the hero of Fori Massachusetts and the founder of
Williams College, which, mar the site of the old fort, now
overlooks the old eastern war-trail of the Boosac Valley.
li was not until the peace of Paris, concluded between
England and France on the 7th of February, 17G3, — of a
truth, aol until the close of the war of the Revolution, — that
tlii- great eastern trail ceased to be a war-path, and became
the busy pathway of peaceful men.
II.- RENOWNED IX PEACE.
And further still, Rensselaer County has not, like her
sister county of Albany, a long colonial and provincial his-
tory, dating from the earliest navigation of the Hudson
I; ■■]■. in the opening years of the seventeenth century,
when the hardy navigators of the Netherlands, of England,
France, and Spain, were braving the dangers of the wild
Atlantic in seeking this New World in quest of gold and
empire.
\Vt. notwithstanding all this, the annals of the county
of Rensselaer are nol without interest to the student of his-
tory. Situate at the head of tide-water navigation on the
Budson, directly opposite the eastern terminus of the
Mohawk Valley, through which flows one of the great
streams of the vast products of the teeming West on their
way to the great markets of the world, this county could
not he otherwise than an important factor in the world's
trade and commerce.
Bui this trade ami commerce, as well as the vast manu-
facturing interests of our country, in which Rensselaer
County leu plays so important a part, like our own great
nation itself, are the creatures of comparatively modern
growth.
This volume, therefore, though by no means barren of
early historic incidents, will, from the necessity of the ease,
deal largely with this modern growth, and in the wonderful
develo] ml of her material and industrial interests. In
the marvelous progress she has made in these interests dur-
ing the prosaic years of the present century, Rensselaer
County presents a striking illustration of the often quoted
Words of England's immortal bard,
" Poacc both hor »iotoi
N<> loss rcnownod than war."*
In pursuing the history of this county through the
somewhat monotonous scenes of iis almost two centuries of
". occupation by white men along the banks of its
principal streams, we shall first Bee, in our mind's eye, the
little opening clearing at what is now (ireenbush, upon the
Lank of the Budson, opposite Fori Orange, now Albany,
by the early Dutch settlers, about the year 1630, and from
thence spreading slowly a ffw miles np and down the river.
Wt shall next see the planting of Schodack in the year
1630, ol Schaghlicoke in the year 17»i7, and of Iloosac in
the year 1 726.
We -le.ll see in each .ail;, settlement, as they success-
ively spring up in the depths of the virgin wilderness, the
firs) half-doscn isolated log huts, each in tin ntre of its
little clearing, bordered on either side by miles of almost
M \vi.
CIVIL DIVISIONS ORIGINAL COUNTIES TOWNS
11
pathless forests. We shall sec at these rude pioneer homes
the father with his sun by his side planting his corn among
the blackened stumps and logs. We shall see the mother
surrounded by her infant children, busily plying her daily
toil within the single room of her humble home, and often
easting anxious glances into the shadowy woods, which her
imagination peoples with hordes of wild beasts and savage
men, and ofttimes with troops of ghosts and goblins and
other uncanny things. Yet, in the daily Struggle for the
daily bread, in the hardships and fengers, in the peaceful
religious lives of those early pioneer homes, wc shall also
see, what is better than all else, the origin and the growth
of those homely and sturdy virtues upon which the present
prosperity of our county is surely buildcd, and upon which
the prosperity of great States, stretching across tin; conti-
nent from ocean to oeean, has since been so securely
founded.
We shall follow the varying fortunes of these pioneers of
the old wilderness through the long French-and-Indian wars
and the war of the Revolution, through the weary years it
took to clear off the forests and prepare the soil for cultiva-
tion, and bring our story to a close in recounting some of the
results of the wonderful development of the last fifty years,
— a progress which has brought forth a splendid city, and
filled our county from one end to the other with smiling
villages and fruitful fields, the home of more than a hun-
dred thousand people, counting their aggregate wealth by
tens of millions, and enriching all lands by the products of
their labors.
But this attempt to write a history of Rensselaer County
is not without many and serious difficulties. A hundred
years, even, in passing have taken, one by one, all the old
settlers from us, and much that could once have accurately
been learned from living lips, now that those lips are sealed
forever, must be sought for in the all-too-meagre records
left us by the fathers, or we must grope our way for it
among the often-conflicting stories of the fragmentary lore
of uncertain tradition.
CHAPTER II.
CIVIL DIVISIONS— ORIGINAL COUNTIES-
TOWNS.
I.— EXTENT AND BOUNDARIES
The couuty of Rensselaer is centrally distant twelve
miles from the Capitol at Albany. It is bouuded on the
north by Washington County, on the east by the States
of Vermont and Massachusetts, on the south by the county
of Columbia, and on the west by the Hudson River, which
separates it from the counties of Albany and Saratoga.
The county of Rensselaer is situated between latitude
42° 25' and 42° 55' north, and longitude 3° 15' and 3°
45' east from Washington, which corresponds to 73° 15'
and 73° 45' west from Greenwich, England.
Its extreme length from north to south is about thirty-
two miles, and its average width from east to west is about
twenty-two miles. It contains six hundred and ninety
square miles, or four hundred and forty-one thousand six
hundred acres. The total population of the county in
1875, the date of the last census, was on.- hundred and
four thousand five hundred and fifty four.
In the devised Statutes 'if the State this county i- de-
scribed, and its boundary lines define. I, as follow-, lo wil :
"The county of Rcnsselaei Bhall contain all that part of this -
bounded Easterly by the eastern bounds of il* mtherly l<y
the county of Columbia) Westerly by the middle "I the main stream
<if [Iudson'e River, with Buch variation a I ludi the islands
lying nearest to the east bank thereof; and Northerly by a lini <
ginning at the thof Lewis' Creek or Kill, and running thenee south
eighty-four degrees east, to the middle of Boosich River; then up
along tin- same until it is intersected by a continuation of the before-
mentioned liiH'. and then along such continuation to 'In' casl bounds
of 1 1>.^ State."
II.— THE FORMATION OK ORIGINAL COUNTIES
From the time of the first division of tin' State into
counties, under Charles II., on the first day of November,
in the year lb"83, until the 24th day of March, 1772, all
the territory lying northerly and westerly of what was then
the county of Ulster was included in the county of Albany.
On the 24th day of March, 1772, the vast county of
Albany was divided, and two new counties set off, namely,
the counties of Tryon and Charlotte.
The county of Tryon included all that part of the State
lying westerly of the aforesaid " established line," whirl,
ran from the Mohawk, as above set forth, to the Canada
line, at a point near the present Indian village of St. Regis.
Tryon County was thus nearly two hundred miles wide on
its eastern border, and stretched out westward two hundred
and seventy miles to the shores of Lake Erie. The shire-
town of Tryon County was Johnstown, near the Mohawk,
the residence of Sir William Johnson, Bart. It was named
in honor of William Tryon, the last colonial governor of
the State.
The county of Charlotte, scarcely less in size than Tryon
County, included within its boundaries all the northern part
of the State that lay easterly of the " Tryon County line,"
and northerly of the present county of Saratoga and the
Batterskill, in Washington County. Charlotte County also
included the westerly half of what is now the State of
Vermont, and was then the disputed territory known as
the New Hampshire Grants. The easterly half of Vermont,
lying west of the Connecticut River, also claimed by New
York, and since forming part of Albany County, was set
off into two counties, — Cumberland, in 1776, and Glouces-
ter, 1770.
Charlotte County was so named in honor of the Princess
Charlotte, daughter of George III., or, as some say, of the
Queen Consort Charlotte of Meckleuburgh Strelitz.
The county-seat of Charlotte County was Port Edward.
The first court was held in that village on the 19th of Octo-
ber, 1773, by Judge William Duer. The first clerk of the
court was Daniel McCrea, a brother of Jeanie McCrea.
whose tragic death soon after occurred near where the court
sat.
On the 2d day of April, 17S4, the Legislature of the
then new State of New York passed an act by which it
was ordained that
*Sce Seotion 2, Title I.. Chapter II.. Part I.. New York Revised
Statutes.
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
: .iflcr the |>n-sinj; "f llii- act, lli uiitj I
be railed mii-1 known bj the du f Montgomery, nnd the oountj of
Ctarlollt I'v ihi i hinglon."
Thus these two counties, >n_\- Judge Gibson, in his
B nob and liar of Washington County," organized origi-
nally I'V one legislative act, and simultaneously named in
I inn. hi i" royalty and it.- satellite by a subsequent leg-
islative act, afteT passing through a sea of fire and famine
and desolation and war. were simultaneously born again in a
baptism ofbl I, and 01 fthem named after the greatest
of iis slaughtered heroes on the battle-field, Montgomery,
and the other after the most distinguished of her living
survivors, the immortal Washington.
It will thus be seen thai what is now the county of Sara-
was not bcI "IT in the division of the 24th of March,
177'J. but constituted and remained a part of Albany
County until the 7th day of February, 1791, when Albany
i igain divided, being reduced to its present
limits, and the counties • I R • laer and Saratoga Bel "flf.
|i - the county of Albany, there are nine other origi-
nal countii » in what is now the State of New York, — namely,
the counties of Dutchi --. Kings, New Fork, < (range, (Queens,
Richmond, Suffolk, I'lstor. ami Wostchostor.
•. original counties were all formed mi the Isl
■ lav of November, 1683, by order of the Duke of York,
dun tli.- solo proprietor of the provinces, ami who ascended
the throne of England on the 6th of February, 1685 is
- [I., of unfortunate memory. These countieswere
all named after James ami his near relatives.
Thus tli' Fork ami Albany wei
called in honor of lii- twin titles, of the Duke of York in
Ubany in Scotland.
The counties of Kintft ami \ now Kings ami
without tin- possessive) were named in honor of the
duke's royal brother, then King Charles II.. and hi- wife,
1 : I '.
/' now Dutchess), containing also what are now
1 imbia ami Putnam Counties, complimented James1 wife,
Byde, do Yoik.
I Died after K ing < Ibarles, in whom
I the title of Duke of Suffolk. 'Phis title
by Charli G I 'lor of Lady Jane Grey, in
■ her r> bcllion.
Rii bmond County was named in honor of Charles Lenox,
Duke of Richmond, a natural -on of Charles II. by a
I rise do Querouaille. Tin royal dukedom
oi Richmond had descended from the brother of Henry
.In I ' El [ ill. and had he-
rn t on tho death of James Stuart, -on of the fir-t
1 L It was then confi rred by Charles 1 1.
upon tli. son ol bis favorite mistn named, the an-
al family of Richmond.
. th>n including Rockland County and ill
of ti i'h ofa lino running
1 in
honor "I William. 1'rin I ' with hi- wife,
' nded the
'■
In 1 ' - ' id tho
Irish title ■•< the D ad Ulster I aunty was
named in his honor. Tho county has since been divided,
and from it taken the enmities of Sullivan, Greene, and
Delaware, ami the northern part of Orange.
(lii the death of the last Earl of Chester, the most
important of tho peerages of the old Norman kings, the
titlo beci ■ merged in the crown, but was always conferred
upon tho Print f Wales. As Charles II. had no legiti-
mate son, he himself retained the title, and it was also in
his honor that tho county of Westchester received its name.
Bui at the time nfiwhc division of Nov. 1, 1G83, there
were two other counties made out of what was then con-
sidcrcd the duke's province of New York, viz., the coun-
ties of Dnke's and Cornwall, and where are they? The
title of Duke of Cornwall also remains with the crown of
England when there is no Prince of Wales to hold it. and the
islands on tin- sea coast of Maine, being claimed by James,
were erected into the county of Cornwall. Martha's Vine-
yard and Nantucket Islands, also claimed by him, were set
off as Iluko's County. But Massachusetts, having the pos-
ion of all these islands, refused to give them up. James,
therefore, yielded hisclaims, and Cornwall and Duke's be-
came the lost enmities of Now York. Dukes is now one of
the counties of the State of Massachusetts.
Ill CIVIL DIVISIONS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.
At the time of the division of the ancient county of
Albany, and the setting nil' therefrom the counties of
Tryon and Charlotte, as above described, on the 24th day
of March. 1 7 7 L' . tho territory now constituting the county
of Rensselaer, then still remaining in Albany County, was
divided by tho same act of the provincial Legislature into
I'our districts, namely, the districts of Rensselaerwick,
Iloosiek, I'ittstowu. Schaghticoke. The district of
PlXXSTOWN, however, was erected as a township by
pai. nt Julj 23, 1761. What is now Rensselaer County
remained thus divided into these four districts until after
tho war of the Revolution.
In 1784, StEPHENTOWN was formed from Rensselaer-
wiek.
(In tho Tib day of March, 178S, three years before
I! dssi laer County wa- organized, the name "district" was
dropped, ami Kensselaerwick, Boosick, Pittstown,
ami SCHAGHTICOKE wore organized as towns of Albany
( 'oiinty.
(in the Tib day of February, 1791, tho county ofRens-
sclaer wa- erected, ami by the -aim- act tho town of Troy
taken from Rensselaerwick. Pbtbbsburgh was taken
from Stephentown on the 18th of March, 1791.
Thus al the lir-l li ting "f the board of suporvisnrs, ill
tho year 1791, there were Beven town- in tho county, to
wii Rensselaerwick, Boosick, Troy, Schaohti-
OOKE, I'l i i -T'\vv PBTBR8B0R0H, and Sti rn in mwN.
li. in ih. .. . v. a, ■ mother-towns" of Rensselaer County
other town- have been from time to time sel off ami sub-
divided, until ilo count] contained its presenl number of
ii towns, and the city of Troy, a- follows, to wit :
i niu sit wa- formed from Rensselaerwick on the
Huh d.iv of April. 1792. Another acl of incorporation is
i I. 17. 1795. A part of Sand Lake was setoff
in 1812, an. I I, Clinton," and North
TOPOGRAPHY.
[3
Greenbush were set off by act of Feb. 23, 1855, leaving tbe
town of Greenbush coextensive only with the corporate
bounds of the village of Greenbush as defined by the act
of April 9, L852.
Schodack was formed from the remainder of Konsselacr
wick March 17, 1795, and from that date Rensselaerwick
ceased to be the name of a town in Rensselaer County.
15k.hi.in was formed from Petersburgh, Schodack, and
Stephentown on the 21st day of March, 1806.
Nassau was firmed from Petersburg!), Schodack, and
Stephentown March 21, 1800.
BRUNSWICK was formed from Troy March 20, 1.SII7.
GRAFTON was formed from the towns of Troy and
Petersburgh Man-h 20, 1807.
LansinQBURQH was formed as a town from Troy and
Petersburgh March 20, 1807. A tract from Schaghticoke
was annexed in 181 9. A part of the city of Troy was
taken off in 1836, and a part of the town of Brunswick
in 1839.
Sand Lake was formed from Greenbush and Berlin
June 19, 1812.
Poestenkill was formed from Sand Lake March 2,
1848.
East Greenbush was formed from Greenbush as
Clinton Feb. 23, 1855, and its present name adopted April
14, 1S58.
North Greenbush was formed from Greenbush Feb.
23, 1855.
The City of Troy was incorporated as a city April 12,
1816. It was formed as a town March 18, 1791. A
village charter was first granted in 1791, and another in
1798. A part of Brunswick was annexed in 1814.
CHAPTER III.
TOPOGRAPHY.
I.— THE GREAT NORTHERN VALLEY.
The long valley in which Rensselaer County is nearly
centrally situated is, topographically considered, one of the
most remarkable in the world. It stretches in almost a
Btraight line due north and south across the continent for
a distance of nearly four hundred miles, from the Atlantic
Ocean at tbe island of Manhattan on the south to the
island of Montreal in tbe river St. Lawrence on the north.
From near the centre of this valley tbe waters of the Hud-
son River run southerly to the Atlantic, and the waters of
Lake Champlain run northerly to the St. Lawrence. The
highest elevation of the bottom of this long valley is less
than one hundred and thirty feet above the level of tide-
water, and the waters flowing north and those flowing south
are naturally separated from each other by a carrying-place
overland of less than a dozen miles.*
*This carrying-place is at Fort Edward, and is from the Hudson
or from Fort Edward Creek into Wood Creek, which empties into Lake
Champlain at Whitehall. In tho history of the old French-and-rn-
dian wars this is uniformly called the "Great Carrying-Place," to
distinguish it from the " Little Carrying-Place," at Fort Miller.
This valley seem* to have assumed its pn-senl outlines
iii some tremendous convulsion of nature, omc npheaval
of mountain masses and disruption of mountain systems in
the formative period of the world's ci u I
Its northern part, or the Champlain Valley proper, di-
vides the Green .Mountains of Vermont, which belong to
the Appalachian Bystem of the Atlantic slop'-, from the Adi-
rondack .Mountains of Northern New York, which are a
part of the Laurentian system of Canada. Its southern
part, or the Hudson Valley proper, extends entirely through
the Appalachian range, rending it from top to bottom, so
that the Hudson virtually comes up to Troy, a distance of
one hundred and fifty miles from the sea. through the
whole width of the Appalachian system, as an arm of the
sea in which the tide ebbs and flows.
IT.— THE GREAT WESTERN VALLEY.
Into the centre of this great northern valley on its western
side, directly opposite the county of Rensselaer, there enters
from the west another long, deep valley quite as remarkable,
which is tbe Valley of the Mohawk. This long western
valley connects the waters of the Hudson with the basin of
the great lakes and tbe Valley of the Mississippi by an
almost continuous level running between high mountain
ranges.
III.— MOUNTAINS.
The mountains of Rensselaer County all belong to the
great Appalachian system. The Appalachian mountain
system, which forms the back-bone of the Atlantic Slope of
the continent, extends from Nova Scotia and the Gulf of
St. Lawrence on the north in a southwesterly direction to
the Gulf of Mexico on the south. The highest ranges of
tbe Appalachian system in the United States are the White
Mountains, in New Hampshire, rising to the height of six
thousand two hundred and eighty-eight feet in Mount
Washington, and the Black Mountains in North Carolina,
tbe highest peak of which is six thousand seven hundred
and seven feet high, being the highest land east of tbe
Mississippi. The highest range of the Appalachian in the
State of New York is the Kattskills, reaching an altitude
of four thousand and fifty feet in Mount Hunter. The
highest land in the State is the summit of Mount Marcy,
the Indian Ta-ha-was of the Adirondacks, which is five
thousand four hundred and two feet above tide- water. From
springs on this dizzy height of old Ta-ha-was rise the head-
waters of the Hudson, which, in their course to the sea,
wash for many a mile the western border of Rensselaer
County.
laurentian mountain system.
Although the mountain ranges of Rensselaer County be-
long wholly to the Appalachian system, and no part of the
Laurentian system enters the county, yet the near proximity
of the Adirondacks renders some description of the Lauren-
tides necessary to a proper understanding of this chapter.
That part of the continent of North America which
lies to the eastward of the valley of the .Mississippi River
is traversed by only two great mountain systems, — the Lau-
rentian system on the north, and the Appalachian system on
the south and east. The dividing line between these two
1 1
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
mountain Bystems is the river St, Lawrence and the
great lake.-, which are bal expansions of that greal river.
Tin: AJHRONDAI KS
But al one point only do the mountain ranges of the
L:mr. iiti.m system cross t li ■ - St. Lawrence. Thai poinl is
at the Thousand [elands. After crossing the St Lawrei
and, i» crossing it. forming the Thousand islands, the Lau-
renddes spread easterly to Lake Champlain, southerly '•'
the Valley of the Mohawk, westerly to the Black River,
and rise centrally into the greal plateau of the Adir lack
wilderness, with its thousand gleaming lakes and thousand
mountain ;
There are five separate ranges of the Adirondacks,— the
Palmcrtown, the Knyadrosscra, t ]» . ■ Scarron Schr 1 1, the
B |uet, and the Adirondack range proper. The mosl east-
erly—the Palmertown— range fills up the northern pari of
W ishington County with its mountain masses, and, crossing
the Hudson ah G - Falls, extends southerly, and ends
at the upper pari of the village of Saratoga Springs. The
other Adirondack ran.-.- need nol be described here.*
l\ MOl STAINS OF RENSSEL \Ki: COUNTY.
mountain ranges of the greal Appalachian system
ad in a nearly due north-and-soutb direction through
the whole extent of Rensselaer County, giving nearly its
whole surface an extremely rugged, nneven, and broken
character, Thea two ranges are the Taghkanic on the
and the Petersburgh Mountains on the west. The
ig opies il xtreme eastern border of
the county, and is divided from the Petereburgh range by
the long, deep valley through which tin- BLinderhook Creek
flows southerly, and the Little Uoosac ind FJoosac Rivers
flow northerly, and then turn westerly near the north
mds of the county.
The Pctcrsburgh rang upies the whole central pari
of the county between the above-mentioned valley and the
Valley of the Hudi 8 le of the highest peaks of these
ran- ■ of from one thousand i" two thou-
watcr. They generally have precipitous
thi • ist, with more gentle declivities on the west,
,.|..i J|y down t" the banks of the Hudson.
- the summits of the Pctcrsburgh range
instituting a high Btcrile
in brokei and hills. At the north the prin-
M luntain, in the towns of Lansing-
l„i: .1 Heshodao, in the town of
.'li.
>,tl, ihc I' down into
the bighl I 9ohod ick. We
i the Kinder!
(he following description of one "I the southerly peak
ih. I
Till M>
\ if the will i N .'i is
| lint of land, the highest in the whole adjoining
between the fat-kiil and the 1' una,
■:
pyramidal in form, and deriving its name from the River In-
dian name [sodao, meaning a ' burned district.' From a cor-
ruption of this word originated the name of Schodack. On
this mountain il is said ilie River Indians and the Stock-
bridge Indians used to meet. It was their place for hold-
ing their annual pow-WOW, — such, at least, being the early
tradition in thai part of the country of its original use by
the savages. Liter, and during the Revolution, it is said
t.i have been used as one of the chain of hills, or points,
upon which beacon-fin - were made during the Revolution,
giving signals to the Whigs throughout the Valley of the
Hudson. On the southwest side of the mountain there is
a place called Kak it. an Indian appellation, which is
equivalent to our English expression landslide, or the fall-
ing of rocks, near which were piles of si. me. which iudi-
] that fires were ..nee made over or upon them, this
being the first signal Btation cast of the Hudson River,
and the .me next to Raid Mountain, Massachusetts. We
understand the range of beaeon mountains upon which
fires were built by the Whigs as signals during the Revo-
lution, were the first and sec 1 beacon mountains in the
highlands, also a prominent point on, we think, the Shan-
dak, n Mountains in Orange County, then on prominent
points of the Catskills, which lights could be clearly seen
al Meshodac. Then came Bald Mountain in the Berkshire
range, and next a station on the Green Mountains, thus
completing the line of signal stations.
■The view from Meshodac is grand and magnificent
beyond description. East you have a view obstructed by
the Berkshire bill-, north by the I In en Mountains and the
spurs of the Adirondacks, wesl by the Catskills. The
panoramic scenery of the valley of the Hudson in full
vi.-w for a bundled and fifty miles is gorgeous to behold.'
The Taghkanic range culminates a short distance beyond
the eastern bounds of Rensselaer County in the high
mountain-peak called Gray-Lock, so named in honor of
the Indian chief of that name. Mount Gray-Lock rises
to the height of three thousand live hundred feet above
tide, it- summit being the highest land in Massachusetts.
V.— RIVERS.
THE III DSON.
The Hudson River for mOIC than thirty miles of its
COUl along and Washes the Western border of
l: , icr County. The Hudson is fed bj a system of
( braii.b.- that -pi.ad over the whole mountain belt.
of tie- Adirondack wilderness. One of the principal eastern
branches of the Hudson i- the Hoosac, which in much of
ii- career runs through Rensselaer County. The Mohawks
called ibe Hudson Ska-nek-ta-de, meaning " the river be-
y 1 the open pines." To the Mohawles, when going across
th ying-placc from the Mohawk River al Schenectady
I., the Hudson at Albany, the latter riverwas literally " the
i the pin..-." and thus they bo called ii in their
I-- llgonquin nun., however, was Caho-ta-
i, ,. mi ming ' the river thai comes from the mountains
lying beyond the Cohocs Fall-." Henry Hudson, its first
cplon r. translating it- Algonquin name, called it the
i: ci of ib" Mountains."
TOPOGRAPHY
15
Tlio early Dutch settlers on its banks sometimes called it
The Nassau, after the reigning family of Holland, and
sometimes The Mauritus, in honor of the stadtholder,
Prince Maurice. But it was not called The Hudson until
the English wrested it from the Dutch in 1664, when they
so named it in honor of their countryman, its immortal dis-
coverer and lirst explorer.
The Hudson is literally a " river of the mountains." It
is hum among the clouds on the Bhaggy side of Mount
Mclntyre, and in the mountain meadows and lakelets near
the top of Mount Marcy, almost five thousand I'eet above
the level of the sea. The infant Hudson is cradled in the
awful chasms of the Panther Gorge, the Gorge of the Dial,
and in the Indian pass called by the Indians Da-yeb-je-
ga-go, " the place where the storm-clouds meet in battle
with the great serpent."
Near the centre of this wondrous chasm of the Indian
pass, high up on the rugged side of Mount Mclntyre, two
little springs issue from the rocks so near to each other that
their limpid waters almost mingle. From each spring flows
a tiny stream. The streams at first interlock, but soon sep-
arate and run down the mountain side into the chasm,
which is here two thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven
lilt above tide. After reaching the bottom one runs south-
erly as the headwaters of the Hudson, the other northerly
into the St. Lawrence.
Upon the south side of Mount Marcy is a little lake
called " Summit Water" by the old guides, and by Ver-
planck Colvin, in his " Adirondack Survey," " Tear of the
Clouds." This little lakelet is four thousand three hundred
and twenty-six feet above tide-water. It is the highest lake-
source of the Hudson.
After thus rising upon its highest mountain peaks, the
Hudson in its wild course down the northern slope of the
wilderness crosses four of the mountain chains, which all
seem to give way at its approach as if it were some wayward
child of their own.
After bursting through the Palmertown range, its last
wilderness mountain barrier, it encounters in its more placid
course to the sea the Appalachian system of mountains, and
seems to rend them from top to bottom. Or, rather, from
the natural head of tide-water, some two miles above Water-
ford, in Saratoga County, the Hudson virtually ceases to be
a river, and becomes an estuary or arm of the sea, iu which
the tide throbs back and forth, and on whose peaceful bosom
now float the navies and the commerce of the world.
This long arm of the sea, through which the tide ebbs
and flows and which is navigable by large steamers, termin-
ates at the city of Troy, in Rensselaer County. Lansing-
burgh may be considered the head of sloop-uavigation.
THE HOOSAC.
The Hoosae is the largest stream of water that crosses
Rensselaer County. It rises in a valley of the county of
Berkshire, in Northeastern Massachusetts, which extends
between the Taghkanic range and the Hoosae range, under
which the Hoosae Tunnel passes. Along this valley the
Hoosae first runs northerly into and across the southwest
comer of Vermont, and enters Kensselaer County in the
northeast corner of the town of Petersburgh. It then
continues northerly, through the town of II the
Washington Count v line. Crossing into tie- town of Cam
bridge, Washington Co.. It soon makes a shorl bend south-
westerly, and re-entere Rensselaer County in the town of
Pittstown. It then How- westerly through the town- of
Pittstown and Schaghticoke, emptying into the Hudson in
the latter town near the extreme northwest corner of Itens-
sclaer County, ami directly opposite the village of Stillwater
in Saratoga County.
KINDEEHOOK CREEK.
After the Hoosae, the stream next in importance in
Rensselaer County is the Kinderhook Creek. It rises in
the town of Petersburgh, ami, running south in the deep
and narrow valley which extends between the two mountain
ranges (the Taghkanic and Petersburgh mountains), it
crosses the towns of Berlin and StephentOWD into Columbia
County. Taking a short turn, it again enters Rensselaer
County in the southwest corner of Stephentown, and. en
ing the corner of Nassau again, enters Columbia County,
and runs southwesterly to the Hudson.
For a description of the other streams, as well as of tin;
numerous lakes and ponds found in Rensselaer County, see
the histories of the several towns in which such waters are
to be found, farther on in this volume.
We again copy from the Kinderhook Rough Notes an
interesting article on the fish of these waters :
"kinderhook and rocnd lakks.
"A friend of ours who years ago took great delight in fishing in
Kinderhook Lake, sends us the following for publication:
" The early settlers of Columbia and Rensselaer Counties found tho
streams and lakes filled with large, luseious speckled trout. Few
other fish were then sought for, except tie- Band in the Hudson River.
The cat-fish, or bull-heads, and eels were plentiful, but trout abounded
everywhere, in lakes especially.
'• At that time the pickerel was scarcely known or heard of in all
this region of country. Black-fish and bass were also scarcely heard
of. The perch was the first enemy of the trout in our creeks and
lakes. With the perch the trout can make a fair tight, and perhaps
hold its own, and up to the last century trout were found everywhere
and were speared, caught in fykes and nets, the same as suckers then
and now are. "With the ordinary hook and line a person could catch
a basketful in a few hours.
'• Since the introduction of the pickerel into this part of the country,
trout have disappeared. Pickerel are very fond of trout; they love
them so that they feast on them whenever they can. Trout and ,
pickerel do not long exist in the same pond or brook, for the pickerel
are known to consume the trout, and in a short time drive them from
a stream, lake, or pond.
'• It is now about fifty years ago since a subscription was taken up
in Kinderhook to send a person cast to procure a quantity of live
pickerel with which to stock Kinderhook Lake. The Bough Notet
published the subscription list and the names of the subscribers a few
years since, the highest sum subscribed, we think, being two dollars,
and the whole amount less than seventy-five dollars. The introduc-
tion of the pickerel into Kinderhook and Round Lakes destroyed tho
trout-fishing in these lakes ami the streams connecting therewith,
the pickerel finding their way everywhere, destroying the trout in
the estuaries feeding Kinderhook Creek, and thus annihilating tho
trout in this region of country. It has been so wherever pickerel
have been plaeed.
" In stocking lakes and ponds with fish, wherever it i- practicable
to draiu the same, it is advisable to do so, in order to get rid of the
pickerel, as trout, freed from the preseuce of pickerel, inoreast
rapidly and grow so fast, that these delicious fish would soon again
become abundant."
1G
HISTORY of i: i:\sski. vki: corNrv. \i:\v york.
'ii \ i'T i: R i \
GEOLOGICAL OUTLINES.
I.-l i: \- I.GES PERIODS.
Tin rocky groundwork of the county of Rons
man] features of considerable interest t" the stu-
denl of geology. It 1..-I. .mr-. however, t.> the developments
exhibited in Western New England rather than to the more
ilar gradations of the New Zork system as seen weal of
the Hudson River. Like the rooks of Western New Eng-
land, therefore, such has 1 n the disturbance and up-
hi tval of -tr.ua in the whole region east <>f the Hudson
River, including the whole of Rensselaer Count;, thai it
has been so far a matter of extreme difficulty to correlate
their various groups with those groups of rocks <>f known
age situate t- the weal of the Hudson, which have given
■ its American nomenclature. Yrt it
is thai the most if nol all the rocky strata underlying
H - laei C mnty belong to the Silurian age.
Hut it is n..t within the province or scope of this work
to enter into the details of this interesting subject. No
more than the mere outline of the geology of Itenss
Oounty will be attempted here.
gy has been defined as the science of the earth's
structure. It aims to show not only what thai structure
is. bul to explain its origin. It i- eminently a historical
science, and it unfold to us to some extent the
and mysteries of the world's creation.
Tl artli itself, lik" th" planl or animal it sustains on
it- surface, is a thing of growth, of development out of the
original chaos, when " it was without form and void," into
its present wonderfully complicated and varied structure.
The different periods of this growth arc more or less dis-
tinctly marked upon the earth's rocky structure by the
various fossil forms of vegetable .and animal lit'.' found
imbedded there.
Th fossil forn inio nature seem to rise succes-
sively from the dawn of life, to be found in tl Idesl rocks,
up through all the w Irous chain of being to the pn -■ nl
! nun. the crowning life of all. In this view of the
. r..ik mark- a period in the earth's growth, every
group of r-ek- an age, and .-till larger groups of rocks,
called f >,- mark great era- of geologic time.
'• issify all r..ek- as belonging to one "r other
of li marked by various
I km hi in Eba, including I ■■'■ and /
/' (ten of [,; ■
l Laurent \ l Ipper and Lower.
II I'm > izoic Kba,-
■J I The Silurian, or Ago ol Mollu
PI I • mian, "r \ lies.
t'h The • ' trb mil I ! Plants.
III. Ms /
."nil. The Reptili in
IV IV- .'.. . • /
M
\ Paw am
Tth Tl, ' I ,,ii
The geological formations found in Rensselaer County, as
already stated, belong mostly, if not entirely, to the Palaeo-
zoic era and the Silurian age.
II.— C \ LCI FEROUS SAND-ROCKS.
The lower Silurian rocks ] it- next above the old Lauren-
tian series of crystalline rocks. First comes the Potsdam
sandstone, and next above it rests the calciferous sand-rock.
The calciferous sand-rock appears along the western border
of the county, cropping out in places like the diamond-rock
in Lansingburgh. These ridges of calciferous sand-rock
illj referred to the Quebec group.
In this Primordial period the remains of life appear in
it- lower marine < but not fresh water) forms in great abun-
dance. Alga ox sea weeds are the only plant-forms found
in the Potsdam sandstone and calciferous sand-rock epochs.
The animal remains of this period arc all marine.
1 -t. Among Protozoans are found sponges and rhizopods.
2d. Among Radiates are found crinoids, graptolites, and
coral-making polyps perhaps.
3d. Among MoUusks are found bryozoans, brachiopods,
conchifcrs. pieropods, gasteropods. and cephalopods.
4ih. Among Articulates may be found marine worms,
crustaceans of the trilobite tribes.
The talcose slates found in the eastern part of Rensselaer,
belonging to the Green Mountain system, have been re-
ferred by Mr. Dana to the Quebec and Chazy epochs of the
Lower Silurian age.* We quote from the "Natural His-
tory of New York'' in reference to these rocks:
" In Ronssolftor County, the talcose and chloritic reek- and the
limestone*, variously modified by mctnmorphic ngency, may be Been
along the Vermont line, rvod thence on towards Williamstown. The
river hero Taconic Mountains through a gorsr.-. and the
transverse section exhibits the nature and position of the Blrata, In
localities the limcsl i- n white, crystalline, granular, dolomi-
tic rock; in others it is scarcely altered from the calciferous rocks,
ami the compact and sparry blue limestones. The slate is in Borne
pli like argillac i- slate and roof-slate; in others it is highly
t il iosc or ohloritic, and the red -late is also pure common.
" Rocks of the sai haractor, bul less altered, the limestone lieing
sparry and ill" Blato li -- talcose and ohloritic, range along the western
Bide and through the i alloy "I (he Little Hoosick, in Petersburgh and
Berlin.
"Tho Taconic Mountain cxtonds south, through the east parts of
burgh, Berlin, and Stcphontown, into Columbia County, and ii
ios :> rariablo breadth also in tho towns of Williamstown and
Han k. in M« u oils, li contains the same kind- of rook as
l in tho gorge through which the Efoosick crosses i In*
luntain. Tin- surface in very many places is strewi id with
bowldors and looso frag nts of milky quarts, much of which con-
il ehloritis, in nests and cavities in lie- rocks. The
rlilnrito is in small aggrogatc green seal masses of
quarts ;,r<- derived 1 1 "in ilc di iposition, disintogrotion, and wash.
oil- away "f the slate r.»'k-. in <\hi. h tin , i parts of reins
and nests; and as tho quarts withstands atmosphorii agents and
on bettor than tho Blato, groat quantities ol il ;>n- found on and
in the -"il near t" where it abounds in tho slate-rock.
" Prof. D ... v. | ■ ,;| .. ,, ,| iroy
i n vi illiamstown,
i thai tho reeks ..| tho Taconic range
in this town ate, chlorite slate, and
prodomioates and :ii I tho descent of
iburgh. This valley, of variable
north and south, and i- traversed by a
i which runs northward Into thi Uoosics River. In this valley
* Dana's Manual of 0 oology, ?,,,., ,n,| edition, page 163.
INDIAN OCCUPANCY
17
is found abundantly the same mixture of chloride and quartz which is
, mmon in Williamstown, though the two ralleys are Boparated
bv the Taconic range, having an elevation of one thousand ne
thousand four hundred feet. On the wcsl aid ' thi rnlloy, and
„l„,„i Boventee iles east of Troy, lies chlorite elate vory distinctly
characterised. H is Bomeliuies narrow and sometimes iw<> or three
miles in width, often rising into hills two hundred or three I Ired
feel high.'
•• Muoh of the Blato called tatcoee elate is not the talooso slate a
posed oi' quarts and talo desoribed by some authors, but its po i
lion would bo expressed generally by i"i njiltaceoue tlate, and some
places by talco micaceous elate.
"The slate-rocks arc talcy, and associated with red, green, and
ohloritic slat.- .01 the hills east "I' Tuokawassiok Hill, in the northeast
part of Nassau aid Bouthwest purl of Berlin. The same may be seen
south "I' Nassau."
III.— THE TRENTON PEEIOD.
Next above the Potsdam sandstone and caleiferous sand-
rocks lie the limestones and slates and shales of the Tren-
ton period. In the western half of the county, along the
Petersburgh mountain range, the slates and shales are sup-
posed to belong to the Hudson River group of the Trenton
period.
In the Trenton period also sea-weeds are the ouly fossil
plants.
The seas of the Trenton period were densely populated
with animal life, but of no higher forms than the Primordial
period preceding.
With the Trenton period first appear species of un-
doubted polyps, — the true coral animals of the seas. Prof.
Hall, of Albany, State geologist, truly calls the rocks of
the Trentou period a vast fossil coral-reef.
IV.— THE POST-TEKTIAKY PERIOD.
Above the Old Silurian iu Rensselaer County appears
the Post-Tertiary period, which ushers in the present state
of things on the earth's surface, — the age of man. Be-
tween the Old Silurian and the age of man there is a
mighty gap, representing whole eras and age upon age of
geologic time, all unfilled in the rocks of Rensselaer County.
The Post-Tertiary period in America includes two epochs:
1. The Glacial, or that of drift.
2. The Champlain, or that of terrace-sands and clay-
beds bordering the Hudson River.
The Drift epoch is well represented in all parts of Rens-
selaer County. The term Drift includes the gravel, sand,
cobble-stones, and bowlders, often forming low hills, and
covering even the mountain tops in many places.
The Drift is derived from the rocks to the north of
where its beds occur, and is supposed to have been trans-
ported by the vast ice-fields of the glacial period.
The Champlain and Terrace epochs are well represented
in the beds of clay and gravel bordering the valley of the
Hudson.
It would seem that after the termination of the Glacial
period the valley of the Hudson was for a long period
again sunk beneath the ocean to the depth of about three
hundred feet. During this subsidence the valley was filled
up with soft clay-beds. When, in the course of ages, the
Hudson River Valley again rose out of the sea, the river,
ID seeking its former channel, cut down through these clay-
* Natural History of New York, part iv. p. 425.
beds, leaving its present banks bordered with tin-in in many
places.
\ volume could be written upon the interesting geology
of Etenssel ■ County, of which a mere outline is above
given.
CHAPTER V.
INDIAN OCCUPANCY.
I.— THE ORIGINAL HOME OF PNCAS.
Rensselaer County was the original home of the
famous Mohicans. Uncas, the last noted chieftain of the
tribe, was once the lord of the territory out of which was
carved the Manor of Reusselaerswick, or at leasl thai part
of the manor which lay to the eastward of the Hudson.
The Mohicans, or Ma-hi-cans, as the Dutch culled them,
occupied the region that now comprises the southern part
of the county, while the northern part of Rensselaer and
the southern part of Washington County were originally
inhabited by a tribe called the Bb-ri-cons. It will readily
be seen that the novelist Cooper borrowed his appellation
for Lake George, which he named Lake Horicon, from
this Algonquin tribe, although that beautiful lake never
belonged to the Horicons, but was always within the coun-
try of the Mohawles, the fiercest nation of the Iroquois,
their hereditary enemies. This leads us to the considera-
tion of the two great families into which the Indians of the
Atlantic slope were divided.
II.—TWO FAMILIES OP NATIONS.
When the Europeans first landed on the continent of
America, the Indians who inhabited the Atlantic slope,
and dwelt in the fertile valleys of the Alleghany range of
mountains, in the basin of the great lakes, and the valley
of the St. Lawrence, were divided into two great families of
nations. These were soon known and distinguished by the
whites as the Iroquois and Algonquin families, so named by
the French. They differed radically, both in language and
lineage, in the manner of building their wigwams, as well
as in many of their manners and customs.
Ill— THE IROQUOIS.
The Iroquois proper, the best types and leading people
of this family, were the Five Nations of Central New York,
called by themselves the Ilo-de-no-sau-nee. To the south
of the Five Nations, in the valley of the Susquehanna, were
the Andastes, and to the westward of them, along the
southern shore of Lake Erie, were the Eries. To the
northward of Lake Erie lay the Neutral Nation, and near
them the Tobacco Nation, while the Ilurons, another tribe
of the Iroquois, dwelt along the eastern shore of the lake
that still bears their name. There was also a branch of the
Iroquois family in the Carolinas, the Tuscaroras, who came
north and united with the Five Nations in 1715, after which
the confederacy was known as the Six Nations.")"
f Seo Coldcn's History of the Five Nations.
18
BISTORT 05 RENSSELAEB COUNTY, NEW YORK.
On every side these few kindred bands of Troquois were
surrounded by the much more numerous tribes of the
greater Algonquin family.
Aiii"ii_' all the aboriginal inhabitants of the New World
there were none bo politic and intelligent, none so fierce
and brave, none with so many germs of heroic virtues min-
gled with their savage vices, as the true Iroquois, the peo-
the Five Nations of Central New York. They were
a terror to all the surrounding tribes, whether of their own
or of Algonquin speech and lineage. 1" the spring of
hey made war upon the Mohicans, who dwell on ter-
ritory now comprising the county of Rensselaer, and drove
them beyond the Connecticut River; in 1 <'>."><» they overran
the country of the Bi/rons; in 1651 they destroyed the
Neutral Nation; in L652 they exterminated the Eries; in
they ravaged the country of • 1 1 > ■ Pa-comp-tucks and
Squak-heags in the valley of the Connecticut ; in ItiTJ they
conquered the Andastes, and reduced them to the most
abject submission, calling them, in derision, the women of
their tribe.
They followed tin* war-path, and their war-cry was heard
ird to the Mississippi, southward to the great gulf,
itward to the Massachusetts Bay. The New England
nations mostly, as well as the river tribes along the Hudson,
whoee warrior- trembled at the name of Mohawk, all paid
tli. in tribute. The Montagnais, on the far-off Saguenay,
whom the French called the paupers of the wilderness,
would start from their midnight sleep and run terror-
Btrickcn from tlnir wigwams into the forest when l>ut
dreaming of the dreadful Troquois. They were truly in tlnir
day the conquerors of tin? Now World, and were justly
styled "The Romans of the West." "My pen," wrote the
Jesuit father, Raguenean, in the year L650, in his" Reve-
lations des Huron-." ■• My pen lias no ink black enough to
paint the fury of the Troquois."
The Iroquois dwell in palisaded villages upon the fertile
banks of the lake- and streams which watered their country.
The li I the Iroquois families wire built long and
narrow. They were not more than twelve or fifteen feet
in width, but oil led hundred and fifty feet in
length. Within they buill their lire- at intervals along the
centre of the earth Boor, the smoke passing out through
openings in the top, which likewise Bervcd to let in the
re many fires and many families,
family baring it- own lire within it- allotted spa
I ■■m of having many fires and many fami-
trong through a long and narrow hou mes the
signification of the Indian name the league of the Five
by. This Indian name w , //
: ; ■ of the Ioiil* li"ii- " Tie \
f five nations or nil.. - stn tched
•r..w valley for more than two hundred miles
through t'.ntr., of their long wigwams
manv families. Tin- Mohu\
this typical long house, while tin
n door. I i of
ilnir country dw. It i the
I tii family lire, whili
pi brightly burning
in the Ian!
The nation of the Troquois to whom the Indians of the
Connecticut Valley paid unwilling tribute was the Mohawk.
In the Algonquin speech of the Connecticut River
Indians the Afohawks were called Mau-qua-wogs or Ma-
rjmis. that is to say. " Man -eaters."*
The Mohawk country proper, called by themselves Gu-
ne-a-ga-c no-go, all lay on and beyond the westerly bank of
the Hudson, but by ri;Mit of conquest they claimed all the
territory lying between the Hudson and the sources of the
easterly branches of the Connecticut. By virtue of this
claim all the Indians in the valley of the Connecticut paid
annual tribute to the Mohawlcs. Every year two old Mohawk
chiefs would leave their castles on the Mohawk River, in
their elm-bark canoes, and crossing the Hudson, ascend the
Has-sicke (Hoosac) to its head, and carrying them over
the mountain range, re-embark in the head-waters of the
Ag-a-wam | Westficld River) and the Deerfield River, come
down to the villages of the Wo-ro-noaJes, the Ag-a-wams, the
No-no-tucks, the Pa-comp-tucks, the Squalc-heags, in the
valley, and to the Nip-mucks at the head of the Chicopce,
and gather the wampum in which tribute was paid. As
will be seen farther on in these pages, when all these river
tribes joined King Philip in his attempt to exterminate the
white- in New England the Moliawlcs sided with the Eng-
lish and did material service against Rllilip.f
l\ THE ALGONQUIN FAMILY.
Surrounding the few tribes of the Iroquois on every
hand dwelt the much more numerous tribes of the Algon-
quin family, to which belonged all the New England tribes,
as well as the Mnliicnus. Hurt'cmis, and other New York
Indians who dwelt east of the Hudson, and were known as
river Indians.
Northward of the Troquois were the Nipissings, I.n Petite
Nation, and La Nation de Vlsle, and other tribes in the
valley of the Ottawa River. Along the valley of the St.
Lawrence dwelt the Algonquins proper, the Abvnaquis, the
'agnais, and other roving bands below the mouth of the
nay.
The Algonquins and Montagnais and the other wild rovers
of the country of the Saguenay. who subsisted mostly by
the chase, were often, during the long Canadian winters,
when game "row scarce, driven by hunger to subsist for
many weeks together upon the buds and bark, and SOnie-
ti - upon the young wood, of forest-trees. Hence their
hereditary enemies, the more favored Mohawks, called them,
In mockery oftheir condition, Ad-i-ron-daks, — that is to say.
caters. This name, thus borne in derision, was given
by I'lof. Emmonds to the principal mountain chain of
Northern New Y.ik. and has since been applied to its
whole region, now so famous as a Bumtuer resi
The Now England tribes of the Algonquin family dwell
mostly along the sca-coasl and on the banks of larger streams.
Tn Maine the Et-U-clie-miat dwelt farthest east, at the mouth
of the St Croix River. The Ahenaquis, with their kin-
dr. i| tribe the TuratineS, had their hunl itiL'-L-roiinds in the
* lire i history bj tocrouc Mather.
f Conn. U I. ii. p. 161, i
n New Yorkj by V B. Si l\ <■--
INDIAN OCCUPANCY.
l'i
valley of the Penobscot :m<l as far west as the river SaOO
and the Piscataqua. In I lie southeast corner of New [lamp
shire ami over the Massachusetts border dwell the Penob-
scot or Pawtucleet tribe. The Massachusetts nation had
their home along the hay of that name and the contiguous
islands. It was a tradition of this tribe that they formerly
dwelt farther to the southwest, near the Blue Mountains,
and hence their name Mass-ad-chu-sit, " near the ureal
mountains."
The Watnpanoags or Polcaitokets dwelt along the east-
erly shore of Narragansett Bay, in Southeastern Rhode
Island, and in the continuous part of Massachusetts ad-
joining these, being near neighbors of the Plymouth Pil-
grims. The Nansets along Cape Cod were a family of the
Wampanoags, and paid them tribute. Next in line were
the Narragansetts and their sister-tribe, the Nyantics,
along the westerly shore of Narragansett Bay, in Western
Rhode Island. Between the Narragansetts and the river
Thames, in Southeastern Connecticut, then called the Pe-
quot River, dwelt the Pequot nation ; and between the
Pequots and the east bank of the Connecticut River was
the adopted home of Uncas and his Mohicans, whose an-
cestral home was in the valley of the Hudson, in Rensse-
laer County.
On the west side of the Connecticut the territory of the
Mohawks was supposed to begin ; and in Western Massa-
chusetts, and in what is now the State of Vermont, no
Indian tribes had permanent homes. This large territory
was a beaver-hunting country of the Iroquois.
V.— THE RIVER INDIANS.
Upon the arrival of the Europeans in the valley of the
Hudson, or Shat-e-muc, two races of Algonquin lineage
dwelt on its banks. On the east side were the Mohicans,
and on the west side the Min-cees. These races were he-
reditary enemies of each other, and united only in their
hatred of the Iroquois, to the westward of them.
Long Island, or Sewan-haehy, was occupied by the va-
rious clans of the Met-o-wacks. Staten Island, or Mo-
nock nouq, was held by the Mon-a-tons. Inland to the west
lived the Rar-i-tans and the Hack-in-sncks. In the region
of the Highlands were the Nav-i-sinks. To the south and
west, covering the centre of New Jersey, were the A-qna-
ma-chukes and the Stan-ke-kans, and in the valley of the
Delaware River were the Lenni-Lenape, known to the Dutch
as the Min-qnas. The island of the Man-hat-tans was so
called from its Indian owners. Above the Nav-i-sinks, on
the west side of the river, were the Snn-hi-cans, and in
the region of Portland and Orange Counties were the
Tap-pans.
Farther north on the west side of the river, in the
counties of Ulster and Greene, were the Minqua clans of
the Mln-ni-sinks, Nan-ti-cokes, Min-cees, and Delawares.
These elans had migrated from the upper valley of the
Delaware River.
On the eastern bank of the river, north of the Man-hat-
toes, were the tribe of Weeh-quaes-geeJcs. Above them, as
far as Croton, dwelt the Sint-Sings, whose chief village was
called Osin-Sing, or " the place of stones."
The highlands above were occupied by the Wuor-an-acks,
and north of these, in Dutchess County, lived the tribe of
Wap pin-gers.
Ahovo the Wap-pin-gers, and occupying the whole of the
counties of Columbia and Rensselaer, were the l/<. hi-i
Such was the condition of things when Henry Hudson
sailed up the Hudson in I he autumn of 1609, as described
in the following chapter.
VI.— Till'. MOHICANS.
Rensselaer County was the hereditary ancestral home of
the Mohicans up to the year lliliS.
The Mohicans planted their corn on the fertile meadows
which stretched along the Hudson, where tin' city of Troy
now stands. Indeed, the Indian name for Troy, l'o "»-
pa-ach, means "the field of standing corn."* Their
principal village was in the town of Sehodack, in the
southeastern corner of the county.
But little is known of them in the valley of the Hudson,
for as early as the year 1(>2S, two years before the founding
of the Manor of Rensselaerswick, and only five years
after the building of Fort Orange at what is now Albany,
when driven from their ancestral home in the valley of
the Hudson the Mohicans, with Uncas at their head, fled
into the valley of the Connecticut, ami planted themselves
on the eastern bank of that river, near its mouth, on Long
Island Sound, and between that river ami their friends, the
Peqnods. In the year 1037 the Pequot nation was exter-
minated by the whites, and the Mohicans were left to be
the new neighbors of the powerful Narragansetts, who
dwelt to the east of the Pequot country, on the borders of
Rhode Island.
UNCAS AND MIAN-TO-NO-MO.
Some account of what happened to Uncas and his Mohi-
cans, after fleeing from their ancient home in Rensselaer
County to the valley of the Connecticut, will doubtless in-
terest the reader.
Although the destruction of the Pequots relieved the
whites of New England from further Indian ravages for a
period of forty years, and until another generation of men
came on the stage of active life, yet it tended to intensify
the hatred which had long existed between the neighboring
tribes of Mohicans and Narragansetts.
The Pequots, the reader will remember, dwelt on the
eastern border of Connecticut, between the Rhode Island
line and the river Thames, then called the Pequot River.
To the east of the Pequots were the Narragansetts, and to
the west of them, between the Thames and the Connecti-
cut, dwelt the Mohicans.
At the close of the Pequot war the captives were divided
by the whites between Un-cas of the Mohicans and Mi-an-
to-no-mo of the Narragansetts.
These two tribes were hereditary enemies, although both
were the allies of the English, and both aided the whites
in the war against the Pequots. The deserted hunting-
grounds of the Pequots soon became a bone of contention
between the rival tribes, and in the year 1643 war broke
out between them. Previous to the commencement of hos-
See Brodhead's History of New York, vol. i. page 534.
20
1I1STOKY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
tililiea the emissaries of Miantonomo had made Beveral at-
tempts upon the life of Qncas, and Qncas bad made com-
plaints to the whites of rach treatment.
Miantonomo had also made an ineffectual attempt, about
the year 1642, to unite the New England tribes in :i war
■.termination against tho whites. Failing in this sche
:> i « < 1 incensed at Qncas f"r not joining him in it. he deter
mined t" make war upon the Mohicans.
In the ii li of July, in the year 1643, Miantonomo,
without giving Qncas any previous notice of his intentions,
or making any formal declaration of war, set onl at the
head of some seven hundred warriors to invade tho Mohican
country. Qncas, learning of his approach, hastily gathered
an equal Dumber, and marched out to l»:i r his progress.
The two hostile bands met upon the old Peguot hunting-
iinl. and halting in sight of each other, with a level
plain between them, the two rival chieftains advanced t" the
front and held ■ parley.
Tin- wildest romance of tho old wilderness warfare prc-
- in. mora striking scene that this meeting nf Cncas
ami Miantonomo. Qncas proposed that they, the two chief-
tains, should there am! thru decide t lie contest 1 > v single
comlmi. ami that the people of the one vanquished should
become the subjects of the victorious sachem. To this
proposal of Qncas, Miantonomo made haughty answer:
M ■■ - - have come to fight, and they shall light."
receiving this defiant answer, Qncas fell prostrate
■i the ground. It was the signal for his men to rush
over bis body upon the Narragansetls. The Mohicans
w.r.- victorious. Miantonomo was overtaken in the flight.
and made a prisoner by Qncas, Haughty and defiant still,
he would a-k no quarter; but Qncas for the time being
1 his life, and delivered bim to the English, at Ilart-
ford, for safe-keeping.
The i ' Miantonomo was brought by Uncas before
the commissioners of the Qnited Colonies, and they ordered
tli.it he should Buffer death, and thai Qncas Bhould bi his
execution, r. He was taken to the field of the fight, and.
in the presence of two Englishmen, a warrior of Qncas sunk
a hatchet into his I, rain. The spot where he is said to have
fallen, in the town of Norwich, Conn., is marked by a
block of granite, simply inscribed with his name, Mian-
tonomo. Tims died the second prominent Indian con-
• the whites, — the prototype, after Sas sa eus,
the 1 " ' Philip and Pontiac, of Tccumsch, Black
Hawk, and I I
• ut which the English took in thi> quarrel between
i M -till rankling in the minds of the
tettt, doubtless led to their union with the P
'.v thirty ; r, in Philip's war. The
kill- I blood, while a
prisoner-of-war, was without doubl justifiable in the minds
of ' for
had his lil ired the dreadful scenes of Philip's war
won' . fori' they
while t! to withstand thi
' the In-
dian has '
V»llrj ,,i " \. ]'..
VII. SCHAGHTICOKE INDIANS.
The Schaghticoke Indians were fugitives from New Eng-
land, who Bed from the avenging whites at the close of
King Philip's war. in the year 1 < "• T ♦ * .
M \^ 3A-SOIX ANIi HIS TWO SONS. WAM-SUT-TA AND
MKT-A-ro-.MET.
The powerful tribe of the Wampanoags, or Po-ha-no-
fce/», dwelt at the bead of Narragansett Bay and along its
rn shore, and consequently were the near neighbors of
the Pilgrim Fathers of Plymouth. Mas-sa-soit, the chief
sachem of the Pokanokefs, was always the warm friend and
Ifasl allj of the English. Massasoit had two sons,
who were the hereditary heirs of his sachemship, named
lYain sui-ta and Met-a-CO-met. Early in the summer of
1660, Massasoil died at an advanced age and was succeeded
by his eldest son, Wamsutta. In the month of June. 1660,
Wamsutta visited the General Court at Plymouth, and
among other requests was desirous of an English name.
It was easy for the court to grant this last request, and so
they "ordered that for the future he should be called by
the name of Alr.ran<l<r Piikmmkft." Desiring the same
in behalf of his brother, the court at the same time or-
dered that Metacomet should from thenceforth be called
Philip.
Bui the reign of Alexander over the Pokanokets was
short. It was reported at Plymouth in the summer of 1662
that lie was plotting with the X'lrnnjinisclis, and a message
was sent to him to come to town and explain bis conduct.
Failing to come, an armed party was sent for him. He
made satisfactory explanations and set out on his return.
At the end of two or three days he changed bis mind and
turned back towards Boston, lie reached Major Winslow's
house at Marshfield, and there was taken sick of a fever.
II, was carefully taken home by water, soon died there,
and his brother Philip became chief sachem of the Poka-
nokefs.
In the spring of 1675, King Philip's war broke out,
and for two summers devastated New England. It was a
war of extermination between the white and red races, and
for a time the issues seemed doubtful. In the winter of
1676 76, King Philip, with some of his followers, as has
been stated in a preceding chapter, came over to the valley
of the Hudson, and dwelt for some months at or near the
moutb of the Hoosac. In February he returned to the
valley of the Connecticut, or rather was driven there by
the Mohawks, and mustered his elans in " Squak-heag."
now North field, for the final struggle.
\- is Well known, the Indians, at the close of Philip's
war. in It'iT'i. wen mostlj driven from New England. Tn
the autumn Of 1676 some of the scattered tribes united in
an emigration to the valley of the Hudson, and settled,
with the consent of the Voliawks, al the mouth of the
II in Rensselaei County, and became known to the
English as the Schagh-ti-coke Indians. These Indians
dwelt peaceably in the fertile valley of tie Hoosac until
about the \'ir 1764. They were fugitives from the
Nan Wampanoags, Pacomptucks, Nbnotucks,
ami other Eastern tribes.
About tie- _\.ar 1764 the Schaghticoke* left their adopted
INDIAN OCCUPANCY.
21
home mi the Hudson, nt the mouth of the Hoosao, and
joined a band of their old neighbors of the Connecticut
Valley, the Wo ro noaks, who had settled, at the end of
Philip's war, at Missisquoi Bay, :ii tbe lower end of Lake
Champlain, near tbe Vermont and Canada line, under the
leadership of the famous chief Gray-Lock.
An account of the departure of the Schaghficolces Prom
the Hoosao Valley is given by John Fitch, as follows:
"About the year 1753-54, and about (he time of the
commencement of active hostilities in the French-and-
[ndian war, the Schaghticohes had a pow-wow so pro-
traeled and singular as to attract the notice and excite the
wonder of their white neighbors. During four consecutive
days they engaged in songs, dances, shouts, and other
ceremonies; and on the morning of the fifth day most
of their huts were found tenantless. A man residing on
the outskirts of the settlement had heard the footsteps of
one Indian after another as they were running past his
eahin. singly and at the top of their speed, the whole night
through. Thus the entire tribe, which was now quite
formidable and of much influence, without the knowledge
nf the whites, left their homes." *
VIII.— SOCIAL LIFE.
FORTS.
The Indians of the valley of the Hudson built their forts
on high bluffs, near springs of water, aud usually on or not
far from the bank of some river. The forts were circular
in form, inclosing about one acre of ground, and constructed
of palisades set close together in the ground, and some
twelve or fifteen feet in height. Within they built rows
of wigwams along both sides of well-defined streets.
WIGWAMS.
The Indians of the Algonquin family of nations built
their wigwams small and circular, and for one or two fami-
lies only, unlike the Iroquois nations, who built theirs long
and narrow, each for the use of many families. The Al-
^onjuin-shaped wigwam of the valley tribes was made of poles
set up around a circle, from ten to twelve feet across. The
poles met together at the top, thus forming a conical frame-
work, which was covered with bark mats or skins; in the
centre was their fireplace, the smoke escaping through a
hole in the top. In these wigwams men, women, children,
and dogs crowded promiscuously together in distressing
violation of all our rules of modern housekeeping.
CORN-PLANTING FIELDS.
The low meadows of the streams in aud around Rens-
selaer County were famous in Indian annals for their corn-
fields. Every autumn, after the fall of the leaf, came the
Indian summer, in which they set fire to the woods and
fields, and thus burned over the whole country, both up-
land and meadow, once a year. This burning destroyed all
the underbrush and mostly all the timber on the uplands,
save that growing in swales and on wet lands. Their corn-
fields on the meadows usually contained from fifteen to
See the Historical Magazine, June, 1870, p. 388, article by John
r itch.
twenty acres of ground. One tool for planting was all they
had. This was a hoe, made of the shoulder blade of a deer
or moose, or a (lam shell fastened into a wooden handle.
For manure tie \ covered "Ver a fish in each hill of Com at
planting time. Their planting-time was about the I Oth of
May, or as soon as the butternut leaves were as largi as
squirrels' ears. Some idea may he formed nf the large ex-
tent of their planting-fields when it 18 Stated that tie- Pa-
camp-tucks alone planted, iii tin- valley of tie- Deerfield
River, in the spring of ItiTii, the second year of 1'hilip's
war. aboul three hundred acres. Perhaps this was an ex-
aggerated story, and thai hundred acres would have
been nearer the truth. lint. Philip was killed in the Bum-
mer following, and the Pa-comp-tucks abandoned their un-
harvested corn-fields for the new home on the east bank of
the Hudson, at the mouth of the lloosae, as above related.
They took what is now the " Tunnel Route" for the West.
The women did all the corn-planting and raising, but the
men alone planted and took care of the tobacco. It Was
too sacred a plant for women to handle or smoke, aud no
young brave was allowed to use it until he had made him-
self a name in the chase or on tbe war-path.
FOOD.
The Indians had fish and game, nuts, roots, berries,
acorns, corn, squashes, a kind of bean now called seiva-
bean, and a species of sun-flower (whose tuberous root was
like the artichoke). Fish were taken with lines or nets
made of the sinews of the deer or of the fibres of the dog-
bane. Their fish-hooks were made of the bones of fishes
and birds.
They caught the moose, the deer, and the bear in the
winter season by shooting with bows and arrows, by snar-
ing, or in pitfalls. In the summer they took a variety of
birds.
They cooked their fish by roasting before tbe fire on the
point of a long stick, or by boiling in stone or wooden ves-
sels. They made water boil, not by hanging over the fire,
but by the immersion in it of heated stones. Their corn
boiled alone they called hominy ; when mixed with beans.
it was succotash. They made a cake of meal, pounded fine
by a stone pestle in a wooden mortar, which they called
rookhik, corrupted by the English into " no cake."
SOCIAL CONDITION.
Their government was entirely patriarchal. Each Indian
was in his solitary cabin the head of his family. His wife
was treated as a slave, and did all the drudgery. The only
law that bound the Indian was the custom of bis tribe.
Subject to that only, he was as free as the air he breathed,
following the bent of his own wild will. Over tribes were
principal chiefs called sucln rns, and inferior ones called
sagamores. The succession was always in the female line.
Their war-chiefs were not necessarily sachems in time of
peace. They won their distinction only by prowess on the
war-path.
The language of the Indian, in the terms of modern
comparative philology, was neither monosyllabic like tbe
Chinese, nor inflecting like that of the civilized Caucasian
stock, but was agglutinating like that of the northwestern
22
HISTORI OF RF.NSSLLAKB eOUNTV, NKW YORK.
\- itio tribes, and those ••: rn Europe The;
li i- by stringing words together in one compound
ible. The i •' languages were not euphonious
like the Iroqnoit dialects, bul were harsh and lull of
trasl di'' /■■■■/ '• names, Tnwa-sen-ta, Hi-a-
ba, or O-no-a-la-go-na, with the Algonquin nam -
Squak-hoafj », or Wain pan
RELIGION
The Indian had bul the crudest possible ideas, it any at
nil, of an abstract religion. He had no priests, no altars,
II - medicine-men were hut.' conjurers, yet
he was superstitious to the last degree, and spiritualised
rything in nature. In a word, he heard "tery ton
on sands and shores and desert wildernesses," he saw
ing shapes and beckoning shadows dire" on every
band. The mysterious realm about him he <• 1 1 • 1 not attempt
inravel, bul bowed submissively before it with what
crude ideas he had of religi ind worship. The flight or
<-rv nf a bird, the humming of a bee, the crawling of an in-
the turning of a leaf, the whisper of a breeze, were to
liim mystic signals of good or evil import, by which he was
guided in the most importaut relations of life.
In 'Ir.-.mi- the Indian placed the most implicit confidence.
They seemed to him t.> bo revelations from the spirit-world,
guiding him to the places where his game lurked and to the
haunts of his enemies Hi invoked their aid on all occa-
sions. They taught him how to cure the sick, and revealed
to lit in bis guardian spirit, as well .-is all the secrets of his
destiny.
Although the Indian has been for three centuries in more
or less contact with the civilized life of the white man.
he is still the untamed child of nature. ■ II will not,"
Parkman, •• ham the arts of civilization, and he and
her. Tie- stern, unchanging
!' bis mind excite our admiration from their ini-
mul ibilit) . and we look with deep interest on the fate of
this irreclaimable son of the wilderness, the child who will
not be weaned from tbe breast of hi- rugged mother."
ill \ PTEB V I.
EARLY NAVIGATORS.
iiv Dutch ' the valley of the Hudson
and ! I re thetnaolves among the cotn-
para- ■ w World, and in coming
bnr nf the deep incident to oarbj explora-
tion in order properly to ui
their history and the boldness of tleir adventure, briefly to
a,, as well as their
I 1HK NORTHMEN
There imonnting aim
•hiii that the continent of North Am
i by the I1 tury.
historical i ruing of the Danes to
America as early as the tenth century consists principally
in extracts from the compositions of some eighteen writers,
chiefly Icelandic, which have been published by the Royal
Societj of Northern Antiquaries, at Copenhagen.
If the accounts of these writers arc not romance, but are
veritable history, then about the year 986 one Biorne sailed
from Iceland for Greenland in search of bis father, who
had preceded him thither. He was overtaken by fogs, and
lost his way. When the weather cleared, and he recovered
his lost reckoning, to his surprise he discovered that, while
lie was sailing in the wrong direction, on his larboard side
lay a low woodland shore. Continuing the same course for
nine days, he reached Greenland in a direction directly op-
posite to that with which the voyage had been begun.
It is evident, from the direction Biorne was sailing after
bavin,' recovered his reckoning, that he saw on his lar-
board side the " low and wooded land" of the eastern shore
of North America. If the account of this voyage is trust-
worthy, Biorne was the discoverer of the New World.
For fourteen years the discovery of Biorne was talked
about by tbe Bani.-h navigators, when, in the year 1000,
Lief Ericson, with a single ship and a crew of thirty men,
went in -.arch of tbe newly-found land. Lief found it,
and, landing, gave it the name of Helluland, signifying in
Icelandic the land of slate. Re-embarking, and sailing
3i utherly along the coast, he came to a country " well
ded and level," which be called Markland, in allusion
to its wood. Sailing in a southwesterly direction out of
sight of land for two days more, he came to an island, along
whose northerly shore he passed westwardly and reached
the mainland, went on shore, and built huts, in which he
passed the winter. One of his men. a German, while
wandering in the woods, found an abundance of wild grapes,
such as wine was made of in bis own country, and from this
circumstance Lief called the country Vinland.
Ii is supposed that the name Eklluland was applied by
Lief to the rocky shore of Labrador, long since famous for
its beds of dark Laureniian rock, mistaken by him for
slate. Markland may have been Nova Scotia; and it i>
highly probable that Vinland was the southern shore of
Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In the year 100.'!. Thor-
wald. and in the year 1005, Thorlinii. are said to have
visited Vinland, and such visits are said to have been con-
tinued until the middle of the fourteenth century.
THE OA.BOTS.
Bui whether the Northmen Wi-re or were not the first
European explorers of the New World, it l> certain that in
the yi ar 1 1:17. but five years after t lolumbus made his tir-t
voyage, the Cabot — father and sons — discovered and ex-
plored the coast "f N'orih America in the region of New
England, thus laying the foundation of the British claim
\ merican possi -•
The Cabots, bj their letters-patent, were to occupy, sub-
due, nil regions as they might discover
for their own behoof, but in the name of England, the king
to have one fifth part of the profits of tin- enterprise. This
was the tir-t patent for discovery issued by the British
crown.
In May. 1 197, Cabot, with his son Sebastian, set out on
EARLV NAVIGATORS.
23
his voyage. 1 1 is fleet consisted of two, oi perhaps five ships,
with three hundred men on board. The expedition touched
at [celand, and from thence sailed boldly into the unknown
mysterious west in search of gold and empire. The) were
t lie firs! in the search for the still undiscovered northwi -i
passage to the " harbor of Cathay," on the eastern shore of
Asia, all unconscious of the mighty continent which lay
between them and the object of their desire. The ('abuts
probably saw nothing but the bays and headlands along the
shores, but upon their discovery rests England's claim to
her Ninth American possessions.
In the year 15tl(t the Portuguese admiral, Jasper Corte-
real, made a voyage to America, sailed along the coast some
si\ or seven hundred miles, and returned with a number of
Indian captives, giving glowing accounts of the country.
THE FIRST EXPLORER OP THE HUDSON.
John Verrazzano, a Florentine, sailing in the service of
France, in the year 1524 made a voyage to America, which
was followed by results as important to France as Cabot's
voyage was to England. Verrazzano, during this voyage,
lay at anchor for fifteen days in what is now the harbor of
Newport, and entered the Hudson River more than eighty
years before the visit of the explorer whose name it bears.
About the same time, in the year 1524 or 1525, Stephen
Gomez was fitted out at the joint expense of the emperor
Charles V. and some merchants of Coruna, and sent on
a voyage in quest of the northwest passage. He first
touched at Newfoundland, and then passing Cape Cod,
sailed through Long Island Sound, and also entered the
Hudson, which he named the Rio de Son Antonio. In
the year 1535, Jacques Cartier, the eminent mariner of St.
Malo, in Brittany, on the 10th of August of that year, it
being the festival of St. Lawrence, discovered the bay and
river of that name, and laid the foundation of the French
claim to Canada.
These discoveries opened a large field for industry and
tempting sources of profit to European adventurers. As
early as 1503, only three years behind Cortereal, fishing-
vessels began to arrive at Newfoundland and along the coast
from Brittany and Normandy, and by the year 1517, otdy
twenty years after the voyage of the Cabots, no less than
fifty ships— French, Spanish, and Portuguese — were engaged
in these fisheries.
Henry VIII. paid little attention to American discovery.
It was not until the year 1548, during the reign of Edward
VI., that Parliament took the matter in hand, and passed
laws protecting English fishermen on the American coast.
But it was not until during the last half of the reign of
Elizabeth that a permanent settlement of the American
continent was undertaken by Sir Humphrey Gilbert, an
Englishman.
But this attempt of Sir Humphrey Gilbert at settlement,
the first made by Englishmen on American soil, heads also
the long list of frustrated settlements whose sad details are
more interesting to the historian than those of many a suc-
cessful one. His search for gold was unavailing. His
company was unused to hardships, and many sickened and
died. One disaster followed another, and, utterly discour-
aged, Gilbert sailed for England on his last fatal voyage.
U'tri Gilbert's death his patent was renewed I
Walter Raleigh, who, in I5S| ami the following year, made
bis attempt to colonize Virginia, so named in honor of
England's virgin queen.
In the year Hiii2, Bartholomew Gosnold, a mariner of
the west of England, set sail for America, with the riew of
planting a colony. His enterprise re ulted in a present
failure, but was fruitful in consequences, for out ol
the permanent settlement of New England.
In the year 1603, Richard Bakluyt, the learned cosmog-
rapher. took an active interest iii American colonization,
and in the mean time, between the years 1603 and 1606,
the French, through the Sieur de Moots, came near taking
possession of New Englaud. These voyagers were followed
in 10'Ul by Sir Fernando Gorges, and led to the establish
ment of the London and Plymouth companies, by the
British crown, for the settlement of America.
The first, or London Company, had assigned to it South
Virginia, being the territory extending between the thirty-
fourth to the forty-second degrees north latitude. The
second, or Plymouth Company, was authorized to plant in
North Virginia, between the thirty-eighth and forty-fifth
degrees north latitude.
We now come to two important events connected with
the great northern valley in which Rensselaer County is
situate, both of which occurred in the year 1609.
The one was the discovery and exploration of Lake
Champlain by Samuel de Champlain, governor-general of
New France, in the early summer; and the other was the
discovery and exploration of the Hudson River by Henry
Hudson, an English mariner, sailing in the employ of the
Dutch East India Company, early in the autumn.
II.— SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN.
Champlain had founded his infant colony of Quebec
only the year before.*
During his hunting excursions with the Indians, while
sitting around their wild camp-fires, they had told him
marvelous stories of a great inland sea filled with wonderful
islands lying far to the southward of the St. Lawrence, in
the land of the terrible Iroquois. His curiosity was excited.
and as soon as the melting snows of the next spring would
permit, he set out upon a voyage for its discovery. After
a toilsome passage up the rapids of the Richelieu, Cham-
plain entered the lake, — the far-famed " wilderness-sea of
the Iroquois." It was studded with islands that were
clothed in the rich verdure of the early summer, its tran-
quil waters spreading southward beyond the horizon. From
the thickly-wooded shores on either side rose ranges of
mountains, the highest peaks still white with patches of
snow. Over all was flung the soft blue haze, sometimes
called mountain smoke, which seemed to temper the sun-
light, and shade off the landscape into spectral-like forms
of shadowy beauty. Who does not envy the stern old
forest-ranger his first view of the lake that was destined to
bear his name to the latest posterity ?
Champlain and his allies proceeded cautiously up the
lake, traveling only by night, and resting on the shore by
Vidi History of Lake Champlain, by Palmer, p. 20: Parkman's
Pioneers of France : Champlain's Voyages de In Nouv. France.
24
HISTORS OF i:i:\ — Kl.AKi; COINTV. NEW YORK.
.1 iv. r.r they were in the land <>f the much-dreaded Iraq
the hereditary enemies of the Algonquin nations.
On the evening of the 29tb of July they met, near
what i- now called Crown Point, :i band of Iroqnou in their
ca a paddling down the lake. On the morrow a battle
«..- fought upon the territory of Northern New Fork, that
•.-.I in ;i victory for Cli.uiipl.iiii and bia Indian allies.
The bold Iroquois, panic-atricken al the strange apparition
of :i white man clad in glittering armor, and Bending li>rth
from his weapons fire, -m.'k". thunderings, and leaden hail,
Bed in uncontrollable terror towards tlicir li es on the
Mohawk, leaving everything behind them.
On the 12th of September, in the same year, Eenry
Hi Ison, in 1 * t — staunch little ship, the " Half-Moon," sailed
into the mouth •<( (lie river thai bears hi- nam.', which In1
1 ili.' River of the Mountains, and, it i- believed, ex-
plore . is far up a- Nacli-te-nak, the Indian
name fir the country lying around the "sprouts,"* or
mouths, of id.' Mohawk.
III.— HENRY 111 DSON
rithstanding s.i many failures, a shorter passage t"
China and "far Cathay" by way of the northern ocean
contiuued to 1..- a Favorite theory with tin- navigators ami
explorers of England, II. .Man. 1. and Denmark, ami attempts
t.i find it continued to In- made.
In tli.' year 1 < » i » T the London Company made a final
■ ..ii it.- part to mil..' such discovery. The company
intrusted the command of its expedition t" Henry Hudson,
win. «.i- a native of England, ami a friend of John Smith.
under of Virginia.
i II Henry Hudson little is known, except that he in his
: a thorough maritime education, and in later
years beca a distinguished seaman.
l»urin_' ih" years 1607 and 1608, Hudson made two
idon Company in search of the " North-
I that company discontinuing further
. lhal direction, Hudson turned hi- attention to-
• 1 1 land.
Th" . truce between the Dutch ami Spaniards
had a's .ut this time I u completed, ami th.' Dutch,
a ri-iiiL' maritime | une ambitious ..I' conquest in
Hudson applied to th.- Dutch Easl India Com-
Ti i n tors ..I' the Zealand department opposed
Englishman's i but ill" Amsterdam Chamber
I furnished for this important
it ..r " VI died " ./-' // I 1/
the tin '/ l Half-Mi on" belonged t.. the i •
eighty tons' burden, and was equipped
* of twenty sailors, partly Dutch
ami I I
I II udson, and a Dutch
imand. In-
iplore a i
tea into
Insula
' bany. toI. I
T1IK VOYAGE.
Tl Half-Moon" left Amsterdam on the 4th day of
April. 1609, ami on the sixth left t J i . - Texel. Hudson
doubled th" Cape of Norway mi the 5th of May. hut found
tin- sea s.i full of iee that he was obliged to change his eniirse.
Early in .Inly, after cruising around farther north. Hudson
arrived tin the hanks of Newfoundland, where he was be-
ealnnil long enough to eateh mure Cod than his " small
,-t. .re ..I' -alt could i-nre." 1 1.- next went west into the Penob-
scot, where he remained a week cutting timber for a new fore-
mast, lie next shaped his emirse to the southward and en-
teivil the Chesapeake Bay. He next anchored in Delaware
Bay. 11" soon left the Delaware, and proceeded along the
coast to the northward, and on the evening of the 2d day of
September arrived in sight of the "high hills" of Navesink.
On the evening of the 3d of September, Hudson arrived in
the lower bay. where he cast anchor and lingered for a week.
At length, after being visited by numerous Indian bands in
their canoes, and burying one of his companions, John
Coleman, who was killed by an arrow-shot, Hudson, on
the 12tb of September, entered the mouth of the beautiful
Stream that was destined to bear his name through all com-
ing time.
So interesting was Hudson's voyage up the river, that
we copy his journal entire.
" The thirteenth, faire weather, the wind northerly. At Bcucn of
tlie clocke in tlie morning, a- the floud came, we weighed, and turned
t-.nre miles int" the riuer. Tin- tide being done wee anchored. Then
there came fnure canoes aboard : but we suffered none -.1' them t me
int.. our .-hip. They brought great store of very good oysti
which «.-e boaght tor trifles. In tlie night I set the variation of the
ipasso, and fount it t>» be thirteen degrees. In the aftcrnoone, we
u. ighc 1 an I t ii r 1 iii with lie- il I tw.. leagues and a half.' fun her.
me I anohore all nighl and had line fathoms of -oft ozio ground, and
had a high point of lai..l, wbioh Bhowcd out to us bearing north by
cast tine leagues of ns.
" The fovrtcenth, in the morning being very fair.- weather the win. I
Boutheast, wc saylod up the riuer twelue leagues and bad flue fathoms
and tine fathoms and a quartor lossc, an I came t" a strcighl between
two point-, an I ha I right, nine and ten fathoms: and it trended
northoasl by north one le iguc, an 1 we had twelue, thirtt one, an. I four-
teene fathom-. The riuer i- a mile broad; there is vory high land
on both Bides. Then wee went vp northwest a league and a halfc
dcope water; then northeast by north Que miles, then northwest by
north two leagUGB, and anchored. The land grew very high an. I
mOUDtail S. The riuer is lull of fish.
"'flo' fifteenth, in the morning, was misty until the sum i u
tl,. n it olcorcd. S" we woighed with the win I at South, and ran up
the riuor twcntlo Ii Ing by high mountains. Woohada
g 1 depth, a- six, -> n< n. eight, nine, twelue, and thirteen fathom-.
and great .-tore of salmons in the riuer. This morning our two - hi
got out of a port and swam away. After we were under
ie. At !n_'lit ». ■ ..line to other mountainl
i ti ' from the rile pcop'flj
an.] wry ..hi men ; where wc were well vscd. <'ur boat wont to fish,
' iri' "f very good tl s 11 .
"The *i \lr-r in ■ .tv lea weather. In tlio morning ox r
to fishing, hut eoiil.l catch l.ut few by reason their
ere all night. This morning the people eamo
1 brought X? ear i . come and pompions and
Ughl tor trille-. Wee rode still all .lay ami
filled fresh ighted and wcnl two league: higher
nn'l ha . ' .-.I till day.
bioing weather and very hot. In the
the sun was vp wc set -axle and run vp six
[her, nn-l found shoales in the mi. I. lie of tie- channel anil
small Hand a»r on both shies. Toward night
■ ie shoarc thai wee groundi I. so wee layc 1 out
EARLY NAVIGATORS.
pur small anchor and beaued off againe. Then wo borrowed on the
banko in the ohannel and ami n jroun I o d i di M bill Lho floud
ran wc houe l "it againe and anchored all night.
*■ The eighteenthod, in the morning was faire weather, and we ro le
■till. In the afternoon e our ma I ir'e ma c went on land with i Id
lauage, o gouernoer of the countrey, who carried bim to his bouse
and made bim g le oheere.
"The nineteenth was faire and hot weather, Ai the floodo, being
.. ii i'ii mi theclocke, wee weighed and ran highor vp two leagues
above the shoals and bad no lease water than Sue. UY anchored
and rode in eight fathoms. The people of the countrie came Booking
ai I :ui 1 brought vs grapes nnd pompione which wee bought for
trifles. And many brought vs bovers' skinnes and otters' Bkiunes,
which wee bought for beades, kniues, and hatchets. So we rode there
all nigbl
"The twentieth in the morning was faire weather. Our master's
mate with four men more went vp with our boat to Bound the riuer,
and found two Leagues aboue vs but two fathoms water and the channel!
very narrow, and aboue that place between seuen or eight fathoms.
toward night they returned and we rude still all night.
•• The ono-and twentieth was faire weather, and the wind all a >uth-
urly. We determine I yet once more to goe farther vp into the riuer,
to trie what depth and breadth it did bearej but much people resorted
oj il. so we went not this day. Our oarpenter went on land and
made a foreyard, and our master and his mate determined to trie
some of the ohiefo men of the countrie whether tin \ ba I any t reach -
erie in them. So they took them down i nt ii the cabin and gave them
as much wine and aqua-vitae that they were all merrie; an! one of
them bad his wife with him, who sat as modestly as any of our
oountrie-women woulil do in a strange place. In the end one of
them was drunke which had been aboord of our ship all the time
we had been there; and that was strange to them, for they could
not tell how to take it. The canoes and folke went all on shore, but
some of them caime again and brought p. tropes of heades — some*
had -i\, seven, eight, nine, ten — and gaue him. So he slept all night
quietly.
"The two-and twentieth was faire weather. In the morning our
mast) r*s mate ami foure more of the companie went vp with our boat
(■I -mind the riuer higher vp. The people of the country came not
aboord till noone; but. when they came and saw the sauages well,
tin v were glad. So, at three of the cloeke in the afternoone, they
came aboord and brought tobacco and more be. ides, ami gaue them to
our master, and an oration, and showed him the countrey all around
about. Then they sent one of their companie on land, who presently
returned and brought a great plat hi full of venison, dressed by them-
selves, and they caused him to eat with them. Then they made him
reverence and departed, — all saue the old man that lay aboord. This
night, at ten of the clockc, our boat returned in a shower of raine
from Bounding of the riuer, and found it to be at an end for shipping
to goe in. For they had been vp eight or nine leagues, aud fouud
but seueu-fuot water and unconsant soundings.
"The three-and- twentieth, faire weather, at twelue of the cloeke,
tree weighed and went downe two leagues, to a shoal d that had two
cannells, one on one side and another on the other, and had little
wind, whereby the tide layed vs upon it. So there wee sate on the
ground the space of an houre, till (he (loud came. Then we had a
'in!, gale of wind at the west. So wee got our ship into deepe water,
and rode all uight very well.
"The four-and- twentieth was faire weather, and the win le at the
northwest, wee weighed and went downe the Riuer seuen or eight
, aud at halfti ebbc wee came on ground on a bank of oze in
the middle of the Riur, and sate there till the tloud. Then wee went
on land, and gathered g 1 ^tore of chestnuts. At ten of the clockc
wee came off into deepe water and anchored.
"The five-and- twentieth was faire weather, and the wind at south
a stifle gale. We rode still, and went on land to walke of the w< -t
side of the Riuer, and found goud ground for to me, and other garden
herbs, with great store of goodly ookes, and walnut-trees, and chest-
nui her-, ewe-trees, and tree.- of sweet w I in great abundance, and
great store of slate for houses, and other good stones.
" The six e-and- twentieth was faire weather, and the wind at south
a stifle gale, we rode still. In the morning our carpenter went on
land with our Master's .Male, an 1 foure more of our companie. to cut
wood. Th
is morning two canoes came vp the Riuer from Hie place
wo first found louing people, and in one of them was the old man
Mini bod i'<" nb I it the otbor place. He brought another
Old man wil h him, n bioh ' ght
them to our Master, and hewed him all the counti
though it wore at his command 5o h< madi thi two old men dine
with him, an i the old man1 wifi foi I b< . ! ! ■ >men
and t \\o young maiden of the
with them, who !'■ baved them elves verj modestly. Our U
one of the old men a K in le, nnd tie i a and •- • Tobacco. And
at one nt' the clockc they departed down the Riuer, making Big
that mi bould come down to them ; fore wee were wit bin two lea
ol I be place w here i bej dwelt,
" At -'-iieu and twentieth, in the morning, W3
I di wind a I the north J we weighed and set our fori P, and
our ship would not. Hut, but ran on the OZie bank at Qfl IVce
layed out an li", to heave her off, hut could not. So we sate from
halfe ebbc to iiall'e time! : then we Bel our fore BOylC and mayiH
Bay 1 6, and g-t don io i . leagU The old man came aboord, and
would has e had v.- anchor, and goe on laud to eate with him : but the
wind being faire, wee would not yeeld to hi- request. So bee h fl
being very sorrowful for our departure. At five of the clockc in the
afternoon the wind came to the south south-west. S.. wee made a
board or two, and anchored in fourtcene fathoms water. Then our
Boat went on shoare to fish rigid against the ship. Our Ma
male and boat -name, and three more of the eompunie went on land
to fish, but could not find a good place. They took foure- or five and-
twenty -Mullets, Breames, liases, and BarbHs; and returned in an
houre. Wee rode still all right.
*• The eight and twentieth, — being faire weather, a- soon as the day
was light, — we weighed at halfe ebbc, and turned don in two leagues
belowe water: for the streamc doth runnc the last (nut I ebbe. Then
wc anchored till high water. At three of the elock in the afternoon
wee weighed, and tinned downe three leagues, vntil it was da
then wee anchored,
" The nine-and twentieth was drie, close weather; the wind at south,
and south by west ; wee weighed early in the morning, and tinned
downe three leagues by a lowe water, and anchored at the lower end
of the loug reach, for it is six leagues long. Then there came certain
Indians in a canoe to vs, but would not come aboord. After dinner
there came the canoe with other men, whereof three came aboord us.
They brought Indian wheat, which we bought for trifles. At three of
the cloeke iu the afternoon we weighed, as BOOB as the ebbc came,
and turned dowue to the edge of the mountain es, or the northernmost
of the Mountaines, and anchored, because the high land hath many
points, and a narrow channel!, and hath many eddie winds. So wee
rode quietly all night in seuen fathom- water.
The thirtieth was faire weather, and the wind at south-east a
gale between the Mountaynes. We rode still the afternoone. The
people of the countrey came aboord vs, and brought some .-mall -kinm-s
with I hem, which wc bought for kniues and trifles. This a very pleas-
ant place to build a tow ne on. The road is every neere, and very _
for all winds, saue on east-north-east wind. The Mountaynes look as
if some metal or mineral were in them. For the trees that grew on
them were all blasted, and some of them barren, with few or no trees
on them. The people brought a stone aboord like to emery i a stone
used by glasiers to cut glasse) ; it would cut Iron or Steele. Yet being
bruised small, and water put to it, it made a colour like blacke lead
glistening; it is also good for painters' colours. At three of the cloeke
they departed, and we rode still all night.
"The of October faire weather, the winde variable betweene the
west and north. In the morning we weighed at seuen of the i
with the ebbe, aud got downe below the Mountaynes, which was seuen
leagues. Theu it fell ealme, and the flood was come, and wee anchored
at twelve id' the cloeke. The people of the Mountaynes came aboord
vs, wondering at our ship and weapons. We bought some small
skinnes of them fur trifles. This afternoone on.- canoe kept hanging
under our Sterne with one man in it, which we could not keepe from
thence, who gut vp by our rudder to the cabin window, and Stole Out
my pillow and two shirts and two bandeleeres. Our .Master's Mate
shot at him, and strooke him on the brest, and killed him. Where-
upon all the rest fled away, sunie in their canoes and some leapt
of them into the water.
" Wc manned uur b iat and got our tiling- againe. Then one of them
that swam me got hold of our boat, thinking to overthrow it. But our
cooke took a -word and cut one of bis hands, an I he was drow
By this tiuu' tin- ebbe was come, an I we weigh" towne two
•-••'.
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
il'nt Umc it I in tbure fathot
• ■•II.
•■ I \ t l-r. .ik of «Liv ire weighed, the
win l u ing .ii not - then the Ooud
ri' eomo strong, •■■ we uieh the tauagi - thai
snnmine no ag vp the rimr with many other,
thint red tholr intent, and svfforcd
of thai inrship. When rull of men, with
thoSr howi in n compenco
wool I iixo mnakota, and killed two or thrco ofthoro;
lb* ii about rkii li me t>- a point of Innd I" Rbool at \ -.
There I shot a fal. .in a! tin in. and killed tWO "1" thiol : « hot ' iij".ii tlir
. •. ^ . t tli* jv manned "IT anothor eanoo with
•r t. ii ln< I.. I hoi at it Also a Til'
i..-t it through nnil killed oni of them. 'I'll or men with
their mukrU killed threo 01 four more of thorn. So they went their
w i\ ; within n while ;it - downe two leagues boyond thai
ptaec, oloere from all danger of them, on tho
• :' tin- ri hit. where wo saw a very good picco of ground;
ami liar. I by it ti> ked of tin' colour uf a white
i |» r or silvor mayno; and 1 think
it t-. bo ..in- ..[ ih, in by tho trees Ihnt '_t<,\\ upon it. For they In- all
burnrd. and ill" it i- mi that -ide
nt the riutr that rhcre wo saw no people to
,'1 night; hut hail much wind ami mine.
'• Thr third a - tin- wind at cost-north-east. In
: wind a ii-l mine, our anchor camo home, and
we di ind, bul it was otic. Then as we win. about to haiic
out nn anchor, the wind camo t " tho north-north west, and drove t -
off againc. Then we shot an anchor, and lei it fall in fburc rathomo
water, n I tl ther. Wee hail much wind ami mine, with
I., -till all night.
"Tbo fourth ws ther, and tho wind at north-nortb-west,
• ■lit of the Kin,-!-, into wbicb we had mono so
farm. Within awhile after, woo camo oul also ol woiitn
uf ti.- that runnt th up t', tin- north-west, borrowing vpon
, thinking to baoo decpo water; for woe
,v w itb our boat at our lir.-t going in. ami found
r that way hut wo were
* and an hall'e water : and so to
tbomes mid an halfe. And then three,
ui-l ten fathomos. And by twolue
clcere of all the inlet. Then we t,„,k in our
irit snyle, and our top-saylcs,
nnd * .' i. coal bj east, off into the
t the bay it inlet did
bear, inth four,- leagues from vs.
uid the wind variable bctwocn the
ai*h eai t by east. At
1 and found oar height to I . ml, -.
viol, without BOOil
ibor. And on tho
Dartmouth,
Hudson named tho stream the " River ■•( the Mountains."
\i -?■ ■ t viii" ii, who wrested the prov-
from the Dutch, and i In
i rk. in 1664, i" firel call this Blrcam in
Inn. mmortal 'it
llu i r nr twn afterward, 'ii vered do
which was also named in his honor, and
callr-l Hit ti Hi;, lit- ship's crew then mutinied
■ adrift with eight men in a small boat upon the
wild Northern ocean, and never 1
IV. Till DIS( OVKB1 "I I \ki G
The next nn; nl in thi history of thi
nurtl
In the olden time, wli-n the whole north continent was
ti vast howling wilderness from tlic Frozen Ocean to the
flower}' Gulf Land, many bright lair lakes lav Bleeping in
its awful Eolitudes, their waters flashing in the sunshine
like gleaming mirrors, and lighting up the sombre desola-
tion like jewels iii tut iron crown; hut the fairest and the
brightest of them till was Lake George. It was the gem of
il hi wilderness. Of the thousand hikes which adorn
the surface of Northern New York, there is none among
them all so like "a diadem of beauty" as Lake George;
its deepest waters as pure and bright as the dew-drops that
linger on its lilies.
The first while men* who saw Lake George were the
Jcsuil Father Isaac Jogucs and his two companions, Rene
Goupil and Guillamc Couture, who were taken over its
waters as prisoners. — tortured, maimed, and bleeding by
the Mohawks, — in the month of August, 1642. Father
.login >. who had been staying a year or two at the mission
tit ig the lluronst had, in the spring of 1G42, visited
Quebec, On his return to the Huron country he was cap-
tured by ti roving baud of Mnhmrhs in the early morning
of the 2d day of August, on that expansion of the St. Law-
rence now called Lake St. Peters. After submitting to the
most cruel tortures, be, with his companions, was taken
through Lake Champlain to Lake George, and from the
head of Lake George across the country on the old Indian
war trail to the valley of the Mohawk.
The old Indian trail, from the head of Lake George to
the Mohawk castles, ran directly across the old hunting-
ground of Kay-ad-ros-se-ra, over the Greenfield hills and
across (itilwav. along the slope of the mountains to the west
of and in plain sight of Saratoga Springs. It was a rugged
trail leading through the tangled forest, in which there were
man} streams to ford, lakes to cross, swamps to pass over,
and mountains to climb.
i remaining a prisoner in the Mohawk country until
July of the next year, Father .logins, aided by the Dutch
settlers tit Fori Orange i now Albany), made his escape.
In the spring of the year 1(1 l(i, Father Jogues again
passed through Lake George on his way to the Mohawk
country. But this time he went, as an ambassador from
the French and Algonquins in Canada, to ratify a treaty
of peace with the Mohawks. On hisway he reached Lake
George on tin- i\<- of Corpus Chrisli, the feast of the
Bl '1 Sacrament, and naming the beautiful lake in honor
of the day, he called it "The Lake of the Blessed Sacra-
ment." As Lake St. Sacramenl this hike was known for
more than ti hundred years, until Sir William Johnson,f
in 1755, changed its name to Lake George, in honor of
King George II. Better, says an eminent historian, bad it
tiled I. ke Jogues, in honor of its gentle discoverer.
\ in. in the fall of 1646, Father Jogues passed oven
Lake St Sacrament, and along the old Indian trail which
led > Kay ad ros e-ra to the Mohawk country. lie
was "ti his way to his mission, where he was soon mur-
* Parkman'« Jesuit* in North America, p. 217. etc
D ii ' N f., vol. i. p. 429: "lam building a fort at thfl
which the French call J.nke - i nt, bul I have given it
the i not "nlv in honor t" bis majesty, but
D his undoubted dominion here."- Sir William Johnson to
I .rd of Trad.
TH
PUBLIC I
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN iOUNBATiONS
■?*C ?W
"W
Of THE PV-- OSON DIVER
fROM THC ORIGINAL IN POSSESSION OF C?» STEPHEN VAN RENSELAER ,
Surveyed and Laid Down
Dv f\" ft. D A/. /-A A'A'. Surveyor
1767 ^
Tlw N»i»tt of !►• S«W*n
I* Tl»»
• of ta« Rlw.
.rgb.
-
eh
•r.
4 wick
ll*nr»n.
- \ in Mi-gen.
Abraham Vin HagMI.
V(i, llcgan.
\ in T
CtomolU -
■ -InAta
KilUnni Van R
Mr)..
I
ll»nrj '
u uivn.
ti IVrgh.
il»«k.
t .»*r*n.
i>rgb.
1 vcrfn
"i Vu I
kcr.
Van Alatyn.
Darid Di i
threat
Philip Wondoll.
Hntgor Van Mon IVrgh.
rornolln M. Van Batumi.
Jan Van lu-nrcn.
Widow Magln.
Mathnw VandThej'lon.
Wllhelmua Smith.
Ilar.nl Hi ill
\ hi Di tti' fdfln
l-ivinii" Winno.
Wtll'm I
ling.
ItnLon Wendell.
\ iin ArniMii.
Adam l'
Fran- II
Han« I1i>wit
nt
\ an Arnom.
PWier.
Melg-Ttfrol.
OjaachanboB,
100
101
102
I'll
ins
IOC
lo7
10S
II"
111
112
113
D
114
115
11(1
117
IIS
no
ISO
121
133
12.1
125
12«
128
i n
130
1 :l
132
133
Han* Mullcr.
Pavi.l Th>nn.
at the lk-avor Pam.
\\ -itiion.
John Ponda.
Kd. Hogg.
I.a<iu erence Uy«<lorp.
Wllhclmn- Van liiuaen.
\v i ..■i.-rwax.
Van iinlrande.
Mel'l Van Dor Tool.
1 1 am .
llonry Sliana.
Cnmolln Bprong
Wileon.
Henry Toll.
Jl lin M.-lAgg.
Pot^r Bachta.
Ham Harbin.
Suitor.
n.i.rv l.ii. her.
Han* Ijaiitman.
llaront ll'.k'k'
Primmar,
jACob 11. "I
Petrol V.*linrgn.
Haitian DoaL
Freni Bnrnl
Joria Krelgor.
Henri Young.
Doroat
gcholemaalar Waiwn.
h^rotriforr. I<ong Andria
THE MANOR <>K RENSSELAERSWICK.
■11
dered by the savages, and which was ever after known as
the Mission of the Martyrs, St. Mary of the Mohawks.
We now conic to the interesting incidents < tected
with the curly settlement and occupation of the valley of
(he Hudson by the Dutch.
CM A PTER VII.
THE MANOR OP RENSSELAERSWICK.
I.— THE FEUDAL SYSTEM.
The founding and planting of the Van Rensselaer Ma-
nor during the first half of the seventeenth century, out of
which grew our modern county of Rensselaer, was an abor-
tive attempt to fasten upon the New World one of the
already-decaying institutions of the Old, — in a word, to trans-
plant the feudal system of land-tenure and local govern-
ment, which bad been so long prevalent in the historic
valley of the Rhine, to the then bowling wilderness of the
valley of the Hudson. That tbis attempt should finally fail
was in the nature of things. The feudal system was
founded upon the one idea of service, and was, of course,
utterly inconsistent with the principles of a government by
the people. In the feudal system the lord of the manor
was the one supreme ruler over all. All beside him were
bis tenants or vassals, owing him more or less absolute and
unconditional service according to caste and condition in
life. Under this feudal system of servitude the tenants on
the Van Rensselaer Manor lived until the war of the Rev-
olution brought about radical changes in the tenure of
landed estates ill America.
After the Revolution a qualified leasehold tenure existed
until the anti-rent trouble, growing out of such tenures,
brought about the State legislation which put an end to
perpetual leases in the State of New York. Of these anti-
rent troubles some account is attempted in a succeeding
chapter.
II.— THE FOUNDING OF ALBANY.
It has been seen in Chapter II. that the county of
Albany, of which the county of Rensselaer formed a part
for more than a hundred years, was erected by order of the
Duke of York, the proprietor of the province, as early as
the year 1683 ; but the city of Albany was founded by the
Dutch much earlier. Of a truth it may be said that Albany
is one of the oldest cities of the New World.
In the year 1614, five years after the exploration of the
Hudson River, and six years before the Pilgrim Fathers
landed at Plymouth Rock, the city of Albany was founded.
After Henry Hudson bad explored the river that still
bears bis name as far up as what is now Waterford, in the
month of September, 1009, and taken possession of the
country in the name of Holland, in whose interest he bad
sailed, a number of Dutch adventurers soon followed his
track. These navigators, however, at first made no attempt
at settlement, but occupied themselves with making further
discoveries along the coast and up the river, and pursuing
a small trade with the Indians. The most noted of these
early Dutch navigators were Adrian Block, ] l.-u-lrj. k Cor-
stiarnsen, and Cornelius Jacobsen Mey.
Early in the autumn of 1613 news of their discoveries
was received in Holland, and the I 'nil., I ( lompany, by which
they were employed, losl no time in taking tin: necessary
steps to secure to themselves the exclusive trad,' and settle
ment of the country thus explored. They nail deputies to
tin' Hague, who laid before the Si a irs General a map of the
new country, which was then for the first time called New
Netherland, with a report of their discoveries. In this
report, notwithstanding their knowledge of the prior dis-
covery of Henry Hudson in L 609, only five years before,
they claimed to lie the first explorers of the country.
On the 1 1th day of October, 1614, their High Mighti-
ness, the Slates General of Holland, made a special granl
in their favor. Tbis grant, conferred upon Gerrit Jacob
Witsen, former burgomaster of the city of Amsterdam, and
his twelve associates, ship-owners and merchants of Amster-
dam, the exclusive right to " visit and navigate all the lands
situate in America, between New France and Virginia, the
sea-coasts of which lie between the fortieth and forty fifth
degrees of latitude, which are now named New Netherlands ;
and to navigate, or cause to be navigated, the same for four
voyages within the period of three years, to commence from
the first day of January, 1615, or sooner." Having thus
obtained the exclusive right to trade in the new country,
they assumed the name and title of " The United New
Netherland Company." Thus having the exclusive right
to the country, this company took possession of the Hud-
son River, then called by them " De Riviere van den Vorst
Mauritius," and built two posts thereon. One was built on
a little island immediately below the present city of Albany,
called Castle Island, which island has long since become a
part of the mainland. The other was erected at the mouth
of the stream, on what is now the Battery, in the city of
New York.
The fort at Albany was begun early in the year 1614.
It consisted of a trading-house thirty-six feet long and
twenty-six feet wide. It was defended by two pieces of
cannon and eleven stone guns mounted on swivels. This
post was garrisoned by ten or twelve men under the com-
mand of Jacob Jacoby Elkins, who continued here four
years in the employ of the company, being well liked by
the Indians, whose language he soon learned.
But the right of this company expired by limitation in
the year 16 IS. In the spring of that year the fort on
Castle Island was so injured by a freshet on the river that
the company abandoned it, and built another on the main-
land, farther down, on a hill, at the mouth of the Norman's
Kill. The Indian name for the Norman's Kill was Ta-wa-
sent-ha, " the place of the many dead." It was here on
this bill, called by the Indians Troas-gan-chee, that the
Dutch, in the year 1618, concluded their first formal treaty
of peace and alliance with the Five Nations, by which they
obtained such lasting ascendency over the fierce Indian
tribes.
Besides the Iroquois of the Five Nations, the Mohicans,
the Miner, x, the Minnisinks, and the Lenni-Lenapees were
represented at this council of Ta-voa-sent-ha.
The supremacy of the Five Nations was maintained.
28
HISTORx" OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
Five .' ich with ;i hereditary name, rcpre-
1 their respective tribes. The bell of i held
t ". > - 1 at one end bj the Troquuit, and nt the other end by
the Datoh, while in tlie middle i( rested on the shoulders
of the subjugated Jfo/iti '•■' res,and Lenni-Lcno)
nation of women. The calumet was smoked, and the
tomahawk was buried in the earth, over which the Dutch
declared they would build a church, so that none might dig
ii up without destroying the building.
This treaty gained for the Dutch the lasting friendship
of the Five Nations.
T1IK WEST IM'I V COMPANY .
On the 3d of June, 1620, the States General passed a
formal patent, under tli.'ir great seal, incorporating the
\\ -t India Company. Tlii> company was invested with
enormous powers. In the name of the - General it
might make contracts and alliances with princes and natives,
build forte, administer justice, appoint and discharge gov-
ernors, soldiers, and public officers, and promote trade.
The government of the company was vested in fit
chambers of managers, — one at Amsterdam, managing
four-ninths; one :it Middeburg, in Zealand, two-ninths;
Dordrecht, on the Maeze, one-ninth ; one in North
II Hand, one-ninth ; and one in Friesland and Gronii
one-ninth.
ral executive power for all purposes, except incase
of declaration of war. were intrusted t" a board of nine-
teen del led the College of the XIX.
The term of « > i * ■ patent was for twenty-four years from
July 1. 1621. Within the charter of this powerful com-
Netherland was included.
i was now prepared to send permanent
: ].■ ili.' wilderness of the valley of the Hudson.
In f in.- families of Walloons, then settled at
Amsterdam, applied for permission t" emigrate to America,
an.l establish :i colony ;•■ be governed by magi
their own election. 'I'll. -•■ Walloons had passed through the
,,f religio ition in the Southern Belgic prov-
the old French language. Thej were
distinguished among other things for their tasteful and per-
ring in. In them came to Holland, and to
ili. in the Dutch were much indebted for the repute they
i nation in many branches of manufactures.
Finding in Holland a fn r the enjoyment of their
the Wall. ...ni soon introdi '1 the public
if ili. ir church, which to thi-
witncM i" ili" ehai toleration and liberality .-I' the
nd.
in ILDINO OF FORT ORA1
lam chamber ..f the
\\ led ili"
■i.|." of in., hut burden, for ili"
tlement of 1 1 r.l of this ship
■i-.
I I early in M
forth B
1
.,n whil "1' in 161 '.villi four
■ I wliirli li i.| been projected thi
befon . u.i- ot once thrown up ami completed. Fort Orange
was Imili mi ili" low ground near what is now the landing
of ili" People's I'm" of steamers in All. any.
About eighteen families of the Walloons, under Adriaen
.1. iris, in ili" summer of lt">J:i, settled themselves around
Fort Orange, an.l passed ili" winter there.
\ is ii,. colonists had built some "Inns of Lark.''
ilic In.lians came and renewed with Joris the covenants of
ili.- treaty of Ta-iea-sent-ha, concluded live years before, at.
tin mouth of ili" Nor n Kill. This was the foundation
of ili. present city of Albany.
In 1624, Cornelius Jacobsen Mey was formally installed
in lii- office of first director of New Netherland under
ili,- Dutch West [ndia Company.
Ill K1I.IAKX VAX RENSSELAER.
In tin- year 1623, at ili<- time "I' 1 1 1 . - perfected organiza-
li.ui nl' tin- DuU-li West India Company, prominent among
tin- members of the Amsterdam chamber was Kiliaen Van
Rensselaer, a rich pearl-and-diamond merchant of Am-
sterdam, the founder of the manor of Reusselaerswick,
which covered the larger part of territory which is now
comprised within the county of Rensselaer.
In the year 1630 the managers of the Dutch AY est
[ndia I lompany, in order to tempt tin- ambition of capitalists,
offered certain exclusive privileges to the members of the
company.
The charter provided that any member who should within
four years plant a colony of fifty adults in any part of New
Netherland, except the reserved island of Manhattan,
should be acknowledged as a " Patroon," or feudal chief
of tic- territory he might thus colonize.
'1'-. meet Such cases the West India Company adopted its
famous charier of "Freedoms and Exemptions" for the
agricultural colonization of its American province. The
chief features of this charter were as follows:
The lands selected for each colony might extend sixteen
mile- in length, if confined to one side of a navigable river;
if both banks were occupied, eight, miles was the limit, but
th.v might run into the country as the situation of the
occupiers will permit. If more emigrants come, these limits
might I..- proportionately enlarged.
Each patroon was i" receive the full title to his lands by
inheritance, with testamentary rights.
The patroon was to have "the chief command and lowe?
jurisdictions," and the exclusive privilege of fishing, fowling,
and ".rinding within his domain.
In case any patroon 'should in time prosper so much as
I., found oi r more .-iii.-s." he was t.. have " power and
authority to establish ofliecrs and magistrates there.-' II"
Was to furnish hi- colony with proper instructions, in order
thai they might be ruled and governed conformably to the
rule of government made or to I." made bj the assembly
of th< \l\.
. all judgments i ndered in the patroon's mano-
rial curls for upwards of fifty guilders, an appeal might,
li,- io ih" director ami council in New Netherland.
During tin- first ten years the tenants under the patr J
- i.-lv fi..- fiom ■■ custom taxes, excise imp
• ntiibiition- "
THE MANOR OF RENSSELAERSWICK.
29
None of these colonists, "either man or woman, son or
daughter, man servant or maid servant," could leave the
oolonv during their term of service without the written
consent of the patroon, and the company pledged itself to
i!n everything in its power to apprehend and deliver up all
fugitives from the patr 's Bervice.
The patroons might trade all along the coast, from New
(bundland to Florida, provided the cargoes were first
brought to Manhattan, whence they might be sent to Hol-
land on payment of a live per cent, duty to the company.
The patroons also possessed the freedom of trade all
llong the coast in every kind of merchandise, "except
heavers, otters, minks, and all sorts of peltry," which trade
in furs was reserved by the company. All the colonists,
Whether independent or under patroons, were positively
forbidden "to make any woolen-, linen-, or cotton-cloth,
or weave any other stuffs there, on pain of being banished,
and as perjurers to be arbitrarily punished." But, on the
other hand, the company promised to protect and defend all
the colonists, whether free or in service, "against all out-
landish and inlandisli wars and powers." The company
further promised to supply the colonists with "as many
blacks as they conveniently could," but not "for a longer
time than they should think proper."
The patroons and colonists were likewise carefully re-
quired to make prompt provision for the support of " a
minister and schoolmaster, that thus the service of God
ami zeal for religion may not grow cool and be neglected
among them, and that they do for the first procure a Com-
forter of the Sick there." Thus do the Dutch of New York
have the credit of establishing schools many years before the
English made public provision for them in New England.
To the rich capitalists of Holland, in whose veins by
birthright no noble blood ran, this was a tempting bait.
They could now become lords of manors, with hosts of
subservient vassals in their train.
Among the first to avail themselves of the provisions of
this charter of freedoms and exemptions was Kiliaen Van
Rensselaer, the founder of the family in America.
Van Rensselaer's attention was, early in the year 1630,
called to the region surrounding and adjacent to Fort Or-
ange, on the North River. At Fort Orange, Sebastian
Jauscn Krol had been stationed for some four years as
under-director and commissary of the West India Company.
At Van Rensselaer's request Krol purchased for him, on
the 8th day of April, 1030, of the Iudian owners, a tract
el hind lying on the west side of the river, and extending
from Beeren Island northward to Smack's Island, and
"stretching two days' journey into the interior."
In the mean time Van Rensselaer made vigorous prepara-
tions to send out tenants. Early in the spring several emi-
grants, with their farm implements and cattle, were sent out
from Holland under Wolfert Gerritson as " upper-bouw-
meester" or overseer of farms. These pioneers of the
manor embarked at the Texel in the ship " Eendragt," or
" Unity," under Capt. John Brouwer. In a few weeks they
arrived at Fort Orange, and began at once the actual set-
tlement of the manor of Rensselaerswick.
A few weeks after the arrival of the first colonists, the
patro.m's special agent, Gillis Hassett, secured for him a
grant of land from the [ndians, lying mostly to the north
of Fori Orange, and extending op tin- river to an Indian
castle, called Mo in' nii'iis castle, situate on Haver [gland, at
the confluence of the upper "sprout' of the Mohawk.
These two grants completed the bounds of the manor on
the WeSl si'le of the liver.
'I'he land on the ea-t side "I' the river, extending north-
ward from Castle Island to the Mohawk, was then the
private property of an Indian chief whose name was Na
wit-iu-milt. This territory was called by the Indians
" Siiii es Seek," and described in the grant as " lying on lie-
east side of the aforesaid river, opposite lie- Fort Ol
as well above as below, and from Poetanock, the mill-
creek, northward to Negagonee, being about twelve miles,
large measure."
These purchases were on the 8th and 13th days of
August, 1030, respectively, confirmed by the council at
Manhattan, and patents formally issued therefor. Thus
large portions of the counties of Rensselaer and Albany
were destined to be reduced to feudal sway by the patroons
of Rensselaerswick.
Fort Orange itself, however, with the land immediately
around its walls, which grew into the city of Albany, still
remained under the exclusive jurisdiction of the West India
Company, and so Albany never was under the dominion of
the patroon.
lint this large purchase by Van Rensselaer excited the
jealousy of other capitalists, and Van Rensselaer soon di-
vided his estate around and near Fort Orange into five
shares. Two of these shares he retained in his own hands,
together with the title and honors of the original patroon.
One share was given to John de Laet, the historian, another
to Samuel Godyn, and the fifth to Samuel Bloommaert.*
The government of the manor of Rensselaerswick was
vested in a general court, which exercised executive, legis-
lative or municipal, and judicial functions. This court was
composed of two commissioners, styled " Gecommitteerden"
and two councilors, called " Gerechls-persoo>ie7i," or uSche-
penen." These last answered to our modern justices of
the peace. There was also a colonial secretary, a " Schout-
fiscaal" or sheriff, and a " Grcechts-Lode" court messenger
or constable.
The magistrates held their offices for a year, the court
appointing their successors. The most important office in
the colony was the schout-fiscaal, or sheriff. Jacob Albert-
sen Planck was the first sheriff of Rensselaerswick. Arendt
Van Curler, who came out originally as assistant commis-
sary, was soon after his arrival made commissary-general,
or superintendent of the colony, and acted as colonial sec-
retary till 1042, when he was succeeded by Anthony de
Hooges.
The population of the colony of Rensselaerswick in its
early days consisted of three classes: 1st, freemen, who
emigrated from Holland at their own expense ; 2d, far-
mers ; and 3d, farm-servants sent out by the patroon.
* On the ancient map of the colony " Blooiuiuacrt's Burg" is laid
down at the niouth of what is now called Patroon's Creek. "De I. act's
Island" was the original name of Van Rensselaer Island, opposite
Albany. " De Lact's Bur;;" answers to Ureenbush. "Godyn's
Islands" are a short distance below, on the east shore.
30
BISTOBI OF RENSSELAER COUNTY., NEW YORK.
The lir>t patrooD judiciously applied bis large resources
tu il\.' advancement of li is interests, and always was quick
to .i---i-t his struggling people I implisb 1 » i — purpose
ral forma wore scl oflFbj him on both sides of the river,
mi which he caused dwelling-houses, barns, and stables to
be erected. The patroon,al his own expense, stocked these
farms with cattle, I i sometimes with bI p, and
furnished the wagons, plows, and other imple-
ments. So ilu' early farmer entered upon his land without
being embarrassed by wan) of capital.
Hiii ili.' fatal tiling about the settlement of the manor ..I'
Reuse , rswick was the lease hold tenure ..I' the soil. To
give ili.' reader some idea of what thai tenure was wc insert
belc ■ i "in' "I ilu' ancient leases. It was granted
I.. Ar.'ii.lt Y:ni Curler, and was f tbc property since
belonging i" ilu- Schuyler family, :ii Port Schuyler, in West
Troy:
liana anil tat laor, Patroon of tho
th lli\ or, in Now
' inn 1 urlor, who
i from us. under
the follow! restrictions, and stipulations, tho
and ili.' hereafter ntionod
apparteaanoea for the term the farm leaso be-
ginning and terminating on the ti r-i of September, and Mini <»t" tlio
ndrcd eight and forty.
■• | lir-iij. f tbi tenth! ■•! all grain
ed off uwery.
•• II. ntains abool . . . morgem ..f Harm land,
..i" whiefa ,; til be ' '"1 yearly i-> cultivate . . . morgens,
and may. in addition, mm i. land a- 1..- shall be able i" till
will. witbool subletting ..r farming the same during the
tho lessee shall
lAk. | vmling in ili- Bold "ii '1. mmenemenl hereof, such
oj it. Tig ili.- Patroon ' irding to tho valuation
il iIi.t side i" take
■•■ nt a
•• III >■• -■. iiiiicli pasture :.- he Bhnll
rent further than only
" IV. \n I ' II I"- do-
■ i i- pinekon
■ -.ii 'l.i- I wery, nn-1
that hall I.-- for ili.1 Patroon,
an. I the other half fo I that tho
ling i" il..' •
of tbc ..li and half, « iih-.ni
pay-
ball n"t have
d and ovor
nl.
"VI
I nn-I
flfii | ii la-
■
th«. first half in ' ry, in mor-
.rrain
at ti i -hi
r*nt n-.
" VII *hall b* hnl-kn I" keep (he hou"*.' an<l bnildingl
on the bo'i - ■'.<! mainta.-
bon« "hall
b* fi- tight, and at the expira-
ho fball deliver it op in the same ••
"VIII, Ii is iv. II understood ilr.it the lessee is holden, over and
above the aforesaid rant, during the winter season, t" cut in the forest
forth. ' oak or fir wood, whioh shall bo pointed
..nt t.. lii in. and bring ' hi tami to the shore : also, overy year, to give
three days' sorvieo with his wagon mil borsos, to the Patroon or his
. each voir, (o .-nl. split, and bring to tho water-side,
two fathoms "f hiokory or other fire-wood : further, to deliver yearly
to the Director, a- quit-rent, one-half mini (two liusbols)of wheat, five-
ond-twenty pounds of butter, and two pair of fowls.
"IX. The lessoo shall not lo 1 -o any strange traders in his bouse
nor bring nor receive their g Is, on pain of forfeiting all the con-
■ranli'l to him, an 1 i • I." ejected as a perfidious man.
■■ \. \n l in case any question should arise between tho loss.'.' and
other--. Mi.- same shall I..' submitted to the commissaries there, without
any appeal or further complaint being allowed.
"XI. The l.s.see submits himself, moreover, as a faithful subject,
to nit regulations, or.lers, ami conditions made by the Patroon, and
before him, regarding dwelling together, and to all the statutes
an I ordinances to be hereafter made.
" X 1 1. The lessee promising, on the passing of the aforesaid lease,
to comport himself faithfully in tho said quality, ami to fully follow
tho same; nor t" defraud the Patroon in the least, nor in the most
directly nor indirectly, all under mortgage of bis person and go
moveablo and immoveable, having and to have, submitting the whole
thereof, anil t lie adjudication thereof, to the constraint of all laws and
judges.
"XIII. Finally, have the guardians and lessors reserved, in caso
the aforesaid bouworye should be leased by the commissaries th.
ili- arrival of the lessee there, that tbi- lease shall be null, and
tho aforesaid Cnrler be iwerye, the commissaries
there shall in that ease agreo with him thereupon, wherewith Curler
Bed n ad agreed.
" In witness whereof, is this by each party subscribe. 1. in Ani-t.r-
• hiin. tbi- 3tltb September, Itil7. Jchan van Weely, W. van Twiller,
D It van Curler, in | rue, .is witness, I'. van .1.- V, a, Not.
Pub., residing in Amsterdam."
\- bul few <'!' the very early farms in RensselaerswioM
were situate in the portion east of the river in what is
now Rensselaer County, the further history of the niaoor
belongs rather to the history of Albany. Some account,
however, of anti-rent troubles growing out of the 1.
hold tenures will he given in a succeeding chapter of this
volume,
1\ -i HEN EOT \l>Y.
The great flat upon the Mohawk River, lying seventeen
mil.- w.'si of •■ l'.irt Orange," a- Albany was then called,
was bought of th.' Indians by Arendi Van Curler, in the
month of .Inly. LG61. The deed was signed in behalf of
th.' Moliawlc* by three chiefs, named Kan-tn-ipm. Son a-
rut-sic, and A ia-da-nc, In 1662 this grant was con Armed,
and Van Curler and his associates " went West" from Fori
tnd settled the rich Mohawk flats, near which is
now tin' modem city of Schenectady. Arcndl Van Curler
i cousin of ili,. Van Renssetacrs, and played a prom-
imnt part in the settlement of their manor. lie owned a
farm on the flats jusl above Fori Orange, and was a brewer
in Bcvcrwyck, as Albany was then called, in 1661. Bu
influi 'I- ■ on ti- th'1 Indian- was unbounded. In honor of
hi« memory the TroquoU addressed all succeeding governoii
V.rk by hi- name, which tiny translated " Co*-
THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS L642-1763.
31
lcar." Ho was also a great favorite of the French. A j«iil
80, 1667, the Marquis de Tracy, viceroy of New France,
addressed Van Curler a letter, of which we give an extract :
•• ir you find it agreeable I" come hither this bi m n you have
nuisi-.l me I" hope, you will be must welcome, »ml entertained I" I 1m-
nt >]■>>.- 1 of my ability, ns I have a great est( for you, though 1 have
never scon you. Believe this truth, and that [ am, air, your affec-
tionate and assured servant, Trai i ."
Van Curler accepted this invitation, and prepared for
liis journey. Governor Nicoll gave him a letter to the
viceroy, bearing date of May 20, 10(17, and saying:
"MonB'r Curler hnth been importuned by divers of his friends at
Quebec to give them a visit, nnd being ambitious to kiss your hands,
lie hath entreated my pass and liberty to conduct :i young gentleman,
M. Fontaine, who unfortunately fell into the barbarous bands of his
enemies, ami by means of Mons'r Curler obtained his liberty."
July 4th, of the same year, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Wrote to Holland: "Our cousin, Arendt Van Cutler, pro-
ceeds overland to Canada, having obtained leave from our
general, and been invited thither by the viceroy, M. de
Tracy." Tims provided, lie set out. In an evil hour, while
on this journey, Van Curler attempted to cross Lake Cham-
plain in a light bark canoe. A storm coming up, he was
drowned, it is believed, near Split Rock. Thus died the
founder of Schenectady. Lake Champlain was often called
afterwards by the French, Lake Corlaer, in his honor.
It has been said that " Ska-nek-ta-da" was the Indian
name for Albany. When the Dutch authorities formed
the settlers at Fort Orange into a separate jurisdiction, it
ran back from Albany seventeen miles, and included what
is now the city of Schenectady, on the Mohawk. To this
jurisdiction the Dutch gave the old Indian name for Albany,
and called it Ska-nek-ta-da.
After the English conquest of the New Netherlands, in
1GC4, the jurisdiction of Schenectady was divided, and the
part next the Hudson was changed to Albany. But Albany
ran back from the Hudson only sixteen miles. Thus the
old jurisdiction of Schenectady was left to that part lying
on the Mohawk River only, and it has ever since retained
the name first applied to the whole. The true Indian
name for what is now Schenectady was " O-no-a-lago-na,"
signifying "pained in the head."
frfhcHr [/a*/,
CHAPTER VIII.
THE FRENCH-AND-INDIAN WARS— 1642 TO
1763.
I.
The century and a half of warfare waged between the
English and the Dutch settlers and their Indian allies of
the Atlantic slope on the one part, and the French colonists
and their Indian allies of the St. Lawrence Valley on the
other part, was a struggle for the mastery of the North
American continent by people holding din trically oppo-
sing ideas.
The story of these long war-, waged in the depth of the
old wilderness reads more like the wild romance of th(
age border-wars of ancient and mediaeval times than it dot -
like the history of wars waged a8 they were between en-
lightened nations in comparatively modern times. Bui the
Indian and the forest dragged down, as it were, the humane
and civilizing tendencies of the white men engaged with
them to their own wild and savage life.
Sonic of these atrocities occurred in lionsselaer County,
the account of which will be found in the histories of the
respective towns in which they took place. In order, how-
ever, to properly understand the Subject brief mention
must, be made of the whole chain of events, and of the
closing scenes of the great drama of the old wilderness.
In a preceding chapter (V.) some account is given of
Indian troubles up to the massacre of Father Isaac Jogues
iu the Mohawk country in UU7. We now continue the
narrative.
II.— THE WAR OF 1066.
After the weary feet of Father Jogues had ceased to
tread the old trail that crossed Kay-ad-ros-se-ra no white
man passed this way again for twenty years.
In the year ltilili two expeditions were sent by the
French against the Mohawks. The first was the one under
Governor Courcelle, which was made in the depths of the
Canadian winter. Courcelle left Quebec on the 9th of
January. Over the frozen lakes and livers and through
the pitiless wintry forests he marched on snow-shoes,
creeping slowly on, day after day, with his little baud.
At night they encamped in squads among the trees, dug
away the deep snow with their snow-shoes, and piling it in
a bank around them, built a fire in the middle, and lay
down around it on beds of hemlock-boughs to rest. Alter
leaving Lake St. Sacrament, now Lake George, they lost
their way and wandered down to Saratoga Lake, and then
struck the old Indian trail that led up the Kay-ad-ros-
se-ra River and up the Mourning Kill past Ballston Lake
to the Mohawk near Schenectady. But this expedition
proved a failure, and Courcelle soon returned by the way
he came.*
The second hostile expedition from Canada of the year
1G6G was the one undertaken by the Marquis de Tracy,
lieutenant-governor of New France, in the autumn of that
year. In the beginning of October, Tracy set out from
Fort St. Anne, on the Isle La Motte, at the northern end
of Lake Champlain, in command of six hundred regular
troops of the regiment CarignanSalieres,j" and about the
* M.de Courcelle was accompanied by M. da Gas, his lieutenant, M.
de Salainper, gentleman volunteer) Father Pierre Raffeix, Jesuit, by
three hundred men of the regiment Carignan-Salieres, anil two hun-
dred volunteers, — habitant. — Doe. His. of New fork, vol. i. p. 65.
f The regiment Carignan-Salieres was the first body of regular
troops seut to Canada by the French king. It was raised by Prince
Carignan, in Savoy, in hill, who, being unable to support it. gave it
to the king. It was oonspiouous in t he service of the French king in
the battles with Prince Condi in the revolt of the Fronde. In 1664
it tuok a ilistinguishcil part with the allie.l forces of France in the
32
BLSTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW FORK.
same number of Canadians and Indians. In passing over
Lake George this army formed the lir-t of those military
ints which in after-years made the (air Bccno historic.
In going through the old wilderness of Kny-ad-\
infield hills, in the vicinity of Lake I1
lion, tln-ir provisions gave out, and they came near starving.
At length they ca to a grove of chestnut-trees, and find-
ing inn- in •_: r. . 1 1 abundance, with them they satisfied their
hanger.
R iching the valley of the Mohawk, they marched
through the whole length of it without opposition, dc-
stroyed all the Indian castles and corn-fields, and took
poss --i mi of the country in the name of the French
king. After erecting huge wooden crosses upon the ashes
■ if the Indian villages, in token of conquest and dominion,
thej returned unmolested to Canada by the way they came.
The Mohawk$, chastised and humbled, remained quiet
. long time afterwards, aod for another period of twenty
there was peace in the old blood stained wildi n
III -THE WAF 01
i in 1686. after these twenty years of peace were
ended, tin* Prench-and-Indian war broke out afresh, and
I .-•• 1 through nine weary years to the peace of 1695. In
the month of 1689, nine hundred Mohawk war-
riors r the old trail that twenty-three years I.. fore
had been trodden by the victorious Tracy with lii- veteran
soldiers and train of French noblemen. During the twenty
these wild had been nursing their
wrath, and now their hour of Bweet revenge had come.
I inching their l.;irk canoes, they Bwepl down thro
I . . ■. arge and Champlain, and landing on the island of
M mtreml, like so many ravening wolves, carried the war to
the '• nch forts on the St. Lawrence.
months later, in February, 1690, Lieut. Le Moyne
i: d down upon snow-shoes, and traversing
J.nk - i upon the ice, and winding up the Kay-ad-
i and the Mourning Kill t'i the little hamlet,
now below Ballstoo call I I' Line, passed over Ball
1 1 in the dead of the night ol the 9th of February
ah upon the sleeping inhabitants of Schenectady
with indiscriminate slaughter.
return thej were followed by Maj I'
uyler, at the head of a company of two hundred whites
is L ike Champlain, and
ti French prisoners were token and brought back i"
iv Tin; \v \i: OF I
luring thi in of war to the
ions that were undertaken by
tin I nquesl of
1
On the Si 1690, the first American I
■ at thi old fort in the \ -rk. In
pan ti in of the
. i was planned and t
Amtriao war ailh Ihr- T, 'anada.
Il »m un4«r Ihf wmii ■ nam".
-
out, the command of which was given to Gen. Fitz-John
Winthrop, of Connecticut.
On the Mih day of July, 1690, Hen. Winthrop left
Hartford with the New England troops, and passing through
a virgin wilderness, whose interminable shades were broken
only by the little settlements at and near Albany, arrived
at Stillwater on the 1st of August.
Stillwater was •■ so named," says the old chronicler,
■■ because the water passes so slowly as not to be discovered,
while above- and below it is disturbed, and rageth as in a
great sea, occasioned by rocks and falls therein."
(In the day after, he arrived at Stir-agh-tn-fln. near
where Schuylerville now is. Here at Saratoga he found a
block-house and some Dutch troops under Maj. Peter
tyler, mayor of Albany, who had preceded him with
the New York forces. From this date, the 2d day of
August, 1690, six years after the old patent was granted,
and al st two centuries ago, Saratoga takes its place
among the long list of our country's geographical names.
Maj. Schuyler had already pushed up to the second
carrying-place, now Fort Miller Falls, where he had stopped
to build some bark canoes. The next and third carrying-
place above was from the Hudson at Fort Edward to what
is now Fort Ann on Wood Creek. This portage ran
through a magnificent grove of pines for twelve miles, and
was known in old forest annals as the ''Great Carrying-
Place."
This expedition proved an utter failure. But before its
return, ('apt. John Schuyler, brother of the mayor, and
grandfather of Gen. Philip Schuyler of Revolutionary
memory, pushed on down Lake Champlain and made his
famous raid upon the Canadian settlement of La Prairie.
Iii the next year. 1691, Maj. Peter Schuyler, ai the head
of two hundred and sixty whites and eighty Molunrks from
their eauip at Saratoga Lake, following ill the track of his
brother, made another descent upon the doomed settlement
i Prairie.
V.— THE WA1! OF 1709
In the year 1709 the war known as Queen Anne's war
broke out between England and France, and the warfare
of the wilderness again began its savage butchery.*
In this war we come i" the founding and construction of
the military works along the great northern valley, which
1 unto comparatively modern limes, and with whose
names we have been so long familiar.
Again in 1709 a joint expedition, like that led by Qen,
Winthrop in 1690, was planned for the conquest of
Canada. In 1709, Maj. piebald Ingoldcsby. who had
come over in command of the Queen's four companies of
liars, was lieutenant-governor of the province. Peter
Philip Schuyler was now a colonel in the service, as well
as one of the governor's council and a commissioner "f
Indian affairs, while his brother John had been adval
to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. The command of the
lition was given by Ingoldcsby, in May. to Gen. Nich-
olson.
,t the 1st of June. Col. Schuyler, in command of
the vanguard of the English for© -. comprising three Imn-
in<l Chanipluin, ami Ni w Y'>rk Doc.
THE FRENCH-AND-INDIAN WARS 1642 1763
ilinl men, including pioneers and artificers, moved oul of
Albany upon his northward march. At Stillwater, Col.
Sohuylei' halted his command, and built a small stockaded
fort For provisions, which he named Port [ngoldesby, in
honor of tlic lieutenant-governor. Salting again at Old
Saratoga, where he had built a block-house in 1690, and
whieli in the mean time had become a little hamlet in the
wilderness. Col. Schuyler built another stockaded fort.
Tins fort was built on the east side of the Hudson, below
the mouth of the Iiattenkill, on the hill nearly opposite- the
mouth of Fish Creek, and was known as Fori Saratoga.
Proceeding up the river, Col. Schuyler built another
fort at the second carrying-place of Fort Miller Falls.
From Fort Miller Falls, Col. Schuyler built a military
road along the east, bank of the Hudson up to the Great
Carrying-Place. At the beginning of the Great Carrying-
Place on the Hudson, at what is now Fort Edward, Col.
Schuyler built another stockaded fort, which he named
Fort Nicholson, in honor of the commanding general.
Proceeding across the Great Carrying- Place to the forks of
Wood Creek, which runs into Lake Champlain, he built
another stockaded fort, which was first, called Fort Schuy-
ler, but which two years later was called Fort Anne, in
honor of the Queeu. 1 need not follow the fortunes of
this expedition to its failure and return.
Two years later, in the year 1711, another expedition,
in command of Gen. Nicholson, left Albany on the 24th of
August, and proceeding up the northern valley of the
Hudson, crossed the Great Carrying-Place at Fort Anne.
While there, Gen. Nicholson learned that her Majesty's fleet
in the St. Lawrence, which was to co-operate with him in
the conquest of Quebec, had been shattered by storms, with
the loss of a thousand men. So he returned to Albany with
all liis forces, and the third expedition fitted out for the
conquest of Canada proved, like the other two, a most mor-
tifying failure. But in 1713 peace was again declared be-
tween England and France, which lasted until 1744; and
so for a period of thirty-one years there was peace along the
Lire, it northern war-path.
During this period of thirty-one years of quiet in the old
wilderness the French were not idle on Lake Champlain ;
neither were the Schuylers idle at their little settlement of
Old Saratoga.
In 1731, during this period of profound peace, the French
built Fort St. Frederick, at Crown Point, on Lake Cham-
plain. This fort soon became a menace and a terror to the
people of the valley of the Upper Hudson. There grew up
under its protecting walls a little French village of near
fifteen hundred inhabitants, and the valley of Lake Cham-
plain became as much a province of New France as was
the valley of the St. Lawrence.
VI.— THE WAR OF 1744.
The war of 1744 found Saratoga, with its little tumble-
down stockaded fort on the hill near by, the extreme
northern outpost of the English settlements. There was
but a single step, as it were, between it and the frowning
walls of the French fort St. Frederick at Crown Point,
from which a deadly blow might be expected at any mo-
ment. In November, 1745. the blow came. At midnight,
5
on the 15th of November, the sleeping inhabitants of Old
Saratoga were awakened by the terrible war-whoop. The
place was attacked by a force of three hundred French and
Indians under the command of M. Marin. The fori and
houses of the village were all burned to the ground. Of the
inhabitants, thirty were killed and scalped and sixty made
prisoners.
The celebrated French missionary, Father Picquet, the
founder of the mission and settlement La Presentation, at
the mouth of the Oswegatchie, now Ogdensburgh, on the
St. Lawrence, in 1749, accompanied this expedition. From
bis tireless zeal he was called by the French "the Apostle
to the Iroq itoix," and by the English " the Jesuit of the
West."
During this short war no less than twenty-seven maraud-
ing-parties swept down from Fort St. Frederick at Crown
Point upon the settlers of what are now Saratoga and Rens-
selaer Counties. It was the midnight war-whoop, the up-
lifted tomahawk, the scalping-kuife, the burning dwelling,
the ruined home, that made the whole country a scene of
desolation and blood.
In the autumn following this disaster, Fort Clinton, of
Saratoga, was dismantled and burnt by the English, and
Albany once more became the extreme northern outpost of
the English, with nothing but her palisaded walls between
her and the uplifted tomahawks of the ever-frowning north.
In May, 1S48, peace was again proclaimed, which lasted
for the brief period of seven years, until the beginning of
the last French-and-Indian war of 1755, which euded in
the conquest of Canada.
During this short peace of seven years the settler's axe
was again heard as he widened his little clearing upon many
a hillside, and the smoke went curling gracefully upward
from his lonely cabin in many a valley along the Upper
Hudson.
It was in the summer of 1749, during the short peace,
that Peter Kalm,* the Swedish botanist, traveled through
this great northern war-path in the interests of science.
He gives in his account of the journey a graphic descrip-
tion of the ruins of the old forts at Saratoga, at Fort
Nicholson and Fort Ann, which were then still remaining
in the centres of small deserted clearings in the great
wilderness through which he passed. He made many dis-
coveries of rare and beautiful plants before unknown to
Europeans, and in our swamps and lowlands a modest
flower — the Kalmia-glaucu, swamp-laurel — blooms in per-
petual remembrance of his visit. But there were no
mineral springs in the Saratoga visited by Peter Kalm.
VII.— THE WAR OF 1755.
And now we come to the stirring events of the last
French-and-Indian war.
This short war lasted only four years, from 1755 to 1759,
but during its continuance great armies marched through
the old northern war-path, dyeing its streams with blood,
and filling its wild meadows with thousands of nameless
new-made graves, and at its close the sceptre of the French
kings over the valleys of Lake Champlain and the St.
Lawrence dropped from their hands forever.
I !dt Kalm's Travels in Pinkcrton, vol. xiii.
::i
BISTORT OF RENSSK.LAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Space "ill nol permit me to give much more thnn the
names of the vast armies vast armies for those times and
tor northern wild* whi ae movements then made thai (air
■ ground of our country's history.
'I'll, tir-t expedition was thai under Sir William John-
son, who in the rammer of 1 T ."> ."> took his position at the
■ of Eik. St. Sacrament, changed its name to Lake
G rge in honor of the English king, and in token of his
empire over it. and successfully defended it in the three
bloody battles of the 8th of September with the French
:iinl linliuti-. in command of the veteran French general,
the Baron I'i. .-kau.
It was \\]>il i his way t" Lake George, in the month
of August, 1 7. "•.">. thai Gen. Lyman halted his troops and
huilt a fort in Old Saratoga, at the mouth of Fish Creek,
now Schuylerville, on the Hudson, and named it Fort
Hardy, in honor of Sir Charles Hardy, the governor of
\ ■ fork. A It. r the battle of the Sth of September,
1755, Sir William Johnson built Fori William Henry, ;it
the head of Lake George, naming it in honor of the Puke
of Cumberland.
Of Gen. Winslow'a fruitless expedition of 1756, during
which he built Fort Winslow, at Stillwater, in the place of
Fort [ngoldesby, built by Col. Schuyler in 1709; of the
campaign of 1757, in which Gen. Montcalm invested and
troyed Fort William Henry, al Lake George, whose sur-
render was followed by the dreadful massacre of a part of
it- garrison by the Indians ; of the magnificent army led
by Gen. Abercrombie, in 1758, against Fort Carilon, at
I ii the jaws of slaughter and defeat, and of
the tinal trintn|ili of the English forces, under Gen. Am-
-. on Lake Champlain, and under Gen. Wolfe, al
Quebec, in 1759, 1 shall make but this passing mention.
Tin' peace of 1763, bctwt en England and France, brought
joy to the war-worn inhabitants of the great Northern val-
ley. The hardy settlers, now that all fear of the northern
invader was join-. I. it the banks of the rivers and the pro-
. ii of the forts, and began to push their way into the
the old wilderness, and among them came many
of ,; into the unoccupied \ Rensselaer
ty.
VIII ORIGIN OF \ wh'i.i. DOOD1 i in \MI-.i:i< \
In 1755, England determined to possess herself of Can-
1 itinuous incursions of the French and Indians
into the English colonies were bo annoying, vexatious, and
life and property that the time had nunc
when England must rself of Canada or the colo-
,[■ to 1'r.i
[n It imbie, with about ten
to fifteen tboo I isl Sew York.
i ■ ii. amped on thi casl bank of the
II . iw Albany, al a place called Hel Van
•!■ men! of Phil
town, in • . now i Ireenbush,
impmenl w;i- upon the
land- 1 by VolkcTt
P l> -r.< B i ;. tmin Ak I W \ an B
'. soldiers did
their cooking i lot mm,;, i ma,
vestiges of tlieir encampment, and discernible as late as
the war of 181 2, on the grounds of John I. Van Rens-
selacr, Esq.
II. iv th,. English tinny was joined by the sixteen colo-
nial regiments. Early in June the four Connecticut regi-
ments arrived, under command of Col. Thomas Fitch, the
bod of Governor Thomas Fitch, of that colony. All the
colonial troops were placed under Col. Fitch as senior
colonel.
It was of the Connecticut four regiments that Yankee
Poodle was composed. Their dress, marching, accoutre-
ments, and general appearance greatly amused the officers
of the English army, as well as the citizens of Albany.
An Albany newspaper wrote of the new-comers that "Some
wore long coats, some wore short coats, and others were
with no coats at all. Their dresses were as varied in colors
as the rainbow. Some of the men had their hair cropped
like Cromwell's Roundheads; others were in wigs or wore
curls in the style of the Cavaliers!" Dr. Sliaekburg, at-
tached to the English army, in derision of these motley-
arrayed Connecticut regiments, composed the first four
verses of the now world-wide famous song, and called it
" Yankee Doodle." The music was not original with
Sliaekburg. but was an adaptation from a song composed
upon a noted lady in the reign of Charles I., in England,
preserved in nursery rhyme:
" Lucy Locket lost her pocket,
Kitty Fisher found ii ;
Nothing in it. nothing in it.
Hut the binding round it."
It is supposed to have been written to satirize Cromwell,
and tirst appeared in his time, beginning:
" Yankee Doodle came to town
Upon a Kentish pony ;
It.- -luck a feather in his hat,
And called him Moccaroni !"
So many additions and variations to the song have been
made that it is difficult to trace Shackhurg's composition.
The following verses, with others, have been in use for a
century :
" Father and I went down to camp,
irith t laptain Gooding,
And there we see the men and boys,
hick ns hast; pudding.
■■ Chorua. — Yankoe Doodle, keep it op,
Yankee Doodle, dandy :
.Mind the niu-ic and t lie step,
And wiih the i:irls bo handy.
"" \ii'l Hi- n n thousand men,
As n David ;
And wlial they «a*l«-.| every day,
I irish n could be saved.
Yankee I lie, eto.
'• And Captain David had a gun,
II it clapt his hand on 't,
And stack a orooked stabbing
i pon the little end on 't.
Yank. <- Doodle, etc.
" And there I see a pumpkin-shell
As big as mother's basin,
BIJ lim<- they touched it 'iflT,
Th. ■ i like the nation.
-. —Yankee Doo Hi
WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.
35
" I soe a little Itimvl, too,
The heads wore made of Leather ;
They kdook'd u] 't with little oluba.
Ami called the folks together.
Ohorua. — Yankee Doodle, etc
" Flaming rihbona in the Cap'n's hat,
They looked so tarring fine ah,
I wanted pooklly t<> get,
To give i y Jemimah.
I'ltnrtm. — Yankee Doodlo, eto.
" But I can't tell yon half I soe,
They kept up snob :t smother,
So I took m v hat off, made a bow,
And soampered home to mother.
Ohorua. — Yankee Doodle, etc."
Shackburg's song answered the purpose of casting ridi-
cule upon the Connecticut troops, to the great merriment
of the English army, as well as the New York and New
Jersey provincials. The joke took ; the Connecticut troops
called it " Nation fine," and in a few days Yankee Doodle
was the popular air in the provincial camp.
Justice is slow but sure ; the mills of the gods grind
slow, but they grind very fine. Little did the English
doctor know what he was doing, or that he was passing
his name down in history to the latest generations ; he
wrote better than he thought! Nor did the English officers
suppose that the simple song, composed for the purpose of
levity, ridicule, and derision, was destined for all time, aud
that it would become known and sung in every civilized
land.
Yankee Doodle was adopted as the hymn of freedom at
Saratoga. Upon the surrender of Burgoyne, 17th October,
1777, after the British troops had stacked their arms, they
passed through the lines of the American army. As our
victorious host did not feel like insulting a fallen foe, it was
suggested that a lively tune be played for their consolation,
and, by common consent, the melodious Yankee Doodle was
■ given by the whole American lines, while the rank and file
of the British were passing between them.
CHAPTER IX.
WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.*
I.— THE HESSIANS.
An idea prevails that the memorable conflict which took
place on Aug. 16, 1777, between the British and Germans
on the one side, and the American forces on the other, was
fought at Beunington, in the State of Vermont, for the
reason that the conflict is generally known in history as
" the battle of Bennington." Not only is this idea erro-
neous, but it is directly contrary to the fact. The battle of
Bennington was not only not fought in Bennington, but it
, was not even fought within the boundaries of the State of
Vermont. All the fighting was done in Hoosick, a town in
Rensselaer County, in the State of New York. For this
reason, an account of this important affair finds, most prop-
erly, a place in this volume. In the historical statements
which follow is embraced a presentation of the events which
* By Benjamin H. Hall.
preceded and were connected with the battle "I' Benning-
ton, and which gave i" the Kiii].- summer of 1777 a | kj
tion of renown in the period recognized as the wai of the
Revolution.
For many years the people of the United States have
been engaged in studying the history of that eventful
period daring which thirteen of the richest of the depend
encies of Great Britain, having failed to secure from that
kingdom by peaceful measures such an acknowledgment of
their position as (hey deei I was their right, resolved to
shake off the trammels that fettered both their thought and
their action, and found a government based upon the will
of the people as the highest law. An examination of the
history of nations reveals the fact that a thoughtful and
intelligent people who are oppressed will, when they have
once escaped from their grievances, endeavor to avoid the
particular evils which before have given them annoyance.
Such has been the ease with the American people ; and
although, owing to the fact that this country has become an
asylum for the distressed and persecuted of all nations, a
license of conduct has been introduced which is the abuse
of true liberty, yet the evils from which our fathers
suffered, as subjects of Great Britain, have never been re-
peated by our own government towards any of its free-born
millions.
THE POSITION OP VERMONT.
In reviewing the different acts and scenes in the drama of
the American Revolution, the position of Vermont demands
our attention. During the whole of that dark period this
position was anomalous. At the outset, Vermont was
known only as the " New Hampshire Grants," aud its terri-
tory, theretofore claimed as a part of several provinces, was
inhabited by a set of meu who could not brook even the
semblance of power in those in whom they did not recog-
nize power as rightly existing. It was not until 1777 that
the name Vermont was adopted as designating the " New
Hampshire Grants," and that Vermont came forth as au
independent State, with a government of its own. Yet
from the beginning of the year 1775, down to the 16th of
August, 1777, the people of that territory were as true to
the cause of the uuited colonies as they would have been
had they been recognized as one of those colouies and
honored with representation in the American Congress.
THE WESTMINSTER MASSACRE.
Very early in the history of Revolutionary events did the
patriotism of Vermont become apparent, and, as if to sig-
nalize this feeling on two most marked occasions, did the
valor of its heroes inspire the public mind with confidence
to repel the attacks of the enemies of American freedom
and herald the approach of scenes of the highest impor-
tance. One of these occasions was that which has passed
into history as the " Westminster Massacre," and its main
incidents are these. Previous to the year 1775 the courts
had, in many parts of the country, become the instru-
ments of oppression, and to such au extent had this
spirit been carried that many persons were imprisoned
contrary to the laws of the provinces and the statutes of the
crown. The New Hampshire Giants, then in great part
under the jurisdiction of the colouial government of New
36
BISTORT? OF RENSSELAEB COUNTY, SEW YORK.
York, were do exception to the role. A county court bad
been appointed t" be held ;it Westminster, a pleasant vil-
within the New Bam] Bhiro Grants," on the Conneo-
t'u'iii River, on the 14th of March, 177.Y The "mob," as
the Whigs were called, to the number of about a hundn d,
entered the court-house late in the afternoon of the 13th of
M rch, ITT.'i. "with :i determination to Btay there until
the next morning, that they might present their grievances
t.. the judges :ii an early hour, and endeavor to dissuade
them from holding court." One of the judges soon after
made his appearance, and stated to the Whigs thai tEe
• would on the next day assemble and hear what those
who were aggrieved mi-^lii wish to offer. Thereupon a
memorandum was made of the subjects in regard t" which
redress was to be sought, and the Whigs dispersed, I
ing, however, .1 guard in the court-house i" give notice in
: 1 1 ■ :it t :n-k should 1"- made in the night. Taking ad-
vantogc of this decrease of numbers, the sheriff, with ;i
burg ' armed Tories, at about eleven o'clock at
night, demanded entrance t" the court-house in His Moj-
- name. Entrance was, however, refused. Thereupon
the doors were forced; the Whigs, who were only armed
with sticks, were tired upon and soon vanquished. Si
of them escaped by a Bide passage; seven were made pris-
inii r- ami ten were wounded, twoof them mortally. Wil-
liam French, one of the latter, died the same night The
other, Daniel Boughton, survived only nine days. Both
were buried in the old graveyard at Westminster. Not
only was William French the proto-inartyr of American
independence, but the conflict in which be and others bore
-.. important a part, being blaz .1 in the gazettes of New
Jfoi 1 1 1 • 1 Salem, served :i< a beacon to guide the
of the patriots of the land t" the fields of Lexington
and Concord, which were soon to be ensanguined by no
purer or more patriotic blood than that which had flowed
from the vein- of those who died on the plains of W
lnin-t. r.
VERMONT IN THE RBVOLI TION.
did Vermont become conspicuous as actor in
another conflict,— a conflict famous as the prophet and pre-
■r "f magnificent victory. This second occasion was
the battle of Bennington, which, by it- successful issue,
nerved tl f Americans anew fur thi con-
fi rated Burgoyne in bis forebodings as to the result of his
, and led by a path and as direct
non ball t" the conflict at S
i-i\e battles "I the
world. Meanwhile, within her borders had 1 n fought
quinary battle at Bubbardton, in which the
ider Wamer met, with the greatest ob-
■tin ir.vje. the flower of the British army.
TIIK QAHPAIOM "t 1777
The plan of tin British in America for the
1771 tded rominenl feature the .tI-
van I ;. the way of the laki a
mi i which, being
as i- i it would : pulation "t the
, ■ 1 1 ry through which the araij i . should I
way down the Hud-. n as far, if j
while at the same time the army of Sir Henry Clinton,
then blockaded in New York, should break through the
lines, advance up the Hudson, and join, at Albany or at any
Other point deemed practicable, the force from Canada under
Burgoyne. By this means it was hoped that, while a free
communication would thus be opened between New York
and Canada, all communication would be cut off between the
northern and southern colonies, and that, each of theiu being
left to its own means of defi nsc without the possibility of
co-operation, and attacked by superior numbers, would be
reduced to submission. In order to make this desired junc-
tion in. in easy, and for the purpose of distracting the atten-
tion of the Americans, Lieut. -Col. St. Leger, with about
two hundred British, a regiment of New York loyalists
raised and commanded by Sir John Johnson, and a largo
lio.lv of Indians, was to ascend the St. Lawrence to Lake
Ontario, and from that quarter was to penetrate towards
Albany by the way of the Mohawk lliver.
The campaign thus planned had been determined upon
after long-considered and mature deliberation, and the ulti-
inaie failure of the campaign so carefully designed was more
significant of the power of the Americans and the weakness
of the British than any event that had preceded it. The
battle-summer of 1777 has ever since been regarded as the
season during which the destiny of the United States as a
jurisdiction independent of Great Britain was definitely
settled, a- the season when the power of England in this
country received the shock from which recovery was impos-
sible,
TI1F. TEItM '• HESSIAN."
But fully to understand the import of the events of this
battle-summer of 1777. an examination of the antecedent
circumstances which had aided in bringing together a cer-
tain portion of the army of Great Britain in America must
not 1 mined. For the last century the word " Hessian''
lias been used in this country , — first, to signify a mean-spir-
ited man who for money hires himself to do the dirty work
of another, and, generally, as an epithet of opprobrium.
The word, with these meanings, was never recognized until
after the defeat of Burgoyne. at Saratoga; and the peculiar
infamy which since then has attached to it is derived from
the supposed voluntary employment of the Hessian soldicij
by Great Britain against the Americans. That there was
no such voluntary employment is historically true, and the
reproach which has so long been connected with the won!
II ssinn in this country is as undeserved as it is unfounded.
The Hessian soldiery had no more option in their employ-
ment to light against Americans than had the negroes of
the South, who were brought in slave-ships to this country,
in working as .-laves for their masti rs in the cotton-fields of
South Carolina A- men, the Hessians were honest, indu*
trious, and peculiarly domestic in their tastes and lives, aod
many, if not all of them, would gladly have given half the]
w. re worth, or years of labor, could they have been permitted
to remain in their fatherland and follow their humble avo
cation- in obscurity or serve their country in their own
arm i
ENGLISH TREATIES FOR BES8IAN si K. tiers.
T I md belong the disgrace and infamy of enticing
the rulers of thi sc men, by large subsidies, to compel their
WAR OF THE REVOLUTION
Bubjects in fighl the wars of Great Britain ; ili;ii ibis state
incut is correct an examination of the Tails will make ap-
parent. On the 10th 'lay of February, 177(1, Lord Wcy-
mouth laid before the House of Lords, — first, a treaty with
ili' hereditary prince of Hesse Darmstadt, dated .Ian. 5,
1770; second, a treaty between His Majesty George [II., of
England, ami the I hike of Brunswick, dated Jan. 'J, 1770;
and third, a treaty with the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel,
dated Jan. 15, 177(i, for the hire of troops lor the Amer-
ican service to the number of seventeen thousand three
hundred men. The same treaties were laid before tin- House
of ( 'ominous on the 29th of February of the same year.
Lord North moved to refer them to the committee ol' sup-
lily. The motion instantly led to a most, vehement debate.
The chief arguments used by ministers to excuse or justify
this hiring of foreign mercenaries were, — that there was no
possibility of raising, in time, a sufficient number of men at
home; that, even if native forces could have been raised, it
was not to be expected that raw and undisciplined troops could
answer the purpose so well as tried, experienced veterans;
that it would be a terrible loss to withdraw so many hands
from the manufactures and husbandry of the country ; that
the expense with native troops would not end with the war,
but would leave the nation saddled with the lasting encum-
brance of half-pay for nearly thirty battalions; that foreign
troops would cost much less for their maintenance than
English troops; and that there was no novelty in such
hiring, as the king had at all times been under the neces-
sity of employing foreigners in the wars of the realm.
ENGLISH OPPOSITION TO THE TREATIES.
To these statements the Opposition replied that England
was degrading herself by applying to the petty princes of
Germany for succor against her own subjects, and reprobated
in the strongest terms the practice of letting out to hire
men who had nothing to do with the quarrel in question.
Lord [rnhara, in opposing the measures, quoted Don Qui-
xote with some humor and effect, and ended with a compli-
ment to the American people. " I shall say little," observed
his Lordship, " as to the feelings of these princes who can
sell their subjects for such purposes. We have read of the
humorist Saneho's wish, — that, if he were a prince, all his
subjects should be blackamoors, as he could, by the sale of
them, easily turn them into ready money ; but that wish,
however it may appear ridiculous and unbecoming a sover-
eign, is much more innocent than a prince's availing him-
self of his vassals for the purpose of sacrificing them in
such a destructive war, where he has the additional crime
of making them destroy much better and nobler beings
than themselves."
It was also urged by the Opposition that these German
soldiers, as soon as they should find themselves in a land
of liberty, would join the banner of independence and fight
against England, and that they would be specially inclined
to such a course from the fact that already more than oue
hundred and fifty thousand of their countrymen had emi-
grated to the New World and were making common cause
with the Anglo-Americans. It was maintained that these
German veterans, " who considered the camp their home
and country," would be less inclined to desert than raw
English l.vies. Lord North, who reverenced too highly
German tactics ami discipline, declared thai a numerous
body of the very best soldier) in Europe, inspired onl) with
military maxims ami ideas, ion well disciplined in be disor-
derly anil cruel, and too martial to I"- kepi back by any false
limits, could not fail of bringing matters in a speedy eon-
elusion. Others, more Banguine even than be, were "1
opinion thai these Hrunswickers ami Hessians would have
little more to do than to show themselves on the American
Continent, when instantly the rebellion would cease and
quiet be restored to the land, as Virgil tells us the tempest
ceased to beat and the storms subsided when Neptune,
rising from the waves, bade the winds retire to their re-
Cesses. In closing the debate, Aid. Bull, who subsequently
became conspicuous as the friend of Lord (lenpje Guidon
in the " No Popery" riots, spoke as follows : " The war
you are now waging is an unjust one; it is founded in op-
pression, and its end will be distress and disgrace. Let not
the historian be obliged to say that the Russian and the
German slave were hired to subdue the sons of Englishmen
and of freedom, and that, in the reign of a prince of the
house of Brunswick, every infamous attempt was made to
extinguish that spirit which brought his ancestors to the
throne, and, in spite of treachery and rebellion, seated them
firmly upon it." In this debate not much stress was laid
upon that " laudable national feeling" which, in former
times and since, led Englishmen to " prize British valor
above that of other nations," and to exalt the deeds of
British infantry in all ages. The treaties were, by a large
majority, referred to the committee of supply, who, on the
4th of March following, reported favorably upon them.
CONTINUANCE OF THE DEBATES AS TO THE HESSIANS.
Discussion then arose afresh, and in the House of Lords
the whole strength of the Opposition was arrayed against
the treaties and against the principle of hiring mercenaries
to fight the battles of the realm. The Duke of Richmond
moved an address to countermand the march of the foreign
troops and to suspend hostilities altogether. In a speech
in which he criticised with the utmost severity every para-
graph of the treaties, he stated that ever since the year
1702 the German princes had been rising in their demands,
until now the present bargain far outstripped all other bar-
gains, and would cost the nation not less than a million and
a half of pounds sterling a year for the services of these
seventeen thousand three hundred mercenaries. As to the
influence, whether for good or for evil, that pervaded the
councils of the realm in respect to these treaties, he declared
that it proceeded from the determined character of the
king himself.
VIEWS OF THE EARL OF COVENTRY.
But of all the Opposition, — among whom were Chatham
and Burke, earnest advocates of the most conciliatory nil in-
ures,— one noble lord, the Earl of Coventry, alone took the
right philosophical view of the whole question in maintain-
ing that " an immediate recognition of the independence of
the united provinces was preferable to war." In advocating
this theorem, his sagacious language was as follows : '• Look
on the map of the globe, view Great Britain and North
>
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COl'NTY, NEW YORK.
America, compare their extent, consider the soil, riches,
climate, and increasing population of the latter. Nothing
bul themosl obstinate blindness and partiality can engender
a Berions opinion thai Buch a country will long continue un-
der subjection to this. The question i- cot, therefore, how
wo shall be able to realise a vain delusive scheu f do-
mioion, but how we shall make it the interest of the Ameri-
cana to continue faithful allies and warm friends. Surely
that can never bo effected bj Beets and armies. Instead of
meditating o inquest and exhausting < >n r own strength in an
ineffectual Btrugglc, we should, wisely abandoning wild
Bohemea of coercion, avail ourselves of this only substantial
benefit we can ever expect, the profits of an extensive com-
merce, and the >t r- >n ^ support of a firm and friendly alliance
and compact for mutual defense and assistance."
TIIK TREATIES FOB T11K HESSIANS RATIFIED.
Rut in vain were philosophy, eloquence, national pride,
ippeal tn kingly honor, mercy, "i- peace. The report of
tl tnmitt n the treaties was approved a- were all
measures wh — object was to i too the Americans l>y what
Burke called " that vast and invincible majority ;" and < Ireat
Britain was compelled by necasity to accept the very terms
which tli" German princes bad themselves prescribed in
drafting these treaties, 1 1 > « • only change proposed being em-
1. died in an addre-.- to His Majesty made by Col. Barre,
desiring him t>. use bis interest that the German troops in
Rriti-li pay. then and thereafter, might be clothed with the
manufactures of Great Britain. By the conditions of the
treaties n n pounds ten shillings levy money was
; for every man. and the princes who hired out the limbs,
i. and lives of their subjects, in a fouler manner than
men t.irin out their slaves, and with none of the humanity
that characterises the dealings of those who keep beasts of
draught or of burden for hire, took especial care, while
driving a very hard bargain with (ireat Britain, to reap the
let pan of the profits thereof iii their own subsidies.
1 1 1 . -. of Brunswick, who supplied 4084 men, was
D annual suh-idy of £15,619,80 long BS thetroops
and double that Bum. or i':!l. oils, for
each of the two year- following their dismissal. To the
Lin. il I who furnished 1 J.<" 'i ' men.
10,281 per annum during the service of the
to be continued until the
F the discontinuani f
su. ! which ii"' i ved until after
hi* troops should all be relumed to his dominion-. To the
hereditary prinot ol II- Darmstadt, who furnished
in. ii wi rabsidy of £6000, and l»-i lea
all (hi-, the Kin:: of Kngl.m I I the dominion
A little later the
1'rioce of Waldcck, wh furnish 670 men. made
the bargains made
in I'.ki nit FRIEND ••> \Mi ill' I
'hi* employment uf foreign li
lino 'ii'iit during il ntin-
uance of the w»r. I i an influence on both -i i
ih. Atlantic In * letti 1 on the
affairs of America, published in April, 1777, Edmund
Burke, referring to those who were in the habit of peti-
tioning the kim_' to prosecute the war against America with
vigor, made use of this language: "There are many cir-
cumstances in the zeal shown for civil war which seem to
discover but little of real magnanimity. The addressers
offer their own persons, and they are satisfied with hiring
Germans. They promise their private fortunes, and they
mortgage their country. They have all the merit of vol-
unteers, without ri.-k of person or charge of contribution;
and when the unfeeling arm of a foreign soldiery pours out
their kindred blood like water, they exult and triumph as
if they themselves had performed some notable exploit."
In the Bame letter he also observed as follows: " It is not
instantly that I can be brought to rejoice when I hear of
the slaughter and captivity of long list- of those names
which have been familiar to nry ears from my infancy,
and to rejoice that they have fallen under the sword of
strangers whose barbarous appellations I scarcely know
how to pronounce. The glory acquired at the White
Plains by Colonel Rahl has no charms for uie, and I fairly
acknowledge that I have not yet learned to delight in find-
ing Knyphausen in the heart of the British doniinious."
THE ELDER PITT AS THE FRIEND OF AMERICA.
On the 30th of May. 1777. Lord Chatham entered the
House of Lords wrapped in flannel and bearing a crutch in
each baud. Sitting in his place, with his head covered, he
delivered a powerful speech in support of his motion for an
address to His Majesty, requesting him to put an end to
hostilities against America. In the course of bis remarks
he said: 'What has been the system pursued by the ad-
ministration, and what have been the means takeu for car-
rying it into execution ? Your system litis been a govern-
ing ut erected on the ruins of the constitution and founded
in conquest, and you have swept all Germany of its refuse as
its means. There is not a petty, insignificant prince whom
you have not solicited for aid. You are become the sui
at every German court, and you have your ministers en-
rolled in the German chancery as the contracting parties
in behalf of this once great and glorious country. The
laurels of Britain are faded, her arms are disgraced, her
negotiation- are spurned at, and her councils fallen into
contempt. My lords, yon have vainly tried to conquer
America by the aid of German mercenaries, by the anus
of twenty thousand undisciplined German 1 rs, gleaned
and collected from every obscure corner of that country.
You have subsidized their master.-. You have lavished the
public treasures on them. And what have you effected?
Nothing, my lords, but forcing the colonics to declare
thein-lve.- independent Slates."
R] t BR1 N( E TO nil BESS! VNS in THE DECLARATION.
Among the charge- brought against George III in the
Declaration of Indcpcndei was the following: "lie is
this time transporting large armies of foreign met
naries to complete the work of death, desolation, and tyr-
anny already begun with circumstances of cruelty and |>er-
fidy scarcely paralleled in the si barbarous ages, and
totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation."
W \i; OP THE REVOLUTION.
:io
REPROBATION OF THE GREAT FREDERICK.
Nor was the employment of Hessian troops regarded
with favor by those from whom approbation mi^lii have
been expected. Frederick the Great, who, although pos
sessing but little community of political sentiment with,
was still friendly to, the American people, signalized Ins
dislike of liritish policy in hiring Hessian troops to serve
across the Atlantic by levying the same toll per head upon
the recruits which passed through his dominions as was
charged upon " bought-and-sold cattle." To Englishmen
belong the terrible infamy and disgrace of hiring mem-
bers of an alien race to slaughter men as noble as them-
selves, speaking the same language, and related to them by
ties of consanguinity, friendship, and commerce. But to
the Landgraves of llesse-Cassel and Hesse-Darmstadt, and
to the Duke of Brunswick attach a deeper infamy and a
disgrace more damnable for the manner in which they ob-
tained possession of the persons of their miserable subjects.
Not daring to inform them that they were to be employed
in a foreign service, their brutal masters seized them as
they knelt in worship in their churches on the day espe-
cially sacred to God, or caught them as they strove to leave
the sacred edifices, and, binding them in coffles, without
permitting them to bid adieu to wife or children, tore them
from home and friends and sent them to a foreign land
which to many of them was to be their grave. Such were
the foreigners to whom we, in our shortsightedness, have
attached all the brutality and fiendishness which obtained
in the character of England's king, and which grew rank
and foul in the lives and acts of the German princes.
Late though it be to do justice to these unfortunate men,
let us endeavor to divest the name of Hessian of the in-
dignities with which we have surrounded it, and retain our
memory of hatred only for those embodiments of human
demonism who forced their subjects to lift unwilling hands
against men whom these subjects would have gladly pro-
tected.
DENUNCIATION BY SCHILLER.
In the powerful drama of Schiller, called " Love" and
Intrigue,"— or " Love and Cabal," as some translate the title,
— occurs a dialogue in the second scene of the second act
which emphasizes with terrible point the conduct of the
German princes in supplying soldiers for the king of Great
Britain. The valet of the prince, in the extract from the
play containing the dialogue referred to, is introduced as
about presenting a casket of jewels from the prince to his
mistress, Lady Milford. The extract is as follows :
Valet.— His Serene Highness begs your ladyship's acceptance of
these jewels as a nuptial present. They have just arrived from Venice.
Lady M. (opens the casket and starts back in astonishment).— What
diil these jewels cost the duke?
Valet.— Nothing!
Lady M.— Nothing ! Are you beside yourself? {retreating a step or
'""). Old man ! you fix on me a look as though you would pierce me
through. Did you say these precious jewels cost nothing ?
Valet.— Yesterday seven thousand children of the land left their
homes to go to America: they pay for all.
Lady M. («ei« the casket suddenly down and pace, up and down the
•' "-'''''' " >■"<">•; to "'<: valet).— What distresses you, old man?
lou are weeping!
Vai.kt (wiping /„■„ eyM alld „.,,„,,,,„,, Bio/enrty).— Tes, for these
jewels; my two sons are among the number.
1. 1 in M. But they ii, 1,1 I,,, i bj compul
V alet (laughing bitterly). Oh dear no! Ihey were all volnntoct !
There were certainly aom< fow forward lads, who poshed to tin -
of i In' m uk- iin, I inquired ,,i il olonel at what price the prim
hi* Bobjeote per yoke, upon whioh our grocioue rulei ordi red tbi
minis in In, marched i" the parade mid tin- malcontentt i" I"- shot.
Wo heard tbi' report of the muskets n,,l Fftw brains and bl I
ing about us, while the whole band snooted " Hurrah foi Amcrii
Lady M. — And I heard nothing of all this — saw nothing!
\ M i r. —No, most graoioue holy ! because yon rode off to tl
hunt with His Highness just at the moment thoTlrum was healing for
the march. 'Tie a pity your ladyship missed the pleasure of the tight.
Here, crying children might be seen following their wretched fathei
— there a mother distracted with grief was rnshiog forward to throw
her tender infant among the bristling bayonets— here, a bride and
bridegroom wore separated with the sabre's stroke— and there gray-
beards were seen to stand in despair and to fling their very crutches
after their suns into the \. -w World— and in the midst of all this, the
drums were beating loudly, that the prayers and lamentations might
not reach the Almighty ear.
LADY M. (rising in violent emotion). — Away with these jewels!
Their rays pierce my bosom like the flames of hell. Moderate your
grief, old man. Your children shall be restored to you. You shall
again clasp them to your bosom.
Valet (with warmth). — Yes, heaven knows ! We shall meet again '
As they passed tho city gates they turned round and cried aloud .
" God bless our wives and children ! — long life to our gracious sover-
eign ! At the day of judgment we shall all meet again."
Coleridge's views.
In one of his essays in " The Friend," Coleridge refers
to a conversation he once had with the landlord of a small
public-house in Germany, who was one of the men who
had been sold by his prince for service in America, and
who gave him the particulars of the seizure of the troops.
" His account of the manner in which they were forced
away," observes Coleridge, " accorded in so many particu-
lars with Schiller's impassioned description of the same or
a similar scene, in his tragedy of ' Cabal and Love,' as to
leave a perfect conviction on my mind that the dramatic
pathos of that description was not greater than its historic
fidelity."
WHO COMPOSED THE HESSIANS.
With help such as this did King George and the British
ministry decree that the British arms should triumph in
America. The embarkation of the first division of Bruns-
wick troops was completed at Stade on Sunday, March 17,
1776. These were the troops destined for Canada, and in
the subsequent year a portion of them was to suffer defeat
at Bennington, and later on all that remained were to sur-
render to Gates at Saratoga. They were UDder the com-
mand of Maj.-Gen. Friedrich Adolph Biedesel, a man
whose bravery and honor were equaled only by the de-
voted attention which he lavished on his wife and children,
and which he manifested in every thoughtful mode towards
his soldiers, who loved him as a father. The Brunswickers
were in number about four thousand, and consisted of the
following regiments: First, a regiment of (dismounted)
dragoons, under Lieut.-Col. Friedrich Baurn ; second,
Prince Frederic's regiment of infantry, commanded by
Lieut.-Col. Christian Julius Priitorius ; third, Rhetz's
regiment of infantry, under the command of Lieut.-Col.
Johann Gustav Von Ehrenkrock ; fourth, Riedesel's former
regiment of infantry, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Ernst
Ludewig Wilhclm Von Speth ; fifth, a regiment of iu-
I"
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
fanirv under the command of Col. Johann Friedrich
lit; sixth, a grenadier regimen) commanded by Lieut. -
C Hcinrich Christoph Breymann; seventh, a rifli -I
meal under the command of Maj. Ferdinand Albrechl
\ n Barner. On the 1th of April they sailed in thirty
Spithead for America, under > voy of two
men-of-war, and were followed the next day by Gen. Bur-
e -i ii« I Col. Phillips, In the latter par) of May the
troops arrived at Quebec, and Burgoync and Phillips
:.•.! the same place at about the same ii During
the summer and fall tin- Brunswickcrs .-aw bul little ser-
.in.l about tin- 1-t of November wen) into winter-
quarters in and around Three Rivers, their territory ex-
tending a.- far down as Cbambly, on the western side of
Lake St. Pierre, and between th - l rrencc ami the
lieu.
THE COMMAND 1.8SIONED B1 ROOYNE.
Meantime, ami about the 26th of October, Gen. Bur-
• •'1 for England, where he arrived on the Pith of
1' it. During lii- absence in America, and on the
tirsi 3 oiber, In- had been appointed lieutenant-gen-
eral, tin- appointment having 1 n made preparatory t" bis
a-- in-.' tin- command of tin- northern expedition already
alluded to. In Parliament, several years before, he had
ivcred Id- opinion of and disposition towards the
Americans in a speed the motion for the repeal of the
ad imposing a duty on t<-a. On thai occasion he bad de-
■I thai Anniica had been spoiled by too lunch indul-
gence; thai the idea of the independence of that country
no) t" I"- tolerated, and thai he was ready to resist
then and contend at any future time against such inde-
I ■ i i The future bad do w come; and as the senti-
its of biin who bad appealed to that future had not
changed, an opportunity was now afforded him t" carry
into execution tli sentiments, t" win victory for the
British empire and fur himself the fame of a conqueror-
man.
in mi..) \t.'- plans.
Burg • lined in England until the 27th of March,
1777 n which day he lefl I. Ion«for Canada, arriving in
ol XI i\ following. Sir liny Carleton
iiiiin - it under bis command the troops destined
ion, and committed t" his management the
mcnl [n a papei drawn up by Bur-
li parture from England, and
■ 28, 1777, entitled, "Thoughts for Conducting
A ir from tb" S Can ida," he bad I out
the • amp ii_-ii wlm h hi
nnd . 1 have been based only upon an
iniin intnnce with the topography of the country
and a determination to adhere to the one object which he
in % low. This "b; inin ii"ii with
G i I 9ii Henry Clinton
tar ■ -b<- communi-
cation to '■ main upon the Hudson II i v • r
Howe or < i ith his wind,- i
I i the formation
1 iwn
poii ■ bt fmm i I of the n
important operations of the campaign, because, as be rea-
i. •• ii i- upon thai which most of the rest will depend."
The conveyance of them was to be by boats thai eould be
used with oar.-, which could also be utilized for land-car-
riage at carrying-places. The other important points were
the securing of the navigation of Lake Champlain; the taking
possessi I Crown Point ; tlie reduction of Ticonderoga,
— "early in the summer," if possible, — and the removal
then- of arm-- from Crown Point; the immediate possession
of Lake George as the most i imodious route to Albany.
or, if this should not be possible, then a passage to Albany
by South I'ay and Skeiioshomngh or Whitehall. Should
an immediate junction with Clinton become impracticable,
his proposition then was to employ the Canada army (sup-
posing it, of course, to be in possession of Ticonderoga) to
gain the Connecticut River. Another plan, which was also
deemed of the utmost importance, was at the outset to send
an expedition, to be commanded by St. Leger, by the way
of Lake Ontario and Oswego to the Mohawk River, and
thence down the Mohawk to its junction with the Hudson
River. Although this latter expedition was attempted in
accordance with the plans of Burgoyne and although its
failure gave a great blow to the anticipated success of Iiur-
ae and enlivened with bounding hope the desponding
spirits of the Americans, yet it is not proposed in this nar-
rative to detail the events of this separate campaign on
the Mohawk. This account will be confined mainly to a
record of acts during the battle-summer of 1777. done
north of the mouth of the Mohawk River, and on either
hank of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain, and in
the adjacent territory.
THE ADVANCE FROM CANADA.
(hi the 12th of May. 1777, Burgoyne proceeded to
Montreal, and on the 1 Ith of the same month be was at
Quebec, and on the 10th of the same month he was again
at Montreal. Unavoidable disappointments, the difhcultii -
occasioned by bad weather which rendered the toads almost
impassable at the carrying places, and consequently the
j. of the bateaux, artillery, ami baggage exceedingly
slow, together with contrary winds, greatly detai 1 him
in his first movements, and it was not until between the
17ih and 20th of. Tune that the British army assembled at
Cumberland Point upon Lake Champlain. On the latter
of these two days, the general's headquarters being at Sandy
Bluff, he took occasion to express to bis troops his confi'
dence in their ability, and declared thai " they could not
ted more to his satisfaction." He then
forth his general order-, drawn in perspicuous terms and
filled with soldierly and sensible directions. The parol,- on
thi* day was " St. Peti r's," and th luntersign " Flon
ami il is a noticeable fact that from that day forward until
the I6tb of October, the lasl day in which he had an aimy
to command, he always selected the name of some saint lor
the parol.-, ami the name of a city, village, or town for (he
countersign. The parole on the 16th day of October was
Cambridge."
ADDBl SB I" THE INDIANS.
On the 21st of June he held a conference with tie
quoit. Algonquin, [benaquit and Ottawa Indians, in all
w \u OF THE REVOLUTION.
n
about lour hundred. In *-!« m hk-h t language he Btatcd the
object of his mission to them, and in receiving them as
* brothers in the war" he positively forbade I>1 Ished
when they were not opposed in arms; charged them that
(wed men, women, children, and prisoners must be held
snivel from the knili' or hatchet, even in t he time of actual
oonflicl ; promised them compensation for prisoners, but
punishment for scalps, unless the scalps should be those of
the dead when killed by their fire and in fair opposition.
In reply, an old chief of the Iroquois promised, in the name
of all the, nations present, obedience to his wishes, and de-
elared in the tropical style of poetical savagery common to
the Indians of this continent, that their hatchets had been
sharpened on their affections. From June 21st to June
26th, Burgoyne's camp was at the mouth of the river Bou-
quet, where he threw up intrenchments. While, there he
teok occasion to compliment sonic of his corps on haviog
learned "the art of making flour cakes without ovens,
which," he adds, " are equally wholesome and relishing
with the best bread." On the evening of the 25th his
army left their camp at the mouth of the river Bouquet,
under command of Maj.-Gen. Riedesel, and on the day fol-
lowing were quartered at Crown Point, on both sides of
Putnam Creek, where general orders appropriate to the
change in position were issued. The few Americans in
garrison there abandoned the fort and retreated to Ticon-
deroga. The British quietly took possession, and after
establishing magazines and a hospital, and having succeeded
in bringing up the rear of the army and obtaining intelli-
gence of the movements of the Americans, moved forward
Oli the 1st of July.
burgoyne's proclamation.
But before leaving Putnam Creek, Gen. Burgoyne issued
his famous and high-sounding proclamation. In his zeal
for sustaining the cause of his royal master, he made use
of this extraordinary language :
" To the eyes anil ears of the temperate part of the public, and to
the breasts of suffering thousands in the provinces, be the melancholy
appeal whether the pie-cut unnatural rebellion has not been made a
foundation for the completest system of tyranny that ever Go j in his
displeasure suffore I for a time to bo exercised over a frowardand stub-
born generation. Arbitrary imprisonment, confiscation of property,
persecution, and torture unprecedented in the inquisitions of the Ro-
mish Church, are among the palpable enormities which verify the
affirmative. These are inflicted by assemblies and committees who
dare to profess themselves friends to liberty, upon the most quiet sub-
'". without distinction of age or sex, for the sole crime, often for
the sole suspicion, of having adhered in principle to the government
under which they were horn, an 1 to which, by every tie, divine and
human, they owe allegiance. To consummate these shotiking pro-
. the profanation of religion is added to the most profligate
prostitution of cou >n reason; the consciences of men are set at
naught, and multitudes arc cuuri die 1 not only to bear arm-, but alsu
I to swear subjection to an usurpation they abhor."
After exhorting all through whose territory he should
pass to remain loyal, and offering to them employment
should they join him, and solid coin " for every species of
provision at an equitable rate," he concluded as follows :
" [have but to give stretch to the Indian forcjs under my direction —
"id tlicv amount to thousands— to overtake the hardened enemies of
tircat Britain and America — I consider them the same — wherever
thej may lurk.
"If. notwithstanding tho< Icavoi and inoerc inclination to
• Rod them, the frenzj ol lould , I trust 1
aoquitted, in the eyei of Qod nnd man, in denounoin \ I ating
the vengoan ■<• of th tf against the willful outc i <
"Tho me , [got if justici and wrath await tl 11 tho field ; and
devastation, famine, and ©very oonoomitnnf horror that n reluctant
but indispon able i itioi try duly must a i i will
bar I he way tO their lit urn ."
On June 30th, in anticipation of departiug, Burgoyne
addressed his soldiers in the general order- of that day, as
follows:
" The army embark) to-i ow to approach the enemy, v, . :(
contend for I he king and i li istitution of Qreal Britain, to vindi-
cate the law. and to relieve the oppressed, a cause in which His
Majesty's troops and those of the princes, his allies, will feel equal
excitement.
"the services required of this particular expedition arc critical
and conspicuous. During Our progi is ■ > ir in which
no difficulty nor labor nor life are to be regarded. This abuy mist
>'OT RETREAT."
The effect produced by the proclamation was, iu some
quarters, directly contrary to that intended by its author.
In many minds its .statements gave rise to sentiments of
indignation and contempt. Governor Livingston, of New
Jersey, made it an object of general derision by para-
phrasing it in Hudibrastic verse. John Holt, of New
York, an old and respectable printer, published it in his
newspaper at Poughkccpsie with this motto, " Pride goeth
before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fill." In
his " State of the Expedition," published several years later,
Gen. Burgoyne fails to record this ill-judged document.
"It is remarkable," observes Dr. Timothy Dwight, " that
the lour uiost haughty proclamations issued by military
commanders in modern times have prefaced their ruin, —
this of Gen. Burgoyne, that of the Duke of Brunswick
when he was entering Fiance, that of Bonaparte in Egypt,
and that of Gen. Le Clerc at his arrival in St. Domingo."
TICONIJEllOUA AND MOUNT INDEPENDENCE.
On the 1st of July the whole of Burgoyne's army
moved forward and took positions near Ticonderoga. Brig.-
Gen. Frazer's corps occupied a strong post at Three-Mile
Creek, on the west or New York shore of Lake Champlain ;
the German reserve under Riedesel took a position on the
east or Vermont shore, opposite Putnam Creek, while the
main army encamped in two lines, — the right wing at a
place called Four-Mile Point, on the west shore, and the
left wing nearly opposite, on the east shore. The frigates
the '-Royal George" and " Inflexible," with the gunboats,
were anchored just without the reach of the batteries of the
Americans, and covered the lake from the west to the east
shore. Meantime, St. Clair, to whom the command of
Ticonderoga, on the New York shore, and Mount Inde-
pendence, in the town of Orwell, on the Vermont shore,
had been intrusted by Schuyler on the 5th of June, 17T7,
had reached his post on the 12th of that month. Upon
the table land summit of Mount Independence was a star-
fort, strongly picketed, in the centre of which was a con-
venient square of barracks. The fort was well supplied
with artillery, and its approaches guarded with batteries.
The foot of the hill towards Lake Champlain was protect) d
by a breastwork which bad been strengthened by an abatis,
and by a strong battery standing on the shore of the lake
42
HISTORI OF I'.KNSSKLAKK COUNTY. NT.W YORK.
Dear tbe mouth of East Creek. A Boating bridge con-
nected the works of Mount [odependenco with those of
T ii the other side of the lake, and served as
nn obstruction to the passage of vessels up the lake. The
batter? at the foot of Mount Independence covered :in<l
protected the east end of the bridge. The bridge itself
w.i- supported on twenty-two ranken purs, formed of very
limber, the spaces between the piers being Bllcd with
h tboul fifty feel long and twelve feel wide,
strongly fastened together «i<li iron chains and rivets. \
m, made of large pieces of timber, well secured together
by riveted bolts » n tho north Bidoofthe I"
ami I'V the side ol this was a double it"ti chain, the links
one inch ami a half of an inch Bquarc. The
- end of the bridge was covered by the " Grenadier's
redoubt built of earth and stone, which
itructcd by the French and subsequently
. .1 by the English.
On fork ride, al the time of Burgoync's ap-
small detachment of Americans occupied i ho old
h lini - "ii the height to the north of Fort Ticonderoga.
d repair and had Beveral intrench-
meots behind them, chiefly calculated to guard the north-
• flank, and were also sustained by n block-hou
I rther t" the left of the Americans was an outposl al the
mills, now the village of Ticonderoga. There were also
a b upon an eminence above the mills, and a
block-house and hospital al the entrance of Lake George.
I ; n the right of the American lines, and between them
and the old t"> >rt . there were two new block-houses, and the
- Ball - •■ to the water's edge was manned.
HOI M DOPE AM- -i '• LB l ." U UOl MAIN.
Ii of the outlet of Lake George, near the
rises Mounl Hope, an abrupt and rocky eleva-
tion, and especially rugged and precipitous on the nortl
On I ill ride of the mouth of the outlet of Lake
d from Fort Ticonderoga whichissitu-
. north of the outlet . and opposite Mounl Independence,
i- il ol Mounl Di-li.iniv. ilicii known as
.in. which rises abruptly from the water
the height of about seven 1 Ired and fifty feet.
Through tl" vigilati n learned
that St Clair had neglected i" fortify those two important
and command i n-. and. instead of making a direct
assault upon tl of Ticonderoga, he determi 1 t"
Marion i dons.
Tilt POD
Tli' \ nt. of
whi [ndepend the centra. The entire
lin< i up ii and one hundred
But now, when rack, i
1 .i in-, o nsisted of
i»" thon I iitimiitil
• hundred militia. Of the latter not onc-
t.ml the lack "I men, the food,
tmmunition w< re insuffici I
that Bui : an
i by this
belief, had turned their exertions in other directions, and
had lefl the posts on Lake Champlain almost undefended.
The army of Burgoyne, on the contrary, amounted on the
l-i of July to six thousand seven hundred and fort}' men,
Of whom three thousand seven hundred and twenty-four
were British and three thousand and sixteen German
troops. In addition to this there were five hundred and
eleven turn in the artillery service, besides Canadians,
Tories, and Indians.
TUB FIRST SUCCESS.
(In the morning of the 2d the British observed a smoke
in the directi f Lake George, and soon after the In-
dians reported that the Americans had set fire to the farther
block-house and had abandoned the saw-mills, and that a
considerable body was advancing from the lines towards a
hridire upon the road whieh led from the saw-mills towards
the right of the British camp. A detachment of the ad-
vanced corps, under Brig.-Qen. Frazer, with other troops
and some light artillery, under Maj.-Gen. Phillips, were
immediately sent out, with orders to proceed to Mount
Bope, not only to reconnoitre, but to seize any post the
Americans might abandon. The Indians, under Capt.
r. with his company of marksmen, were directed to
make a circuit to the lefl of Brig.-Gen. Frazer's line of
march, and strive to keep the Americans from reaching
their lines, but this undertaking failed by reason of the
impetuosity of the Indians, who made the attack too soon
and in front, thus giving the Americans an opportunity to
return, they having lost, bowever, one officer and a few
men killed and one officer wounded.
ST. CL AIR'S LETTER,
St Clair was an officer of acknowledged bravery, yet he
was far from being an expert and skillful military leader.
His self-reliance and his confidence in the courage of his
men led him often to be less vigilant than necessity de-
maoded. Even with the knowledge of the great disparity
in Dumbi I a his tone and that of the British, and
in spite of the events of the 2d of duly which had already
occurred in his immediate vicinity, he was enabled to write
the following cheerful yel urgent letter to Col. John Wil-
liams, of Salem, then White Creek, Washington Co., to
Col. M * ■ Robinson, of Bennington, and to Col. Seth
Warner :
•• Ticondkhoo v. July 2, 1777.
i ii letter "i i liis
kin \<m happy i" hear thnl tho people turn out bo well,
though it i t more than I ox| ted from them. The onomy have
lying l""kni_' ni ii- i'"i- :i day <-r two, and wo have had n little
■ doat. Bui I beliove thoy will in earnest try what
in -I". perhaps ihi- night. I rather think it i- their intention,
though I in - i ul I . thai ;i- il will, nl all e\ • ni-
l*ii-l» "ii \ • - 1 1 r people «iih the utmoil expedition and lei il nttli
main where they Ordci Col. Lymnns an I Col. Billany t" follow
with all expedition. Everything depend! upon a spirited push, ami
i that tho men here are u determi i m .\<"' '';'"
biy wish them. Wetookaprii ir and have had Hessian do
*r>ro-r« t" da^y, bul 1 have uol yel lime le examine them. It you u n.l
Col. Warner can bring on ?ix hundred mi n. or oven less, I would wish
Ii road I" B ■
ii ai"l he can judge mueh bettoi
than D the old r<.a«l will then turn t" (lie
lefl ami full in upon the new road. Tie a ill distract the
W \i: or TIIK REVOLUTION.
i :
enemy, and induce them to believe thai yoar numbers are treble who!
they really are; and if j attaekod ithc 1 bj iven
number, make direetlj i"i Mount [ndepondenee, and you will Dn I 1
party oul (" Bupporl you, and fall upon the my'e Ranks or front,
us they may happen t" present themselves. II' I had onlj
people hore I would laugh :ii nil the enemy oould do. Bui 'l '
forgel I" have a proper guard for the oattle, nnd then wo run bring
in us we want in spite i»i' them. We will want all the men Hi it we
i-an get for all this. I am, gentlemen, your very humble servon',
•• \. St. Ci mi;.
■•I'm . W'11,11 wis. Col. Robinson, ami Col. W \n\ i n."
This letter, doubtless, had the effect of hastening Forward
the promised aid. Cols. Warner and Robinson reached
Ticonderoga in time to take part in its evacuation, and the
former did gallant service in the battle of Subbardton on
the 7th of July. It is also believed that Col. Williams
reached the fort, but whether with or without a command
is not positively known.
TUE EVACCTATION OF TICONIiEUOUA.
On the night of the 2d, Maj.-Gen. Phillips took posses-
sion of Mount Hope, and by this movement the Americans
were entirely cut off from all communication with Lake
George. On the following day Mount Hope was occupied
in force by Frazer's corps. Maj.-Gen. Phillips now held
the ground west of Mount Hope, and Frazer's camp at
Three-Mile Creek was occupied by a body of men drawn
from the opposite side of the lake. RiedeseFs column was
pushed forward as far as East Creek, on the Vermont side,
from which it could easily stretch behind Mount Inde-
pendence.
" During all these movements the American troops kept
up a warm lire against Mount Hope and against Riedesel's
column, but without effect. On the 4th the British were
employed in bringing up their artillery, tents, baggage, and
provisions, while the Americans, at intervals, continued the
cannonade. The same evening the radeau or raft ' Thun-
derer' arrived from Crown Point with the battering-train.
" The British line now encircled the American works on
the north, east, and west. The possession of Mount Defi-
ance would complete the investment, and effectually control
the water communication in the direction of Skenesborough.
Burgoyne's attention had, from the first, been attracted
towards this eminence, and be had directed Lieut. Twiss,
his chief engineer, to ascertain whether its summit was
accessible. On the 4th, Lieut. Twiss repotted that Mount
Defiance held the eutire command of Ticonderoga and
Mount Independence, at the distance of about fourteen
hundred yards from the former and fifteen hundred yards
from the latter, and that a practicable road could be made
to the summit in twenty-lour hours. On receiving this
report Burgoyne ordered the road opened and a battery
constructed for light twenty-fbur-pouuders, medium twelves,
and eight-inch howitzers. This arduous task was pushed
with such activity that during the succeeding night the
road was completed and eight pieces of cannon were dragged
to the top of the hill.
" Ou the morning of the 5th the summit of Mount De-
fiance glowed with scarlet uniforms, and the guns of its
batteries stood threateningly over the American forts. ' It
is with astonishment,' says Dr. Thatcher, in his' Military
Journal,' ' that we find the enemy have taken possession of
an eminence called Sugar-Loaf Hill or Mount Defiance
which, from its height and proximity, completely overlook*
and commands all our works. Tin- situation of ..or garrison
is viewed as critical and alarming; a few days will di
our fate We have reason in apprehend tin- most fatal
effects from their battery on Sugar- Loaf Hill.' Gen. St.
Clair immediately called a council of war, by whom i'
decided to evacuate the works before Riedesel should block
up the narrow passage .south of East Creek, which, wiih
the lake to Skenesl >ugh, presented the only possible way
of escape."
\v every movement of the Americans could be seen
throughout the day (roni Mount Defiance, no visible prepa-
rations for leaving the fort were made until after dark ou
the evening of the 5th, and the purpose of the council
e sealed from the troops until the' evening order was jiven.
About midnight directions were issued to place the sick and
wounded and the women, the baggage, and such ammunition
and stores as might be expedient, on board two hundred
bateaux, to be dispatched at three o'clock in the morning
under a convoy of five armed galleys and a guard of six
hundred men, under the command of Col. Long of the
N.w Hampshire troops, up the lake to Skenesborough, while
the main body was to proceed by laud to the same destina-
tion by way of Castleton. The cannons that could not be
moved were to be spiked; previous to striking the tents
every light was to be extinguished ; each soldier was to pro-
vide himself with several days' provisions; and, to allay any
suspicions on the part of the enemy of such a movement, a
continued cannonade was to be kept up from one of the
batteries in the direction of Mount Hope until the moment
of departure. These directions as to the mode of leaving
were strictly obeyed, except in one instance.
THE PURSUIT.
'• The boats reached Skenesborough about three o'clock
on the afternoon of the same day, where the fugitives landed
to enjoy, as they fancied, a temporary repose; but in less
than two hours they were startled by the reports of the
cannon of the British gunboats, which were firing at the
galleys lying at the wharf. By uncommon effort and in-
dustry, Burgoyne bad broken through the chain, boom, and
bridge at Ticonderoga, and had followed in pursuit with the
1 Royal George' and ' Inflexible,' and a detachment of the
gunboats under Capt. Carter. The pursuit had been pressed
with such vigor that, at the very moment when the Amer-
icans were landing at Skenesborough, three regiments dis-
embarked at the head of South Bay, with the intention of
occupying the road to Fort Edward. Had Burgoyne delayed
the attack upon the galleys until these regimeuts had reached
the Fort Edward road, the whole party at Skenesborough
would have been taken prisoners. Alarmed, however, by
the approach of the gunboats, the latter blew up three of
the galleys, set fire to the fort, mill, and storehouse, and
retired in great confusion towards Fort Ann. Occasionally
the overburdened party would falter on their retreat, when
the startling cry of ' March on ! the Indians are at our heels.'
would revive their drooping energies and give new strength
to their weakened limbs. At five o'clock in the morning
I they reached Fort Ann, where they were joined by many
-II
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of the invalids who had been Creek in
\ Dumber of the sick, with ibe a i, provisions,
and tnosl of il • were 1< ft behind al Skene Bborougb.
"On tin- Till a Miiiill reinforcement, sent from Fort Ed-
I by Schuyler, annul at Fort Ann. About the sumo
liin. incut of British troops npproached within
■ of the fort. This detachment was attacked from the
fort, and repulsed with surgeon, a wounded
in. and twelve privates were taken prisoners by the
Ami The next daj Fort Ann was burned, and the
garrison retreated (■• Fi rl Edward, which was then occupied
by 'i' n. S< huylcr."
The fati >l 1 1 ; • - remainder of those who left Ticonderoga
■ ur attention. Although every precaution
Idi 11 was ihe departure arid bo
>ln-tt the notice that much confusion ensued. The garrison
the bridge t" Blount [ndependi nee
at al ck in the morning, the enemy Ml the
w i i ' • on their prey. " The moon
rightly, yet her pale light was insufficient to
bet raj the toiling Americana in their preparations and flight,
and they felt certain that, before daylight should discover
tin ir withdrawal, they wonld be t< 10 far ndvanced to invite
pursuit." Bui <;■ 11 De Fermoy, a French officer, who
Mi nut Independence, regardless of ex]
■ fire to the house be had occupied, us his troops
Uft to join in the retreat with those who had passed over
from Tin light of the conflagration revealed
- of (In British, and
throughout ilnir ext< ihIi '1 camp sounded the notes of prep-
aration Ibr hot and determined pursuit.
TI1K n.KillT OF ST. CLAIR.
on Sunday morning, July <i. 1777. the unfortunate
Ami Dimcnccd their overland flight. St. Clair,
with the main army, directed his course through the Ver-
0 ell, Sudbury, and Hubbardton, and cu-
ing hi Castleton, aboul twenty six miles from
The rear-guard, under (he command of Col.
of the 1 1 tli Massachusetts Regiment,
lift Mount Independence al aboul four o'clock in the morn-
ing taking the tame route as had !>• ■ n taken by St Clair,
and ilar order, after a si fatigu-
ing it Hubbardton, aboul twenty-two miles
from Ticonderoga, and encamped in the woods. Tin
i. in the main army, picked up by
tlir w.iv. were lift in the command of Cols. Warner and
Francis, and I here remained during the night, not only Ibr
joined bj n left be-
hind nn tin- inarch. Tl impmcnl was in the
the Pillsford line, upon
tin n i. wind by John Si link, nol far from the
place where the tnda.
Of t lu-
ll of
ga, unfut thai fortn
and
the fly ing
\ 'i ball thi
Tanccd corpe, and without artillery, which, with thi al
ivuis. it was impossible to get up. Ticonderoga was
placed in charge of the regiment of Prince Frederick, un-
der Lieut-Col. Pratorius, and the 62d British Regiment
were ordered to Mount Independence, both regiments being
under the command of Brig.-Gen. Hamilton, who was di-
rected tu place guards for the preservation of all buildings
from fire, and to secure all ilie powder and other stores.
Without intermission Brig.-Gen. Frazcr continued t he
pursuit of the flying Americans till one o'clock in the after-
noon, having marched in a very hot day since four o'clock
in the morning. From some stragglers from the American
whom he picked up he learned that their rear-guard
was composed of chosen men and commanded by Col,
Francis, " one of their best officers." From some Tory
also learned thai the Americans wire not far in
advance. While his nun were refreshing themselves, Maj.-
Gen. Ricdesel came up with his Brunswickers, and, arrange-
ments for continuing the pursuit having been concerted,
Brig.-Gen. Frazer moved forward again, leaving Ricdesel
and bis corps behind, and during the night of Sunday, the
6th, lay upon liis arms in an advantageous situation, three
mills in advance of Ricdesel, and three miles nearer the
n ;n guard of the Americans.
THE BATTLE OK HUBBARDTON'.
An account of the battle of Hubbardton, which battle
took place nn the morning of the 7th of July, is given by
Gen. Burgoyne in these words:
■■ Ai three o'clock in tbo morning Brig.-Gen. Frazcr renewed liis
march, and about five hi.- ndvanced scouts discovered the enemy's
sentries, who fired ihiirpicces and joined Ilie main 1m.Iv ,<>( the rear-
guard). The brigadier, observing a commanding ground to the left
of bis light infantry, immcdinlely ordered il lo be possi ssi d by llial
: and, n considerable body uf il ;my attempting the same,
they met. The enemy were driven back to their original post. The
advanced guard, under M a j. (1rant, was by this lime i ngaged, and tbo
grenadiers were advanced in suslnin them, and t" |nevint the right
flank 1 1 "in being turned. Tin- hrigndii r remained on the left, uln-ro
the en en iv long ■ I ill nded themselves by the aid of logs ami trees ; and
after being repulsed and prevented gilting to Ihe Oaslbton road by
iln- grenadiers, they rallied and nncucii ihe acii mil, upon a
m nd repulse, attempted their retreat by? Pittsford Mountain. The
scrambled up a part of lhat aseuil, appearing almost in-
nnd gained the summit before ihein, which threw them
ii.t nfusion. They were -till greatly superior in numbers, and
consequently in extent ; mid I ho brigadier, in momenlary ex peel
oi ihe Brunswickers, had laterally drawn from his Ml to support his
right. At this critical moment I J en, II iedesel, who had pressed on, upon
bearing iln- firing, orrived with tin' foremost of his columns, viz., the
.lily grenadicis and light infantry. Hi*
mincdiatcly pointed lo him Ihe course t" lake. II-' exti
(lni Ihe eh n
with ureal gallantry under Maj. linrney. They [the Americans] fled
ing dead upon the field Col. l-'ranci? and many other
th upward* "1 t"'- hundri d men. Above six hundre 1
wounded, most "I whom perished in thi [el "ff,
and litems, and two hundred and
t.o men were made prisoners. Above two hundred 'lands of ornn
dcen.
the enemy bel the engagement nmoul
I he British detachment undei 1 ] rater
i not having been able
hi bnndn •! nod liny lighting i
UOBB PARI K i LAB DETAILS.
'. which in mosl particulars may In- nlied
mi the following facts maj be added: That por>
W M! <>F THE REVOLUTION.
ir.
t i i > 1 1 of the road l>v which the retreating Americans and
pursuing British passed, commencing in the southwest por-
t it H i of the town of Orwell, was " made very tortuous to
avoid the high ridges and deep valleys which intersect in
all directions, while at the same time it gradually ascends
for several miles." The scenery along its borders was very
nioturesque. Wooded slopes at whose feet nestled embow-
Bed valleys, miniature lakes glittering and sparkling in all
jSrections, and in seme places rising one above another on
tlic mountain sides, rough and lofty precipices here crowned.
with the woods of the forest, and there bristling with the
lire seal lull boles of tall pines, black and branchless, — such
were the scenes wliieli met the eyes of the dread pursued
as he winged his flight from the avenger of blood. Finally,
emerging from the rough and narrow valley, the flying
Americans aseended to the higher table-lands of what is
now known as Fast Hubbard ton, and upon the highest part
of this tract, surrounded on the south and east by loftier
hills, among which one now called Mount Zion lifts its
head, the rear-guard, under Cols. Warner and Francis, en-
camped in the woods on the night of the (itli, as lias been
before stated, while St. Clair, with the main body of the
army, had pushed forward four miles farther to Castleton.
Among the officers in Col. Francis' regiment was Capt.
Moses Greenleaf, the father of Simon Greenleaf, the emi-
nent jurist. In his private journal, in the library of the
Massachusetts Historical Society, are recorded accounts of
many of the transactions in which he bore a part in the
army. From him we learn that on the evening of the 6th
of July he supped with Col. Francis, who was encamped in
the woods. On the next morning, Monday, July 7th, having
breakfasted with Col. Francis at seven o'clock, the colonel
came to him and desired him to parade the regiment, which
he did. Half an hour later Francis again came to him in
haste, and informed him that an express had arrived from
Gen. St. Clair, with orders for the rear guard to march with
the greatest expedition or the British would be upon them.
The express also brought intelligence that the British had
taken Skenesborough (now Whitehall ), with all the baggage
of the Americans. Francis then ordered Greenleaf to march
the regiment immediately, which order he obeyed, march-
ing a part of the regiment at twenty minutes past seven
o'clock, at which time the British were within gun-shot.
Francis then taking the immediate command, the regiment
faced to the right, when the firing began, which lasted until
i quarter before nine in the morning.
A fuller account of the battle of Hubbardton and of the
troops engaged is as follows : On the morning of the 7th,
when the British advanced guard discovered the Ameri-
cans, they were busily employed in cooking their provisions
md breakfasting near a dwelling which stood close to the
Baptist meeting house. The rear-guard of the American
irniy, after having been fully brought together, consisted
if the three regiments of Warner, Francis, and Hale, and
mch stragglers from the main army, then at Castleton, as
lad been picked up on the way. The Americans, all told,
?ere about thirteen hundred strong, and the British, under
•Wr, about eight hundred and fifty. Major Robert
Jrant, of the 24th Regiment of foot, who had the iui-
ncdiate command of the advanced guard of the British,
attacked the At an pickets, and drove them into the
main body, Soon after this Frazer, fearing thai the Amer-
icans might escape if he delayed, ordered the Earl of Bal
can-as, in command of the light infantry, to take possession
of an eminence at the left of thai body, and, ae the Amer-
icans attempted the > exploit, the contending forces
met, and the Americans were driven back to their original
position. By this time the advanced guard of the British
under Grant had become engaged, and the Earl of llar-
rington, captain of the grenadiers, brought forward his men
to sustain the advanced guard, and to prevent their right
flank from being turned. In this engagement occurred the
death of Major (Jrant. "who in all probability," according
to an English writer. " fell a victim to the great disadvan-
tages we experience peculiar to this unfortunate contest, —
those of the riflemen." ( >n coming up with the Ai ieans he
mounted the stump of a tree to reconnoitre, but had hardly
given the men orders to fire when he was struck by a rifle-
ball, fell from the stump, and died without littering a Word.
Meantime, Brig.-Gen. Frazer maintained his position on
the left with the light infantry of the Earl of Balcarras, as
well as the 24th Regiment, formerly Grant's. The compa-
nies of the 29th and 34th Regiments of light infantry suf-
fered very much from the fire of the Americans. Had
Warner and Francis been well sustained by the militia re-
giment under Col. Hale, they might have secured a victory
or caused the British to withdraw from their pursuit. But
Hale, who, with a large portion of his men. was in feeble
health, and quite unfit for active service, as a matter of pre-
caution, and for the sake of saving his soldiers, who were
not in their present condition capable of defending them-
selves, and were much less capable of aiding others, fled with
his troops towards Castleton, hoping there to join the main
army under St. Clair. By his departure Warner and
Francis were left with only seven hundred men to oppose
the enemy. On the way Hale and his men fell in with a
party of British soldiers, to whom they surrendered without
offering any resistance, although the number of each of
the two parties was about equal.
When the attack of the Americans on the left by Frazer,
supported by the light infantry and the 24th Regiment,
began, the Americans were well stationed upon the brow
of a hill ; but so sudden and unexpected was the onset that
no breastworks could be thrown up, and the Americans
were forced to sustain the attack from behind the tew logs
and trees which Nature had provided. For some time the
battle raged furiously. Meantime, Gen. Riedesel had
reached the field in advance of his Brunswickers. and while
the action was passing before him he was filling the air
with imprecations against his troops for their failure to ar-
rive at the place of conflict in time to give the desired aid.
Harrington's grenadiers were then formed so as to com-
mand and occupy the road to Castleton, and thus prevent
the Americans from retreating in that direction, which they
were endeavoring to do. The fire of the Americans was
galling, and their sharpshooters rarely failed in their cool
and determined aim. Twice did the Americans attempt to
break through the British lines in this direction, and in the
second attempt were almost successful. They then endea-
vored to retreat over a very steep mountain to Pittsford.
Lti
HISTORY OF Rensselaer county, new YORK.
But, according to tho account as given by Gen. Burgoyne
and Capt Thomas Anburey, Harrington's grenadiers scram-
bled >i | • by an ascent which Beemed almost inaccessible, and
ted the summit of the mountain before them, which
itly confused them. " And that you may have some
im» steep ili.' isccnl must have boon," says Anburey,
" ili.- men were obligi ■! to sling their firelocks and climb up
tin- .-ill.-, sometimes resting their feel upon the branch of a
in. I sometimes on a piece of the rock. Had any been
bo unfortunate as i" have missed his hold, he must inevita-
bly have been dashed t.. |
M in time, the Americans had lost many of their men,
among whom was the brave ''..I. Francis, who fought nobly
to tho last II.- lir-t received a ball through Ins right arm.
but continued at the head of bis men lill Ik- received the
fatal wound through hi.- body, when be dropped on his face.
"Thus fill in tin- prime of life," Bays Greenlcaf, "'.tie of
ili.- most promising officers in the Revolution." 'I'll.- con-
flict was ii..' decided even though the grenadiers had reached
ili.- Bummit ..I" tin. mountain. The Americans, though re-
pulsed, were -tiii determined to maintain themselves t<> the
last At this juncture the voici - •>! the Brunswiukers were
beard in tin- distance, a.- they advanced Binging psalms, min-
gled with tin- incessant discharge of their musketry. This
t'..r.-.- was composed of Maj. Barney's rifle (Jager) regiment
and eighty men, a portion of whom belonged to Col. Brey-
mann's grenadier regiment, and a portion to a light in fan-
regiment Ricdesel's presence on the field for some
time before his men appeared enabled him at tn dc-
whal .-..in-.- t.i pursue. The chasseurs of Maj. Bar-
my were immediately brought into action in support of
I ser's left flank. At that moment the whole line made
a bayonet charge upon the Americans with terrible effect
Th.- latter, supposing that the Germans in full force were
ti_- upon i i i • in . hr..kr an.) fled with great precipitation,
over th.- Pittsfurd mountains towards Rutland, and
others down the valley towards Castlcton. Th.- losses of
ih.- A in- I I . Burgoyne, have been already
What the 1 n eai h side actually were is un-
■ .in. and mn-t always remain a matter of dispute. It
i.-. however, to say that tin- Americans lost at least
three hundred and twenty-four in killed, wounded, and
ng, _• whom was Col. Francis, killed, ami twelve
officers m. 1. 1. ■ | 'Ih.- British loss amounted i •
hundred tj three men, am. .up whom were M
.t am) about twenty inferior officers, Two hundred
also taken by the British. Th.- bravery
of thi \ ins in ibis cngagi nient was almost unparalleled,
down i«. ibis time, in th I the war. Speakiug of
their . onduct, th.- I ivo thi- public !
1 in army very
tainly behaved with
I I f Harringtoi ited :
■• Ti
lmt mi the British troops rushing on them
with their I. ij
■ i
.nit of Bu
mm nd it stu-
" Tho advantages i.f III.- irn.iiii I were wholly on tin- side of tho
A nil;-, ml. lo.l to which ii..- w 1- were so thick that little or no
onlcr Idboobsorvcd in advancing upon tbo enemy, il being totally
impossible to form in a regular line. Personal courage and intrepidity
therefore, t" supply the place of military skill and discipline.
The ontive bravery of our countrymen could not he more resolutely
displayed than in this action, nor more effectually exorted. It was a
t r in 1 of th.- activity, strength, and valor of every man that fought.
Ai the commencement of the action the enemy were everywhere
thrown into the great-si confusion ; but, being rallied by that brave
ofli.-.-r. ('..1. Francis whose .l.-ath. though an enemy, will ever 1>.- re-
i -1 by those who .-an feel lor the loss of a gallant ami brave man,
th.- fight was resumed with ih.- greatest degree of fierceness and ob-
stinacy, lloth parties engaged in separate detachments unconnected
with each other, and the numbers "t" the enemy empowered them to
front, Hank, and rear. Some of these detachments, notwithstanding
an inferiority, most resolutely defended themselves, ami the fate of
the 'lay was undecided until the arrival of the Germnns, who, though
late, came in for a share of the glory, in dispersing the enemy in alt
quartet -."
It is related by Anburey, as among the incidents of the
battle, thai Lord Balearras, who commanded the light in-
fantry, l; had nearly thirty balls shot through his jacket and
trousers, and yet only received a small graze on the hip."
II.- alsn states that a Lieut. llaggit, of the same corps, re-
ceived a ball in each of his eyes, and that a Lieut. Douglas,
of th.- 29tb Regiment, as be was carried off the field
wounded, received a ball directly through the heart.
Among the Americans engaged in the conflict was a
sharpshooter who lived at Brandon, named Elijah Stark*
wither. When the retreat was ordered, his captain saw
him In-hind a stump, around which had grown thick busl
popping away at the British. The captain said to him,
" Starkwither, hasten or you will be killed." Starkwither
deliberately replied, " Never mind it, captain ; T fetch one
every time." This, by the bye, his rifle was sure to .In.
The British, suspecting something uncommon was concealed
in that clump of bushes, let their balls in it with greal
freedom, hut Starkwither made bis retreat in safety.
So precipitate was the retreat of the Americana thai
many of them threw away their muskets to rid thetiis.
of the encumbrance. When Gen. St. Clair, who was tit
Castlcton, heard the tiring at Huhhaidi hi. he attempted to
send a force to i In relief of Warner, hut the militia al
In til v refused to go. The regulars and others were too far
mi their way to Fori Edward i" 1"- recalled. Therein
St. Clair, win. knew that Burgoyne was tit Skenesborough,
hastened forward to join Gen. Schuyler at Fort Edward,
which place he reached with his troops, worn down by fa-
tigue and hunger, on the 12th of July. Warner's eon
during the engagement was such as to command the ad-
miratic f those "!"• admire valor and patriotism. Neat
the el of th fliel. after lie- death of Col. Fran
Chipman states that " Warner saw* Francis1 rcgimcnl
treating and the battle lost. This was too much even fur
tho nerve of Warner. II. ■ dropped down upon a log bj
Which he st Land poured out a Ion. hi ..f ex, .rati. Mis
upon the flying troops. But he instantly rose, and in a
illectcd manner ordered hi- regiment to Manchester.
Th.- battle of Hubbardton, considering the sborl tiuM
in which th.- conflicting parties were engaged, was exo
ingly sanguinary ami disastrous to both. To the Ain.n-
i was th.' necessity of discipline and organiza-
tion. It taught them that men j rly chid and poorly fed
WAR OF TlIK REVOLUTION
could nut enduru the weary march of a Bummer's day, Dor
withstand the changing temperature appertaining to a night
UDODg the mountains. On the 3d of the preceding month,
Col. Francis in one of his letters had referred to scenes
whirli ho was then witnessing, of " soldiers unclothed bj
day and no blankets to Bhield them from this cold claj soil
at night," officers lately inoculated in camp for the small-
pox, and of arms of which " not more than half are til for
Sprvice." How many of such officers, soldiers, and arms
were among ihose which made up the force opposed to the
(lower of the British and German service can never he
known.
The services of Warner at Iluhhardlon have never been
properly appreciated. But for them St. Clair might never
have escaped to Schuyler with a single soldier. Rut for
them Bennington and the neighboring country would have
been overrun by Ricdesel's battalions and devastated by
Burgoyne's army.
EFFECT OF THE EVACUATION.
It would be interesting at this point to review the situa-
tion of the contending parties, and to consider the effect
which was produced on the Americans by the evacuation
of Ticonderoga, by the discipline and soldierly training of
the British and German soldiers, by the proclamation of
Burgoyne, and by the rapid movements with which he had
followed the Americans in their retreat. But the limits
assigned to this chapter will admit only of a slight notice of
these matters. Great blame fell upon St. Clair, and greater
still upon Gen. Schuyler, and it was not until the fact be-
came apparent that Congress had neglected to garrison and
provision Mount Independence and Fort Ticonderoga that
the public clamor against these brave and magnanimous
officers subsided. Ticonderoga had been evacuated by the
unanimous vote of a full council of war ; yet there were
some who boasted that they could tell when that fortress
was sold and for how much, while others asserted that
Schuyler and St. Clair had both been bribed by Burgoyne,
who, it was said, had fired silver biil/ets into the fort, which
were gathered by older of St. Clair and divided between
him and Schuyler. One hundred and twenty-eight cannon
were lost ou that occasion, yet that number, like Falstaff's
men, who grew from two to eleven, was exaggerated to
three hundred. There were no artillerymen either slain or
aptured at that time, but the report was current that not
mo of them had escaped. Although, after the evacuation
if Ticonderoga, a small British force was stationed for a
inic at Castleton, without intrenchments, yet " Fama,
nalum, qua non aliud velocius u/lum," declared that three
housaud and then six thousand men were fortifying there,
nd that, ton, with cannon. So strong was the idea that
5urgoyne was on his way up the Connecticut River to at-
ack lloyalton and Newbury that many persons Bought
efuge in New Hampshire, and the people of Thetford,
hnost in a body, migrated across the river to Lyme.
TOVERTY OF THE TEOFLE.
As the fear was great, so also was the destitution. On
nly 30th, Stark wrote from Charlestown to the council of
lew Hampshire : "I am informed that the enemy have
left Castleton with an intent to inarch to Bennington. We
are detained bj the want of bullet-moulds, as there ie but
one pair in town, and the few halls sent by the council go
but a little way. There is hut very little rum in the Si
here; if some could be forwarded ii would oblige ns very
much, for there is none ol'lhat article in lho8e parts whir.:
we are going, — that is, in Vermont." To this appeal the
council responded : " Rum is not to be bought in this State."
Owing to the advance of Burgoyne, many settlements had
already been broken up. and the inhabitants, in distress
and confusion, were seeking safety wherever they could find
it. The wounded and terrified fugitives from Hubbardton
battle, Seeing as if for their lives, created a panic wherever
they passed, and in consequence "almost every Whig
house west of the mountains and north of Manchester was
deserted.'' Manchester and Arlington were now regarded
as the frontier towns, and at one time it was feared that
the former place would be abandoned to the enemy. As
Riedesel pursued St. Clair towards Castleton. after the
evacuation of Ticonderoga, the inhabitants had fled with
their flocks and herds, and the roads for several days were
filled with affrighted crowds proceeding southward. Mas-
sachusetts afforded a safe retreat, and in a letter from
Stockbridge, dated the 13th of August, the writer stated
that, in addition to the other troubles of the citizens, they
were greatly burdened with people who had fled from the
New Hampshire Giants and the Hudson and Mohawk
Rivers.
CONSTITUTION OF VERMONT.
Yet, notwithstanding all these disheartening circum-
stances, the people of Vermont were still, in the main,
vigorous to assert their rights and determined to show
themselves worthy of the name of Green Mountain Boys.
Added to sentiments like these was a feeling among a por-
tion of the community of State pride, which had arisen
since the adoption of the constitution of the State of Ver-
mont. On the 2d of July, 1777, the Constitutional Con-
vention had reassembled at Windsor. In the warrant for
this meeting it was stated that delegates were to be
chosen for the Continental Congress, but, owing to the
doubt that existed as to the manner in which that body-
would treat an application then before them for the recog-
nition of Vermont, it was not deemed advisable to send
representatives to Philadelphia. The attention of the
convention was accordingly turned to the preparation of a
constitution for the new State, and the draft of one was
laid before them for consideration. Having had but little
practice in the arts of statesmanship and law-making, and
the business in which they were engaged being such as
required the most serious deliberation, the session lasted
several days. Meantime, the Americans had evacuated Ti-
conderoga. When the news readied Windsor on the 8th of
July, the convention was still in session. The frontiers of
the State were open to the inroads of the enemy ; the family
of the president of the convention and the households of
many of the members were exposed to the ravages of the
foe. " In this awful crisis the convention was for leaving
Windsor, but a severe thunderstorm came on and gave
them time to reflect, while other members, less alarmed at
the news, called the attention of the convention to the
IS
BISTORT OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
t Iction "l" tbe constitution, which was then being read,
_r;ijili by ] arograph, (br tbe lasl time." While tin-
r. ir of tbe thunder and tbe crash of the lightning, succeed-
ing to the dyit j of the musketry of Ticondei
were reverberating and breaking around them, they were
ratifying an act of vital importance i" mnny. Like Sinai
Id, when, amid thunders and lightnings, and a thick
cloud n|*.ii the mount, and the voi< f 1 1 1 . • trumpet ex-
ling loud, the law was given to the i now,amid
tbe warring of N iiur.- and the terrors of imagination, was
the law announced which was to indicate the majesty and
who had designed it.
il onstitution had I n adopted, a resolution
1 t li.it it should be printed and circulated among
the people, in order that they mighl I
with it- contents, and, in accordance with its requisitions,
- in the following December to compose
assembly, who were to meet at Bennington
during January of the nexl yi ir Bui the constitution
was ni ver submitted to 1 1 1 - - people for their approbation.
It i ~ Bta ted by Ira Allen tliat the credentials of those who com-
I the convention "authorized them to form a constitu-
tion, hut were Bilcnl a* to its ratification," and that, owing
to the fluctuations of public opinion, it was thought haz-
ardous to Bubmil n directly t" the decision of the ] pic.
Owing !•• the course which Congress had pursued by their
ution of June 30, 1777. in condemning the separate
of Vermont, many of the citizens of thai inde-
pendent jurisdiction fell " that their independence must be
I with the Bamc firmness and spirit with which it
had I n declared." Their ii-_dit-. as ihey, undersl 1
them, they had sworn t" maintain, ami t ln-ir conduct
thenceforward made it evident thai the oath they had
- no vain formula to be wcaki ned by quibbles or
rendered void by nl Others, however,
ially those living along the valley of the Connecticut
B i an impression, by means of the unfa-
ble action ol Congi -- which rendered them indifferent
on ll nslitution. So widespread was this indif-
fercn il thai lime that it is doubtful, had a vote I" en then
r a majority of the people would have ratified
ibis instrument " It was, however, silently submitted to,
im.i only I i i.ni. ni organised under oven a de-
nstitulion med preferable to toe unsettled
whii li had bo luse Bucli
the foundation ("■ >r
;nty of Vermont and her ad-
i .ii into the Union." After the adoption of the
lion by >; ntion, thai body adjourned, having
• until the Lcgisla-
r should ■
UN-T III lli.i.l NI
I Iih brave men
I i . Schuy-
ler, On the 14th of Julj hi with the
a. .lit
niilili within a 1 - -1 on the 17ili of
militia "i M
Warner and pal themselves !
under his command" in the vicinity of Bennington. His
instructions to Warner on July 1.5th, in view of tlie nearer
approach of Burgoyne, were in these words: "Secure all
the cattle and carriages you can : much depends upon pre-
venting them [ihc British] from fretting supplies of that
kind. Advance as near to the enemy as you pos-il.ly can;
secure a]l Tories and send them to the interior part of the
lltry. Be vigilant A surprise is inexcusable. Thank
the troops in my name for behaving so well as you say
they .lid at Bubbardton." Tlie day after the battle the
council of safety of Vermont appealed to New Hampshire
for protection, and a few days later Ira Allen repeated the
appeal in the most pressing terms. The action of t luir
assembly was most energetic. The militia of the Stati
formed into two brigades, and the command of the firs)
was given tn William Whipple, and of the second to John
Stark. A quarter of the militia of twelve regiments was
ordered to be immediately drafted, formed into three bat-
talions, and. under the command of the latter general, to
march into Vermont " to oppose the ravages and coming
forward of the enemy." Mure specifically, he was directed
to " repair to Charlestown, on Connecticut River, there t"
consult with a committee of the New Hamphire Grants
n specting his future operations and the supply of his men
with provisions; to take the command of the militia and
march into the Grants; to acl in conjunction with the ti
of that new State, or any other of the States, or of the
1'iii' i Si'ii -. i.r M.parately. as it should appear expedient
to him, for the protection of the people and the annoj
of the enemy." Fur the purpose of establishing a fair co-
operation, Gov. Weare, of New Hampshire, informed Ver-
monl that she was expected to feed the New Hampshire
troops, and advised that some persons should be sent from
Vermont to Charlestown on July 24th to take counsel
with Gen. Stark as to the movements of the cm my . While
\ ■ i in. ni was ilms engaged in obtaining the help <^' others
in the defense of her borders, she was not unmindful of
what was expected of her in the same direction. Her
measures againsl Tori.'- were of the most stringent nature,
and her commissioners of sequestration, who common
their labors in July, 1777. were the first officers who. in tilt
Revolution, devoted the property of the enemies of Amen
can independence to confiscation and sale.
m in VI.KIt's PROCLAMATION.
. after Gen. Burgoyne had issued his grandiloquent
lamalion, h the 10th of July issued another, ad-
dressed particularly to the inhabitants of Castlcton, Bab
bardton, Rutland, Tinniouth, Pawlet, Wells. Grrnvillc, and
of the neighboring districts, also to the people living in il"'
districts bordering on White Creek, Camhden, Cambrid
i ih. ni to send from each town a deputation
of t'n men to meet Col. Skene five days thence al Castle-
ton, in order to isecure from him further encouragemi nt,il
they had acknowledged allegiance to Greal Britain, or, iftnej
had not, to hear the c litions " upon which the penoM
and properties of the disobedient" might yet be spared. In
answer to this, Gen. Schuyler, on the 13th of duly, id-
ountcr proclamation to the si p. ople, in whicn
after referring to the scenes which had not long before been
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WAR OF Til 10 REVOLUTION.
n
witnessed in New Jersey, when the deluded inhabitants,
wIki had oonfided in British promises, had been treated
with the mosl wanton barbarity, he announced to them that
those who should "join with or in any manner or way
assist or give comfort or hold correspondence with or take
protection from the enemy" would be considered and doalt
with as traitors to the United States.
Many not only refused to notice the warning of Schuyler,
but voluntarily remained " within the power of the enemy,"
and were obliged " to wear a signal in their bats, and put
signals before their doors, and also upon their cattle's horns,
that they were friends to the king, and bad stayed on their
farms agreeable to Gen. Burgoyne's proclamation." These
were known as '' protectioners," and in subsequent years
suffered many indignities from their neighbors by reason of
their Toryism on this occasion.
LETTER TO JOHN WILLIAMS.
Although terribly grieved on account of the failure at
Ticonderoga, Gen. Schuyler was indefatigable in his en-
deavors to restore confidence to the country which was being
foraged and ravaged by Burgoyne's forces, and to learn from
prisoners and deserters the condition of Burgoyne's army.
As an instance of the care exercised by this brave soldier,
even when surrounded by trials of the severest nature, the
following letter will serve as a specimen. It was written to
Col. John Williams, of White Creek, in answer to a letter
of Williams sent by a lieutenant who had in charge a suspi-
cious person named Baker, who had been captured by
Williams, and is in these words:
" Fort Edward, July 14, 1777.
"Slit, — Ynur note of this d:iy has been delivered me by Lieut. Young.
I have examined Mr. Baker and found him tripping ill so many things
that I am clearly convinced he is an agent of the enemy, and sent not
only to give intelligence, but to intimidate the inhabitants and induce
them to join the enemy. I have closely confined him, and shall send
him down the country. lie informs me that one John Foster is also
gone to the enemy, and, as Ik- supposes he will be back in a day or
two, I beg he may be made prisoner and sent to me under a good
guard. You must furnish your militia witli provisions in the best
manner you can, and the allowance will be made for it. I have scouts
out in every quarter and a large body at Fort Ann, and, until they
come away. I am not apprehensive that an attack will be made on
White Greek. It would be the height of imprudence to disperse my
army into different quarters, unless there is the most evident necessity.
"I am, sir, your most humble servant,
" Ph. Schuyler.
'•Colo. Williams."
burgoyne's ADVANCE.
Slowly and cautiously did Burgoyne proceed to advance.
On the 7th of July his headquarters were at Skenesbor-
ougb, at the residence of Gen. Philip Skene, where they
remained until the 25th of that month, when they were
moved forward to Fort Ann. Ou the -tilth they were
advanced to the camp at Fitch Pine Plains, near Fort Ed-
ward, and on the following day were fixed at Fort Edward,
where, or in the neighborhood of which, they remained
until the 14th of August, when his general orders were
issued from the " camp at Duer's house."
Early in the month of August, or perhaps earlier, Gen.
Riedesel had favored the idea of an expedition for the
purpose of obtaining horses, in order that be might mount
his dragoons, and also supply the troops in general with
7
baggage horses. Having discussed the idea with Gen.
Burgoyne, the latter tl ghl it mighl be extended i" a
much greater use, and the plan of the proposed expedition
was, therefore, considered, amended, and enlarged bj Bui
goyne and Riedesel. It was generally understood thai it
was Riedesel's wish that Col. Friedericb Baum, in < i
mand of the regiment of German dragoons, should have
the charge of tl sp sdition, and to him tbi> position was
accordingly committed.
CHAPTER X
WAR OP THE REVOLUTION— (Continued).
II.— THE DESIGN ON BENNINGTON.
In the concerted instructions prepared for Baum for
what was known as " a secret expedition to the Connecti-
cut River," the name Bennington was not mentioned, yet
there is no doubt that Bennington was the first objective-
point of the expedition. It was known to Burgoyne that
the Americans had formed there "a considerable depot of
cattle, cows, horses, and wheel-carriages, most of which
were drawn across the Connecticut River from the prov-
inces of New England; and, as it was understood to be
guarded by a party of militia only, an attempt to surprise
it seemed by no means unjustifiable." Some time after the
battle, and after bis return to England, Burgoyne was
blamed because he had sent out Baum with instructions
which did not apply to Bennington, and that the destina-
tion of the expedition had then been changed. To this
charge Burgoyne replied as follows :
" But it still may be said the expedition was not orig-
inally designed against Bennington. I really do not see
to what it would tend against me, if that supposition were
in a great degree admitted. That some part of the force
was designed to act there will not be disputed by any who
read Col. Baum's instructions and consult the map. The
blame or merit of the design altogether must rest upon the
motives of expediency ; and it is of little consequence
whether the first and principal direction was against Ben-
nington or Arlington, or any other district, as my intelli-
gence might have varied respecting the deposits of corn
and cattle of the enemy. At the same time, I must observe
it is begging the question to argue that Bennington was
not the real, original object, because Bennington was not
mentioned in the draft of instructions. A man must in-
deed be void of military and political address to put upon
a paper a critical design, where surprise was in question,
and everything depended upon secrecy. Though it were
true that I meant only Bennington, and thought of noth-
ing less than the progress of the expedition in the extent
of the order, I certainly would not now affirm it, because
I could not prove it, and because it would seem that I
searched for remote and obscure justification, not relying
upon that which was manifest; but surely there is nothing
new or improbable in the idea that a general should dis-
Bj Benjamin II. Hall.
50
IllSTdKV OP Ur.NSSI'.I.AF.i; fOlNTY. NKW YOKK.
intentions al tli tsol of an expedition,
• v.ti from the officer whom he appoint ate them,
provided n communication with thai officer was certain and
not ri in. -
IN- BAUII.
Tin' instrncti :• Banm commenced by stating thai
tl bjeel of the expedition was "to in the affections of
the eountrj . t" disc sort the councils of the enemy ; to
t the B complete Peters' corps :
and t.i obtain large Bupplies of cattle, horst -. and earring
He was ordei d tV.nn Batten Kill to Arlin
ami take post there till the detachment of the provincials
under GapC Sherwood should join him. Then he was to
M inchester and secure the pass of tin- mountains on
tin- road from Manchester t" Rockingham, on the Con-
ticul River, and Bend the Indians "I' the party ami the
light troops towards Otter Creek. On their return, in case
he should hear lhal there was no enemy in force cm the Con-
- he was to go by thi road over tin- moun-
tains ngham, and there, at the mosl distant part
the expedition, take post. If prudent, the Indians ami
light troops were I up tin- Connecticut, and on
their return the force was to descend the river to Brattle-
ngh, ami then I bv the quickest march " bv
the 1 to Albany." Thej wire to bring in all
horses tit to mount tin1 dragoons or to serve as hat-horses,
is, ami other convenient ear-
Iraught-oxen, all rattle lit for slaughter, except
milch-cows, which were to be left for the use of the inhab-
itants R ir articles taken were to be given to such
- had remained in their habitations ami otherwise
. with the terms of Burgoyne's manifesto, but not
to r. I
I' ilso given as to the disposition
of ti were to lie led to believe that the
the adva i of the army on the road to
Boatot I thai the main army from Albany was to be
join- I at S 1 by a corps of troops from Ki
1. A wholesome dread of Col. Warner doubtless led
to ii f thi- passage in the instructions: ' li
is hi -V.it tin- corps nndcr Mr. Warner, now
. will retreat before you ; hut
shoo . m, In- able to collect in
msly, it is left
ion to attack them or not ; always bearing
in mind lhal _\ valuable to let any consider-
: on this occasion."
DEPABT1 ai »"!l 111 NMN.Ii.N.
1 at five o'clock
on the mornin <■< I2tfa t'..i Baum sel on) from
I hi- two
hundred ' H hmenl of
indred In.ii.in-. and Capt. IV .
marksmen, with tw numbering in
all a' I i by
1 I lion by the Bpecial
he might give advii
II ii ing marched
a mile, B.ium l
his force advantageously on the Batten Kill till lie should
receive fresh instructions. Continuing his inarch, he
reached the Batten Kill at about four o'clock in the after-
noon, and encamped there. At about eleven o'clock the
same night he was reinforced by a company of fifty chas-
seur-, -.m forward by lien. Burgoync. By four o'clock
the next morning the whole body were again in motion,
and after a march of sixteen miles reached Cambridge at
four o'clock in the evening, having had a few skirmishes
with the Americans, ami having taken some cattle. .
wagons, ami horses, ami having also received the disagrec-
intclligencc that the Americans were about one thou-
sand eight hundred strong at Bennington. On the morning
of the 14th the little army were on the march long before
sunrise. As they approached the northern branch of the
Boosick River a party of Americans were discovered in
front of the farm of " Sankoick," who. on the approach of
the British, took to the underwood, whence they fircil on
the British until they were dislodged. On their reti
they abandoned a mill which they bad previously fortified,
and broke down the "bridge of Sankoick."
BAUll AT " WALLOOMSCOICK."
A considerable quantity of provisions was left in the
mill, and after the bridge bad been repaired Baum sta-
tioned a proper force to guard them both, and that night
'• bivouacked at the farm of Walmscott, about four miles
from Sancoick. and three from Bennington." This farm lay
upon both banks of the Walloomsac, and was occupii .
this time by six or eight log huts, scattered here and there
over its narrow expanse of cultivated ground.
Heavy rains fell on the morning of the lath, accom-
panied with a " perfect hurricane of wind, which rendi
the shelter of the farm-buildings very grateful to the forces
of Baum. Soon, however, shooting was beard at the ad-
vanced sentry-posts, whereupon Baum sent forward the
provincials, supported by Frazcr's marksmen, to assist the
pickets. It was then discovered that tile Indians \<
threatened by a body of American militia. On the
]■ roach of the British the Indian allies uttered a yell.
which seemed to hive an effect upon the Americans, who
soon after retired. The Americans advanced a number of
times during the day. but the weather was so stormy and
the rain fell so incessantly thai no effective service cooH
be perfon 1 by either party of an offensive nature.
I'iiiing the remainder of the day. Baum \\.i- i ngaged in
strengthening the position he had taken. To the lefl
the "farm of Walmscott" was a height, which he hastei
npy. " He posted here the d with a portion
of the marksmen on their right, in rear of a little zigl
it Work, composed of logs and loose earth. Such ol tbfl
lied house - as came within the compass of his position
lie filled with Canadians, supporting them with dctachma
of cl ind grenadiers, likewise intrenched behind
breastworks; and he kept the whole, with the exception of
.' a hundred men. on the north side of the stream,
holding the woods upon his thinks, in his front and rear by
the Indian- ' Such was the situation of affairs when toe
night of the 15th of August closed around Baum and hi-
faiihful dragoons.
WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.
STARK'S ACCOUNT OP BENNINGTON BATTLE.
Meantime) Gen. Stark, at Charlestown, was engaged in
collecting his men, and as fast as they arrived he senl them
forward tojoiu the forces of Vermont, under Col. Warner,
wlni had taken post al Manchester, twenty miles north of
Bennington, line Stark joined him on the 9th of August,
and tl met with Gen. Lincoln, who had been senl from Still-
water bv Gen. Schuyler, commander of the northern deparl
ment, to conduct the militia to the west side of Hudson's
River. Stark informed him of his orders, and of the danger
which the inhabitants of the grants apprehended from the
iiiniiN and from their disaffected neighbors; that he had
consulted with the committee, and that it, was the deter-
mination of the people, in case he should join the Conti-
nental army and leave them exposed, that they would retire
to the east of Counecticul lliver, in which case New Hamp-
shire would be a frontier. He therefore determined to re-
main on the flank of the enemy, and to watch their motions.
For this purpose he, on the 9th of August, collected his
force at Bennington, and left Warner with his regiment at
Manchester. A report of this determination was trans-
mitted to Congress, and the orders on which it was founded
were by them disapproved ; but the propriety of it was
evinced by subsequent facts.'1
The story of the battle and of some of the incidents im-
mediately preceding it are graphically narrated by Stark in
his letter to the committee of safety of New Hampshire in
these words :
"Bennington, Aug. is, 1877.
■ ill \ 1 1 kmen, — I congratulate you on the late success of your troops
tindoi my command, by express. I purposed to give you a brief
account of my proceedings since I wrote to you last. I left Manches-
ter DO Sunday the 8th inst., and arrived here the 9th. The L3th I was
informed that a party of Indians were at Cambridge, which is twelve
mile- distant from this place, on their march thither. I detached Col.
Gregg, with two hundred men under his com man i_l, to stop their march.
In the ei ening 1 had information by express that there was a large body
of the enemy on their way with their field-pieces, in order to march
through the country commanded by Governor Skene. The 14th I
marched with my brigade and a few of this State's militia to oppose
them, and to <-.,\r\- Gregg's retreat, who found himself unable to with-
stand their superior number. About four miles from this town I
11 rdingly met him on his return, and the enemy in close pursuit of
him, within half a mile of his rear. But when they discovered me,
they presently halted on a very advantageous piece of ground. I
drew up my little army on an eminence in open view of their en-
campments, but could not bring them to an engagement. I marched
book about a mile, and there encamped. I sent out a few men to
skirmish with them, killed thirty of them, with two Indian chiefs.
Tlic 15th it rained all day. I sent out parties to harass them. The
16th 1 was joined by this State's militia and those of Berkshire County.
1 divided my army into three divisions, and sent Col. Nichols with
two hundred and fifty men on the rear of their left wing. Col. Her-
riok in the rear of their right with three hundred men, ordered . . .
when joined to attack ... the same.
" In the mean time I sent three hundred men to oppose the enemy's
''■"in tn draw their attention thai way. Soon after I detached the Cols.
Hubbert and Stickney on their right wing, with two hundred men
to attack that part, all which plans had their desired effect. Col.
Nichols sent me word that he st 1 in need of a reinforcement, which
I readily granted, consisting of one hundred men. at which time he
commenced the attack, precisely at three o'clock in the afternoon,
whioh was followed by all the rest, I pushed forward the remainder
with all speed. Our people behaved with the greatest spirit and
bravery imaginable. Had they been Alexanders or Charles of Swe-
den they could not have behaved better. The action lasted two hours,
at the expiration of which time we forced their breastworks at the
muMlea of their guns, took two pieces of brass cannon, with a number
of prisoners, but before I could gel them into proper form again I
reeei i e I inl ell igence that i In 1 1 h a a lai n I wo
miles of us. on tin ir march, whioh occasioned u lo m new oui attack.
But, lucky lor u , Col. W"i ir'i regimen I cami up, which put a top
to their oarcer. Wc rallied, and in a few minutes the action
beg hi \ ery warm and desperate, which la led till night. We u cd
their own eai i against them, which proved ol great erviei ; u
At. sunset wo obliged them to retreat a econd tune. my pursued
them till dark, when I was obliged to hall foi fcai of killing my own
men. Wo recovered two pieces more of their cannon, together with
all their baggage, a number of horses, carriages, etc., killed upwards
of two bund red of i lie enemy in i he field of battle. The number of
t he wounded i ■■ nol 3 el know n, as thej are scatl 1 about in d i
places. I have one lieutenant- co JoncI, sin ■ d< b I, one major, Bev< a
captains, fourteen lieutenants, four ensigi irnets, one judge
advocate, one baron, two Canadian officer , ergeanl , one aid-de-
camp, and seven hundred prisoners. I almost forgol one Hcssino
chaplain. T inclose you a copy of Gen. Burgoyne's instructions to
Col. Itaiini, who commanded the detachment thai engaged us. Our
WOUnded are forty-two. Ten privates and four officers belonging to
nay brigade are dead. The dead and wounded in the olln-r cup- I
do not know, as they ba\ e not brought in their returns as yet. I
gentlemen, with the greatest regard and respect, your most obedient,
humble sen ant,
'• John Stark.
" I almost forgot, three Hessian surgeons.
"N. B. — I have sent you by post, Josiah Crosby, one hundred and
seventy-four dollars and two -thirds of Hampshire currency, which I
had to give Continental for to my men, as there is scarce any other
will pass here.
" Gentlemen, I think we have returned tin- enemy a proper compli-
ment in the above action for the Hubbart Town engagement."
OLIfill's NARRATIVE.
As a pendant to this letter, the following extract is taken
from the narrative of the battle, written by Glieh, one of
the officers under Lieut.-Col. Baum. It is true in all its
general features, and is a compliment to the bravery and
military skill and dash of Gen. Stark and his army :
"The morning of the 16th rose beautifully serene. The storm of
the preceding day having expended itself, not a cloud was left to
darken the faee of the heavens; whilst the very leaves hung motion-
less, and the long grass waved not, under the influence of a perfect
calm. Every object aioiind. too, appeared I" peculiar advantage, for
the fields looked green and refreshed, the river was swollen and tu-
multuous, and the branches were all loaded with dewdrops, which
glittered in the sun's early rays like so many diamonds. Nor would
it be easy to imagine any scene more rife with peaceful and even pas-
toral beauty. Looking down from the summit of the rising ground,
I beheld immediately beneath me a wide sweep of stately forest inter-
rupted at remote intervals b}' green meadows or yellow cornfields,
whilst here and there a cottage, a shed, or some other primitive edi-
fice reared its modest head as if for the purpose of reminding the
spectator that man had begun his inroads upon Nature, without as
yet taking away from her simplicity and grandeur. I hardly recollect
a scene which struck me at the moment more forcibly, or which has
left a deeper or more lasting impression on my memory.
" I have said that the morning of the 10th rose beautifully serene ;
and it is not to the operations of the elements alone thai my expres-
sion applies. All was perfectly quiet at the outposts, not an enemy
having been seen, nor an alarming sound heard, for several hours
previous to sunrise. So peaceable, indeed, was the aspect which
matters bore that our leaders felt warmly disposed to resume the
offensive, without waiting the arrival of the additional corps for
which they had applied, and orders were already issued for the nun
to eat their breakfasts, preparatory to more active operations. But
the arms were scarcely piled, and the haversacks unslung, when
symptoms of a state of affairs different from that which hud I
anticipated began to show themselves, and our people were recalled
to their ranks in all haste almost aa soon as they had quitted them.
From more than one quarter scouts came in to report thai columns or
armed men were approaching; though whether with fl friendly or
hostile intention, neither their appearance nor actions enabled our
informants to ascertain.
52
HISTORY OF KI'NSSKLAKU COUNTY, NEW YORK.
•• It ]■ . .1 Lb ft I daring the last daj V march oar little corps
wiL« joined bj many of the eountrj people, most of whom demanded
an! end!j ("tin- royal cause. How Col.
; Ictelj dupod as i" place reliant o on these men,
I know not; bo I baring listoaed with com place no v to thoir pro
rli.»t in Bennington a large majority of tbo populace wore
our in. nl-. ho woa pom oho w or otbor persuaded to believe thnt the
armed bands of whose approach he was warned were loyalists on
thoir «;i> to make ■ tender of their Bcrriees to the leader of the
king1 Pilled with this id< tched positive ordi
the U do molestation should bo offered to tbo advancing
oolumns, bul thai tha piokcts retiring before tbcm should join the
main bod j, mads to receive either friend
nr foe. Unfortanatolj for us, these orders were but too faithfully
■ I. About half i >ast nine o'clock, I. who was not in the secret,
behold! to mv uttor amasoment, our advanced parties withdraw with-
out Bring a shot from the thickets whieh might have been maintained
f..r ! it any superiority of numbers, and the same thickets
quickly occupied by nun whose whole demeanor, as well as their
and style of equipment, plainly and incontostnbly pointed them
out a5 Americans.
mol protend i" describe the state of excitation and alarm
into which our little band was now thrown. With the solitary excep-
tion of our leader, there was not ;i man amongst us who ap| '<
otherwise than satisfied thai those to whom he had listened were
traitors, and thai unless some prompt and vigorous measures were
ptod their treachery would be crowned with it,- full reward.
r. in particular, seemed strongly imbued with the convic-
tion thnt we wore willfully deceived. He pointed out, in plain lan-
■ .the extreme improbability ol the story w hieb these desortei had
told, and warmly urged our chief to withdraw his confidence from
them; but all his arguments proved fruitless. Col. Baum remained
telity. tie saw no reason to doubt that the
mncb apprehension were the same
of whose arrival he had been forewarned ; and he was prevented from
placing himself entirely in their power only by the positive refusal of
hi- followers to obey orders given to that effect, and the rash impctu-
■ my.
•■ w. about half on hour under arms, watching
the pi ur or five hundred men, who, after
Iging the pickets, bad halted just at the edge of the open coun-
try, when a sudden tramping of reel in tin- fore»1 on our right, fol-
lowed ty tin report ol several muskets, attracted our attention. A
; «.v« insl totly sent in the direction of the sound, but before the
part] ■ man) yards from tbo lines o loud
shout, followed by a rapid tfa I ling Ore of musketry, wai I
oi t ■ of friendly. Instantly tbo
: in, carry in lonfusion in their
□ded on all sides : col-
umn* wen i"l those whom wohad
hitli- nly waited 'ill the arrival of their
rappi • Thi was no falsol I
in tl. -■■ made by men who ipoke rather IVom (loir
Ibati thi ir v in r heard
|j and loudly to if j then, firii
y with delib< nurderoui aim, rushed ftarionsly ton
\ aw, then, at length oui oiled.
fl mk by thrice his num
i forward with thi h our late j
whilst the \ ■ in w bom he had
i to whom hi i m turning them
Dflt him. Those fellows no sooner h< than
thry dr|iWralrl\ | thoir inu-V Ira-
them,
I. with thr .
"If Col. lUnm had duped it'
■ 1 him s< If
manfully to rtnHj th" rnl and I Our little
iiimn, w,i« instantly ordered
ps lining thr breastworks replied (■> the I
*ns with exit -i.i«p
and ! Iky that tlo- *--;iilnnt« rr-
all probability, within
the * pro-
*. and wr wrre warmly
gaged on every side, and from all quarters. It became evident thnt
each of our detached posts was about to be assailed in the same in-
Btant. Not one of our dispositions had been eoucealed from the
enemy, who, on the contrary, seemed to In- aware of the exact nuua-
ber of men stationed at each point, and they were one and all threat
OUCd by a force perfectly adequate to bear down opposition, and yet
by no means disproportionately large, or such as to render the main
body inefficient. All, moreover, was done with the sagacity and cool-
ness of veterans who perfectly understood the nature of the resistance
to be expected and the difficulties to be overcome, and who, having
well considered and matured their plans, were resolved to carry them
into execution at all hazards, and at every expense of life.
" It was at this moment, when the heads of columns began to show
themselves in the rear of our right and left, that the Indians, who
had hitherto acted with spirit and something like order, lost all con-
fidence and fled. Alarmed at the prospect of having their retreat cut
off", they stole away, after their own fashion, in single flics, in spite of
the strenuous remonstrance of Bnum and of their own officers, leaving
US more than ever exposed by the abandonment of that angle of the
intrenchment which they had been appointed to maintain. But even
this spectacle, distressing as it doubtless was, failed in affecting our
people with a feeling at nil akin to despair. This vacancy, which the
retreat of the savages occasioned, was promptly filled up by one of
our two field-pieces, whilst the other poured destruction among the
enemy in front as often as they showed themselves in the open
country or threatened to advance.
" In this state things continued upwards of three-quarters of an
hour. Though repeatedly assailed in front, flanks, and rear, wfl
maintained ourselves with so much obstinacy as to inspire a hope
that the enemy might even yet be kept at bay till the arrival of lirey-
mann's corps, now momentarily expected, when an accident occurred
which at once put an end to this expectation, and exposed us, almost
defenseless, to our fate. The solitary tumbril which contained the
whole of our spare ammunition became ignited, and blew up with a
violence which shook the very ground under our feet and caused a
momentary cessation in firing, both on our side and that of the
enemy, lint the cessation was only for a moment. The American
officers, guessing the extent of our calamity, cheered their men on to
fresh exertions. They rushed up the ascent with redoubled ardor, in
Spite of the heavy volley which wc poured in to check them: and,
ling our guns silent, they sprang over the parapet and dashed
within our works. For a few seconds the scene whieh ensued defies
all power of language to describe. The bayonet, the butt of lh< i
the sabre, the pike were in full play, and men fell, a- they rarely fall
in modern war. under the direct blows of their enemies. But such a
struggle could not, in the naturo of things, be of long continual
Outnumbered, broken, and somewhat disheartened by late events, our
people wavered and fell back, or fought singly and uneonneeteilly,
till they were either cut down at their posts, obstinately defending
tbemsolves, or compelled to surrender. Of Ricdcsel's dismout
dragoon- lew -nr\ i ved to t. II how nobly they had beha\ ed. fob Haunt,
.-hot through the body by a rifle-ball, fell mortally wounded; and, nil
order and discipline being lost, flight or submission was a!
thought of. For my own part, whether the feeling arose from
p oration or accident 1 cannot tell, but I resolved not to be taken. A*
ycl I hod escaped almost unhurt, a slight flesh wound in the IcH
arm having alone fallen to my share, and, gathering around me abool
thirty of n es, we made a rush where the enemy's rank
Mid burst through. This done, each man made It
to -lii ir for himself, without pausing to consider the fate of hi- neigh-
bor, and. losing one-third of our number from the enemy's fire, t ho
remainder took refuge, in groups of two <>r three, within the
i hi; SECOND B mi i K.
\V. have allowed the principal actor on the American
side, and a careful observer of and a participator in the
battle on tin- side of the British and Germans, each to
present in lii- own way an account of tin- engagement
Both, however, havccon6ncd their accounts mainly to thi
conflict which happened in tin* early paid of the afternoon,
and have piven a very indefinite view of the second battle,
which took place from a third of a mile to a mile cast <>t
WAR OF THE liKVOUJTION.
53
the presenl village of North Hoosick, on the road to Wal
loomsac and Bennington. A review of the details of this
second battle shows that Col. Breymann received orders
IVinn Gen. Burgoyne on the morning of August 15th, at
eight o'clock, to start at once with his company of yagers,
a battalion of chasseurs and grenadiers, and two cannon to
reinforce the corps of Baum. Each soldier carried with
liini forty cartridges. Breymann left an hour after re-
ceiving orders, but, owing to the difficulty he experienced
in crossing the Batten Kill, — the men being compelled to
wade through the water, the great number of hills he was
obliged to cross, " the bottomless roads," a severe and con-
tinuous rain storm, the difficulty of moving the cannon, and
losing the way through the ignorance of the guide, he was
able to proceed that day only to a point about seven miles
westerly from Cambridge, where he encamped for the night.
Early on the morning of the lGth he again set out, his
horses unfed, and over roads almost impassable, and pro-
ceeded very slowly on his way ; but, obtaining fresh horses,
he advanced some distance beyond Cambridge, and then
halted for half an hour to collect his columns. On again
going forward, and at about eight o'clock in the afternoon,
Col. Skene, who had been with Baum, sent two men to
Breymann, with a request for him to detach an officer and
twenty men, and send them forward to occupy the " mill at
St. Coyk," as the Americans were showing signs of ad-
vancing on it. Instead of the force asked for, Breymann
sent forward Capt. Gleisenberg with the advance-guard,
consisting of sixty grenadiers and chausseurs and twenty
yagers. Breymann himself, with the rest of his men,
reached the mill at half-past four, and found there the ad-
vance-guard in undisturbed possession and still unattacked
by the enemy.
Col. Skene, who was at the mill when Breymann arrived,
informed him that Baum was only two miles distant, but if
he knew of the fact that Baum was already defeated did
not communicate it to Breymann. Had Breymann known
the real state of the case, he would not have risked the
engagement that followed. Breymann deeming it best to
hasten forward to meet Bauni's corps, and Skene being of
the same opinion, both marched over the bridge in order to
reach Damn's camp as soon as possible. They had gone
scarcely six hundred paces from the bridge, when through
the woods " a considerable number of armed men, some of
whom wore blouses and some jackets," were seen hastening
towards an eminence on Breymann's left flank. Breymann
immediately called Skene's attention to the circumstance,
and received from him the reply that these men were royal-
ists. But when Skene rode up towards them and called to
them the matter was soon explained, for, instead of return-
ing an answer, they fired on Breymann's soldiers. There-
upon, Breymann ordered Bamer's battalion to move towards
the height, while the yagers and grenadiers advanced on
the right. Then it was that the second battle began, which
lasted until nearly eight o'clock in the evening. The can-
non, posted on a road, were trained on a log house occupied
by some Americans, whence they were forced to retire, and
as they came out they were repulsed on all sides, although
reinforcements arrived to support them. After Breymann's
ammunition was all expended, and his artillery had ceased
firing, he, in anticipation of the renewal of the attack, at-
tempted to take away the cannon. By this movement QlOSl
of his men were severely wounded. The horses were either
dead or in a condition which prevented them from moving
from the spot. Not daring to take any further risk-, and
being unable to return the enemj 's fire, he retreated on the
approach of darkness, destroyed the bridge at l; St. Coyk,"
brought thither as many of the wounded as possible thai
they might not be captured, and, after a lapse of half an
hour, in company with Col. Skene, pursued bis march to
I 'nmbridge, which place lie reached a little before midnight.
It is probable that the Second battle was begun and fought
in part by a body of New Yorkers under the command of
Col. John Williams, of White Creek, now Salem. Arriving
during the progress of the first battle, he, although belong-
ing to the New York line, offered his services, and received
the following order :
"State of Vermont — In Council of Safety, Aug. 10, 1777.
'■To Col. John Williams.
" Sir, — You will proceed with your part; towards the lines, and if
the enemy should retreat, you will repair to the mad leading from St.
Cork to Hoosack, and, if you make any discovery, report to tbie coun-
cil; at the same time, you are to pay proper attention to the read
leading from Hoosack to Pownal. By order of council.
"Paul Spooner, D, Secretari/"
In obedience to these orders, there is but little doubt
that Williams and his men were among the number who
posted themselves at the log house about a third of a mile
east of North Hoosick, and drove back Breymann and his
troops at the second battle.
stark's compliments.
Mementoes of the battle were subsequently transmitted
by Stark to the States of New Hampshire and Massachu-
setts Bay. His letter accompanying the gifts sent to the
former State was in these words :
"Gen. Stark presents his most respectful compliments to the Hon-
orable Council and House of Representatives for the State of New
Hampshire, and begs their acceptance of a Hessian dragoon sword,
drum, gun, cartridge-box, bayonet, and grenadier cap, the trophies of
the memorable battle fought by their militia, in conjunction wilh the
militia of the States of Vermont and Massachusetts Bay, on the ICth
of August, 1777, at Walloomscock, and desires they may be deposited
in the Stale, in memory of that glorious victory, given them by the
Divine Being who overpowers and rules all things.
"Compliments from Gen. John Stark, accompanying a present of
sundry warlike implements, trophies of the memorable battle at Wal-
loomscock, Aug. 10, 1777."
The letter sent to the Massachusetts Bay State was more
definite in its description of the articles which accompanied
it, and stated with great plainness the sentiments of Stark
respecting Great Britain:
"Bennington, Sept. 15, 1777.
" Gen. Stark begs leave to present to the Slate of Massachusetts
Bay, and prays their acceptance of the same, one Hessian gun and
bayonet, one broad sword, one brass-barreled drum, and one grena-
dier's cap, taken from the enemy in tho memorable battle fought
at Walloomscock on the 16th of August last, and requests thai the
same may be kept in commemoration of that glorious victory ob-
tained over the enemy on that day by the united troops of i hat State,
those of New Hampshire and Vermont, which victory ought to be
kepi in memory and handed dowu to futurity as a lasting and laudable
example for the sons and daughters of the victors, in order never to
54
I1I.-T<»K\ OF RENSSELAEB COUNTY, NEW YORK.
suffer then '" I
Brilii ' "'■
•• I an
|\ Si MIK.
«.ijr."
COM U I N •
It will be noticed thai in both of th< Stark
nates the conflict as "the memorable battle fought at
Walloomscock on the 16th of August, 1777.'' The name
thus employed by him is the name given t" the district on
which the main battle occurred, now known as " Walloom-
. ." which district is about b'ix miles from Bennington,
about a mile :m<l :i half from the Vermont line, i- situated
wholly within the State of New York, in the county of
i: r. and stretches over that part of the town of
II - s which lies about two miles northeast from the
villag FN II sick, and extends also nearly to the
therly limits of the town of White Creek, in Washing-
ton County, Glieh, in his narrative, refers to the some
mtryas "the farm of Walmscott." The -kir-
nii-li which took pla n the 15th at ■' the farm and bridge
of Sankoick," as narrated by Glieh, and which i.- also the
Sancoick," when Col. Bnum wrote a dispatch to Bur-
-,,.. ..ii August 1 lih. in which he said, " Beg your excel-
lency to pardon the hurry of this letter; it is written1 on the
head of a barrel" — was fought at Van Schaick's mill, now
N'.irtli Hoosick, and its name was oftcner spelled St Coych,
oix, Mr Saintcoix, or as given by Baum and Glieh, than
DV itj As late as the year 1812 the out-
lines of the temporary works erected on the occasion of the
battle were .-till to be seen, and can yet be traced by those
who have studied the topography of that region as conn
with the disposition of the ti in the conflict.
( )n the plan ofthe battle "at Walmscock, near Bennington,"
mpauying Burgoyne S of the Expedition," a copy
of which plan accompanies this article, the stream adjacent
to which the battle was fought is errom sly named the
II ... i; [| a imc n is the - ime as the district
through which it namely, " Wall ack," or
" Walloomscoick,' rror is noted as being an in-
iii in. uracy on an English plan of a battle of
the Revolution. Ordinarily, the plans of the battli
drawn b) thi ir t ducal orrccl to tlnir
mil. Is, and ai the Btudi Ht of
American history. Dwight, in com nting upon the result
■I. employs this
.. r ibod.
It »u >
and »n ni
■nt '" tho
mnj . Ii ««• »
brilliant ■ ' »n'l
•ben they
Um -
impoetanoi of bistort u & btodt.
If history i* the « I nd it" man i- t"
ni by the
and incidents which have occurred in the lives of other men,
and in the rise and fall of nations, then surely dues it be-
come every American to study well those events which, oc-
curring day by day and year by year, have in the progress
of time raised his country to a place among the nati ins of
the world and ".iven it a iveord which, whether for good 01
l',,r evil, is worthy to be known by all. History teaching
b) its examples is the creator of philosophy, and tin
philosophy is the supreme guide to the strongest, the
purest, the highest life.
CHAPTEK XI.
THE HAMPSHIRE GRANTS.
ABOUT the middle of the last century there arose a
Litter controversy between the provinces of New York and
New Hampshire respecting the title to certain townships
of land now comprising the town of l>eunington and vicin-
ity, in the State of Vermont, but then called and known
a< the •• 1 lamp-hire Grants." The tract of land eni
ing these disputed townships lay in the southwestern corner
of what is now the State of Vermont, and adjoining what
are now Washington and Rensselaer Counties. At tbl
beginning of the controversy, about the year 171'.'. the
territory now comprised in the counties of Rensselaer and
Washington formed a part of Albany County. In 177-
Washington County was set off under the name of Char-
lotte County, and Ilensselaer still continued a part of AJ
bany County until the year 1791. The county of Charli
when set oft' included, as claimed by New York, a part <il
the-,- disputed townships, and the magistrates of Charlotte
County assumed jurisdiction over them. These dispu
continued, with more or less violence, until the year 1791,
in which year Vermont was admitted by Congress into the
Union, and during which year also the controversy W«8
finally settled between New York and Vermont, New York
yielding up the lands, and Vermont paying her therefor, in
Settlement, the sum of thirty thousand dollars in full of all
demands.
The controversy grew out of the disagreement existing
in colonial and provincial times, between New York and
New England, as lo the boundary line ofthe respcel
provinces. The territory described in the Great I'atentof
England, granted by King .lames in 1620, was
follows :
" All thai circuit, continent, precincts, anil limits in America, !>i»J
in breadth from I thoriy lutiluile t I H"
equinoctial lino to forty eiglil degrees nl the sail northci
n length by nil I if' aid, throughout the mainland
Ip.ii, with nil th as, rivers, islands, cricks, inlets. !
within the dcgrci -. precincts, mid limits of the said lata-
; lo."
The term from a." in this grant, wasoonstrued
by 1 1, N « Englanders to mean from the Atlantic to thi
Pa ■ ii is. Such was the imperfect knowledge of the
ti
the county, that the clause from " sea to sea
had but an indefinite meaning in the mind of King dames,
but it led to endless disputes in the future between lie
nies.
'UK HAM PSII I KK GRANTS.
55
On the other hand, King Charles II., I>v his letters
patent to the Duke of York, bearing date tin- L2th day of
Maroh, L6G3 G4, and the 29th June, L674, fixed the
bounds of the province of New York " from the west Bide
of tin' Connecticut River to the cast side of the Delaware
Bay," as will be soon in the description of the territory
granted in the document hereinbelow given.
BKGINNINU OF THE TROUBLES.
In the year 171!', Benning Wentworth was the governor
of the pro^ ince of New Hampshire. It was during a period
of peace between England and France, and of ;i cessation of
hostilities in the French-and-Indian wars. The people of
\rw Hampshire were desirous of settling on the lands west
of the Connecticut River, and applied to Governor Went-
worth for grants of the same.
On the 17th day of November, 1749, Governor Went-
worth addressed a letter to Governor Clinton, of New York,
informing him of this desire of settlers to take up such lands,
and desiring Governor Clinton's opinion as to the boundary
line between the provinces. He also informed Governor
Clinton that a surveyor and chainman had run the western
line of Massachusetts, and that it struck the Hudson River
''about eighty polos between where Mohawk River crosses
into the Hudson," and desire Governor Clinton's opinion
as to how " far north of Albany the government of New
York extends."
To this letter Governor Clinton replied on the 9th April,
1750, informing Governor Wentworth that the Connecticut
River was the eastern boundary of the New York govern-
ment.
In reply to this, Governor Wentworth wrote to Governor
Clinton that, inasmuch as the provinces of Connecticut and
Massachusetts claimed the land northeast of the Connecticut
River up to a line within twenty miles to the east of the
Hudson, he should claim for New Hampshire the same
rights.
Governor Wentworth also advised Governor Clinton that
he, Governor Wentworth, had already "granted one Town-
ship, due north of the Massachusetts line, of the contents
of Six Miles Square, and by measurement twenty-four
miles east of the city of Albany."
In allusion to his name, he (Governor Wentworth) gave
to this township the name of Benning-ton.*
To this letter Governor Clinton replied on the 6th June,
1750, asking Governor Wentworth to recall the grant of
the township of Bennington, above described.
The state of the dispute in the year 16o*3 can best be
ascertained from the following documents, which we copy
intact :
"PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE CONNECTICUT RIVER
"to be the MAST bounds of THE province OF NEW YORK.
" I'.y the Honorable Cadwallader Golden, Esq. ; His Majesty'a Lieu-
tenant Governor and commander in chief of the Province of new
york, and the Territories depending thereon in America.
"A PROCLAMATION.
" Whereas King Charles the Second, by his several Letters Patent
bearing Date tho 12th Day of March, 1663-4, and the 29th J ;
"' Hall's History of Eastern Vermont.
1674, did give and grant in Pee, unto hi Brother, Joint • Duke of
)'">•/, pi i i,i in Land . of which tho Province ol Wu ) rk is ;i part,
containing, an g othoi Tract . 'all thai I land i I com
monly called by t i ■ * ■ several Name or Name ol l/a
Inland, situate and being toward the ^ e ' of cap* cor/, and th<
roio Biggnnsetts, abutting upon the main Land between the two
Rivers there called or known by the several Nam i I ecticni
and Hudson* 9 River. Together also with the said EUver, called Hud-
son's EUver, and >tll the Land from the West Side <•/ Connecticut
River to th Eaeteidt w Delaware Bay,1
"And whereas the Government of Yen Hamp hiret bj i1" Lettci
Patent of his Inte majesty, given at Whitehall, the third Da
July j 17 11, is described in the words following : 'Our Pro in i
\ru Hampshire, within our Dominions of New England in America,
bounded on the South Side by a similar Curve Line pursuing tho
course of merrimac River, al threi miles Distance on the north side
thereof; beginning a1 the Atlantic Ocean, nnd ending al a Poinl due
north of a Place called Pautltckct Full*; :md by a. straight Line
drawn from thence due West across the said River till it meet* with
our other Governments; and bounded on the south side by a Line
passing up through the mouth of Piscataqna Harbour, and np the
middle of tho River to the River of Newich wan nock, Part of which
is now called salmon Falls, and through the Middle of the same to
the furthe.-t Head thereof; and from thence North two Degrees
Westerley until One Hundred and Twenty miles he finished from the
■Mouth of Piscataqna Harbour aforesaid, or until it meets with our
otlur Governments/
"And whereas it manifestly appears bj the several Grants or Let-
ters Patent itbove recited, that the Province of new york is hounded
to the eastward by the River Connecticut: thai the Province of New
Hampshire, being expressly limited in its extent II - ttieard and North-
ward by His Majesty's other Governments, is confined to the same
River as to its Western Boundary ; and that the said Government of
New Hampshire is not intituled to Jurisdiction Westward, beyond the
Limits of that River.
"And whereas the said Government of New Hampshire, tho' fully
apprized of the Right of this Government, under the Letters Patent
aforementioned to the Duke of York ; and sensible also that his
Majesty had not been pleased to establish other Boundaries between
his said two Provinces, hath granted Lands Westward of Connecticut
River, within the Limits and Jurisdiction of the Government of new
york; in virtue whereof, sundry Persons, ignorant that they could
not derive a Legal Title under such Grants, have attempted the set-
tlement of the Lands included therein, and have actually possessed
themselves of Soil before granted within this PrOl ince ; while others
claiming under tho said Government of New Hampshire, have en-
deavored to impose on the Inhabitants here, by offering to Sale at a
low Rate, whole Townships of Six Miles Square lately granted by the
Government Westward of Connecticut River,
" To prevent therefore the Incautious from becoming Purchasers of
the Lands so granted; to assert the Rights, and fully to maintain the
jurisdiction of the Government of this His majesty's Province of new
york ; I have thought tit, with the advice of His majesty's council,
to issue this Proclamation, hereby commanding and requiring all
Judges, Justices, and other civil Officers within the same to continue
to exercise Jurisdiction in their Respective Functions, as far as to the
Hanks of Connecticut River, the undoubted Eastern Limits of that
Part of the Province of new york, notwithstanding any contrariety
of Jurisdiction claimed by the Government of New Hampshire, or
any Grants of Land Westward of that River, made by the said Gov-
ernment, AND I DO hereby enjoin the High Sheriff of the county of
Albany, to return to me or the commander in chief, the Names of all
and everj Person and Persons, who under the Grants of the Govern-
ment of X<ir Hampshire, do or shall hold the Possession of any Lands
Westward of Connecticut River, that they may he procee li d against
accot ding to La w,
" G LVEN under my Hand and seal nt Arms, af Fori George, in the
City of New York, the Twenty-eighth Day of December, 1763, in the
Fourth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third,
by the Grace of GOD, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King's
Defender of the Faith, and so forth, By his Honor's Command,
" C IDWALLADER COLDEN.
" Geo. B \n/ \u, Dep, Secry.
" God s wk the King."
56
HISTORY OF i:k\s:-i:i.\i:k COUNTY, NEW YORK.
"PROt LAM \l [ON OF 001 BRNOR WBN iWORTH
"B i < *■
•■ I'.;. II
lliii. !
•■ \ PROI LA MAI tON
•• Win in i- II.- II Baqr., Lion
\. ■»
u i.niiry
n,lu on the 12th day
I, and ill.- ."'cli June [874, did bj In- several Lot-
ia Brother tho Duko of York
a ng other Things all the Land from tho weal side of Con i tioul
Bay and therein alio seta forth,
Hampshire, in which description
1 the fact,
on which the d - Hampshire dopended, vi'.. Hia
a of the northern, and western Boundarya of
nothing can bo
mora eridenl than thai (few Uampsbirc may legally oxtend her
■"' I
■ha clainu '■ tend! to olaim oven to
H^ji . although ihe never laid oul and settled
:, it, - pari of Hi- M la Since she existed aa
"When [i . rernmenl extends her Baalorn Boundary to
tho Banka v " fork and the Colony of
the Banka of said River, b a York and
Bay, ii irou'd have been full early
. ivernmont ol No« Hampshin
fully appi ' New York under the before recited Lct-
■ u> the Duke "f York.
• • ] of the Boundary 1
bj || vin. -ni mi, I the Massachusetts
l , all the Land omenta have boon < Lown-
to II,- M ' rablo
I. . daily arising to tho Crown, unlcaa interrupted and im-
I lamation, whioh Now Hanipshiro will not
.
.. i, , of Sen York to the Northward are
unknoKo, -ml ■<■ toon >- n shall to do-
, . . II imp b n a ill p ■;■ - n idy and ohearfull ubodi-
j Inn thai all Grants made by Now Hamp-
shire ihst arc folBllcd bi thi ■ ill b ifirme I I" them, if it
tbonl .
ij \, ■« \ ork
Strict injunction on tho
. 11 ill their I; H9, as
far »• BasUrn D • or,
! intod
I
holding the
the Duke ia
ob,.. d Boundary to Now York thai
. which »rc «rt (.,rtli in thi
uarl ' tk« of
on i Hi* Lata
I .. wr|| »
A mainuin lb'
|h ,r,.| »:•) I),
thi- liming
ng and cultivating
■its.
mmand all - within
Una I wb*< V"*
>nd be dili-
gonl in oxercising Jurisdiction in their respective offices, ns far wcat-
ward as Grants of Land have been made by this Government, and to
deal with any person, or persons, that may presume to interrupt the
Inhabitants or settlers on said Lands as to Law and Justice doth
appertain, the pretended right of Jurisdiction mentioned in the afore-
said Proclamation notwithstanding.
■•Given at tho Counoil Chamber nt Portsmouth the l:'.th day of
March, 1764, in the fourth year of Hia Majosty'a Reign.
"Ii. Wkxtwobth."
Iii the mean time the home government had the matter
under consideration, and on the 20th day of July, 1071
ided in favor of New York, as will be seen by the fol-
lowing order in council :
"(L. S. . At the court at St. James the 2flth day of July. 1784.
Present,— The King's most Excellent Majesty, Lord Steward. Karl of
Iwieh, Earl of Halifax. Earl of Powis, Earl of Hilsborough, Mr.
Vice Chamberlain, Gilbert Elliot, Esq.. James Oswald, Esq., Karl of
Qarcourt
■ Whereas there was this day read at the Hoard, a Report made by
tho Right Honorable the Lords of the Commit!. f Council for Plan-
i affairs, dated the 17th of this Instant, upon Considering a
Representation from the Lords Commissioners tor Trade and Planta-
tions, relative to the Disputes that havesomc years Subsisted between
the Provin :cs of New Hampshire and New York concerning Ihe
B Hilary Line between those Provinces. His Majesty taking taw
same into consideration was pleased with the advice of his privy
Council to approve of what is therein proposed, and doth accordingly
hereby Order and Declare the Western Hanks of the River Connecti-
cut, from where it enters the Province of the M i
far North ns the forty-fifth Degree of Northern Latitude, to I
Boundary Line between the said two Provinces of New Hampshire
and New Vork. Whereof the respective Governors and Coinmnn
in-Chief of his Majesty's said Provinces of New Hampshire and
York for the time being, and all others whom it may Con
take n.tiec of his Majesty's Pleasure hereby signified, an 1 Govern
themselves accordingly.
"Wm. Blair."
But the decision of the home government did not end
the matter. Governor Wentworth bad, between the \
1763 and 17G8, granted to numerous persons no less than
one hundred and thirty-eight townships, and a large 1k«1v
of settlers, mostly from Connecticut, bad gone into occupi
ti.ui. The settlors bad. many of them, paid Go>
Wentworth for their lands, and they did not propose U
for them the second time to New York. Those settler*,
under the leadership of Ethan Allen, now became a third
party to the contest. They resisted all attempts at ejectioii
and dispossession bj the authorities of Albany County.
They formed themselves into bands, and committed mlDJ
depredations in tho counties of Washington and Rem
sclacr, and flogged the New York officers with beechcn-rodi
without mercy. The controversy lasted for some t< n
when the war of the Revolution broke out, and the
people of the Hampshire Grants warmly espoused the patriol
cause.
\: the conclusion of the war the controversy conl
for seven years longer with great violence.
The) pie of the Hampshire Grants found themselves in
an anomalous condition. The boundary rptestion bad been
long before d cided againsl them by the home government
They were legally under the jurisdiction ol New York, bm
were in a stab of open armed resistance again t her author-
I - | V -a Hampshire bad long since rclm
1 her claims. In this emergency the people of the
Hampshire Grants scl upa sort of independent government
COUNTY OIK! \NI/, \TION COUNTY BUILDINGS KAKI.V COURTS.
57
Cur themselves, willniul tlio sanction ol' law. Of a truth,
the State of Now York considered them aa rioters and out-
laws, treated them as such, and made vain attempts i«i re-
duce (lii'in to her authority.
The people of the (J rants retaliated, and even wont so far
as to lay claim to the territory of Washington County and
the northern part of Rensselaer. They organized a State
t:i iv i Turnout under the title of New Connecticut or Ver-
mont. Their officers oven penetrated the territory of Now
York as far as Lansingburgh, claiming the right to execute
processes.
Two nr three towns ol' Washington, even, joined thorn,
notably the towns of Cambridge, Granville, and White
Creek. These towns, however, submitted to the authority
of Now York in 1782.*
But the limits of this chapter will not permit a recital
of the details of this protracted controversy. It resulted
in the admission of Vermont as a State of t lie Union in
1791.
CHAPTER XII.
COUNTY ORGANIZATION COUNTY BUILD-
INGS—EARLY COURTS.
L— COUNTY ORGANIZATION.
PREVIOUS to the year 1791, Albany County embraced
ill that part of the territory of the State of New Yrork
iiirth of the counties of Ulster and Dutchess, except Wash-
ington County, which was taken from Albany County,
March 12, 1772. Rensselaer County was named in honor
if the Van Rensselaer family, and was set off from Albany
bounty, Feb. 17, 1791.
II.— COUNTY' BUILDINGS.
The first meeting of the officers of Rensselaer County
fas held in Lansingburgh, at the tavern of Ananias Piatt,
ii Tuesday, April 15, 1791, at which place the necessary
athsof office were taken and appointments made for hold-
tig the courts. The time designated for holding the Court
f General Sessions of the Peace and the Court of Common
'leas, was the first Tuesday in May, 1791, at the house of
Uianias Piatt, in Lansingburgh. A room was secured in
house formerly occupied by N. Jacobs, near the residence
f Col. John Van Rensselaer, for the county clerk's office.
Tho first sessions of the Court of Common Pleas was
resided over by Hon. Anthony Ten Eyck, First Judge;
ohn Van Rensselaer, Israel Thompson, Robert Woodworth,
onathan Brown, Judges; Benjamin Hicks, Robert Mont-
omery, and Moss Kent, Assistant Judges. The follow-
ig persons were admitted to practice as attorneys and
mnselors: John Woodworth, Dirck Ten Broeck, Moss
•cut, John V. Henry, Peter D. Van Dyck, Ab'm Hun,
ohn Waters Yates, Nicholas Funda, Gerrit Wendall,
ohn D. Dickinson, Guert Van Schoonhoven, Cornelius
andenbergh, John Lovett, Peter E. Elmendorf, Sanders
See copies of the articles of submission of these towns in Doe. His.
N. V.. vol. iv. pp. 1007-9
8
Lansing, and Francis Silvester. The courl thou adopted
thirty-three rules ami orders to be "observed by all the
officers thereof." Tl inrl directed "thai a seal be made
for tlii unty of Rensselaer, and be affixed by the clerk of
this court to all processes and records thereof to authenti
oato the same, and that the device be a plow, with the
words ' Rensselaer County Seal' engraved around the edge
thereof." Subsequently, after the third day's session, it
was ordered that the court stood adjourned to the second
Tuesday in November, then to meet at tho house of Stephen
Ashley, in the town of Troy. On the fifth day of -July,
1791, a Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Jail
Delivery was held at Piatt's loo, in the town of Troy.
Thereafter the county courts wore held alternately at the
tavern of Ananias Piatt in Lansingburgh and the inn of
Stephen Ashley in Troy, until the erection of the court-house.
For the purpose of allaying as far as it was possible the
local jealousy existing between the people of Lansingburgh
and Troy, it was announced by those who bad control of
the powers of legislation that the village which should sub-
scribe the most money for the erection of the proposed
county buildings would have the preference in regard to
their situation. The people of Troy, in a very quiet man-
ner, circulated a subscription paper with these words :
" To all whom these prevents ehall come or may concern : Whereas,
by an act of the Legislature of the State of New York at their pres-
ent session it was enacted that a court-house ami gaol should be
erected and built in the county of Rensselaer, within sixty rods of the
dwelling-bouse of Stephen Ashley, in the village of Troy, in the town
of Troy, and that the sum of one thousand pounds should be made
payable to the treasurer of said county for the time being, for the
purpose aforesaid, by the inhabitants of the said village in the town
of Troy. Now therefore know ye, that we whose names are hereunto
subscribed do respectively promise to pay unto Albert Pawling and
Christopher Hutton, or to one of them, !o t heir or one of their exe-
cutors, administrators, or assigns, the sum of money annexed to our
respective names on demand, which money is to be appropriated to
the building of a court-house and gaol as aforesaid. Dated Ihis four-
teenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand and
seven hundred and ninety-three."
This paper received the signatures of sixty-four persons
in Troy, making a subscription of one thousand pounds.
This gained a decision for the erection of the county build-
ings in Troy.
On the 22d day of March, 1793, Jacob D. Vanderhey-
den granted and conveyed to Robert Woodworth, Cornelius
Lansing, Jacob A. Lansing, Benjamin Milk, Thomas
Sickles, Jonas Odell, and John Wylie, supervisors of Rens-
selaer County, as gifts, lots 145, 14G, and 147, on the south-
east corner of Congress and Second Streets, on which to
erect a court-house and jail.
While the court-bouse was in course of erection, pro-
posals for the building of the county jail were advertised,
Nov. 11, 1794, by Benjamin Gorton, clerk.
The first court convened in the new court-house was that
of Common Pleas, on the second Tuesday in June, 1794.
In 1795 the jail was completed, being built of brick, two
stories in height, with barred windows, and was situated on
the corner of the alley, east and in the rear of the court-
house. The court-house occupied the site of the present
building, and was surmounted with a cupola, in which
afterwards was placed a bell.
6H
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
SECOND I "i i;i DO
I C ranty, at :i meet-
ing held :ii ili.- inn of William Pierce, in Troy, Nov. 15,
182 : to petition thi - I 1. .mire for an act
and i mi to r.ii*. bj tax npon tbc people of die
■\ .i mud of in v ii"t exceeding together with the
.sum which might 1»- contributed by the people of Troy)
in the whole twenty Eve thousand dollars, for the erection
. new court-house. This resolution was dependent on
the action of the authorities of the city of Troy, in giving
it the city would defray two-fifths
of tin . \| ensc of the building over and nbove their quota
nf tin' residue of bucIi an expenditure. This resolution
being submitted to the com n council of Troy, the pn
sition was I, it being undersl 1 that the common
council and city of Troy should be accommodated with such
ni> in the court-house as they might require,
in -t inconsistent with the accomi lotions of the county, and
that the new building should be erected on or near the site
of tbc old building, and buill under the superintendence of a
j..int committee of the Board of Supervisors and of t lie coni-
iii. .11 council. Towusend McCoun, Ephraim Morgan, and
liah Dauchy were appointed that committee.
An art t.. authorise the Supervisors of the county of
B t t.. raise by tax upon said county "a sum not ix-
thousand dollars, Tor the purpose of rebuild-
ing the court-house in -ai.l county and for other purposes,"
I by the State Legislature, March 13, IS27.
Finding, however, that i -.■ money would be needed, the
B ;<1 of Supervisors resolved to enlarge the appropriation
f..r the building of the court house to thirty-one thousand
dollars, and in this the common council of Troy i curred,
Jan. 31, I
In March, 1831, the Board of Supervisors set apart for
th us of ili. city of Troy the rooms on the north side of
the hall on ili. bc< 1 floor of the court-house, marked
and " ( 'oinin.iii ( louncil room," and
il.r.s- r. " .in- in the basement st,.r_y. The remainder of the
building • irt for tlic use of the county.
building when finished cost about fortj thousand
Lructed of Sing Sing marble, 1 archi-
irnlly in nforming to the style of the
THK SECOND JAIL.
I Brat action taken by the common council of the
r building a now jail was on May 17. 1825,
wh.-n it •• f three pci ions
I I- confer with the Supervisors of the
. a site for the
iiiloftli. county. 1 1 of Ephraim
M rg in, Thomas I Jcrcn I ' i hy.
(in the '.tli of April. 1826, the I'...ar.l of -
Cting
the erection ..f the n.w jail, which wo I. the fol-
lowii in brief the agrccmcul
1 .■!! lot '
.situated on thi - ■. and on the north
I ; lli.it the foiiinla-
•iirc
of brick, with a roof of slate; that the corporation of the
city of Troy should cause to be executed to the count} of
Rensselaer a good and valid title to the said lot, free of
ground rent, and should at all times thereafter pay and
Satisfy all taxes, charges, and assessments which then or
thereafter should lie taxed, charged, or assessed upon the
lot or ordinance of the city of Troy, then or thereafter in
force, and to cause the said lot to be leveled fit to receive
the building.
It was ordered that the committee previously appoint.il
should draw no the chamberlain of the city for the stun of
eleven hundred and twenty-five dollars, the purchase-money
the jail lot, and that the committee should sell the
buildings and fences found thereon. For excavating ami
leveling the ground on the jail lot one hundred and
enty-five dollars were afterwards paid. On Aug. 2, 1832
it was resolved by the common council that the old hell of
the court-house .should he placed in the cupola of the new
jail to be rung for alarms of fire.
HOI si; OF INIirSTRY.
For the erection of a House of Industry and the pur-
chase of the farm belonging thereto, it was resolved by the
common council, at a meeting held Oct. 4. 1S21. that the
Supervisors of Rensselaer County should he rc.|"
cause the sum of fifteen hundred dollars to be raised by
tax on the estates of the freeholders and inhabitants nf the
city of Troy.
On the 10th of January, 1S22, the Supervisors re]
to the common council of the city of Troy that the entire
cost of the farm purchased for the site for a House of In-
dustry for the poor of the city and of the towns associa
in purchasing the same, including interest, was fourth
sand five hundred and two dollars and twenty-eight cents,
that the new house built thereon and repairing the old houa
and Lain, etc., cost three thousand and sixty-two dollars anil
fifty-six cents ; and additional expenses, making a total ol
nine thousand and sixty-four dollars and eighty-four 0 '
Of tins sum the proportion to be paid by the city was :
thousand six hundred and forty-seven dollars and nil).
four e.nts.
Th.- House of Industry is about one and a half
east of the compact part of the city. The main building
is built of brick, two Storii - high, one hundred and fiflv
ng by forty wide, with a wing of the same !
and material, thirty by forty feet. There is also a
building, erected in I860, one story in height, one humi
and eight feel long by twenty-eight wide. The lunatic
asylum is built of brick, three stories in height, tliirtj
sixty feet. The farm consists of about one hundred ami
fort'. of hind.
ill. E \i:i. .. i OURTS.
The courts of tbc State, at the time of the formation
this county, wi
1. Thi Court of Errors, consisting of the lieutenant
i. nr. the senators, the chancellor, and the jud
nt. This court had sole power to try in
•Milt-, and a general appellate jurisdiction over ill
low.
COUNTY ORGANIZATION— COUNTY BUILDINGS KARL? COURTS.
59
2. The Court of Chancery, with exclusive jurisdiction in
equity causes.
I!. The Supreme Courl of Judication, consisting of a
ohief-justice and three puisne judges. Tins court sal in
Jane, and heard appeals from the courts below.
I. The Circuit Court, which was held in each county at
least once iii every year by one of the judges of the Su
|n- e Court. It had jurisdiction over all issues of law.
"i. A Court of Common Pleas in each county. This
oourt consisted of a lirst judge and at least three judges,
ami had jurisdiction over all actions at law arising within
the county.
li. The Court of Oyer ami Terminer. This was a crimi-
nal branch of the Circuit Court, and was presided over by
a circuit judge and at least three commissioned justices of
the peace of the county, of whom one might be a county
judge.
7. The Court of General Sessions. This was a criminal
court, held by any three of the justices of the peace of the
county, and of which a judge of Common Pleas must always
he a member.
THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENT.
When King Charles II., in the years 1663-64 and
1674, granted to his brother James, Duke of York and
Albany, the vast province of the New Netherlands, and
brcibly seizing it from the Dutch, its rightful owners,
lamed it New York in honor of the duke, he also granted
,vith it to the duke plenary powers of government over the
irovtnee.
The duke accordingly exercised his power as sole propri-
itorof this province by Governors of his own appointment.
The lirst Governor appointed by the duke as proprietor was
rovernor Richard Nicolls, Sept. 8, 1664, and the last was
iovernor Thomas Dongan, Aug. 27, 1683. It was under
he Duke of York as proprietor that on the 1st day of No-
rember, 1683, Governor Dongan divided the province iuto
en enmities, and named them after the duke and the king
md family, as described in Chapter 11.
But on the 6th day of February, 16S5, the Duke of
Lurk ascended the throne of England as James II., and
lis title as proprietor to the province merged in his crown,
nd it henceforth ceased to be a charter government.
From that time for a period of ninety years, up to the
var of the Revolution, the colony of New York was a
oyal government, with a constitution resembling that of
ircat Britain.
Executive Power. — The executive power of the colony
vas vested in a Governor appointed by the king, and hold-
ng office during the royal will, and possessing ample
lowers. In imitation of the king's privy council, the Gov-
nior had a council consisting of twelve members, also ap-
lointed by the king, and holding their office during the
oyal will and pleasure. With the Governor, any three of
hem made a quorum.
Legislative Power. — The legislative body of the province
'insisted of the Governor, representing the king; of the
ouncil, who stood in the place of the House of Lords;
"d the representatives of the people, corresponding to the
louse of Commons in England.
Of these representatives, each of 'he ten countii
two; the' township of Schenectady, the borough of W •
cheater, ami the three manors of Reosselaerswyck, fiivirj ■
ton, anil Cortland each sent .making in all a body of
twenty live representatives. After the erecti if the lour
new counties of Cumberland, Gloucester, Tryon, and Chai
Inite. it mad.' a body of thirty-three representatives.
The legislative body so constituted was called the Gen
cral Assembly. With the advice of his nieil. the Gov-
cnor had full power to convene, adjourn, prorogue, I r
dissolve the General Assembly, as he should judge m
sary.
Laws, 'fhe common law of England was considered as
the fundamental law of the province.
Tin Judicial Power. — First, there was a Court of Chan-
cery, in which the Governor sat as chancellor. The officers
of this court were a master of the rolls, two masters, two
clerks in court, a register and examiner, and a sergeant-at-
arms. Second, the Supreme Court; third, the Court of
Common Pleas; fourth, Justices' Courts. These courts
were the models after which the early courts of the Slate
were formed, and their powers were similar to the early
State courts of the same name previously described in this
chapter.
SURROGATE'S COURT.
Upon the erection of the territory into a county, in 1791,
Moss Kent was appointed surrogate, and his first entry in
the record is dated May 3, 1791, and his last entry May
26, 1792.
John Woodworth succeeded Kent, and retained the office
until April, 1803, when lie was succeeded by Jeremiah
Osborn, who held the office until April, 1806, when
Alanson Douglas was appointed. He retained the office
longer than any of his predecessors, and was succeeded iu
April, 1813, by David Allen. Iu March, 1815, William
McManus was appointed, and held office until August,
1818, when Benjamin Smith was appointed, and continued
in office until June 20, 1S20. Nicholas M. Martin was
appointed then, and held the office until April, 1821,
when he was succeeded by Thomas Clowes. Mr. Clowes
was succeeded, April, 1827, by Philp Viele, who was fol-
lowed by Job Pierson in April, 1S35. Mr. Pierson re-
tained the office until February, 1S40, when Cornelius L.
Tracy was appointed, and continued in office until Feb-
ruary, 1844. Of all those above named, Mr. Tracy is the
sole survivor.
Stephen Reynolds, Jr., was appointed February, \M\.
and was followed by George T. Blair, who was elected in
July, 1847, and who remained iu office until Dec. 31,
1855. Mr. Blair died in 1S67. Robert McClellan was
elected to succeed Mr. Blair, and held the office for four
years, commencing Jan. 1, 1856, and was succeeded by
Moses Warren Jan. 1, 1860. He retained the office until
Dec. 31, 1868, when he was succeeded by E. Smith Strait ;
but Mr. Strait having resigned, upon the death of Hon.
Jeremiah Romeyn, county judge, after three years and one
month, he was appointed county judge, and Mr. Warren
was appointed surrogate, and at the next election he was
re-elected. He continued to be re-elected, and now most
worthily fills the position.
r,n
BISTOM OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
CHAPTEB XIII,
COUNTY CIVIL LIST.
.11 DICIARY.
In the earlier yean the presiding count) judge was
■ First Judge." In addition there were also
■'Judges" and "Assistant Justices The latter were
selected by appointment of the Governor from among the
•• Justin * of the Peace." The office of "Assistant
Justice" was abolished in 1816. In later years the
"County Judges" are the proper successors of the First
a below in the Bame list
1 11 st .11 noi s.
1791. Anthony Ten Byck. 1823. David Bud, Jr.
Robert W Iwortb. 1828. Herman Knickerbocker.
1 80S. .'..I... - I.. llogi boom. ■ i: Dat is.
ten.
1-17. Charlesfl. Pnrmclcc. I'..:. Jcrcmiab Romcyn.
Archibald Boll. 1871. E. Smith Strail (now in
Gilbert Robertson, Jr. office, Ootobcr, 1879).
John Van . Isrn.l Thompson, Robert W Iwortb, Jona-
than Brown, Feb. 18, 1791.
John Von Ren i . ■■ . i: iborl W Iworth, Jona-
than Broun. Thomas Sickles, Fob. 15, 1794.
■el Thompson, Jonathan Brown, Thomas
Siekler, Jan. 31, 1 ::':.
Jonnt John B. Van Allen, Hoses Vail, Fob. 27,
Bphi . Nov. 1 1. 1800.
nathan Brown, Josiah Al nardOnnse-
Bci .n.iii Smith, Joshna Bnrnham, Jan. 8, 1802.
pLeonard ort, .lr.. Benjamin
. Joshna Bnrnham, Mareh 9, 1803.
rtb, Jonathan Brown, Josiah Mastei I IGanse-
l, Jr, John Stoughton, Levinus Lai U b 19, 1805.
lb, Jonathan Brown, Josiah SI lard Ganse-
-•. .lr.. John Stoughton, Levin March 19, 1800.
March 22, 1S06.
Jonall I nl ... I mii'..
J»n- Iworth, Leonard Qansovoort, .Tr.,
than Nil.-. William Bell,
na Bambam, Pi b. 16, 1810.
Natbi 1310.
fa 12, 1810.
H illiam Boll, Aan Burt, Leon-
ard Q Sholdon, M
hit, 1811.
■ i.l Gray, Uonry Piatt,
I 13.
i Barnbam, Ilotca MoOt, David Gl< 1814.
Rowland Hall. April 18, 1814.
Sam-
uel I
1810,
. I in ', Jr., June
moil from 17'. 1 to 1816,
J',f"' than Nilr«.
1791.
"
Jacob V
John Knickerbocker, .lr.. John W. Schermerhorn, Jonathan Nilcs
Benjamin Ilicks, Nicholas Stoats, Robert Montgomery, John K.
Van Allen, Ephraim Morgan, Josiah Masters, Jacob Vondcr-
hoydi n. Fob. 15, 1794.
John W. Scbcrmcrbi Nicholns Slants, John E. Van Allen. Ephraim
;an, Josiah Masters, Moses Vail, Cornelius Lansing, Leonard
Qansovoort, Jr.. Jan. 31, 1797.
Elijah Jones, Nov. 12, 1800.
Jonathan Nil,-. Nicholas Stunts, James L. Ilogcbooui, Levinus Lan-
sing, John YV. Schormerborn, Jan. 2S. 1SU2.
Jonathan Ronse, March 15, 1S03.
Rowlond Hall, April 3, 1804.
Jonathan Nil.-. Nicholas Slants, Jonathan House, Rowland Hall,
Samuel Vary, Jr.. John W. Woods. Thouins Palmer, Nathan
tfoyes, March 19, 1S05.
Simeon Button, Hunson Smith, March 22, 1S0G.
David Allen. March 13, 1807.
Thomas Palmer, Munson Smith, Samuel Vary. Simeon Button, David
Thomas, Lovclt Head, John Breese, Nicholas Stoats, March 10,
1808.
Burton Hammond, Israel Shepherd, March 12. 1810.
Jnbcs Borrows. John Still, Henry Warren, Joseph Dorr, Ashcr Arm-
strong, Samuel Vary, Samuel Shaw. Willei Vary. Lovett Head,
Samuel Coon, Nicholas Slaats, John Breese. Daniel Wngor,
'l'h. .inns Palmer. Mareh 16, 1811.
John Stevens. Israel Shepherd, George Gardner. Myndert Grocsbcok,
Zebulon Scrivcn, James S]icnccr. Daniel Hull. William Douglass,
Adam Yates, 1'enner l'nlnicr. March 23, 1813.
Reuben Mcrriam, Joseph Dorr. Henry C i. Martin De Freest, Caleb
Carr, Samuel Vary. Jonathan Chelate. John Stilt. Simon New-
conib, Jr.. Mareh l.i. lSl.i.!
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The following list comprises most of the names of those
who were appointed to this office in the county of Albany
for thirty years preceding the formation of Rensselaer
County. Tt is inserted here because a portion of the list
belongs to the territory of the present county of Rcnsst
and it is of further interest to the citizens of Itenssclacr
County because many of these men or their descendants
were afterwards identified with the territory east of the
river.
We have also prefixed an old list of Queen Anne's
reign.
JUSTICES OP Till. PEACE IN ALBANY i.U'NTY.
Iii the reign of Queen Anne the following justices of the
peace were appointed for the city and county of Albany.
Oct. 1 I. 1702:
William Smith. Peter Schuyler, Sheldon Broughton, Gernrdus 1
iii.in. William Lawrence, Abraham Van Dam, John l.i
Caleb il> .iihr.it.-. of the Govornor*6 Council.
Alborl Ryckman, Mayor of the oity.
John At... I. Recordor.
,I..hn Schuyler, David Schuyler, Hcndrick llmiss. John Roscl m,
J..lin Cuylcr, John Tcunisso, Aid, n
Dirol Killian Van Rensselaer, Robert Livingston, Jr., I
Banker, Gi 1 1 it Tcun c, John Sand, i ■-. •. Adam Vrooinan, \
Van Uocsc, Jonas Douw, Peter Voshurgh, and Lainorl Jai
( h r iimri' i-.f ill.—, names, pi rliaj.s. belong to the tl I
ritory which is now II, nsselaer County.
Robert Saunders was appointed mayor and clerk of the
mark, i of the city .if Albany and coroner of the enmity.
' ri i. 13, 1752. This is the same m us thai of the i I
inal purchaser of the Stone Arabia Patent, bu( probably a
-'•II of thai Saunders, as the purchase was seventy yet
carlior.
.i- abolished about 1816.
COUNTY CIVIL LIST.
61
Jan. 5, 1758, 1 > v commission Prom King George II., the
following officers wore appointed for Albany County:
Sybiant Goose \ :m Schaick, Rensselaer Nicoll, Volkerl P. Douw,
Judges of the [nferior Court of Common Pleae.
Jacob c Tin Kyck, David Vanderheyden, Hendrick Schuyler, David
Groesbeok, Garret Vandenbergh, Jacob II. Ten Eyok, Harm -
Wendell, Volkert A. Iiouw, John Glen, John Tin Eyckj Jacobus
Van Schaick, Assistant Justices of the Court.
John I'"' Peyster, Cornelius Cuyler, John \'im Uenssolaer, David Van-
derheyden, John Joost Herchcimer, Henry Van Rensselaer, John
Lyne, Cornelius Van Schaick, Anthony Quackenbush, Jacob
Fri/e, Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Piter Conyn, John Wills, Peter
Schneider, Johannes Lawyer, Joseph Yates, Jr., Isaac Van Al-
styne, Johannes Corts, Isaac Smith, Abraham Fonda, Johannes
Provoost, John Saunders, Rynier Myndertse, William Tillebagh,
Hendrick Clock, Cornelius Vroomnn, Derick W. Ten Broeck,
Johannes Van Zandt, Martin Hollinbeck, Dirck Van Veghten,
Marte Van Bergen, — Justices of (he Peace, Jan. 5, 1758. The
fust twenty were declared to be Justices of the Quorum.
JUSTICES OP THE PEACE.
Rensselaer Nicoll, Volkert P. Douw, Jacob C. Ten Eyck, David Van-
derheyden, Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Isaac Swilts, John Glen, John
II. Ten Eyck, Cornelius Ten Brueck, John Cuyler, Harmanus
Wendell, Volkert Douw, Abraham Ten Broeck, Henry Van
Rensselaer, Jacobus Van Slyck, John Baptist Van Epps, Jacob
Ten Eyck, Johan Joost Herchheimer, Peter Conin, Abraham
Douw, Cornelius Van Schaick, Anthony Quackenbush, Isaac Van
Alstyne, Johannis Corts, Abraham Fonda, Johannis Van Zandt,
Johannis Provoost, John Fisher, John Saunders, John Barclay,
John Glen, Jr., Rynier Myndertse, Stephi n Van Dyck, Martin
Hollinbeck, Martin Van Bergen, Isaac Vrooman, Daniel S. Van
Antwerp, John Butler, John Duncan, Jacob Clock, John Welles,
Johannis Lawyer, Jr., Guisbert Marscllis, Dirck Ten Broeck,
Johannes Tm Eyck, Jacob Frize, Killian Van Kensselaer,
Hendrick Haynes, Daniel Campbell, Hendrick Frey, Jr., Coon-
radtFranck, Cornelius Vrooman, Evert Wendell, Martin G. Van
Bergen, John McComb, — Justices for Albany County, appointed
May 14, 17f»2, by commission from King George III. The first
fifteen named Justices of the Quorum.
Thomas Chandler, William Gilleland, Joseph Lord, Isaac Man, Robert
Harper, Jacob Bayley, Samuel Wells, Nathan Stone, Oliver Wil-
lard, John Arrnes, James Rogers, Benjamin W hi ting, John Chand-
ler, Benjamin Bellows, Jr., John Griffiths, Thomas Morrison,
Samuel Robinson, George Palmer, John Stoughton, John Watson,
Alexander McNaehten, Jan. 20, 1766, Justices of the Peace for
Albany County.
Uolphus Benzel, June 2S, 1766.
'hiltp Skene, Patrick Smith, Archibald Campbell, Aug. 22, 1766,
Albany County.
ohn Munro, Edward Jessup, Robert Lewis, Nov. 24, 1767, Albany
County.
lenjamin Roberts, March 29, 176S, Albany County.
'nomas Lyuot, Nov. 15, 1768.
Li nsselat i Nicoll, Volkert P. Dowd, Jacob C. Ten Eyck, David Van-
derheyden, Daniel Campbell, John Duncan, John Van Renssel-
aer, Isaac Switz, Jacob H. Ten Eyck, John H. Ten Eyck, Corne-
lius Ten Broeck, John Cuyler, George Croghan, Henry Cuyler,
Harmanus Wendell, Abraham Ten Broeck, Daniel Claus, Philip
Skene, Jacobus Mynderse, Philip Schuyler, Jacobus Van Slyck,
William liuer, Henry Van Schaick, Johannis Lawyer, Lybrant
Q. Van Schaick, Charles Do Fricstenbcrgh, Hans .lost Harkemer,
John Glen, James Barker, Abraham Dowd, Thomas Peebles,
Jar,, I, Ten Eyck, Patrick Smith. John .Munro, Jacob Ten Broeck,
John Vischer, Anthony Van Schaick, Anthony Van Bergen, Kil-
lian Van Rensselaer, Peter Vosburgh, Isaac Van Alstyne, Johan-
nis Korts, Johannis Provost, Guisbert Marselis, Derick Ten
Broeck, John Barclay. Martin Hollinbeck, George W. Dederick,
John Macomb, Alexander McNaehten, Adolphus Benzel, William
Gilliland, Thomas Morrison, Edward Jessup, Ebenezor Jessup,
Archibald Campbell, David Edgar, Isaac Vrooman, John San-
ders, Rynier Myndertse, John B. Van Epps, John Butler, Peter
Canine, John Wells, Henry Haynes, Cornelius Vrooman, Hans
Micoll Harkemer, Peter Ten Broeck, William Sober, Rodolphus
Shoemaker, Adam l.eueks, Arent A. Brndt, Di Jere-
miah Hogeboom, John Van Allen, Abraham C. Cuyler, Philip
Embury, Albany County, Ipril is, 17711.
John Van Allen. John Watson, Robert Lewi . Benjamin Spet
Albany County, Dec. 12, 1770.
Alexander Giant. James Gray, Hugh \\ Idle. May I, 1771.
Rensselaer Nichol, Volkert I. I w, Jacob C. Ten Eyok, David
Campbell, John Duncan, John Van Ren elaer, I aac Smith,
Jacob H. Ten Eyck, John H. Ten Eyok, Cornelius Ten 1 1.
John Cuyler, Abraham Ten Broe . Robert I.e. ingston, Jr., Henry
Van Schaick, Henry Cuyler, John Glen, Abraham <'. Cuyler,
James Barker, John McComb, Guisbert Mr .:i , Dirck W. Ten
Broeck, John Barclay, Isaac \ 1 nan, Ji bTen Broeck, Martin
G. Van Bergen, Martin Hollenbeek, Alexander Campbell, David
Edgar. Abraham Douw, Jacob Ten Eyck, John Van Alen, Peter
W. Livingston, Robert Van Rensselaer, Peter Van Mess, Richard
Esselstyn, John Adam Van Allen, Peter Vosburgh, Abraham S.
Van Alstyne, John Munro, Thomas Morrison, Isaiah Younglovc,
Dirck Swart. Edward Jessup, James Gordon, George Palmer,
Cornelius Van Veghten, Jacobus VanSIycke Jacobus Mynderse,
John Vischer, Jr., John Saunders, Ryner Mynderse, John I;.
Van Epps, Jurie W. Dederick, Andries Witl.eck, Peter S. Van
Alstyne, Asa Waterman, William Bradford Whiting, Killian Van
Rensselaer, Anthony Van Schaick, George Gardner, Matthew
Adgate, Nathaniel Culver, Stephen I. Cuyler, Stephen Cuyler,
John Knickerbocker, Peter Williams, Derick H. Van Veehten,
Stephen Hogeboom, John J. Bleecker, Thomas Peebles, Guert
Van Sohoonhoven, Cornelius Tvmese, Johannis Lawyer, Cornelius
Vrooman, Hendrick Haynes, Sybrant Van Schaick, Anthony
Van Bergen, John Denise, John I. Ten Broeck, Jacob Cuyler,
Cornelius Glen, Nanning Vischer, Henry Glen, John Vischer, Jr.,
Cornelius Cuyler, John Cuyler, Roger Schermerhorn, Dirck Van
Veehten, Justus Beebe, James Savage, Albany County, June 18,
1772.
Bliss Willoughby, March 12, 1774.
Ebenezer Cole, March 12, 1774.
Peter Vroman, May 25, 1774.
Jonathan Jones, June 10, 1774.
Robert William Leake, June 11. 1774.
Peter Lansing, Oct. 10, 1774.
Stephen Tattle, ("let. 10, 1774.
Guisbert G. Marselis, Henry Bleecker, David McCarty, John Roor-
bock, Charles McDavitt, Thomas Hun, April 12, 1775.
The above group of six were the last appointments by the
crown. Thenceforward the appointments were by " The
People of the State of New York, Ly the Grace of God
Free and Independent."
Volkert P. Douw, Abraham Ten Broeck, Pctrus Van Ness, Christo-
pher Yates, Isaac Vrooman, Killian Van Rensselaer, Henry Out-
houdt, John Roorback, Henry Glen, John M. Beckman, Matthew
Adgate, John N. Bleecker, Johannis Lawyer, John Price, Israel
Spencer, Hugh Mitchell. James Gordon, John L. Bronck. Waller
Livingston, Peter Yates, Phineas Whiteside, John Fish, Corne-
lius Vandenherg, Hendrick Ostrum, Nicholas Vandenberg, Alex-
ander Baldwin, John I. Bleecker, Lawrence Fonda, Myndert M.
Wemple, John MeKinster, Laurence Hogeboom, Jacob Ford,
Johannis Van Dusen, Nathaniel Culver, Eleazer Grant. John
Beebe, Hczckiah Van Order, Samuel Van Veghten, Forner Pal-
mer, Wm. Wait, Sr., John Waldo, Philip Conyn, Jonas Vrooman,
William Deitz, Adam Vrooman, John Younglove, John Blair,
Edward Biggs, Peter R. Livingston, Samuel Ten Broeck, Johan-
nis l'atric. Peter Bishop, Philip Luke. Hendrick Outhoudt, Jr.,
Henry Quaokenboss, David McCarty, Barent Mynderse, John
Schermerhorn, Anthony Ten Eyck, Nanning Vischer, Daniel Kull,
George White, Thomas Watson, John R. Wimple, Abraham Out-
houdt, Abraham Wimple, Abraham Fonda, Wilhclmus Van Ant-
werp, Daniel Dickinson, John Taylor, Peter Lansing, Samuel
Bowlin, John Knickerbocker, Isaac Goes, Jacobus Van Allen,
Abraham I. Van Alstyne, Wessel Ten Broeck, Philip Rockefeller,
Peter Rose, Albany County, Jan. 21, 1780.
John Ten Brueck, Albert Pawling, Ezra Head. Christopher Tillman,
Thaddeus S. McConnel, Binjamin Bird-all, Albany County, April
6, 1785.
BISTORI of i;hnsski.ai:i; cocxty. xrcw york.
N'\t wo give tbe list of juaticca appointed by the Gov-
ernor and council lor Rensselaer County from L791 i" 1821.
mi ji sri. i ~ Hi- mi: PI
Anth 1 homson, Robert
fl idworth, Jonathan Drown, John Kniokorl kcr, Jr., John W.
njamin Hioks, Nioholaa Staats,
i Montgomery, Moss Kent, John EE. Van Allen, Lcvinua
ag, Jonah Martin, Hoaca Moffll, Daniel D. Bra-It, Joaoph
irid Drown, M i at \ ail, Jai MoKown, kbnor Now-
ton, Stephen Gorham, Jacob Van llstyne, Bphraim Morgan, Jo-
int Winn.. Jai \ I i' ing, Rowland Uall,
Hi eklah Hull, William Douglass, Daniol Gray, .i»in' Odell,
i imin Randall, Benjamin Hanks, Hartnan \ an \ ■
imin Milk- Darling, Jacob Vandcrboydcn, .Jr.,
- h.-riiuTli'TTi, Peh. 1^. 1791.
Nathsu March 23, 1791.
1791.
William Gorslino, OoL 2, 1792.
Anthonj Ten Byok, John Van 1'.' [araol Thompson, Robert
Iworth, Jonathan Brown, Thomas Sickles, John Kniokcr-
er, Jr., John W. Sohormerhorn, Jonathan Nile--. Benjamin
1 1 i .- ^ ■ ti : . Robert Montgomery, John B. Van Allen,
Bphi a, Josiafa Ma Vanderheyden, Lcvinua
l ■ :i Moffit, Daniel B, Bradt, Moaca Vail, James Mo-
Kown, Abner Mowton, Jacob Van I
A. Lansing, Rowland Hall, tiesckiah Hull. William Dou
.•li. Benjamin Randall, Benjamin B
llarmnn Van Veghtcn, Benjamin Milks. Bbcneior Darling, Jncob
Vanderhoyden, -Jr.. Nathaniel Jacobs, Sime in Button, Jacob 0.
rmerhorn, William Gorslinc, Samuel Gale, Abraham Ten
Mahlon Taylor, Jacob rates, Josiah Hamilton. Walter
h Wilmot, Marvel L'lli-. Nicholas Van I:
Jacob fates, welter N. Grocsbcck,
Van Dyeko, Johi . Elijah Janes, George Tibbits, Wil-
liam Bell, Zaohariah Tomlinson, Feb. 15, 1794.
Maf. Iliam Boll, Zachariah Tumltnson, Miobae) Henry,
y, Troy, .Inn. 31, 1797.
. Walter N. Groesboek, Nathaniel Km Schaghti-
ijamin Randall, John Green, Caleb Bontloy, Pctora-
... Jan. 31, I
D. Van Dj 3 I, Ja >b H. Fort, Hoi -i--k.
P i > ■
■iBIl.
II iwland II. ill, Hotekiah Hull, William Douglass,
. .'■■ii ithan B
William Gi aon Taylor, John W.
II- nrj . Robei I McCheanoy, John Mel
John oham, William M.
John \ Fob. 27, 1 SOD,
Shop-
27,
I>ar William W. Reynolds, I Inor,
Rowland Hall. I II Ball,
Jam<-. MsKowo, Wall mathan lloag, Cornel
Van
Benjamin
kins,
Jonathan I' ItscI
John Pottor, Joaoph Dorr, Jerry Baker. Cyrua Spicor, .la -"1' A. Fobb
i il Andrews, Hoosick, -Ian. 28, 1802.
Tbomaa Palmer, William \V. Reynolds, llc/.ekiah Coon, Job Green
Francis West, John Roovo, John Grcou, Caleb Bcntley, Pcters-
burgh. .Ian. 28, 1802.
I I' ibi is, En toll Be lict, Darius Sherman, Thomas Frost, Col
nclius I. Schcrmcrhorn, Walter Carpenter, Schodack, Jan. lis,
1802.
Samuel Vary, Jr., Joseph Sheldon, Russel Dorr, Powell (iardner,
Rowland Hall. Hoioklah Hall. Stophcntown, Jan. 28, 1802.
Abijnh Wilmot, Solomon Taylor, Jonathan Sedgwick, William Gors-
lin.-, John W. Wood, Nicholas Van Rensselaer, Greeuhush, Jan,
28, 1802.
Benjamin Gorton, John Stoughton, Jonas Morgan, Gideon T<>mlin-
son, Daniel Wager. Hubert McChcsncy, Troy, Mareli !), 1S03.
James Spencor, Troy, March is. 1803.
Jam.- Adams, Troy, April '•'>. 1804.
Munson Smith, Jacob Vat.-. James S. Musters, James Brookii
ward Ostrandor, Schaghticoke, March 9, L803.
Samuel Canfield, Schaghticoke, March is. 1803.
Lorctl Head, llazael Shepherd, Peter P. Goes, Israel Shepherd,
Pittstown, March '.', [803.
Judah Paddock, John Gale Pittstown, March is, 1803.
Martin Prondergast, Simeon Button, Pittstown, April :'.. 1804.
John Potter, Joseph Dorr, Jerry Baker, Cyrus Spicer, Jacob
Lemuel Androws, Hoosick, March l», 180
John Palmer. Hoosick, March Is. 1S03.
Benjamin Walworth, Daniel C. Noble, Hoosick. April ". 1804.
Thomas Palmer. William W. Reynolds, Ilezckiah Conn, Job Green,
Francis West, John Iteeve, John Green. Caleb Bcntley, Petorf-
burgh, March 9, Ism::.
Potter, Petersburgb, -Inly ::. 1804.
Abijah Wilmot, Solomon Taylor, Jonathan Sedgwick, Willi
slinc, John W. Wood, Nicholas Van Rensselaer, Crccubuab,
March 9, 1803.
Uriah Gregory, Storin T. Vanderzec, Grecnbush, April 3, 1804.
Bastian Weatherwax, David Coons, Grecnbush. April -, 1803.
Henry Dubois, Bnoch Benedict. Darius Slierman, Thomas pi
nclius J. Sehermerhorn, Walter Carpenter. Sehndaek, M li
1803.
Samuel Vary, Jr.. Joseph Sli.-M >n. liussoll Dorr, Powell Gardner,
Rowland Hall. Ilezckiah Hull, Stephenlown, March 11, IS
Henry Dubois, Enoch Benedict. Darius Sherman, Tbotnns Fi
nclius I. Schcrmcrhorn, Walter Carpenti - la k, March 19,
Joseph Sheldon, Powell Gardner. Ilczckiab Hull. James Han
Thomas, William Vary, Samuel Shaw. Will Douglass, Jr.. .lon«-
tb. ui Davis, Stophentown, March 19, 1805.
William R. Reynolds, Hczi n. Francis Wi
Reeve, John Green. Caleb Bcutley. Stephen Potter, Joseph
Potorsburgh, March I'.'. I
Solomon Taylor, William Gorslinc. Nicholas \'an Kc Iner, Uriah
M. Gregory, Storin T. Van nan Weatherwax, John
o, Nicholas B. Hani-. Grecnbush, March I'.', i-
John Potter, Jerr) Baker. Jacob A. Fort, Daniel I'. Noble.
Dorr. Lemuel Andrews, Asbcr Arni.-ti g, Cyrus Spiccr. II
, 10, 1805.
Hubbard, Bonjamin Gorton, Jonas Morgan. J ame- -
Jan Gideon Tomlinson, William Bell, Robcrl M
noy, Troy, March 19, i
William MeManns, Troy, April 9, Ism.,.
John Rouse, Jr., Michael S. Vandcreook, Lovcll Head. John Gal'.
Petci D. Goes, Martin i. Tb a- Ford, Simeon Bol-
ton. Israel Shophcrd, Pittstown, March I'.'. 1805.
Munson Smi Mien, 1-Mnard ii.-irainlt-r. Samuel I
Jai. Samuel Web-I
John Bowles, Jr., Pctcrsburgh, March 22, 1806.
- i.n-li. March t:. 1806.
Daniel Landon, Phillipatown, March :':'. 1806.
John v ■ . Troy, March 22, i -mi'..
William M i .'. is, ii-,.
Walter Klliot, Edward Tyler. Eli Viekcry, Simon New lb, Jo°"
Pain . il ... I si,.,.
rn, March 22, 1806,
C0UNT5 CIVIL LIST.
63
Sybrant Velio, Stephen Gaston, William Groesbeck, Schaghticoke,
March 22, 1806.
Manning t. Vischer, Matthew Van Alstyne, Greenbush, Mar oh I::,
1807.
Solomon Zinslor, Pittstown, March 13, IM)7.
Mvii'lni Groesbeck, John Van Voghten, Ezekiel M'alkci. Bohaghti
ooke, March 13, 1S07.
Anthony Millor, Jesse Potter, Hczekiuh Mansell, Jr., Hoosick, March
IS, 1807.
bemud Steward, FJisha Wells, Daniel Littleficld, Zebulon Sorivcn,
Thomas " est, Grafton, March 13, 1S07.
Daniel Simmons, Brunswick, March 13, IS07.
ImIhi G. i'ii.j, Petersburgh, March 13, ISO".
laaiel » biting, Troy, March 1::. 1807.
in hi- Sherman, Henry Dubois, Thomas Frost, Sal I Coon, Corne-
lius Schcrmerhoin, .hi,-., I, Mcsick, Schudack, March 10, 1808.
Enoch Bcncdi t, James Harris, Eli Vickery, Chester Gr is wold, I'hil-
lipstown, March in. 1808.
fohn Grci n. Ilozckiah Hull, Samuel Shaw, Uriah M. Gregory, Berlin,
March in. [SOS.
mm - Vdams, William B. Sumner, Lansingburgh, .March 10, Isns.
iiahael S. Vandcri k, Henry Warren, John Stilt, Tsrael Shepherd,
Anthony Miller, Simeon Newcomb, Jr., Simeon Button, Hazael
Shepherd, Pittstown, March 10. 1S0S.
osepb Sheldon, Silas Thomas, Alexander Brown, Willet Vary,
Matthew Jones, Caleb Can-, Stephentown, .March 10, 1S08.
'owell Gardner, June 1 ii. 1808.
lanicl Simmons, Daniel Wnger, John McManus, Alexander Bulson,
Brunswick, Mnreh in, 1808.
licholas Masters, James Mallcry, Samuel Webster, Samuel Canfield,
Jacob Bacbmnn, Stephen Gastin, Garret Von Antwerp, Schagh-
ticokc, March in, 1SHS.
tarin T. Vanderzce, Martin De Freest, John .1. Fonda, Jr., Nicholas
I'.. Hurris, .hirnli WihhI, Snliiiinin Taylor, Nutlmiiiel Paine, Walter
Elliot, Nicholas Van Rensselaer, John I. Van Sehaiek, Joel
Bristol, Grei nbush, March 10, 1808.
I'illiam Goslin, Greenbush, April 7, 1808.
lanicl Sanders, Lemuel Stewart, Luke Clark, Thomas West, Grafton,
March in, IS0S.
• lin Palmer, John IIa\ nes, Thomas Osborne, Nicholas Snyder, Jirah
linker, Russell Dorr, Hoo.-ick, March 10, 180S.
rilliam McManus, Stephen Andress, Gilbert Brush, Edward Ostran-
der, Jabez Burrows, Troy, March 10, 1S08.
1 i '- Palmer, William W. Reynolds, Stephen Potter, Joseph Case,
lehnbod Randal], William Hecox, Petersburgh, March 10, Inns.
tephen Maxon, Job Green, Seth G. Croy, Petersburgh, March 12,
is in.
inincl Prindel, Zebulon Scriven, Grafton, March 12. 1810.
oho W. Wood, Greenbush, March 12, 1810.
eorge Fahe, Jr., Israel Shepherd, Theodore May, Pittstown. March
12. 1810.
urton Hammond, Daniel Gray, James Green. Berlin, March 12. 1810.
lam Jates, Lemuel llawley. John D. Brown. Brunswick, March 12,
1810.
.'.ki.l Baker, John Bcnway. Myudert Groesbeck, Cornelius Van
Vcghten. Schaghticoke, March 12, 1810.
Miner Palmer, James II. Bull, Nassau. March 12, 1810.
iseph Slade, Sylvester Noble, David S. Ben way, Jonathan Eddy,
David Gleason, Hoi. sick. March 12. 1810.
oratio Hickok, Lansingburgh, March 12. 1S10.
lisha Miles. Peleg Bragg, James Spencer, Daniel Whiting, Ebenezer
Wileon, Jr., Troy, March 12, 1S10.
illiiim Douglass, Jr.. Stephentown, March 12, 1810.
niter. Carpenter, Schodack, March 12, 1810.
■urge H. Birch, Schodack, March 31, 1810.
iniel T. Windell, Stephen Andress, David Canfield, Nathaniel Chap-
man, Edward Ostrander, William B. Sumner, Troy, March 16,
1811.
I"' Green. Caleb Bentley, Storin T. Vanderzce, Berlin, March 16,
1811.
enry Dubois, Darius Sherman. Jacob Mesick, Schodack, March 16,
1811.
alter Elliot. John S. Van Schaick, Martin De Freest, Nicholas B.
Harris, Nicholas Van Rensselaer, Nathaniel Payne. Joel Bristol,
Ellis Foster, Greenbush, March Hi. 1811.
Nichols \i . .km.. Malloi | . I Wi i el Newton,
Zophaniah Ru ill. Mj nd roi beck, Si liaghticokc, Mai
I s 1 1 .
Jonathan J. Sweet, Silas Thomas, Gideon Hall, Caleb Carr, BTatfaan
Howard, Richard II. Vary, Stephentown, March Ifl, 1811.
Benajah Brown, Ik nry Clam, Jr., Patrick Gannon, Bo well K nowlton,
Brunswick, March [6, 181 1.
Ziba Hewitt, Reuben Morriam, Lake Clarke, Jo opb Burdick, Grafton,
M 1 1 ■ li 10, 181 I.
James Adams, J ithan Choate, Abraham L. Lansing, Horatio
Hickok, Lansingburgh, March 16, 1811.
Jirah Baker, John Hayno, Hezekiab Munsell, Jr., Thorns. (| l,"rno,
John Ilavikunl, Archibald Dull, Hoosick, March in, 1811.
David S. Benway, Hoosick, June 7, Is] I.
James Harris, Timothy Benedict, Eli Vickery, Stephen Xripp, U
Bramhall, Jacob Benedict, Nassau, March in, 1811.
Andrew Ryan, Simon Newcomb, Jr., Israel Shepherd, Anthony
.Miller, George Fahe, Jr., Hazael Shepherd, Reuben Hal led,
Pittstown, March 16, 181 1.
William W. Reynolds, John Bowles, Stephen Potter, lehabod Randall,
Asa Maxi Facob II. Brimmer, George Gardner, Asa Stillman,
Petersburgh, March Hi, 181 1.
Hiram Hunt, Pittstown, April 2, 1812.
Augustus Burdick, Gilbert Alexander, Brunswick, June 10, 1812.
James Jones, Jonathan J. Sweet, Gideon Hall, Aden Swan, John
Babcock, Thomas G. Carpenter, Stephentown, April 2, 1813.
James Hall, Jarcd Bunt, Jeremiah Brainard, Daniel Litudon, James
Harris, Nassau, April 2, 1813.
Nicholas I. Kittle, Darius Sherman, Jaeob Mesick, George II. Burleh,
Joseph Cain, Thomas Frost, Wolston Brockway, Schodack, April
2, 1813.
Justus Gregory, William Goslin, Ellis Foster, Sand Lake, April 2, 1813.
Evert Van Allen, Martin De Freest, Walter Elliot, James De Freest,
Zetus Goodman, Greenbush, April 2, 1813.
Joseph Crandall, Paul Maxon, Hezekiab Hull, Jr., Jonathan Den-
nison, Berlin, April 2, 1813.
Jacob Brimmer (3d), Rapin Andrews, Stephen Potter, James Allen,
Job Green. Reuben Wait, Abel Lewis, Sterry Hewitt, Peters
burgh, April 2, 1813.
Thomas West, Jedediah Wilnian, John Babcock, David S. Crandall,
Ziba Hewitt, Grafton, April 2, 1813.
Daniel Simmons, Lemuel Hauler, John D, Brown, John Lamport,
Jarvis Dusenbury, Brunswick, April 2, 1813.
Stephen Ross, James Spencer, Artcmas Osgood, Rut'us Richards,
Daniel Hal], Ebenezer Wilson, Jr., Troy, April 2, 1S13.
Joshua Burnham, James Adams, Aaron B. Hinnian, Abraham L. Lan-
sing. Lansingburgh, April 2. 1813.
Myndert Groesbeck, Andrew Follctt, Epenetus Holmes. Harmon T.
Groesbeck, James Mallory, John Van Veghten, Nicholas Masters,
Schaghticoke, April 2, 1S13.
Israel Shephard, James Newcomb, David Kittlebuyn, Daniel New-
comb, Smith Filkin, Daniel Carpenter, George Fake. Jr., Hiram
Hunt, Nathaniel Bosworth, Pittstown, April 2. 1813.
Joseph Slade. Lemuel Brintuell, Lemuel Andrews, David S. Benway,
Aaron D. Patch in, David Stannanl, Gideon Hickok, David Glea-
son, Jirah Baker, John Haynes, Hoosick, April 2, 1813.
Joel Talmadge, Schaghticoke, March 25, 1S14.
Ebenezer W. Walbridge, Lansingburgh, March 25. 1S14.
Hezekiab Mim.-cll, Jr., Hoosick, March 25, 181 I.
Thomas Tillinghast, Pittstown, March 25, 181-1.
Obed Rice, Troy. March 25, 181 1.
John Blaiuey, Samuel B. Wheeler, Nassau. March 25, IS14.
Thomas Hitchcock, Schodack, .March 25. 1814.
John G. Croy, Petersburgh, .March 25. 1814.
Henry Sear), Sand Lake. March 25. 1 s 14.
Abraham H. Witbeck, Jahleel B. Starks, Walter Kinney, Greenbush,
.March 25, 1814.
Thomas G. Carpenter, Stephentown. March 25, 1814.
Hezekiab Mason. Powell Gardner. Willet Vary, Nathan Howard. Wil-
liam L, Gardner, Gideon Hall, SilasThomas, Stephentown, March
15, 1815.
John Bowles. Thomas Reynolds, Ichabod Randall, William Coon, Ben-
jamin Clark. Lake Maxon, Petersburgh, March 15. 1815.
James Harris, Stephen Tripp. Eli Vickery. Oliver Carpenter. John
Griswold, Nassau, March 15. 1815.
6J
BISTORT OF ki:xshi-:i,\i:i; corxTY, nhw york.
John • moel Sbaw, John G ilas Horrington, Berlin,
. 19, 181 S.
Jacui. - All under, Burwell I
Daniel Simmons, Brunswick, March 16, 1815.
Blisha Well*, Joseph Burdlok, William Potior, Thomas West, Graf-
ton, March 15, 1815.
Jam, • ]:. \ - »o, Wm. Pilch, Christian A.
I' ok, Hcnrj D II. i I. Sohodaok,
b 15, 1815.
s, Joel Brirtol, Ellii Poster, Stephen W. Millor, Leon-
ard Thompson, Nicholas B. Harris, Stephen I. Miller, Sand Lako,
ll ■ Iriek Miller, W terBrookins,
Sohaghtiooke, March 15, I 915.
Bbeneser W. Walbridge, 1 n rburgh, March 15, 1815.
Jarae« Lansing, Jacob P. Bonninger, Daniel It. Wilcox, Storin T.
. Philip T. Follows, Benjamin It. Bostwiok, Orecnbush
I i, 1816.
t Warren, David Rittlchuyn, Thomas Tillinghast, Aaron Browi.,
PitUtowo, March 16, 1815.
iniel Chapman, William HeManns, Joseph Wold, Stephen Boss.
Daniel Ball, Arti : ben Andrus, Bbcnoxcr Wilson,
.lr.. J..lm w Iworth, Jr.. Troy, March 15, 1815.
J.-lin Haviland, Jirah Baker, Benjamin Randall, Calvin II. Bryan,
John Haynes, 11 i.-k. March l.*>. 1 — t *» _
i, Powell Gardner, Willctl Vary. Nathan Howard,
William I.. Gardner, Gideon Hall, Silas Thomas, Stephentown,
i 15, 1816.
John Bow1< Reynolds, lehabod Randall, William Coon,Ben-
irk, Luke Maxon, Isaac Saunders, -lr.. Jamea :
I M iroh 15, 1816.
Jamea II irris, Stephen Tripp, Bli Viokery, Olirer Carpenter. John
SL John, Nassau, Mareh 15, 1816.
Johi nel Shaw, John Green, Nicholas Herrington, l'.«-rlin.
1816.
Jacob Schormerhorn, Jarcd Bctts, Gilbert Alcxandor, Bnrwell 1
Dan £ - ermerhorn, John M. Filo, Brunswick,
Mareh 15, 1816.
Bllsl •■[■li Bnrdick, William Putter, Thomas West, .losinh
Granger, Joseph Burdlok, Jr.. Grafton, March 15, 1816.
James P. Vendcq I, David D. Seaman, William lit ih, Christian A,
• Mesick, Henry Dubois, Lovetl Head, Scbodnok,
b 16, 1816.
I Bristol, Ellis Poster, Stephen W. Miller,
,r,| Thompson, Nicholas B. llarri-. Stephen I. Miller, Sand
March 15, 1816.
in Cornell, Hendriok Millor, fl ikins,
btiooko, March 15, 1816.
■ Barnham, Lao March I... 1816.
James Lan licl B. Wilcox, Storin T. Van-
'hillp T. Fellows, Benjamin I!. Bostwiok, Grecnbush,
16, 1816.
Hani i Kiltlehnyn, Thomas Tillinghast, Pittstown,
Aaron Brown, Nathaniel Chapman, Wm. M oph Wold,
Daniel Hall, i Stephi n Ai
. .lr.. Juhi inel Chcover,
lr .-. , Ma
John ll>,ilm I. Jirnl, lall, Calvin A. Bryan,
16, lsl>*,.
\ iron Vnn-
braham
Will. H llmot, John Mills, Bonjamin
Vary, llenrr Vandenbargh, I
ham. town -
I!
John li. DafWDb
f. Wm. P. |
Jame< It. 11.11. N>
* It n not rrrj rlmr. from U whether tlii" li«t, marked
Irtoa
of Ih-
John Green, Jonathan Berry, Samuel Shaw, Nicholas ITerrington,
Berlin, Juno 3, L818.
Daniel Gray, Berlin, 1820.
Thaddens Dan, Jacob Sohcrmerhorn, Jacob I. Wager, Lodovicus
Stanton. Briin-wiek. .Inn.' :'<, ISIS.
Daniol Simmon-. Wm. Van Vlcok, Brunswick, 1820.
John Baxter, John P. Haner, Exra Davidson, Wm. Potter, Grafton,
June :t, ISIS.
Daniel Mills, John Babcoek, Grafton, 1S20.
Niobolns Masters, Epenetus Holmes, Gideon Cornell, Sehaghticok.
Juno .:. 1818.
Hendrick Miller, Myron Hamblin, Daniel Goowey, Schaghticoktj
IS20.
Jonathan Choate, Joshua Burnham, Walter Raleigh, Benjamin Dun-
forth, Lnnsingburgh, June •'. 1818.
Woostcr Brookins, Lnnsingburgh, 1S20.
Simeon Noweomb, Jr., James Yates, Wm. P. Qaskins, Aaron Brown.
Pittstown, June ::, 1818.
Daniel Halstcd, Thomas Tillinghast, Pittstown, 1820.
Klam Buel, John Woo, Iworth. Jr., Stephen Andrus, Charles Lemon,
Daniel Hall. Ebcnezer Wilson, Jr.. Lemuel Hawley, Artcmas
i »-_' iod, Nicholas M. Masters, Obcd Rice, Troy. June :'., 1^1 8.
Jabcz Burrow.-. Lemuel Brintnall, Uriah Miller. Troy, 1820.
John Havilon I, Seth Parsons, John Eldretl, Benjamin Randall, Wm.
Palmer, Hoosiek, June :'., 1818.
Hoxekiah Munsell, II ick, Novembor, 1820.
Nicholas B. Harris. Tb as Frothingham, Stephen I. Miller, Wm.
1). Butts. Sand Lake. June ::. 1-1--.
Silas Wilmot, Sand Lake, 1820.
i 5aun lera, Jr., Joshua Randall, Jr., Thomas Reynolds, St.phen
Potter. Petersburgh, Juno ::. l-|s.
Potter Maxon, Silas W. Wail. .Tamo- Allen, Petersburgh, 1820.
Henry Dubois, Wm. Pitch, Lovetl Head, Aaron Garrison, Schodnck,
June ::. 1818.
Wol-ton Be kway, George II. Birch, Jeremiah Gage, Ebor M. Myers,
Schodnck, 1820.
Storin T. Vanderxce, Janus Lansing. John De Freest. Jr.. II, my
Fraxcc, Grecnbush, June 3, lvl-.
Walter Kinne, Manasscb Rnowlton, Grocnbush, 1820.
Scth Par.-, ,n-. Edmund Foster, Stephen LTdrcd, Stephen Sweet, II a
-i.-k, Feb. '-'I. 1821.
John Green, Edward Whitford, Benjamin Vars, Jonathan Berry,
Berlin. Fob. 21, 1821.
Wm. P. Haskins, Jacob J. Wager, Thaddens Dan, Win. Van Vied
Brunswiok, Fob. 24, i-
Jarcd Belts, Brunswick, lv:':'.
Thomas Reynolds, Isaac Saunders, Joshua Randall, Jr., Nathan
Km, wit. ,u. ( i. Feb. 21. 1821.
Simeon Griswold, Jamos Cox, Enoch Benedict, John P. Adsit, Naa-
sau, Feb. 24, 1821.
Michael Shorman, Nassau, 1822.
Silas Thomas. Stephen Norton. Sylvester Howard, Caleb Carr. Sle-
phontown, Fob. 2*, 1821.
I I mi Buel. John Thomas, John Woodworth, Jr.,
Troy. Fob. 24, 1821.
1 inol Hawloy, Troy. Mareh 6, 1821.
Jonathan Choate, Cbnuncoy Ives, Abraham L. Lansing, Andi
lett, Lansiogbnrgh, Fob. 24, 1821.
Richard 1. McDonald, Lnnsingburgh, March 17. 1821.
William Poll D Jos, ph Bur. Ink. Jr..
.. 24, 1821,
William Carmichacl, John Bowers, Ellis Pi lor, Gideon Ri
Lake, Feb, LM. 1821.
James Lansing, .Tat I, Jam,- Klliot. Storin T. Van
Grcenbnsb, Fob. 24, 1821.
II. id, Samuel Hitchcock, Jr., John Hani. William Fink,
Sri, 24, 1821.
SUBROGATES OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.
l-l >-. Benjamin Smith.
I B20. Nicholas M. M
1821. Thorn ,- Howes.
1827. Philip Vicle,
I -.:... Job Pioi "o.
I- in. Cornelius L. Tracy.
Kent.
John fl Iworth.
J
Hanson Di
Mien.
1815, w ill] nn McManni
COUNTS CIVIL LIST.
65
is 1 1. Slephi ii Reynolds.
1847. George T. Blair.
is...,, llobi ii II. McClclIa
1863. m i War r on.
1867. B. Smith Strait,
1871. Moses Win 1 1 id
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY FROM THE COUNTY OP
RENSSELAER.
Rev. Jonas Coe, chosen March -I, 1796.
Charles Soldcn, chosen Feb. 18, 1803.
John P. Cushman, chosen April 2, 1830.
Joseph Russell, chosen Feb. Is, 1839.
Pin hi Buel, chosen March 24, Is (2,
John \. Griswold, chosen April 29, 1869.
Martin 1. Ton usend.
JUSTICES nh' THE SUPREME COURT, THIRD DISTRICT.
Qeoi ge Gould, Nov. li, I 855.
Charles K. Ingnlls, Nov. 3, 1863.
OIRCOIT JUDGE.
John P. Cushman, Feb. 9, 1838.
STATE OFFICERS RESIDING IN RENSSELAER COUNTY.
Jan. II, 1703. — Robert Woodworth, Council of Appointment.
Jan. 7, 171*4. — Zina Hitohcock, Council of Appointment.
Jan. 3, 1798. — Moses Vail, Council of Appointment.
1S2I, 1823.— Win. L. Marey, Adjutant-General.
1825, 1831. — losepb D. Seldon, Canal Appraiser.
1829.— Wm. L. Marcy, Puisne Judge.
1829, 1831.— Wm. L. Marcy, Justice of the Supreme Court.
1830. — George R. Davis, Bank Commissioner.
ls:;2, is:; I, 1S36.— Wm. L. Marcy, Governor.
Aet or 1836.— Prof. Caleb Briggs, Geological Survey.
Ai of 1836. — Pint", .lames Hall. Geological Survey.
Jan. 1. I S 17- — George V. Huddleston, Surgeon-General.
Nov. 5, 1850. — John C. Mather, Canal Commissioner.
Dec. 8, 1853. — Gardner Stow, Attorney-General.
April 14, IS59.— Thomas Clowes, State Assessor.
Jan. 12, I860.— Thomas P.. Carroll, Canal Appraiser.
March In. 1868.- James S. Thayer, New Capitol Commissioner.
April s, 1874.— Francis S.Thayer, Auditor Canal Dept.
Nov. 3, 1874. — Adin Thayer. Canal Commissioner.
Henry L. Lamb, Acting Bank Superintendent.
IsSO.— Joseph B. Carr, Secretary of Stale.
UNITED STATES OFFICERS FROM RENSSELAER COUNTY,
OR RESIDING IN THE COUNTY.
Wui. I,. Man-y, Secretary of War in the Cabinet of President Pierce,
und Secretary of State in the Cabinet of President Buchanan.
John M. Francis, Minister to Greece.
CORONERS.
Appointed by the Governor n»d Council.
Silas Weeks, Feb. 15, 1791.
James Smith, John De Wandalacr, Aaron Ostrandcr, Abraham Ten
Eyck, F,h. 18, 1791.
Benjamin Townsi nd, March 12, 17U.3.
John E. Lansing, Oct. 2, 1792.
Stephen Bull, Benjamin Townsend, Aaron Ostrander, James Smith,
John E. Lansing, Silas Weeks, Abraham Ten Eyck, Feb. 16, 1796.
Silas V\ , eks, Dai id Henry, Cyrus Spicer, Walter Elliot, Jan. 31, 1797.
Calvin Barker, Reuben Merriam, Martin Pen. Icrgast, John Bowles,
Wilkt Vary, Nicholas Tillinghast, March 2, 1S04.
Calvin Barker, Simeon Vary, Matthew Van Alstyne, John Stitt,
i:i>cnezcr Cross, Ichabod Randall, Nathaniel Wilson, March 19,
18Q5,
John Skelding, Joshua Randall, John Van Xess, March 22, 1806.
N illiaiu Knickerbocker, April 5, 1S06.
■'■> ioh Quackenbush, Matthew Van Alstyne, Simeon Vary. John Stitt,
Ebenezer C,„s.=, Ichabod Randall, John W. Rockwell, Nathaniel
Wilson, Feb. 27, 1807.
Now in office, October, 1879.
William Fitch, Nathoniol u [| on Ehenczor Cro ,f mi n \ ary, John
Stitt, Ichabod Randall, Isaac Ho brouok, Hiram II
Sharp, Goorgo Springer, March 10, 1808.
Hiram Hunt, Jami Fate . Man b 12, 1810.
Abram ll. Witbeck, John W. Rockwell, March 27, [810.
Archil, nb I Tl ins, March 31, 1810
■'■ Mallory, Nathan Moi By, I ioo n i bi k, Joseph I
Joseph Reed, Mo os Armstrong Minei Sbaw, Ju tni B kway,
Jr., Abraham Ambler, William Fitob, Gurril Yates, Robert Grain,
George Springer, Jeremiah Burdioks, David Maxon, Martin Van
Alstyne, March 16, 1811.
William Walsh, June 19, |S|2.
Rufus Sweet, John Blany, Ira Ford, Luther I Main,,,
Stcphi n Maxon, David Bryan, .lam. - Deyo, Harper Rogers, John
W. Rockwell, .lames Adams, Valentine Cropsey, March 23, 1813.
Rufus Sweet, John Blaincy, [ra Ford, Luther Bliss, James Maine,
Stephen Maxon, David Bryan, James Deyo, Harper Rogers,
John W.Rockwell, .lames Adams, Valentine Cropsey, Andrew
Thompson, John Bostwick, March 25, IS14.
John I. Van Alstyne, April 16, ls| I.
Richard II. Vary, Abraham Ambler, Jeffrey W. Thomas, Laae Has-
bronck, William Walch, George Springer, David Hell, Darius
Sherman, Aaron Vamlerkar. Simon Kittle, .lames Gardner,
James Yates, Cornelius Adriance, Scth Parsons, Gideon Thomas,
Sinn, ,n P. Button, March 15, 1815.
Richard II. Vary, Abraham Ambler, Jeffrey W. Thomas. I- II:,.
hrouck, William Walch, George Springer, David Bell, Darius
Sherman, Aaron Vanderkar, Simon Kittle. James Gardner, James
Yates, Cornelius Adriance, Seth Parsons, Gideon Thomas, Simon
P. Button, Anthony Miller. .March If,, 1816.
Richard II. Vary, Abraham Ambler, Jeffrey W. Thomas, Isaac Has-
brouck, William Walch, George Springer. David Bell. Darius
Sherman, Aaron Vanderkar, Simon Kittle. James Gardner, James
Yates. Cornelius Adriance, Scth Parsons, Gideon Thomas. Simon
P. Button. Anthony Miller. Fitch Skinner. Feb. 21. 1817.
Wooster Brookins, April HI. 1817.
Darius Sherman, James Gardner, Cornelius Adriance. Wooster Brook-
ins, Fitch Skinner, Samuel T. Vary, Jacob Hagerman, Rufus
Barton, Casper Haner, Jesse Stillman, James Livingston, William
L. Gardner, Isaiah Austin. John Chase, John Kittle. June 13,
1818.
Wooster Brookins. Fitch Skinner. Samuel T. Vary, Jacob nagerman.
Rufus Barton, Casper Ham, Jesse Stillman, James Livingston,
William L. Gardner, Isaiah Austin, John Chase, John Kittle,
Nathaniel Negus, Samuel Morris, John Baxter, Nathan Marble,
1819.
Wooster Brookins. Fitch Skinner. Samuel T. Vary, Jacob Hagerman,
Caspar Ham. Jesse Stillman, James Livingston, William L.Gard-
ner, Josiah Austin, John Chase, John Kittle, Nathaniel Negus.
Samuel Morris, John Baxter, Nathan Marble. Harvey Burncll,
Martin Van Ilagen. Derick T. Vanderheyden, 1820.
Samuel Morris, Cornelius Adriance, Alexander Welch, Charles Cole,
Elijah Smith, Garret Peck, Caspar Ham, Daniel Wilcox, John
Ryan, Cyrus J. Bentley, Josiah Granger. Stephen Bougbton,
Siineun Vary, Henry S. Vandercook. John B. Williams, Jesse W.
Buffett, Garret Peak, Feb. 21, 1821.
Asa Newell, March 10, 1S21.
Elected by the People.
Henry Mallory, Asa Newell, Samuel Tappan, sworn in Jan. 7, 1823.
Joseph Cranilall, sworn in Jan. In, 1823.
Ebenezer Prescott, sworn in Jan. 2. 1826.
Fitch Skinner, sworn in Jan. 7. 1826.
Henry Sard, sworn in Jan. 1, 1826.
David Wilcox, sworn in June 2, 1826.
James Gardner, sworn in Dec. is. 1S2S.
Ebenezer Prescott, sworn in Dec. 30, 1S2K.
Winter Green, sworn in Jan. 12, !s2'.t.
Gardner Landon, sworn in Dec. 5, 1831.
Winter Green, sworn in Dec. s. Is;; I.
Ludovious A. Viele, sworn in Dec. 28, 1831.
David Bid well, sworn in Feb. 2. 1832.
Lewis Buffett. sworn in Dec. 13, ISISJ.
David C. Norton, sworn in Dec. 21, ls:;(.
Silas Thomas, sworn in Jan. 0, Is;::,.
66
IIISTmKY OF RENSSELAEB COUNTY, NEW YORK.
\. Wii-.n, iworn in Nor. 1 1,
L4wrc„ itui Norton, iworn In Dec
11. t
Ml .1.111. 1.
Caswell, nrora la Di 18, 1840.
Lauren.-.- Rysendorph, iworn in Deo. SO, lsln.
Miehlel S. Vandci i In Jan. 7, 1841.
Andre* B. Merrill, iworn in Jin. I, IMS.
:i 1'. '. IS, Is l;-
i in Jan. l". 1844.
Lawrence Rysndorpb, rn ;s"-
KN 1 , I rorn in Dc -. 15, 1844.
K«r» De 1 n ■ it, iworn in D<
I-aai- Dineb, -«"rn in Deo. 1 1, 1848.
a Jan. ... lsl7.
.. II, iworn in Nor. 23, 1847.
Timothy 11. Wilds, iworn in Nov. 30, 1849.
John II. Vandenburgh, >».>in in Doo. ;. 1849.
Eire De Freest, iworn in Deo. 18, 1849.
lli'nr_\ B. Jones, iworn in Deo. 19, I
John II. Vandenburgh, sworn in Nor. 23, 1862.
William Warner, sworn in Doo. ■. 1862.
Dteeou, sworn in Deo. 8, 1862.
Isaac It. Tryon, sworn ii.
Win. II. Hegcman, sworn in 1853 an. I Ifi
Chan ■ - am, sworn in January, 1855.
William >'.
Henry B.Jones, iworn in Deo, 14, 1855.
Jam.'1 1. Uogeboom, iworn in Jan. ... Ifi
ow II. Burton, iworn in Nor. 20, I -
Cbarlei S. Allen, sworn in N'..v. 22, 1858.
William Madden, sworn in Nor. 30,
A. W. Odell, -worn in Doo. 29, 1868.
James L. Hogeboom, sworn in Oct. 6, 1859.
Tabor B. B '86°-
A D B in Nor. 22,
Willi.i.. " r. 19, 1861.
,..rn in NOT. 20, 1861.
Ulen, sworn in Dee. 28, 1861.
|. Smith, sworn in N'..*. 23, 1862.
1 1. Buoklin, sworn in Dec. .i. I -''.:'•.
Turner Barl Nor. 26, 1864.
George J. I'. • 1864.
;■ ,1864.
John W. Burns, iworn i B64.
Eire D
John II. Ilainer. iworn in Jan. 1 i, 1867.
Jam. ■ " "•'"•
Thom U »orn in Noi . 25, 1867.
.
in, -« n. in Noi . 1 1. 1867.
li .i Patera, sworn In Nor, 13,1869.
p»i aa, sworn in v.i I-. It
Ian, iworn iii Deo. I". 1870.
Jam.' Murphy, sworn in Doe. 19, 1870.
J7I.
Ionian V Deris, sworn 1872.
Alfred 8eamaB, Jr., n "'•
V i-»rl C. Holmes, • •«
1 a-khall, I*
]..i •. nrora In
.1 Hayes, >w,.rr.
Mi i, i I l> ....... ■
t - I ... I. iworn i..
DI8TB1I I eTTOMIBTB, 1818 ID L876
Lansing.
i ,.. ,.i L. Sej mour.
1842. Martin 1. Townsend.
1847. Robert A. Lottridge.
tnion Bingham.
1856. Robert \. Lottri I
_ V;ni Sanl
1862. John II. Colby.
IS65. Robert A. Loltridgc.
IS69. Timothy S. Banker.
1872. Francis Rising.
IS;::. John C. Greene.
1S75. Albert E. Wooster,
1S79. Samuel Foster.
COl NTT CLERKS, 1791 TO 1S7G.
1791.
1813.
1815.
1818.
1821.
1825.
1832.
1838.
1841.
1844.
1791.
1S0I.
1 B26.
1831.
1834.
1844.
1851.
Nicholas Sohuyler.
Rugglcs Hubbard.
Dole.
..in llil.y.
Joseph D. Selden.
Benjamin Smith.
Archibald Bull.
Henry R. Bristol,
[.eland Crandall.
Charles Hooper.
Ambrose II. Sheldon.
1S50.
1853.
lSSfi.
1859.
1862.
1S65.
1SC9.
1S72.
1875.
1878.
lleDry A. Clum.
Ambrose II. Sheldon.
John P. Ball.
J. Thomas Davis.
Edwin Browucll.
J. Thomas Davis.
E. W. Greenman.
William Lape.
E. C. Reynolds.
James Kcenan.*
COUNTY TREASURERS, 1791 TO 1876.
Aaron Lune.
Benjamin Smith.
Daniel Pari.-..
Isaac MeConihe.
Thomas Clowes.
Waters W. Whipple.
Russell Sage.
II. .race Herrington.
1854. Myron Hamblin.
1S57. Henry E. Weed.
Charles Warner.
ISfiO. Oliver A. Arnold.
1S63. Roger A. Flood.
1864. Samuel 0. Glonson.
1873. Albert L. Hotchkio.
1876. Edmund Fitzgerald.*
8aa
SB
1791.
Albert Pawling.
1834.
1795.
William Quilliland.
IS37.
1798.
James Dole.
1840.
1800.
Moses Vail.
1S43.
IS0I.
Miehnel Henry.
1846.
1 806.
Thumas Turner.
1849.
1807.
Lcvinus Lansing.
is;.-:.
1S08.
Thomas Turner.
1855.
1-1.:.
Gerrit I'ccbles.
1S58.
Jercminh Schuyler.
1861.
1815.
John Brecsc.
1864.
1819.
Michael S. Vandcrcook.
1867.
IS21.
MoSCS Warren.
1870.
11. Vmi I.Tl.urgh.
1873.
1-.'-.
William P. Haskin.
1876.
isai.
Ebcncior C. Barton.
• Th, . m office. Qotolx
ERIFFS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, 1791 TO 1S76.
Augustus Filley.
Cornelius Schuyler.
Volncy Richmond.
Hi. Kim Reynolds.
Gilbert Cropsoy.
Abraham Witbeck.
John Price.
William Wells.
111:111 w . Cornell.
Joseph F. Balterehall.
Gcrothmnn W. Cornell.
Matthew V. A. Fonda,
.lain.-- McKcon.
John A. Qunckcnbush.
Albert L. Hotehkin.
REPRESENTATIVES IN THE ASSEMBLY FROM RENSSELAER
. ..I ntv. 1792 xo 1847.
171)2. — Jonathan Brown, John Knickerbocker, John W. Schcrmej*
born. Thomas Bickles, Moses Vail.
1793.— Benjamin Hieks, Christopher Hutton, Josiah Masters, -'ona-
tliiin Nil.--. Nicholas 9
hi Brown, Benjamin Hicks, Hosea Moflil. Jonas Odell,
Thomas sickles.
17(15. — 7, .,,,,11,, n Brown, Daniel Gray, Benjamin Hicks 11.-, a M.ffit.
.1 b ' . Behormerhora.
roiiah Bird, Daniel Gray, Rowland Hull, John Knickcr-
1 r, Jr.
I797. — I„hn Bird. John Carpenter, Jacob A. Fort, Daniel liray,
■■ . 11 '■; ifflt.
'..hn Bird, Jacb A. Fort, Daniel Gray, Jonathan Hoag,
11 , Moffil, Israel Thompson.
\. Port, Daniel Gray, Jonathan Hoag, John W.
merhorn, John I. Van 1
1800. — 1. I 1 James McKoun, Josiah Master),
John W. Sehermerhorn
1 • .in Brown, John Lovclt, James McKoun, Josiah Mas-
icrs. Uosea Moffit, Jobn B. Van Alcn.
« {tow in office, October, |s;y.
COUNTY CIVIL LIST.
07
1302.— John Carpenter, Jnoob A. Fort, John Green, Barton Ham
mond, John Knickerbocker, Jr.. John Stevens.
1803. John Ureeii. Jonathan House, John Bynn, John W I»m Mi.
180-1.— Ash Mnnn, Jonathnn House, Charles Sehlcn, William Stewart,
Samuel Vary, Jr.
|g05, Jonathan Burr, John L. Ilogeboom, Neheroiah King, Asa
Mann, John Ryan.
1806.— Jonathan Niles, Wm. W. Reynolds, John Ryon, Nicholas
Staats, Jacob fates,
1807.— Gilbert Eddy, Asa Mann, Wm. W. Reynolds, Robert Wood-
worth, Adam Yates.
1808.— James L. Ilogeboom, Ebenezer Jones, Adam Yates, Jacob
Yates.
1809.— Derick Lane, Henry Piatt, Cornelius I. Sehcrmei Imni, Israel
Shepherd.
1810. — Timothy I nnrd, Henry Piatt, Cornelius I. Sohermerhorn,
Jeremiah Schuyler.
1811. — George Gardner, Stephen Gregory, Abraham L. Vielie,
Stephen Warren.
1812-13. — David Allen, James II. Ball, John Carpenter, Jr., John
Stevens.
1814. — William Bradley, Burton Hammond, Bethel Mather, Bar en t
Van Vleck.
1815. — Davit! Allen, Henry A. Lake, Jaoob A. Ten Eyck, Zcbulon
Scriven.
1816. — Job Greene, David E. Gregory, Herman Knickerbocker, Sam-
uel I. McChesney, Samuel Millinar.
1817. — Daniel Carpenter, John D. Dickinson, Burton Hammond,
Henry Plait, Ebcnezer W. Walbridge.
1S18. — Abijah Bush, Andrew Finch, Myndert Groesbeck, Cornelius I.
Sehermerhoin, Man son Smith, Thomas Turner.
1S1 9. — George II. Davis, Andrew Finch, Henry Piatt, Daniel Simmons,
Stephen Warren.
1820.— John Babcock, David Doolittle, Wm. C. Elmore, George Tib-
bits, Ebenezer W. Walbridge.
1821.— Wm. C. Barker, Richard P. Hart, Wm. B. Slocum, Calvin
Thompson, John Van Alstyne.
1822.— Daniel Gray, James Jones, Harper Rogers, Levi Rumsey,
Gardner Tracy.
1823. — Joseph Case, Gilbert Eddy, Chester Griswold, Stephen Warren.
1824. — Caleb Carr, Henry Dubois, Martin Van Alstyne, Stephen
Warren.
1 S25. — John Carpenter, Jacob C. Lansing, Fcnner Palmer, John G.
Yanderheyden.
1826.— Robert Collins, Augustus Filley, John F. Groesbeek, William
Pierce.
1827. — Jeremiah Danchy, John De Freest, Reuben Halstead, Henry
Piatt.
1828. — Samuel S. Cheever, Alonzo G. Hammond, Wm. Pierce, Joseph
Wadswortb.
1829. — Nathaniel Barnett, Jr., Martin De Freest, Wm. P. Hecrmans,
Henry Mallory.
i 1830. — Abiel Buckman, Geo. R. Davis, Ziba Hewitt, Abraham C.
Lansing.
1831. — George R. Davis, Chester Griswold, Martin Springer, Aaron
Worthing ton.
1832. — Hosea Bennett, Henry J. Genet, John C. Kemble, Nicholas
M. Masters.
1833. — Wm. P. Haskins, Alonzo G. Hammond, John I. Kittle, Seth
Parsons.
1834. — Archibald Bull, Smith Germond, Nicholas B. Harris, James
Yates.
1835. — Chester Griswold, Jacob W. Lewis, Daniel Lennons, Martin
Springer.
1836. — David L, Seymour, Alexander O. Spencer, John J. Vielie,
Nathan West.
1837.— Randall A. Brown, Alexander Bryan, Abraham Van Tuyl.
1838.— Hezekiah Hull, Jacob A. Ten Eyck, James Wallace.
1839.— Richard P. Herrick, Day 0. Kellogg, Gideon Reynolds.
18-10.— Gerardus Devoe, Sam!. W. Hoag, Wm. H. Van Schoonhoven.
1841.— Claudius Moffit, John Tilley, William H. Van Schoonhoven.
1842.— George R. Davis, Martinus Lansing, Silas W. Waite.
1843.— George R. Davis, Samuel Douglass, Henry Van den burgh.
1814.— John L. Cole, George B. Warren, Jonathan E. Whipple.
1845.— Harry Betts, Roger Hcrmance, William H. Van Schoonhoven.
1 846. — Henry Z. Hnyner, Samuel MoClellan lu tice Noltoo.
is 17. Joseph Gregory, Amos K. Hadley, Daniel I mar a.
Under the constitution of 1846 the county traa divided
into districts for the election of assemblymen, and the fol-
lowing list is complete from that date.
MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY FROM RENSSELAER COUNTT.
Seegion of 1848. — Speaker, Amos K. Hadley, First Difitricl George
T. Den nl son, Second District; George W. Glae - Third Di
tiiet.
1849.— Speaker, Amos K. Hadley, First District ; Bcnajab Allen,
Second District ; William H. Budd, Third Di trict
1850. — George Lesley, First District; Edward 1'. Pickett, Second
District; Lansing Sheldon, Third District.
1851. — George Lesley, First District; William Russell, Second Dis-
trict; Oliver C. Thompson, Third District.
1852. — Jonas. C. Heartt, First District; Albert E. Richmond, Second
District; William II. Herrick, Third District.
1853. — Jason C. Osgood, First District; Charles B. St rat ton, Second
District; Peter G. Ten Eyck, Third District.
1854. — Jonathan Edwards, First District ; Lyman Wilder, Second
District; George Bruce, Third District.
1S55. — Jonathan Edwards, First District ; Nicholas M. Masters, Sec-
ond District; Edmund Cole, Third District.
1856. — George Vnn Santvoord, First District; Augustus Johnson,
Second District; San ford A. Tracy, Third District.
1857. — Darius Allen, First District; Volney Richmond, Second Dis-
trict; Ebenezer S. Strait, Third District.
1858. — John C. Osgood, First District; Daniel Fish, Second District ;
Martin Miller, Third District.
1859. — Thomas Coleman, First District; Henry V. Clark, Second
District; Anson Bingham, Third District.
1S60. — Thomas Coleman, First District; James Culver, Second Dis-
trict; Anson Bingham, Third District.
1861.— Charles J. Saxe, First District ; L. Chandler Ball, Second Dis-
trict; Anson Bingham, Third District.
1862.— Charles J. Saxe, First District; David S. Maxon, Second Dis-
trict; Sylvester Waterbury, Third District.
1863. — James MeKeon, First District; John A. Quackenbush, Second
District; Ebenezer S. Strait, Third District.
1864, — James MeKeon, First District; Geo. W. Bnnker, Second Dis-
trict; James Bearstyne, Third District.
1865.— Geo. C. Burdett, First District; Robert M. Hasbrouck, Second
District; Mathew V. A. Fonda, Third District.
1866.— Jnmes S. Thorn, First District; Marshall F.White, Second
District; Eleazar Woostcr, Third District.
1867.— Wm. Gurley, First District; Marshall F. White, Second Dis-
trict; Eleazar Wooster, Third District.
1868.— John L. Flagg, First District; Jared A. Wells, Second Dis-
trict; Harris B. Howard, Third District.
1869.— John L. Flagg, First District ; Edward Akin, Second District ;
Harris B. Howard, Third District.
1870. — John L. Flagg, First District; Eugene Hyatt, Second District ;
J. Thomas Davis, Third District.
1871. — John L. Flagg, First District; Horace C. GifFord, Second Dis-
trict; Sylvester Waterbury, Third District.
1S72. — Jason C. Osgood, First District; John L. Snyder, Second Dis-
trict; Castle W. Herrick, Third District.
1873.— Wm. V. Clcary, First District ; John L. Snyder, Second Dis-
trict : Castle W. Herrick, Third District.
1874.— Wm. V. Cleary, First District; Robert Dickson, Second Dis-
trict; Jacob M. Whitbeck, Third District.
1875.— Wm. V. Cleary, First District; Wm. F. Taylor, Second Dis-
trict; Jacob M. Whitbeck, Third District.
1876.— William V. Cleary, First District; William F. Taylor, Second
District; Thomas B. Simmons, Third District.
1877.— John H.Burns, First District; John J. Filkiu, Second District;
William H. Sliter, Third District.
1878. — John II. Burns, First District; Solomon V. R. Miller, Second
District; William H. Sliter. Third District.
1879. — Francis N. Mann, Jr., First District; Eli Berry, Second Dis-
trict; Thomas B. Simmons, Third District.
1880.— La Mott W. Rhodes, First District; Albert C. Comstock,
Second District ; Barnis G, Strait, Third District.
63
III-Tm|;v OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
STATE ~i\\,..|;> PROM RENSSELAER COUNTY.
Iitortb, IT I I . ■ l
1 109-1802 ; Christopher Hull lh, ISO) 7:
- Jen, l«"~ ll : Raggle* Uubbnrd, ISIS
' lv .111-
ble, IS ■: I li -nil; \v. II. Van Sel n-
Albert It. Pox, I -I" B. Carroll,
nhovcn, I8S2 S3; Elisha N. Pratt,
I- •: ■ John D. Will;.
Volar; Richmond, 1880 ■: Frederick II. Umlings, 181
Francis S. Thayer, 1808 71; Roawoll A. P« M-75;
Thomu ' olcman, ls7.'. 77.
Hi. PRESIDES! VND VICE-PRESIDENT RESIDING
IN BEN8SI LAEB CO! NTT.
1804.
1812.
1834.
Abraham Vail
Wtllinn; I
John W« odworth.
Albert Pan I
Jonathan Re
3.
Gilbert Eddy.
..in Smith.
Eddy.
Daniel D. Campbell.
II ] i
Qi ffilh P. Griffith.
1 344. Nicholas M. Masters.
l - 1*, [graol Seymour.
i. Pierton.
ihn 0. M Murray.
John 1'. Winelow.,
1868. John II. Colby.
1872. Thomu Colemnn.
BI PBESENTA1 IVES IN CO
Van Allen. Henry Vail.
John Bird. 1843 15. David L. Seymour.
rge T.I. I. ii«. 16. Riohard P. Derrick.
Jonah M 1845 17. Thomat C. Ripley.
'. hi Allen. 1-17 Roynolda.
I, Derm. Knickerbocker. 1851 i3. David L. Seymour.
1813 17. II.-... M..ITH. 1853 57. Russell -
■nnn. 1857-63. Abram B. Olin.
I. John D. Diekii 1863-71. John A. Griswold.
II ■•.■ I..... in. 1871-73. Joseph M. Warren.
:. Willi;. m McMannus. 1875-70. Mnrlin L Townscnd.
1870-81. Walter A. Wood.
II. ram P. Hunt.
SCHOOL COaUIISSIONERS S8ELAEB COUNTY. FROM
1859 TO 1-71.
1 • Warren w. Enowlton, Jam
II. Allen, Firal District; .1. W. Boyco, Allen
I . Oilman, N\ m. I.. Coltrcll, George W . Ili.lly,
Bdward Wait, I ir«t Distriot, r.n-1 Gardner Mori ;> , Sc md D
now in offl [870.
COUNT! SUPERINTENDENTS "1 COMMON BCH00L8.*
Ilandei II. Thon II. Thompson,
: Wilkin..
T.. REVI81 mi CON8TITU1 ION.
m, ff. Roj nolds, -l<>na-
Ihai
Bni I, -ii . James L. U John
J„hn w H
Mtihii Wltbook.
• r|. Mi P. A Martin I. Town-
" - »nei".
■
D OF -i rin\ ISOR8 "r 1 -7
»m. Clerk ; .lolin I i
n II ' »mi irle« linker.
' .Ilium
Ma.l
.lam. is 1'. A -1.1. v. Troy, Fourth Wnr.l ; Samuel Little. Troy. Fifth
Ward; Jos. P. O'Shen, Troy, Sixth Ward: Michael Carroll, Troy,
th Ward; M. Ilartignn, Troy, Eighth Ward; Tin. mas Ry-
n.ii. Troy, Ninth Ward; John Hunt. Troy. Tenth Ward; Philip
Casoy, Troy, Eleventh Ward; ('. IS. Burke, Troy, Twelfth Ward;
1>. K. Winnie, Troy, Thirteenth Ward : .1. Dcnison, llerlin ; Paul
Springer, Brunswick ; David Phillip*, East Greenbush; Levi T.
Dunham, Grafton : .lames Murphy, Greenbush; J. P. Armstrong,
II i,l, : A. A. Peebles, Lnnsingburgh ; Giles Kirby, N'assan;
.1. II. Dearstyne, North Greenbush; Eli Perry. I'ittstown ; S. B.
Reynolds Petersburg)! ; G. II. Cooper. Poestenkill ; Mil.. Hob).
A. P. Co.. per, Schngbticoke ; Frank P. Harder,
Gideon S. Hall, Stophcntown.
U
CHAPTER XIV.
THE EARLY MILITIA OF RENSSELAER
COUNTY.
Tt wuuld be of considerable public interest to Lrive an
extended notice of the militia regiments of the county.
The materials ;iiv. however, difficult of access. In the ad-
jutant-general's office al Albany there arc no records afford-
ing information upon this subject between the Revolutionary
war and the year 1802. From this latter date to the
breaking out of the war with England in 1812, a period
of about ten years, there are preserved the volumes of
general orders and the rolls of commissioned officers.
From these we have taken the notes given below. It is
audi rstood that the records covering the war of 1812 wen
turned over to the National Government as a basis of cor-
rect information in the award of pensions, and so much
fraud has been perpetrated by corrupt pension agents thai
the government does not permit these lists to be copied 11
length, even for historical purposes.
Subsequent to the war of 1812 the data in the oil
Albany are v.rv meagre, until about the year l-l'.il. The
limits of this volume will not permit us to write to an;.
extent of the militia in a period comparatively so modem,
. -| i tally as it is necessary to treat at great length of the
noted wur periods ot the nation.
The following items relating to the period just pr. .
the war of 1S12 arc of much value. In the list of
given there are many who afterwards became prominent
in the camp and on the field, or who acquired prominence
as civilians and statesmen.
•• Amuim i.i m hai/s di n. i . 1". ■!.. -'-. I-"'-'-
.. Htm. — You arc requested to deliver Ihe
your ) ission to Ciipl exander, of the Artillery, in Ihe
limits ..I i.uir Regiment.
order "f the Commander in I
. Y.IS l'.KNSI I AKI
I'. March 15, 1808, in conformity to in
• Congress authorizing a detachment from the militia
of the United States," and in accordance with a requisition
of the President of the United States, calling for li
...I three hundred and eighty-nine men from ll"1
State of New Y..ik. for said detachment (he Rcnssebei
Count*, Brigade, commanded by Gen. Moffitt, was required
to furnish four hundred and eleven.
The further organization of this contingent appears in
the general ordei - of the follow ing
TIIF. EARLY MIUTIA OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.
G9
Michael S. Vandercook was appointed inspector and,
mnjoT of the brigade. Francis Adincourt, of Itensselaer
County, was appointed adjutant of the battalion of infantry
included in the brigade. John E. Wool, of Rensselaer
County, was appointed quartermaster of the squadron of
cavalry included in the brigade.
Pursuant to an acl passed March 29, 180!). general
orders were issued providing for the 3d Regiment of
Cavalry from the territory of Columbia and Rensselaer, to
consist of two squadrons, one from Columbia and one. from
Rensselaer.
•■ Headqi lrters, Amuw, 27th of May, 1809.
.-.' Order*. The company of Trojan Greens in llio pillage
,i i(im. having been organized into a rifle company pursuant to the
iliiitv third section of i lie militia law of the State, but their uniform
not having been prescribed, the nuiander-in-chief directs that the
uniform of said company shall bo green short coats, with black faeinge
trimmed with yellow cord ; caps of the description heretofore worn by
the company, with green or white under-clothes.
" liy order of the Commander-in-Chief,
"A. Lamb, Lieut.-Col. and Aid-de-Camp."
By general orders issued Bitty 10, 1810, the commander-
in-chief provisionally organized a rifle company in Lieut-
Col. Cornelius J. Schcrmerhorn's regiment, in the county of
Rensselaer, and assigned Joel Bristol as captain, William
Carmichael as lieutenant, and Wallace St. John as ensign
thereof. The uniform was designated as " green rifle frocks
and plantations, with yellow fringe and buttons, black
gaiters, round black hats, with yellow buttons, black loops,
anil short green feathers."
By general orders Sept. 15, 1810, the commander-in-
chief authorized the formation of a company of artillery in
the county of Rensselaer, and designated Daniel St. John
;ts captain, Joseph Benedict as first lieutenant, and Nathan-
iel Durry as second lieutenant.
By similar orders, July 24, 1810, another company of
artillery was constituted, with Brevet Martin Van Alstyne
as captain, Nathaniel Payne as first lieutenant, and Rinier
Van Alstyne as second lieutenant.
The following order was complimentary to the county of
Rensselaer:
" Headquarters, City of Albany, April 6, 1811.
" n immander-in-chief has heard with much satisfaction of the
enterprising spirit and military ambition which prevails among the
-el soldiers of the companies of riflemen in the county of
Rensselaer, and it having been represented to him that there are
already three companies in the brigade of militia, in said county, each
"' "'''''' nlains more than thirty men uniformed and equipped
' rdtog t" 'aw, he does hereby direct that the rifle companies in the
said brigade be henceforth organized into a battalion of riflemen, to
bo commanded by Maj. William S. Parker, of Troy."
'flic full complement of officers was as follows: William
S. Parker, First Major, Commandant; Henry Coon, Sec-
ond Major; Stephen Warren, Captain; David Bell, Cap-
tain ; Jedediah Tracy, Lieutenant; James De Freest, Lieu-
tenant ; Sidney Dole, Ensign ; Abraham II. Lansing, Junior
Ensign ; Joel Bristol, Captain ; William Carmichael, Lieu-
tenant; Stephen Tripp, Ensign.
In the reorganization pursuant to general orders, June
18, 1812, Tisdale Eddy, of Rensselaer County, was ap-
pointed Second Major in the 9th Regiment, lid Brigade;
Michael S. Vandercook, Brigade Major and Inspector in
Iho 2,1 Brigade.
I!\ orders of December I, 1812, forty-two person
siding in the c t.y of Rensselaer were organized into .a
rifle company, with the following officers : I ten I pen Babcock,
Junior Captain; Ellis Foster Lieutenant , He: \ ■. .
Ensign.
April 13, 1812, the 8th Brigade of Infantry, county of
Rensselaer, was composed of sis regiments, commanded as
follows: 1st, by Caleb Can'; 43d, Cornelius J. Schermor-
horn; 45th, Gilberl Eddy; 78th, Joseph Dorr; 86th,
Thomas Reynolds; 155th, Thomas Davis. The brigade
was under the command of Jacob A. Fort, and was in-
cluded in the 3d Division, Henry Livingston major-general.
The following is a list of the appoint men I- for the bl
of the county of Rensselaer:
Field and Staff.— Feb. 22, 1803, Michael S. Vander-
cook, Inspector. March 22, Ism;, Hosea Moffitt, Briga-
dier-General. June 8, 1800, Nathaniel Adams, Brigade
Quartermaster.
Captains. — March 7, 1803, Amos Potter (2d); March
18, 1803, Jacob Lansing; May 24, 1800, Henry Koon,
— Riflemen.
First Lieutenants. — March 7, 1803, Thomas Osborne;
March 18, 1S03, George Young; May 24, 1S09, David
Bell, — Riflemen.
Second Lieutenants. — March 7, 1803, Joseph Potter;
May 24. 1800, James De Freest,— Riflemen.
ARTILLERY.
Field and Slaf. — March 27, 1805, Francis Saltus, Sec-
ond Major.
Captains. — April G, 1807, James D. Wallace.
Second Lieutenants. — April 6, 1807, George R. A. Pick-
etts; April G, 1S07, Nathaniel Richards.
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIFTH REGIMENT.
Field and Staff.— March 18, 1803, Abram Ten Eyck,
Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding ; Stephen Andres, Adju-
tant. April 2, 1803, Dirck Vanderheyden, Quartermaster;
John Loudon, Surgeon. April 5, 1805, Adam Yates, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Commanding ; Henry T. E. Schuyler, See-
on. 1 Major. March 22. 180G, Henry T. E. Schuyler, Fifth
Major; Levinus R. Winsor, Second Major; Gordon Corn-
ing, Adjutant. April 6, 1S07, John G. Vanderheyden,
Paymaster. June 8, 180G, Thomas Davis, Second Major;
Barent Schuyler, Paymaster; David Butler, Chaplain;
Hugh W. Henry, Surgeon's Mate; John Sampson. Quarter-
master. May 24, 1809, Ely Burritt, Surgeon. March 12,
1810, Barent Schuyler, Adjutant; Martin Van Alstyne,
Paymaster.
Captains. — March 18, 1803, Abraham Lansing, Francis
Collison, Nathaniel Adams; March 16, 1804, Joseph
Stead ; April 5, 1805, Solomon Buckley, Henry Searls,
James Adams, John I. Fonda; March 22. 1806, Jonathan
Hatch, Daniel Simmons, John I. Fonda, Jr. ; April G, 1S07,
Hazard Kimberly, Sylvanus Jenks Penni man, Thomas Davis ;
June 8, 1808, William S. Parker, Ebenezer W. Walbridge,
Guilli.rd D. Young. Amos Salisbury; Nov. 11, 1808, Guil-
ford D. Young, William S. Parker; May 24, 1809, Fred-
erick G. Bergen, Cornelius Swartwood, John Newman ;
70
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
Maj31, 1-"'.'. Zacharinh Curtis; March 12, 1810, John
De Freest, .Jr. ; April 10, 1811, Ebenezer W. Walbridge.
/ • r». — Marcli 18, 1803, Daniel Goewey, Patrick
\ in, Jonathan Hatch, John C. Redmund; April 16,
1804, Daniel Sinn is; April •">. 1805, Hazard Kimberiy,
Reuben B. Crowncr, Isaac Hasbrouck, John De Freest, Jr.,
• i ph Chambers; March 22, 1806, Jacob Bishop, Sylvanus
• l Penniuian, Amos Salisbury, Joseph Sears, John Mc
Manus, John Newman; April 6, 1807, Guilford D. Young,
r. i W. Walbridge, Zacbariah Curtis, W. S. Parker;
June 8, 1808, Benjamin High - lien Warren, Stephen
Clark, Frederick Barringer, Elam Lyndes; Nov. 11, 1808,
■ mill Higbce, Stephen Warren ; May '_' I. lsn9, Philip
|| Bcrger, Abraham Lansing, Nathan Barber, Oliver Lyon ;
May 31, 1809, Stephen Clark, Gurdou Corning; March 12,
1810, Martin I' Frees) William Case, Cornelius Adriance,
James Giles.
tits. — March IS 1803, Samuel Comstock, William
Lam] J '■ Bishop. Joseph Chambers; March 1G,
1804, John McManus; April .">. 1805, Stephen Chandler,
John Newman, William P. Rathbun, Martin Van Alstyne,
John F. Whipple; March 22, 1806, Zachariah Curtis,
Ebenezer W. Walbridge, Jared I'ells. Jacob J. Wager,
William Schoby, Jacob Wyganl : April 6, 1S07, Benjamin
Higbee, Stephen Clark, Cornelius Adriance, Abraham R.
Wi \ Stephen Warren ; June 8, 1S0S, Jcdcdiah Tracey,
aan Bickok, Cornelius Swartwout, Samuel P. Hawley,
Oliver I.; S 11, 1808, Samuel P. Hawley, Jedediab
Tra 309, Luther Eddy, Eliphalet King,
Nathaniel Challis, Josiah G. Kinne, Cornelius Slyter ;
Ma; 31 1809 '.melius Adriance; March 12, 1310,
William W. Slyter, Richard J. De Freest, Luther Bliss.
Additional appointments in the 155th are as follows:
•di.I Staff.— Adam Yates, Lieutenant-Colonel.
April 10, 1811, Thomas Davis, First Major; April 10,
1811, Amos Salisbury, Second Major. Feb. 29, 1812,
Thoi Lieutenant-Colonel; Amos Salisbury, First
Maji r, M 20, 1812, Guilford 1>. Young, Second Major.
-April 10, 1811, Oliver Lyons, Philip l>.
»ei Jum ■> 1-11, Cornelius Adriance, Hiram
I: Is; May 20, 1812, Benjamin Higbee; May 23,
1-12. Joseph Ballard.
/ ''.«. -April 10, 1-11. Roger King, Isaiah (i.
Kin i .1 h I - ph. M ( Hark : June 5,
1811, Arteium 0 I, J nNorth; Feb. 29, l812,Joscph
Ballard, Nichi I Luther Eddj ; Maj 1". 1812,
\ I. ■ M 23, 1 B12, Samuel I!. Il> dges.
April 10, 1811, William Bognrdus, Cornelius
M \ mdcrl irgli Edward A. Ci ■'■!>. Cornelius Bcckman ;
imon Will* Ji Philip I loons ; Feb.
ider, Samuel I' II J ib P.
Swartwoul ; Maj 20,
1-1 . n '-'■ De 1 t, William L Marcy M
".TV FIFTH REGIMENT.
Eddy, Lieu-
Douglas! Major;
Will \'.in Vli i k,
S« March 21, li Brown, Adjutant.
March 2, 1S04, Henry Warren, Second Major; Nehemial
King, Surgeon's Mate. June 8, 1808, William Knieker
bocker, First Major; Tisdale Eddy, Second Major ; Andrew
Ryan, Quartermaster; Theodore May, Surgeon. March 12
1S10, John J. Groesbeck, Paymaster. Feb. 11, 1811
Thomas Smith, Surgeon's Mate ; Simon Ncwconib, Surgeon
Feb. 29, 1812, Thomas Smith, Surgeon.
Captains. — Feb. 20, 1803, John Groesbeck, Benjamin
Agan ; March 2, 1S04, Bethel Mathers, Darius Thurber
Stephen Gasten ; April 3, 1S04, Tisdale Eddy ; March 22.
1S00, Amaziah Hcrrick ; April 0, 1S07, Samuel S. Storm.
Myndert Groesbeck, George Bruce; June 8, 1S08, Court-
land Elliot; May 24, 1S09, Jonathan Rowland, Daniel
Kiser; Feb. 11, 1811, Munson Smith; April 10, 1811,
Burwcll Retts, David Bryan, James Anderson ; Feb. 29,
1812, John Fake John Downing.
Lieutenants.— Feb. 26, 1S03, Tunis Vide, Asahel Mar-
veil; March 2, 1804, Amaziah Herrick, James Mallcry,
Stephen Cushman, John I. Filkins ; April 3, 1804,
Andrew G. Weatherwax ; March 22, 1S0G, Jonathan
Rowland. Courtland Elliot, Samuel Wilson ; April 6,
1 SOT. Henry S. Yandercook, D.fvid Bryan, Daniel Kiscr;
June 8, 1808, John Downing; May 24, 1809, Charles
Lounsbury, James Anderson, Burrell Bctts ; Feb. 11,
1811, Peter Vandenbergh; April 10, 1811, Adam Clum,
John W. Groesbeck, John Fahc ; Feb. 29, 1812, Stephen
Yates, Matthew De Graff, Jacob Williams; April 1, 1812,
Richard Bryan.
Ensigns. — Feb. 22. 1803, Daniel Cadwcll, John Agan ;
March 21, 18H3, Myndert Groesbeck; March 2, 1804,
Jonathan Rowland, Ira Hawley, James Van Name.
William Rice. Noah Levins; April 5, 1S05, Cortland
Elliot, Charles Lounsbury, Samuel Storm ; March 2.
1 SilO. Janus Anderson, John Downing, Nathan Bardcn ;
April li, 1S07, Samuel Cole, Cornelius Yates, James An-
derson, Burrell Bctts; June 8, 180S, Matthew Graff Wil-
liam Groesbeck; May 21. 1S09, Jacob Williams, John
Fake, Adam Clum. John W. Groesbeck, Thomas Weath-
erwax ; Feb. 11, 1811, Joseph Reed; April 10. 1811,
.lames Morrison, Jacob Bachman, Stephen Yates; Feb.
29. 1 Si 12. Stephen L. Yiele, John Lamport, Richard
Bryan, Peter I. Yates; April 1, 1812, Isaac Talmadge.
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
Field and Staff.— April 5, ISO."). Randall Spencer.
Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding; David Wilcox, Fay-
master. June 9. ISti7, Zebulon Scriven, Lieutenant-
Colonel Commanding; Samuel McChcsney, First Major;
Jonathan Irish, Second Major. May 24, 1S09, Samuel
McChesney, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding ; ThoUMi
• 1-. First Major; Matthew Randall, Second Major;
i : Max. ui. Quartermaster. March 12. 1810, William
Clark, Paymaster; Ebcn Moffitt, Adjutant. April 10,
1811, Thomas Reynolds, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding;
Matthew Randall, Firel Major; Gideon Palmer, -
Major. June 11, 1811, Elijah Brown, Chaplain; Jeffiej
W Tl,.. ma-. Surgeon's Mate; Thomas W". Phillips, Pay-
master. February 29, 1812, William II. Murray. Adju-
tant.
tint March 1-. 1 S03, Thomas Reynolds; April
THE EARLY MILITIA OK RENSSELAER COl VI'Y
71
:,, 1805, John Nichols, James Allen, Benjamin Lee;
March 22, 1806, .lames Godfrey; June 9, 1807, Josiah
Hall, Rufus Waite, Gid< Palmer, Matthew Randall;
Mane 8, 1808, Joseph Crnndall, Enos Larkin, Daniel
Arnold, Aaron Sedgwick ; May 24, 1809, Aaron Worth-
le.'ton, Benjamin Rogers, Asa Stillman, Asa Prosser,
William ('. Barber; March 12, 1810, David Mattison,
Foseph Burdick, Munson Smith, Benjamin Babcock ;
rune 10, 1811, Elisha Coon, Hezekiah Hull, Jr., Oliver
fcVelhnan; February 29, 1812, Reuben Babcock.
Lieutenants. — March IS, 1803, Solomon Root; April 5,
[805, Josiah Hull, Jr., Joseph Crandall, James West,
Verge Stillman, Asa Stillman, James Godfrey, Caleb
Wells, Jr.; March 22, 1806, Benjamin Rogers, CJideon
Calmer, Daniel Arnold; June 9, 1807, John Enos, Andrew
Whipple, Elisha Coon, Asa Maxon, Jr., Aaron Worthing-
,ni ; June 8, 1808, Edward Whitford, William C. Barber,
'Samuel Hutton, David Mattison, Elisha Eggleston ; May
.'I, ISO',), George Brimmer, Joseph Burdick, Thomas S.
Iarvey, Sanford Hewitt, Benjamin Babcock, Pliny Miller,
lr.; March 12, 1810, Hezekiah Hull, Solomon Smith, Jr.,
A'illiam Cbilils, Peter Vandenburgh (of Riflemen), Elisha
hirdick ; April 10, 1811, Robert Davis, Rodman Thomas,
leuben Babcock, Jr.; June 11, 1811, John Brimmer;
?ebruary 29, 1812, Joseph Amidon.
Ensigns.— March 18, 1803, Caleb Wells; April 5, 1805,
Stephen McChesney, Eliphalet Johnson, Benjamin Rogers,
iideon Palmer, Thomas S. Harvey, Daniel Arnold, Aaron
rVorthington ; March 22, 1806, Joseph Burdick, Elisha
'oon, David Mattison; June 9, 1807, William C. Barber,
tobert Davis, Asa Prosser, George Brimmer; June 8,
808, Sanford Hewitt, William Childs, Hezekiah Hull,
'liny Miller; May 24, 1809, Joshua M. Striven, William
'oon, Elisha Burdick, Thomas Phillips, Jr., Robert God-
ivy ; March 12, 1810, Jarvis Green, Zebuion Scriven,
olin Hutton, Joseph Reed, John Brimmer; April 10,
811, John Worthington, William II. Murray, Jonathan
tarry, Joseph Amidon ; June 11, 1811, Archibald Jones,
Vuiiel Palmer; February 29, 1812, Otis Gould, Asa Bur-
iek, Jr.
FIFTH REGIMENT.
Fir/,/ mid Staff. — April 5, 1S05, Hosea Moffitt, Lieutcn-
ut-Colonel Commanding; Jonathan Dennison, Second Ma-
li' ; Wiu. L. Gardner, Adjutant ; Rufus Sweet, Paymaster ;
Hllet Vary, Quartermaster ; Joshua Griggs, Surgeon ;
oab II. Gardner, Surgeon's Mate. April 3, 1806, Elisha
tewart, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding; Caleb Kerr,
irst Major; Adil Swan, Second Major; Matthew Jones,
•minister. June 9, 1807, Barent Van Vleck, Quarter-
master. June 8, 1808, John Younglove, Chaplain. March
2, 1810, Caleb Carr, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding;
liphaz Spencer, Kirst Major ; Rufus Sweet, Second Major ;
ber Moffitt, Adjutant; Win, K. Scott, Surgeon. April
3, 1810, Nathan Howard, Paymaster. May 23, 1812,
eorge Forsyth, Quartermaster.
Captains.— March 25, 1S03, Elisha Adams, Bernard
ix, William Vary; April 5, 1805, Charles Dennison,
li Viekery; April 3, 1806, Benjamin Chase, Richard H.
ary, Eliphaz Spencer; June 9, 1807, Fenner Palmer,
mos James, Rufus Sweet, Henry Tucker; May 24, 1809,
Cyrus Spencer, Willet Vary ; March L2, 1810, James Jone*
Aimer Bull, Barnard Mix, Samuel E. Gibbs; April 10,
1*] 1, Si n Tifft, Pliny Miller, Josiah Humphrey, Nathan
dale; May 23, 1812, Pliny Miller.
Lieutenants. -March '_'.">. 1803, J; - 1 lempstead, Nathan
B. Gardner, Eliphalet Reid, Silas Thomas (Grenadier
April 5, 1805, Paul Bray man, Henry Tucker, Eliphaz
Spencer, Benjamin Chase; April 3, 1806, Amos James,
Willet Vary, Rufus Sweet: April 5, 1806, Stephen Ben-
ton; June 9, 1807, Darius Phillips, Aimer Bull, Jr.,
Ebenezer Martin, Cyrus Spencer; June 8, 180*. John
Blauey; May 24, 1809, James Jones, Josiah Humphrey;
March 12, 1810, Thomas L. Adams, Samuel Post. Solo-
mon W. Lawrence, Chauncey Foster; April 10, 1811,
John B. Adsit, Martin Field, Benjamin Rogers, Cornelius
W. Schermerhorn, Henry Reynolds, Jr.; May 23, 1812,
John Curtis.
Ensigns. — March 25, 1803, Minor Jones, Benjamin
Chase, Eliphaz Spencer, Win. Lamport Gardner (Grena-
diers); April 5, 1805, Daniel Arnold, Aaron Sedgwick,
Stephen Boughton, Matthew Jones, Daniel Greene; April
3, 1806, Cyrus Spencer, Jeremiah Marks, James Jones,
Abner Bull, Jr. ; June 9, 1807, William Sheldon, Samuel
Coleman, Samuel Post. John Blaney ; June S, 1808, Jacob
P. Heermance ; May 24, 1809, Chauncey Goold, Simon
Tifft, Thomas P. Adams; March 12, 1810, Wm. Jones,
Henry Reynolds, John Adsit, Jr., Daniel St. John, Ben-
jamin Sweet; April 10, 1811, Daniel M. Gregory, Syl-
vester Howard, William Kittle, Jr., Henry J. Dusenbury ;
May 23, 1812, David Tifft, David Braiucrd, Jr.
FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
Field and Staff.— March 30, 1803, Nicholas Staats,
Lieutenant- Colonel Commanding; John Billings, Adju-
tant; Joachim N. Staats, Quartermaster. April 5, 1805,
Philip Staats, Lieutenant- Colonel Commanding; Cornelius
J. Schermerhorn, Kirst Major; Nicholas J. Kittle, Second
Major; John J. Kittle, Adjutant; Benjamin Rowe, Sur-
geon ; Nicholas B. Harris, Surgeon's Mate. April 0, lNliT.
Daniel Van Buren, Paymaster; John W. Van Vechten,
Quartermaster. June 8, 1808, John L. Zabriskie, Chap-
lain ; Nicholas B. Harris, Surgeon ; Cornelius Heermance,
Surgeon's Mate. June 13, 180S, Jacob G. Vandenburgh,
Quartermaster. March 12, 1S10, Cornelius J. Schermer-
horn, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Nicholas J. Kittle, First Major;
John J. Miller, Second Major. April 10, 1811, John J.
Miller, First Major ; Joshua Griffiths, Second Major ; John
S. Miller, Surgeon's Mate. Jan. 25, 1813, James Elliott,
Quartermaster.
Captains.— March 30, 1803, Silas Welmoth, John J.
Miller, Joshua Griffith, Zachariah Fuller; April 5, 1805,
Garret Yates, Jacob Barhite; April 6, 1S07, James G.
Myers, John II. Van Rensselaer; June 8, 1808, Abra-
ham Herrington, William N. Staats; May 24, 1809. Jon-
athan J. Witbeck, James Livingston ; March 12, 1810,
Stephen J. Miller, Erastus Lyman; Kob. 11, 1811, Joel
Bristol; April 10, 1S11, Hugh Gordon, Abraham Hnyek,
Jonas Miller. David E. Gregory, Samuel Myers; Feb. 29,
ISIl', Braddum Yale, Manassch Knowlton.
Lieutenants. — March 30, 1803, Samuel Hammond.
72
HISTORY OF RENSSKI.AER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Samuel Comble, John Witbeck, Henry Row, Henry Dun-
April 5, 1805, Eber Wilcox, Jonathan J. Witbeck,
John 11. Van R ass laer, Samuel 1!. Campbell, William
Crandall; April t'., lsnT. Abraham Huyck, Jonathan J.
Witbeck; June 8, 1808, Manasseh Knowlton, Anthony
I'.: ■ ^.retua Lyman, Peter Ostranderj May 24, 1809,
.1 . Bristol, Uugh Qordonj March 1'-'. 1810, Bradman
Fates, David E. G . Simeon Weh I II 1. 1811,
William Carmichael; April 10, 1811, Martin Witbeck,
John Carpenter, Samuel Myers, Henry Livingston, Stephen
Abraham V. I' 1' Gregorj : Feb. 29, 1-12. Abra-
ham P. Staats, Almon 1!. Bostwick, James Elliot.
rii*. — Ma"rch 30, 1803, Abner Wilcox, John Wea-
ver, .Ir., Jonas Miller, David Cravour; April 5, 1805,
Pownal Hitchcock, Anthony Brccse, Jr., Stephen J. Miller,
Abraham Huyck; April 6, 1807, John Carpenter, Joel
Brestor; June 8, 1808, Nathaniel Paine, James Living-
David E. Gregory, Simeon* Welch ; May 21. 1809
- ael Myers; May 31, 1809, William Van Schaick;
March 12. 1810, Abraham I. Staats. Abraham V. D. 1'.
_..ry. Adam Smith; Feb. 11. 1811, Stephen Trip].;
Apiil 10, 1811, John N. Kittle, James Elliot, Stephen
I Abraham P. Smith, Thomas Phillips, John Ladue;
Feb. 29, 1-1 J. Henry Vandcnburgh, A. lam Smith, Andrew
li. Jacob II. Hcrrington, Matthew Conklin.
( 1\ 1 Y 1 hiHTII REGIMENT.
April 2. 1^03, Jacob A. Fori. Licu-
tcnant-Coloncl Commanding; Asher Armstrong, Surg i;
Aaron D Patchin, Surgeon's Mate. March 22, 1806, John
Carpenter, Adjutant ; Jeremiah Schuyler, Paymaster; Jacob
Lansing, Quartermaster. June 8, 1808, Sylvester Noble,
od Major. March 12, 1810, Joseph Dorr, Lieutenant-
Colonel Commanding; Sylvester Noble, First Major; John
II - .1 Major; Charles II. Wetmore, Surgeon's
Mai June 5, 1811, James Olmstead, First Major; Samuel
Wih E nd Major; Abram Hallcnbcck, Surge*
M . James G Chaplain; Nathaniel Cole, Junior
Feb. 29, 1-12. Samuel Wilson, First
Major; John II. Hayncs, S nd Major; Russell Dorr,
ii. Archibald Ball, Quartermaster.
' \- il 2. 1803, Henry Van Ness, John Mat-
tison ; April •">. 1805, Nathaniel Bishop, Gideon Gilford,
Atariah Haskins; March 22, 1806, Daniel R \pril
I'.. 1807, Darius Thurber ; June - Samuel Fans
I: . i M 24, 1809 Henrj Warren, Samuel
m, John II R \ ■ ■ M irch 12, 1 -in.
James Olmstead, John II. Hayncs, -I ■ - 1 1 r » Spicer, Lemuel
d, Abraham lv • . 1 1 ; .Inn.' 5, 1-11.
R Davis, Abraham Nan Wart. Roswcll Granger,
i 29, 1812, Moses Wright, •' sse
'.< — Aptii J. 1803 II nr B gh, Nathan-
1. 1 Bishop, ' ~ 1805, Ji scph
Jai 0 ' id, Samuel Wilson ;
• 1 II i: April
6, 1807,8 \ iron Baldwin,
I John
M irch 12, 1 liam Van
I II [Hi dI
Conrad Raymond, John B. Ryan; June 5, 1S11, Joscp
I. Northrup, Reuben Williams, Jesse Holmes, Earl Pearo
Moses Wright; Feb. 29, 1812, Daniel Halstead, Samu.
Van Surdam, Noah Baker.
Ensigns. — April 2, 1S03, Samuel S. Munroe, Shernia
Baker, Royal Abbott; April 5, 1805, John II. Ilaync:
Samuel Faxon, Isaiah Austin, Nathan Burden; March 2i
1-ni'i. llussi'll Chase, John Spicer, John Wallace, Jr.
April 6, 1807, Nathan Burden ; June 8, 1S0S. John Mar
clu -i. i. Jonas Halstead, Garret Hallenbeek ; May 24, 1 80f
Conrad Raymond, Allen Spicer, John B.Ryan; March 1:
1S10, Reuben Williams. Moses Wright, Earl Pearce, Ri
Green, Roswell Halstead, Daniel Delavan ; June 5, 1811
.lames Van Surdam, David S. Wing, Stephen Hunt. Rufn
Sluices, Clark McGowan, Noah Baker, Daniel Rogers, Jr
Feh. 2D. 1812, Israel T. Holmes, Levi Croukhite, I
R. Reach.
THIRD REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
Field Officers. — March 12. 1S10, Herman Knickei
bocker, Major. Feb. 11, 1811, John Chester. Chaplain
Moses Burt, Surgeon's Mate. Feb. 20, 1812, Davii
Kittle, Second Major; Theodore Romcyn Beck. Si.
John M. Bradford, Chaplain ; Henry Jones. Paymaster.
Captains. — March 12, 1S10, Wooster Brookins; Jun
5, 1811, Evert Van Alen ; February 20, 1S12, .1 - |
Rogers.
Lieutenants. — March 12, 1S10, Braddoek Hall. AlatBOl
Clark. Richard Yates, Martin Overocker ; April 10, 1811
Braddoek Hall, Alanson Clark; June 5, 1811, Marti'
Overocker, Alanson Brookins. Charles Doughty. Gilbel
Riley; Feh. 20. 1S12. Paris Green, Jonathan Carpcntei
James Rogers. John Coons.
Cornets. — March 12, 1810, Joseph Amidon, Willian
Dunn ; April 10, 1811, Paris Green ; June ."), 1811, Johl
Fell.t. George W. Staats; Feb. 20, 1812, Israel Piatt
Simeon Cranston.
V'lltST BATTALION ARTILLERY, SECOND lilUOADE,
REGIMENT.*
Field and Staff. — June 5, 1811, Joshua Ilnmden
master; Levi Coolcy, First Major; Cornelius Holnii S
geon's Mate.
Captains. — Feb. 11, 1811, Rapine Andrews, David -
John; June 5. 1-11. Stephen C. Miller; May 20
James Vanderpool ; May 2:'.. 1812, John Blakcslj
II, 1812, Buggies Hubbard | Flying Artillery).
/ .i Lieutenants.— Feb. 11, 1S11, Mordecai Bull
Lewis Finch, Joseph Benedict; Jun.. 5, 1811, N'athsnii
Payne; May 20, 1812, Freeman Fellows; May 23
Gideon Reed, Daniel Cordon. Elias Worden, Thonw
Stevenson; Aug. 11. 1812, Richard M. Livingston.
5 nd Lieutenants.— Feb. 11, 1811, Isaac \\
Gideon Bead. Joshua Phillip-: June 5, 1811,
Smith M Vounglove; Maj 20, 1-12. Ira Stom
Samuel T. Vary, Samuel GifTord, John C. Conklin.
Philo I> : Aug. 11, 1812, William Me.Manus i Flying
Artillery . Jacob Springer ! Cornet I.
i i Colombia.
ANTI-RUNT TROUiil.KS.
r:;
EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
field and Staff.— May 23, 1813, Th ns Reynolds,
,ieutenant-Colonel Commanding; Jeffrey W. Thomas,
lurgcon; Ebenezer Robinson, Surgeon's Mate.
Ctyrfains.— May 23, 1812, Thomas S. Hervey.
lieutenants. — May 2:5, 1812, William Coon, Nathan
tavison.
Ensigns. — May 2:!. 1812, David Mason, Josiah Stewart,
ob Matteson.
CHAPTER XV.
ANTI-RENT TROUBLES.
Among the matters which excited considerable interest
ii Rensselaer County, and in the State at large, a genera-
ion ago, were the disputes between landlords and tenants,
rowing out of leasehold tenures, which were generally
Titled the " anti-rent troubles." We have room in this
(irk for a simple outline only of the subject.
The original grant of the manor of Rensselaerswyck was
uule by the Dutch in 1 630. The territory granted, begin-
ing at Cohoes Falls, extended twenty-lour miles down the
[udson and eight miles from the river east and west. A
!0 1 grant, known as the Dongan Patent, was given by
lie English government, and extended the manor twenty-
iur miles from the river east and west ; this extended to
a- Massachusetts line, and covered the whole of Rensselaer
ounty, except the northern tier of towns. Nearly the en-
re county was leased under perpetual leases drawn by
en. Alexander Hamilton for his brother-in-law, and ex-
ulted by the late Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer about
775 to 1800, — he receiving the estate by entail, and with
im the entail, under constitutional provisions, ended. The
■nants surrendered the few leases previously given, and
iok others in fee, reserving rents in wheat, fowls, and
■rvicewith wagon and horses amounting to annually about
xteen cents an acre, the land then being worth about two
illars and fifty cents per acre ; reserving also quarter-sales,
liich entitled the landlord to one-quarter of proceeds of
ery sale, but no rights from descent. The lessor, who
as a revered and beloved landlord, died in 1839, and
svised the west manor (Albany County) to his oldest son
S his first marriage (Stephen), and the east manor to his
dest son, William P.. by his second marriage. These young
en coming into possession led to fears among the tenants
tat the quarter-sale forfeiture (which never had been en-
rced by the late patroon) would be enforced by his suc-
issors ; and, therefore, sent a committee of their best men to
•gotiate a purchase of all the reservations in the leases, and
rminate the tenure. The landlords declined listening to any
opositions, and the report of the committee so disappointed
e tenants that they were aroused into an active opposition.
Iiey were led to believe that the landlords never had a
>od title, that they had obtained their grants by fraud,
id that by political organization and representation they
uld get relief from their liabilities. They believed, also,
at their lawyers could successfully defend them, which
suited in organizing anti-rent associations. These became
10
bo powerful, exacting, and threatening, thai conservn
men did not dare to either oppose them or pay rent. Dia
guises were resorted to, and crimes committed, until Btatutes
were enacted making it a felony to wear false fa
The firsl conflict which awakened general attention hap-
pe I in the town of Grafton, Rensselaer Co., where a band
of anti-renters, in disguise, killed a man named Smith,
during an altercation on the highway. A legal investiga-
tion, at which more than two hundred persons were from
time to time examined, failed to disclose the author of the
deed. In his messages of 1841—12. (inventor Seward <li~-
cussed the grievances complained of by the tenants. He
recommended a reference of the mailers in dispute to arbi-
trators, and appointed three' men to investigate and report
to the Legislature. This commission accomplished nothing.
The disaffection and excitement increased, until, alter a
tragical affair at Andes, Delaware Co., in 1845, Governor
Wright issued a proclamation, declaring the county in a
state of insurrection. The trials and convictions of certain
anti-renters in that and Columbia Counties, for conspiracy
and resistance to law, put an end to operations by the dis-
guised bands.
The anti-rent associations determined to form a political
party, whose policy should bo to elect all town and county
officers from their own ranks, and to vote for no officer un-
friendly to their cause. In the Legislature of 1842 to
1847 about one-eighth of the members were elected in the
interest of the anti renters. In the constitutional conven-
tion of 1840 some of the ablest men were avowedly anti-
renters, whose influence procured the insertion of a clause
in the new constitution abolishing all feudal tenures and in-
cidents, and forbidding the leasing of agricultural land for
a term exceeding twelve years. The Legislature at succes-
sive sessions passed laws which bore heavily upon the land-
lord interest, and tended gradually to ameliorate the con-
dition of the tenants. After 1847 the excitement died out,
the anti-rent influence ceased to be a disturbing force in
politics, and the anti-rent organization contented itself with
efforts to contest in the courts the validity of the titles of
the landlords, and the legality of the conditions and cove-
nants contained in the manor grants.
In 1854 the two Van Rensselaers, wearied in their ef-
forts to collect their rents, sold out to Mr. Walter S. Church,
of Albany, who has since persevered untiringly until the
organizations have been entirely broken up, and scarcely a
representative of anti-rentism is to be found. Mr. Church
has brought at least one thousand suits in Rensselaer
County in ejectment on a forfeiture of his leases for non-
payment of rent, and recovered as many judgments. The
tenants have been impoverished, the lives of three public
officers have been sacrificed in attempts to execute process,
— but the courts have invariably discharged their duty
faithfully and sustained the contracts. Col. Church has
collected all that he was entitled to, unless the debt was
insecure, or he chose to abate where distress and equity
prompted him to extend kindness and favor. The tenants
and country have suffered groat damage from the excite-
ment, but as nearly all of the leases have been settled, and
the reservations sold to the tenants, it is not probable that
any further excitement will occur.
71
BISTORT OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
(11 A l'T E R XVI.
RENSSELAER COUNTY IN THE GREAT
REBELLION OP 1S61.
Tiik citizens of the county of Rensselaer are justly
proud of her brilliant record in the great Southern Rebel-
lion. In the following ] ive separate accounts of
the major part of the several regiments and commands raised
within her limits.
TMK SI COND Rl QIM1 NT V v. S. VOLS.
This regiment was organized at Troy, N. Y.. under the
call of the President for volunteers to suppress the
i; bcllion, and in accordance with the provisions of the
law, passed April 16, I8G1, entitled "An act to au-
thorize the embodying :ni«l equipment of a volunteer militia,
and to provide for the public derens ir the term
of two years, unless sooner discharged. The several coni-
panics comprising the regimcnl were organized in Troy.
The tii -t company organization was commenced about the
lTtli of April, IStil, and the others soon aftcr.f
As - n as fully organized, inspected, and accepted, the
companies went into camp in the grounds, and occupied
the buildings, of the Rensselaer County Agricultural So-
ciety, just north of the city, and at once commenced drill,
:, in the school of the soldier and company, without
arm-. The camp was under the personal supervision of
L Willard, first lieutenant 9th Infantry, United
- Army, and Joseph B. Carr, colonel 24th Regiment
\ Jfork State Militia.
hough the men had neither camp-equipage or army
Lhing, they were rendered comfortable by the citizens of
T | vicinity, who kindly supplied them with blankets,
On I I Hb of \| iil. eight companies
having been organized, and the regit jnnizalion
being considered sufficiently completed, an election for
field-officers was held, which resulted in the selection of
G 1. Willard as colonel, Joseph B. Carr as licutcnant-
ocl, and R. Wclla Kcnyon as major. The officers thus
■ once entered upon the discharge of their duties;
ippointed, regular <lrills instituted, and
the theoretic instruction of officers and non-commissi 1
officers commenced. On the '.Mi of May the regimeut was
ind numbered by the State Military
,| The Unit - uthoritics, much to the n
0r | i Lieut Willard leave of
I ,r the pui immanding the regiment, and
a ,, jucntly h ' • Rath-
■ which Lieut-Col. Carr was ch n colonel,
M K nant-col l.andRichard l». Bloss major,
li of whom • ■ [ucntlyi imisi
by the • loven
lit. .1 t.. tin- maximum
standard ment, numbering thirty mmis-
n hundred and fil istcd
! "« i.
men, was mustered into the United States service May 14th,
at their camp, then known as ■■ (.'amp Willard," by Capt.
1. Sitgreaves, Topographical Engineers, U. S. A., for the
term of two years from that date. Arms and uniforms
were received, and the men supplied therewith, on the 17th ;
the arms being of the National Armory pattern, percussion,
bright, and the uniforms of gray cloth, looking well at first,
but proving to be of VERY unserviceable quality. These
uniforms were afterwards accounted for on the muster-rolls
0f the several companies, at full prices, as ungenerously
and wrongfully determined on by the State authorities, and
required by orders from the War Department.
The next forenoon, the 18th, at eight o'clock, the regiment
left Camp Willard, and. escorted by the 24th Regiment
V v, l'ork State Militia, the Fire Department of the city,
and Doring's Hand, marched through crowds of citizens,
who seemed to have turned out en mass,, to the court house,
where it was presented with a regimental Hag.— the stars and
stripes, — by the Hon. George Gould, on behalf of a few of
the young ladies of Troy. These ceremonies ended, the
procession, alter marching through several of the principal
Streets, halted near the "steamboat landing." and the regi-
ment, went on hoard two old, small, and uncomfortable
barges, which had been provided by the State officials for
its transportation. At twelve o'clock the barges, amid the
music of the hand, the cheers of men, women, and chil-
dren, with whom the dorks were crowded, and the waving
of flags and handkerchiefs, left the dock in tow for Albany.
On its arrival there, the regiment, with its baggage, was
placed on one barge, which, with another barge, was made
fast nine being placed on each side) to the steamboat
» Alida," on board of which was the 3d New York Volun-
teers, Col. Townsend, and at about five o'clock p.m. started
for New York. Before leaving Albany. Col. Cur was in-
formed that his regiment could occupy a portion of the
barge on the opposite side of the "Alida;" but Col. Town-
send refusing permission for the men of the 2d Regiment
iss his boat (being at that time about four miles be-
low Albany i, the lines were cut by order of Col. Can', and
the barge with the 2d Regiment, after drilling a short dis-
tune,, was taken in tow by a small steamboat, the " Cumin
and towed back to Albany, where Col. Carr at once rc-
portcd the matter at headquarters. New arrangements
were soon made, when the regiment, with its baggage, was
transferred from the barge to the steamboat " New World,"
and at about nine o'clock P.M. again started for New \ ork,
where it arrived at nil 'lock the next morning, and soon
after went on bore and marched up Broadway to Devlin's
Building, on Canal Street, where it was quartered during
its stay in the city.
On the 'Jl>t the regiment was provided with knapsacks,
canteens, haversacks, and camp-equipage, and on the after-
i ,, of the 22d embarked on the Btcamcr ".lames Adger,"
which immediately left the dock and anchored off the Bat-
\i about one o'clock the nexl morning th< Bteamer
1. ;,i,,i at four ..'dock on the morning of the 24th ar-
rived at Fortress Monroe. During the forenoon the regi-
ment disembarked, ond at about noon marched across the
l,r|,; |] ( . to the mainland, where pickets
were thrown OUl and tent- pitched. This was the first
RKNSSELAKR COUNTY IN THE GREAT REBELLION OF L861.
encampment in Virginia, outside of Portress Monroe, of
volunteer troops in United States Bervice after the com-
mencement of the Rebellion. During this day the pickets
captured Col. Sewell, Maj. Cary, and another officer of the
rebel army, all of whom were taken to Fortress Monroe and
delivered to Gen. Butler, who was then commanding the
fort.
Tn honor of the home of the regiment, the camp was
christened by Col. Can- as "Camp Troy," but the name
was afterwards changed by order of Gen. Peirce to " Camp
Hamilton."
The theoretic instruction of officers and non-commis-
sioned officers and company drills were at once resumed,
and drills in the manual of arms and by regiment com-
menced.
On the 27th two bronze six-pounder field-pieces were re-
ceived from the fortress by Col. Carr, who at once placed
them in charge of Company F, Capt. Park.
The following-named regiments arrived, and encamped
near the 2d New York, as follows, viz. : the 1st Vermont
Volunteers and the 5th New York Volunteers (" Duryea's
Zouaves"), May 25th ; the 1st New York, the 20th; the
3d, June 6th; and the 10th on the 8th. The Vermont
regiment remained but one day, then moved to Newport
News.
The troops encamped here were occasionally drilled as a
brigade, the first drill of this kind being on June 1st, with
Col. Duryea in command, the brigade consisting of the 1st,
2d, and 5th Regiments, New York Volunteers. The camp
at about this time was under command of Brig. -Gen.
Ebenezer W. Peirce, Massachusetts Volunteers, although
he was never in command of the troops at any of the
brigade drills.
During the earlier period of encampment here alarms were
of almost nightly occurrence, at all of which the regiment
turned out and formed line. R°connoitering parties were
frequently sent out, generally in the direction of Buck
River.
On the 7th of June, Maj. Bloss and Companies E and
G were detailed to " proceed to Hampton by land on a re-
connoitering expedition." In the execution of this order
they, together with several volunteers from other compa-
nies, left camp, and, after scouting beyond Hampton,
returned to that place and remained overnight.
On the next day, with Capt. Wilson in command (Maj.
Bloss having injured his ankle), they scouted towards Big
Bethel. When near New Market Bridge, a small force of
the enemy was met, but as they were uniformed nearly the
same as our men, doubt was entertained as to whether they
were the enemy or Union scouts from Newport News; one
of our men advancing to ascertain, was made a prisoner,
when skirmishing at once commenced, and our companies
fell back, sustaining no further loss.
An alarm in camp was caused by this skirmish, and the
remaining companies of the regiment formed line and
inarched out beyond Hampton, Company F " hauling" the
two field-pieces. The artillery was left at Hampton Bridge
m charge of a squad of Company F, and the remainder of
the regiment soon returned to camp.
In accordance with orders Lieut. Cross, in command of
Company !■', with the two field-pieces, hit camp at nine
o'clock P.M., June 0, L861, and proceeded to Hampton.
where he left Ins two sis-pounders and a portion of his
men, and at one o'clock tie- next morning, with the re-
mainder, twenty -even men. ,,[ hi- company ami two light,
twelve-pounder howitzers, left Hampton, and. accompany
ing the 3d New York Volunteers, moved toward- Big
Bethel. At about half-past three o'clock, when n n I.
Bethel, the) were met ami. being taken for tl smy, fin I
on by the 7th New York Volunteers, Col. Bendix, which,
with other forces and two six-pounder field pieces, had left
Newport News to unite in the advance with the regiments
from Camp Hamilton. The lire was returned, but soon
recognizing each Other the forces united, and, with Brig.-
Gen. E. W. Peirce in command, proceeded toward- Big
Bethel. Arriving near this place, they were find on by
the enemy from artillery placed behind earthwoi ks and par-
tially masked by trees. Our artillery, all under direction of
Lieut. Greble, United States Army, at once took position
in dchelon, in a road running to the left of the enemy s
position, and returned the fire. Lieuts. Cross and Harrison,
of Company F, had each the immediate charge of one how-
itzer; regulars from the fort pointed them and prepared
ammunition, while the remaining duties were performed by
the men of Company F. The engagement commenced at.
about nine o'clock a.m., and continued, with more or less
severity, until near two o'clock p.m.
The remaining companies of the 2d Regiment left camp
at about nine o'clock a.m., June 10th, and, with the 1st
New York Volunteers, moved towards the front. At Hamp-
ton they were joined by Sergt. Dodge and eight men, all of
Company F, with one six-pounder field-piece, which was
hauled by them most of the way to the scene of engage-
ment, where they arrived at about one o'clock P.M. The
regiment at once formed line near the position of the artil-
lery, where they remained until the retreat of our forces,
awaiting orders from General Peirce. The six-pounder
brought up with the regiment was at once placed in posi-
tion by Lieut. Greble, and three shots fired from it, when
he gave orders to cease firing and moved a short distance
from the piece to take observations, where he was struck by
a solid shot and instantly killed. Sergt. Dodge soon re-
sumed firing, which was continued until the attack was or-
dered discontinued and the order to retreat had been given
and repeated, when the gun squads fell back, the regiment
with all our forces moving at about the same time. The
retreat was conducted in an orderly manner, though much
indignation was felt and expressed at the mismanagement
of our forces and the consequent result of the engagement.
The regiment reached camp at about six o'clock p.m., the
casualties therein being one man slightly wounded.
On the 15th of June the regiment received its first pay,
it being from the State, for services commencing with the
organization of the several companies and the regiment
respectively, and ending with the muster into United
States service. By order of Brig.-Gen. Peirce. the two
six-pounder field pieces in charge of Company F, with
the squads detailed " to manage" them, served under the
direction of Col. Max Webber, 20th New York Volunteers,
from June 15th to July 1st, when the guns were delivered
76
EIISTOltY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
over to Maj. II. D. Whittemore and Ihe men of Company V
were returned to their company.
The fact thai no medical examination of the regiment
had ever been made having been brought t" the knowledge
of Gen. Butler, by his order ;i board consisting of Surg.
i: ,- II Gilbert, 5th Now York Volunteers; Surg. Fax-
ton, of the Massachusetts Volunteers; and the regimental
■ i; l B Bonticon, convened at the regimental hos
pilal on the 1 8th of June, and at times thereafter, and made
;i medical examination of the enlisted men therein. The
business of said board seems t" have boon loosely and im-
properly performed, a< some men were given the choice to
or stay," :ni'l a~ the wishes of company officers about
retaining or rejecting nun were taken into consideration.
Memorandum lists of the "rejected" were handed to ilirir
mpany commanders, with verbal orders from
Co). Carr (which were n ml.-r^t r .< .• 1 in come through him
from Gen Butler) for their discharge. On such orders
om hundred and eighteen men were reported on the 6th of
July as discharged, and were soon after scut home. Must
nf the men thus discharged re-enlisted. Those who re-
enlisted in the 2d Regiment proved physically fully equal
to the ordinary recruits. Brig.-Gen. Peirce having
left lor home with the Massachusott-. Volunteers, about the
middle of July Col. Duryea, 5th New York Volunteers,
being senior officer, assumed c immand of the camp.
At t'ti o'clock a.m., July 25th, the regiment in obe-
dience to orders struck tents and fell into line with one
day's rations, prepared to move, but awaiting further orders.
next morning line was again formed, and an order read
for the 2d, 3d, and 5th Regiments New York Volunt
I ready :u once t ve to Washington. The camp-
equipage was then taken to the wharf at Fortress Monro
• need on transports, but it was soon ordered back, and
the order lor the 2d Regimen) t .ve was intermanded,
the " California Regiment," Col. Baker commanding, being
stituted in The next day the 2d Regiment
mpi d "ii it- "Id grounds.
Col. Duryea having left with the 5th New York Volun-
Col. Max Webber, 20th New York Volunteers, being
the senior colonel, assumed command i f Camp Hamilton.
tin ihe 5th da) of August the regiment broke camp,
went "'i board two Btcomboats, and, with its camp-equipage,
taken to Camp Butler, Newport News, whei
arrived at eigbi o'clock r.>i.. went on Bhore and bivouacked
|. -r the night. The next day the camp-equipage, etc., was
removed from the boats, and the regimen) encamped out-
of and adjoining the earthworks, on their southeast
side.
1 uler at this time was under command of J.
W Phelps, then colonel of the 1st Vermont Volunti
subsequently brigadier-general United States Volunteers.
1 Keoyon and Maj Bloat having resigned
r tho battle ol Big Bethel Capt. William L Olmstead,
mi. d lieutenant colonel, and Capt
i.i-T. tie ir appointments
in. hi Angus) 7th. A- the
term of three months lp.ni the muster of the regiment
into the Unit - xpiration, the
men seemed i" Income pnwos-ed with the idea thai as
other regiments had lel'i lor home at the expiration of that
term, they were to do the same; and the fact of their
bavin- received no pay from the United States up to this
time >o added to the discontent that, notwithstanding the
explanations and earnest advice of some of the officers, the
morning of August 15th found the arms of the regiment
Stacked in the company streets, and the men refusing to do
duty. About twenty men, who had or were supposed to
have acted as leaders in this refusal, were at once arrested
and sent bv boat to the •• Rip-Raps" as prisoners, and of
the men detailed for guard duty that morning, eighty-live
who utterly refused to do duty followed them in the after-
noon. At the brigade drill the same afternoon about sixty
men of the regiment performed duty. After the close of
the drill Gen. Phelps addressed the men. explained to them
their duty and the rights of the government, and allowed
them until the next morning to make up their minds what
they would do. At the morning drill on the Kith about
one hundred and twenty-five men were on duty, including
all of Company F, Capt, Park, but in the afternoon two
hundred and ten, who still refused to do duty, were sent as
prisoners to the " Rip-Raps." After having time to fully
consider their situation, most of the*.' men signed a request
to be allowed to return to their regiment and do duty, and
Gen. John E. Wool, then commanding at Fortress Monroe,
generously granted their request, and on the 23d all but
some ten or fifteen of the party, who were retained for
trial, again joined the regiment.
On the 28th of August Lieut. -Col. Olmstead. with one
non-commissioned officer, left camp for Troy. N. Y., having
been detailed on the recruiting service, with orders to pro-
ceed immediately to that place and recruit the regiment
to the maximum one thousand and forty-six. On the 22d
of September Capt. Arts and one enlisted man were sent
on io Troy to assist Lieut. -Col. Olmstead in his recruiting
duties. They rejoined the regiment November 21st, having
been on duty n.ost of the time in Albany. Lieut. -Col.
Olmstead and the rest of the recruiting-party rejoined it
December 13th, Luring its tour of duty this recruiting-
party enlisted and forwarded to the regiment at different
times one hundred and eighty-one men, in addition to
"Doring's Land'' of Troy, consisting of sixteen musicians.
This band, one of the very best in service, joined the
regimen) < Ictober 20th.
'flio ranks of the regiment werestill further increased by
the transfer thereto of one hundred and t bin \ men, who had
originally enlisted in volunteer regiments as follows, viz. :
in the 2d Maine, sixty-six; 13th New York, one; 19th
\ i York, twenty-three ; and 2 Is) New York, forty.
At the expiration of three months from their res| live
musters into United States service these men bad refused
to do duly, and bad been ordered, without trial, to be sent
to the Dry Tortugas " for mutiny ;" but while temporarily
stopping at the "Rip Haps' they were induced by Gen.
Wool to -i-'n an agreement to return (o duty and serve out
the balance of their time, and they were then by his orders
transferred to the 2d New York Volunteers, Those from the
2d Maine and 13th and 21st New York were transferred
ber 3d, and those from tho L9th New Y..ik. November
21st.
RENSSELAER COUNTY IN TUT, GREAT REBELLION OK 1861
(in the 11 ill <>f November die cutting of timber for bar-
racks :■ ml officers' quarters commenced. The barracks- one
for each company — were completed and occupied in Decem-
ber, 1861, and the officers' quarters in the hitter part of Jan-
uary, 1862.
Gen. Phelps having been assigned to duty with the
■• Butler Expedition," Gen. J. K. F. Mansfield was assig I
to and resumed command of the forces at Camp Butler,
Nov. -I, 1861.
On the 1st of January, 1SH2 (the regiment at this time
numbering nine hundred and eighteen enlisted men), Capt.
Win. McConihe, Lieut. .James A. Cross, and four enlisted
men were detailed on recruiting service and ordered to report
to Maj. J. T. Sprague, Superintendent of Volunteer Recruit-
ing, at Albany, N. Y., for orders. Of tliis party Lieut. Cross
rejoined the regiment April 14th, and the remainder May
23d, having enlisted and forwarded l hereto during its tour
of service only seventeen men.
On the 17th of January, 18G2, Col. Carr, in command
of seven companies — about five hundred men — of the reg-
iment, made a roconnoissance about six miles up the James
River, on the northeast bank, arrested and brought into camp
one man wealing the uniform of the enemy, drove in his
pickets, and gained much valuable information relative to
the topography of the country.
During this reconnoissance two of the men who were
deployed on the flank, coming to a swamp, took the outside,
which led to the lines of the enemy, by whom they were
taken prisoners.
The arms in use by the regiment not being deemed ser-
viceable for sharpshooting, those in possession of the flank
companies, A and F, were, during the winter, exchanged for
Remington rifles as they could be obtained.
The troops at Camp Butler being brigaded together,
were on the 7th of 31 arch designated by the general com-
manding as the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Department of
Virginia.
At about ten o'clock p.m., March 8th, the rebel iron-
clad steamer " Merrimac," followed by two small vessels,
rounded Craney Island on her first appearance from Nor-
folk, and moved direct for Newport News. Passing the
frigate '' Congress," she attacked the " Cumberland," which
lay about one-eighth of a mile off shore at the mouth of
the James River. After ramming into the " Cumberland"
and firing shot and shell through her hull, she backed off',
smashed into her again, continued her firing, aftd then,
leaving her in a sinking condition, moved slowly about a
mile up the James River. The " Congress" had fired on
the " Merrimac" as she passed, the " Cumberland" had
nobly fought her, and the water battery on shore had
poured a continuous plunging fire of eight-inch shot and
shell into her, but all had not made the slightest perceptible
impression. The " Merrimac," accompanied by the " James-
town" and " Patrick Henry," from Richmond, soon re-
turned and attacked the " Congress," which had slipped
her cables and started towards Fort Monroe. After a
short encounter the " Congress" surrendered.
A small steamboat was soon sent alongside the " Con-
gress" (which had now run aground), by the enemy, to
remove the officers and crew, but the sharpshooters who
lined the shore, acting under Gen Mansfield's orders,
opened upon it with SUCH a severe lire that il was BOOH
driven away. Then the " Merrimac" again opened on the
"Congress," with shell, setting her on fire, after which she
moved slowly away. .Most of tin- officers and eiv\v of the
"Congress," including the wounded, were brought on
shore BOOn after, but about fifty having been taken off' as
prisoners. She continued burning until eleven o'clock p.m.,
when her magazine exploded. The "Cumberland had
been gallantly fought to the last, refusing to surrender, but
going down with all her killed and wounded, and with her
colors flying at her mast-head. About one-half of her
officers and crew escaped by swimming to the shore.
At about hall-past one o'clock P.M. of this day, as the
"Merrimac" arrived off Newport News, the long roll was
beaten, and the regiment formed line on its parade-ground,
where it remained until evening, no one being injured,
though many shot and shell from the enemy's guns passed
through and over the camp. Acting under standing orders,
Lieut. George Gould, of Company 15, and a detachment of
about twenty-five men of the regiment, who were detailed
and had served as artillerists, wen' engaged during this
action in serving a light field-piece and the larger guns at
the " water battery."
The " Merrimac" and other vessels of the enemy lay off
Sewall's Point the next morning, and at nine o'clock the
engagement with the " Ericsson" monitor, which had arrived
the night before, commenced, and continued until about
noon, when the " Merrimac" and her consorts returned
towards Norfolk. A land force of the enemy advanced to
and remained this day within about one and one-half miles
of our picket-lines, but made no attack.
Owing to the strong probability of active service at this
post, on the 12th of March Gen. Mansfield ordered all
officers whose wives were with them to " send them off to
their homes or a place of safety," and on the 18th, by
direction of the War Department, all persons not necessary
to the command were ordered to leave without delay, and
all officers and soldiers having valuable baggage or other
articles with them were ordered to send it out of the way,
or to a place of safety.
During the latter part of March the muskets and Rem-
ington rifles in possession of the several companies were
all turned in, and " rifled muskets, model 1S22, brown
bands," issued to all the companies of the regiment. These
arms, the homeliest in the service, were retained during
the balance of the term of service of the regiment.
On the afternoon of the Oth of April nine companies
of the regiment (Company F being left behind as camp-
guard) started for " Young's Mills." After proceeding
about eight miles they bivouacked for the night, and the
next morning moved on to the Mills, which were found to
be about thirteen miles above Newport News, and near
Warwick Court-House; at this place was found an evacu-
ated secesh camp, which, by order of Col. Carr, was desig-
nated as " Camp Mansfield." Here the regiment was
posted to prevent the enemy, who occupied Mulberry
Island, from lauding to attack Gen. McClellan's forces in
the rear, they at this time occupying the lower portion of
the Peninsula, the works at Yorktown not having been
78
history of rknsski.akk county, new york.
take « of. 'I'll-- r. gimi "t remained at this post
doing picket duty until the 17th, when, being relieved by a
regiment from Casey's division, it retur 1 to Camp Butler.
The -lil. of April, the anniversary of the organization
of the regiment, was celebrated by n full-dress parade and
review by Gen. Mansfield, an address by Quartermaster
M Vrtlnir. and speeches by Gen. Mansfield, Col. Cur. and
othi
Prom the time the regiment arrived at Newport News,
the officers and men therein were drilled there being usu-
ally two drills each daj at the baj t exercise, as skirm-
ishers, and at company, regimental, and brigade drills.
D tails from the regiment were also drilled in both light
and heavy artillery.
[mmediately after th icupation of Forktown by the
forces under Gen. McClellan, In accordance with orders
red, preparations to move were made by the forces at
\ re, and on the LOth of May, by order of Gen.
\\ ; -i »d N ■■• fork and 29th Massachusetts Volun-
brokc camp, and marched to Camp Hamilton.
II the 2d New Fork was quartered in the bay-lofts
over the stalls of the llili Pennsylvania Cavalry. The
29th Massachusetts, with other forces, all under command
.n. Wool, moved on towards Norfolk, which was taken
n of by them the same afternoon.
At about five o'clock the next i uing, May 11th, the
notoi as Merrimac," which bad often made her ap-
rince her engagement in March, and had created
istcrnation at times, was abandoned and
blown up by the enemy while "lying to" near the Craney
[sland batteries.
On the 13th this regiment went into camp, occupying
the quarters but recently vacated by the lu'th Massachu-
\
in. -lit of gains and losses in the 2d Infantry Regi-
ment, New Y.irk Volunteers, during its first year- -
in the United States Army :
on ii
• wiili the
I..
! in. n ■■!" Ibi
rimrol
37
in
9
It)
—
56
■>
It
—
56
..ill I lie
1. I'll
712
I''.
'■
1 152
11
■
1 1 9
1
nrl-
mftrtiAl 1
Died, Accidentally killed 1
" ..I disease 7
l bolbro leaving New York State 39
altor leaving Virginia 13
Bolonging to regiment, Mi; i i. 1862
52
S75
11. 52
During the stay of the regiment at Camp Hamilton
but few drills were had. large numbers of the men being
detailed as nurses at the " Mill Creek. Hospital." which was
the icupied by the wounded from the battle of Williams-
burg.
On the 18th (just one year after its departure from
Troy, N. Y. the regiment again broke camp, marched to
Portress Monroe, embarked on steamboats, and was taken to
Portsmouth, where it landed and marched to the intrench-
ments about one and one-half miles back, on the Suffolk
road. It then bivouacked for the night, and the next day
went into camp. The 10th New York Volunteers arrived
a few days later, and encamped near the 2d. This camp
was designated and known as " Camp Viele," and the two
regiments were attached to the 2d Brigade, 1st Division,
Department of Virginia, and were under the command of
Col. Carr.
During the stay of the regiment at this place there wore
no drills, large details being required for guard duty.
At five o'clock on the afternoon of June ild. in obedience
to orders received the day previous, the 2d and lllth Regi-
ments broke camp, marched to the dock at Portsmouth,
and i mbarked, the 2d Regiment on board the United States
Bteamship " Fulton." As clothing bad been up to this lime
issued by the quartermaster of the regiment largely in ex-
cess of that required for immediate use, largo quantities re-
mained in possessi f company officers, a part of which
was stored at Portsmouth, while more was placed on the
steamship, together with company desks, officers baggage,
tents, etc. The labor of getting these articles on board oc-
cupied until midnight, soon after which the" Fulton" swung
out into the stream, and at six o'clock the next morning,
June I th. sailed. Passing down the Elizabeth River and up
Chesapeake Bay and the York River to mar West Point,
whore she arrived at half-past live o'clock P.M., she cast
anchor and remai 1 until the m-xt morning, dune 5th, when
the regiment, with its officers' baggage, was transferred to
the steamboat 'South America," which sailed at half-past ten
ick up the Pamunky River to White House Landing,
where ii arrived at t\y o'clock p.si . where the regimenc
disembarked, leaving camp-equipage and baggage, except
such as could be carried by tl Biccrs themselves, on board
the b
Orders were now received assigning the regiment to
Patterson's 3d Brigade, Hooker's 2d) Division, and
Heintxelman's 3d) Corps. (Patterson's Brigade, up to
this time, comprising only four regiments.— (be 5th, Gth,
7th, and 8th New Jersey Voluntei i 11 itions were soon
issued and ked, and shelter tents distributed to both
officers and men, and about eight o'clock the - in vening
the regiment marched up the railroad towards Richmond.
i marching about ten miles it halted and bivouacked
for the night, dun.' Gth, regi nt started again soon after
ighl and marched to mar Savage's I se, about a mile
RENSSELAER COUNTS IN THE GREAT REBELLION OF L861.
79
in rear of the battle-field of May 31s) and June 1st, where
shelter-tents were pitched, the ground being very wel from
rain, which had fallen the two previous days and still con-
tinued falling. At five o'clock p.m. the bugle-call Bounded
to fall in (this being the last music heard for three weeks
except that made by shut and shell . when the regimeut
formed line, marched to the front, and occupied the rifle
pits on the battle-field of Fair Oaks, near the twin cotta]
and on the left of the Williamsburg road. Here the
stench arising from the decaying corpses of half-buried
men and half- buried horses was nauseating and sickening
in the extreme. The regiment at this, its first night in
the rifle-pits, numbered over seven hundred enlisted nun.
Being relieved the next morning, it marched bark to its
camp, which, the next day, the 8th, was moved farther to
the front, and located about half-way between the Williams-
burg road and the railroad, and the twin cottages and
Fair Oaks railroad station. This camping-ground in the
midst of the battle-field was occupied by the regiment up
to the "change of \>.t*ii" of the Army of the Potomac.
It was within easy range of the enemy's light guns, shot
and shell from which passed through and over it almost
daily, fortunately without any casualties to the 2d Regiment
occurring therefrom.
On the 12th of June, Brig.-Gen. Patterson being absi nt,
sick, Col. Carr assumed command of the brigade, and Lieut. -
Col. Olmstead of the regiment. On the 13th Sibley
tents were issued to and occupied by the officers of the
regiment. The enemy having attacked our picket-lino,
occupied at the time by another regiment of the brigade, on
the morning of June lGth, Companies D and E of the 2d
Regiment were sent out as reinforcements. After a brisk
skirmish, our forces succeeded in driving the enemy back,
without loss to the 2d Regiment. At about six o'clock in
the afternoon of June 21st the 2d Regiment, occupying
the picket-line, and a new redoubt near said line and to the
right of the Williamsburg road, was attacked by the enemy,
a diversion being made on the left while an assault was
made on the redoubt, which was handsomely repulsed by
the pickets, aided by a few rounds of grape and canister
from the guns in the redoubt, the loss to the regiment
being one man killed and six wounded. These were the
only casualties sustained by the 2d Regiment while on
picket duty at Fair Oaks.
At about eight o'clock a.m., June 25th, the 1st and 2d
Brigades of Hooker's division advanced on and to the left
of the Williamsburg road, beyond the picket-line and
into the woods immediately beyond it, meeting with a sharp
resistance from the enemy, who, after about two hours'
fighting, were driven therefrom. The 2d Regiment occu-
pied the rifle-pits at ibis time, but at half-past one o'clock
p.m., with Lieut.-Col. Olmstead in command, it left its po-
sition, with orders to advance through the woods on the
right of the Williamsburg road, from the line on the
right of the 2d Brigade, and throw out skirmishers to the
edge of the woods next the enemy. The regiment at once
advanced in line of battle into the woods, which were al-
most impassable in places, owing to the swampy nature of
the soil, ponds of water, and the dense undergrowth.
During the advance several volleys of musketry from the
enemy, who could nof bo Been from the regiment m< >■ ri
ceived, which were impulsively replied to by some of the
men, while most of them did nol fire until orders to do so
were given by some excitable office] if own skirmishers
and a pari of the 2d Brigade being in front of the regi-
ineiit at the time , while other offii 1 the firing to
cease.
The i ICtion with the 2d Brigade, alter :-<
changes of position, being finally made, the line of skir-
mishers or pickets was established, under the personal
supervision of Lieut. Joseph Egolf, of Company l». near
the outer edge of the w Is, connecting on the left with
those of the 2d Brigade, and oq the right with those from
Sumner's corps. At about six o'clock p.m. the regiment
was relieved and returned to camp, the Casualties being
one officer, (.'apt. Arts, severely wounded, two men slightly
wounded, and two men prisoners.
From June 6th to 27th. the regiment bad, with its
brigade, served either on picket uuatd or in the rifle-pits
every third day, with occasionally extra tours of the same
duty. This, taken in connection with camp-guard and
police duties, labor on redoubts and rifle-pits, want of Bleep
occasioned by falling in line at all alarms, both day and
night, and at three o'clock each morning to remain until
daylight, often getting but two or three hours' sleep in a
night when off guard, bad air and water, etc., reduced the
effective strength of the regiment about two hundred and
fifty men, which reductions, with eleven casualties in action
and ten desertions, left but about four hundred men who
could, on the 27th, be counted on for service.
At about half-past three o'clock in the afternoon of the
27th the 3d Brigade broke camp, moved to the rear, and
commenced pitching tents near Gen. Hooker's headquarters,
when orders were received, and it marched to the right and
front to the support of Sumner's corps, two brigades from
which bad moved to its right to the support of Porter's corps,
which had been engaged with the enemy since about noon.
Having moved by a very circuitous route, the 3d Brigade
did not arrive in position until nine o'clock ; here it
bivouacked for the night, and the next morning, soon after
daylight and before breakfast, marched to the rear, passed
Gen. Hooker's headquarters, and then moved to the front
and again encamped on its old ground. Thus the brigade
was inarched about four miles in the hot sun. though its
camp was but filteen minutes' walk from the bivouac of
the previous night, with woods intervening and hiding all
movements from the enemy. Such strategy, tending to
enfeeble and disgust both officers and men, was at this time
occasionally exhibited, even in the Army vl' the Potomac.
At four o'clock p.m. of the 28th the brigade marched to
the rifle-pits and picket-line, one company of the 2d Regi-
ment being placed on picket, and the remaining companies
in the rifle-pits on the left of the Williamsburg road.
During the night the sick who could walk were started from
camp to the rear, and the several companies were success-
ively ordered to their camp, where they packed their knap-
sacks, placed three days' rations in their haversacks, slung
their shelter-tents, and in obedience to orders cut and
burned up their Sibley tents, extra baggage, and quarter-
master's stores, and broke and destroyed all extra arms and
so
HISTORI OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
equipments, and then resumed their positions ;ii the front.
At about half-past four o'clock the next morning — the 29th
— the regiment was relieved, and at once marched down
the Williamsburg road to the rear and formed line with
its brigade in a Geld opposite t" Gen, Booker's bead-
quarters. The brigade soon after moved Mill Farther to
the rear and on the ridit of the road, behind earthworks.
During the after i :i Bharp engagement took place to 1 1 1 » ■
right and front of this position, which the ■"»! Brigade lefl
:ii four p.m., the 2d Regiment in rear, followed by Kearney's
division, which covered the retreat and marched i" White-
Oak Swamp, which it succeeded in crossing at twilight,
and then on towards the Quaker church until nine o'clock,
when it halted and bivouacked in an open field. During
this march the heat was oppressive, ond many of the mi n
n< 'ily exhausted and discouraged . thousands on thousands
straggle I from t li<-ir commands, and the road was Btrewn
with knapsacks, blankets, and every conceivable article of
clothing; parts of several regiments would occupy the mad
at the same t i tn •. an 1 occ isioually ii would !"■ 10m i entirely
blocked, yet there was tlarm, no stampede.
At two o'clock the next afternoon, the 30th, thi
mcnl was moved i" the woods near by for shelter from the
Mm. but Bharp cannonading commencing soon after, it was
moved towards the Charles < !ity road, in obedii nee t -ders
1 1 Qcn. Sickles and was by him assigned to a posi-
tion "ii the left of his brigade and left of line of res rves,
and behind ;i fence at the edge of the woods near the
Quaker church.
Company V was del iched soon after and thrown to the
left of the regiment as pickets or skirmishers, when, bc-
ing partially engaged with the enemy, it succeeded,
without loss, in capturing Licut.-Col Marge, four line-offi-
and about forty men, with their arms and equipments,
als battle-flag, all belonging to the 17th Regi nt Vir-
ginia Vol i [.Con pany !•'. having
bj a regiment from the 1-t Brigade, re-
joined the regiment, and Company (' was thrown to the left
and front a- skirmishers. During the nijii they succeeded
ipturing several of tl nemy, meeting with a I"-- of
one man killed, and ot fficer and two men taken prison-
- .in I equipments taken were destroyed, in
rderg, the prisoner) were escorted to division
I impany E, and the battle Bug and line-
officera' sword i. forwarded to Tmv. N I
ami presented to the Common Council thereof, in whose
maincd until the fall of 1865, when, by their
unanimous vote, they were transmitted to Albany and de-
Military Record, where they
iinvr remain. The remainder of the regiment remained in
ii during the "iitiri- battle of Qlendale, or Charli -
' I l: nd until half-past three o'clock thenext
morning, Julj 1st, when it rejoined its brigade and marched
ii Hill, which it reachi dal about five. At half past
nine tillcry ti r i i > ■_: commenced,and lasted about
an limir. Th ' this time moved towards the
in a valley on Kemp's fat m,
where it r> maim I during the
in.- artil of which I in ii- front and
position of tl.
behind :i fence, and was so sheltered by the ground in front
as i,i he entirely protected from the shot and shell from the
enemy's guns, which passed ever ami around it. At three
o'clock p.m. artillery firing again commenced, and continued
niily a short time ; but at a quarter-past six o'clock a renewed
assault was made by the enemy, and one of the severest
battles of the campaign commenced, lasting until nine
o'clock, and resulting in their complete defeat and rout.
During this day a partial supply of its subsistence reached
the army from its new " base" on the James River, hut
none reached the 2d Regiment, which dined on fresh
pork, the men having discovered, captured, confiscated, and
slaughtered two hogs found at large.
\i three o'clock the next morning. July 2d, the brigade
left its position and hurriedly marched to Harrison's Hay.
on the .lames River, where the 2d Regiment arrived at
seven o'clock, hailing near the old Harrison mansion. This
march, during the last half of which it rained, proved
nearer a rout than any previous one. Different corps,
marching some on the road and some across the fields,
crossed each other's lines and separated brigades and regi-
ments, so that but few retained their proper positions; in
fact, the ■• Army of the Potomac" arrived at its new "base"
in fragments, wet. weary, discouraged, and floundering in
the mud. In the afternoon the brigade was gathered
together and pitched its shelter-tents; hut the nest day
moved camp about a mile to the left, and again moved on
the 5th about a mile farther to the left and front, where it
encamped in the woods, behind earthworks. On the Gth,
Brig.-Gcn. Patterson having rejoined the brigade, Col.
Carr was relieved from its command and resumed command
of the regiment.
On the 7th the regiment again moved camp a short dis-
tance farther out. and commenced the erection of new
earthwork- in it- front. The completion of these, in con-
nection with guard duty, cutting down dead trees and re-
moving them and all other refuse matter from camp, and
digging well.-, without which water could not he procured,
aud from which water of miserable quality was obtained,
ipied the lull time of the men who Were not on the
sick-list until th,' loth.
On the Huh the 115th Regiment, Pennsylvania Voluilj
-. Col. Robert E. Patterson commanding, was assigned
to and joined the brigade.
On the li'.th. company, regimental, and brigade drills
were resumed, and were kept up with considerable regu-
larity until the evacuation of Harrison.- Landing.
tin the 19th Sibley tents were issued to the line-officers
of tic regiment, who had. since leaving fair Oaks, occu-
lt il sheltcr-ti uts in common with their men.
(iii the 2d of Aug n -i ile nL nt formed at sundown,
pn pared to move with its division on the enemy at Malvern
Hill, and at half-past eight o'clock it left camp with its
brigade ; but, owing to a lack of promptness and the advance
taking the wrong way, the expedition was abandoned and
the troops returned to camp, the 2d Regiment reaching
ii at half-past one o'clock the next morning, having been
hut about a mile th. rcfroin, though the advance had movi d
out about live mile,-.
On the Jth tin- regiment, with two days' cooked rations
RENSSELAER COUNTY IN THE GREAT REBELLION OF 1861.
81
in haversack, left camp at six o'clock p.m., and with its
brigade and division, together with Sedgwick's division and
artillery and cavalry, again moved towards Malvern Hill.
After marching aboul eight miles, our Forces halted and
bivouacked until near daylight the next morning, and then
moved on towards, and prepared to Burround, the hills , bul
the enemy who occupied them being aroused by a bugle-
pall which was unfortunately sounded by I5rig.-(ien. V. 10.
Patterson, commanding 3d Brigade of Hooker's division,
this design was frustrated. At about seven o'clock A u Col.
Can- was placed in command of the brigade, Brig-Gen.
Patterson having been relieved, and Capt. Wilson in com-
mand of the 2d Regiment, which at this time was moving
by the flank into position under lire of the guns of the
enemy. Arriving at the designated position, it formed
in line of battle, moved forward to the brow of the hill,
and halted, when Companies 10 and F were thrown to the
front as skirmishers. At six o'clock p.m. the skirmishers
were railed in, and the regiment changed its position to
the right of the brigade, and then threw out piekets. Here
it remained until one o'clock a.m. of the 7th, when our
forces evacuated the position and returned to camp, which
the '_'d Regiment reached at reveille, having during the
movement lost one man, a straggler, taken prisoner. The
expedition had succeeded, with but small loss, in driving
the enemy from Malvern Hill, and in capturing a few
prisoners.
On the 7th, in accordance with orders received from
Maj.-Gen. McClellan, fifty-two men, then remaining in the
regiment, of the sixty-six who were transferred thereto
from the 2d Maine Volunteers Oct. 3, 1861, were re-
transferred to said regiment. Of the other fourteen, four
had been discharged for disability, two died of disease, and
eight deserted.
On the 9th Company H was detailed and detached from
the regiment as division provost guard, and Capt. Boutelle,
Lieut. Harrison, and ten enlisted men as a recruiting party.
The recruiting-party proceeded to Troy, N. Y., established
an office, and entered upon their duties. On the 6th of
October, Capt. Boutelle and Lieut. Harrison were relieved
by Capt. Quackenbush and Lieut. Dickie, both of whom
were convalescing from wounds received in action at Bris-
toe Station August 27th, and soon after rejoined the regi-
ment. Enlisted men of the party were occasionally sent
in charge of recruits to the regiment, with which they
remained. The officers and the last of the' enlisted men of
this recruiting-party rejoined the regiment Jan. 12, 1863,
having during its tour of service (about five months)
enlisted eighty men, of whom but thirty-six ever joined the
regiment; the other forty-four either deserting or proving
to be deserters from other regiments.
Ou the 10th orders were received to be ready to move
at two o'clock the next afternoon. The next day tents
were struck, and the knapsacks of the men packed with all
clothing (of which a full supply had just been issued | not
required for use within the next few days, when the order
to move was countermanded, and an order received for the
regiment to hold itself in readiness to move. Notwith-
standing these orders the officers' baggage, company books
and papers, and the packed knapsacks of the men of the
11
regi tit, together with those ol the resl of the briga
were, in obedience I lers, taken to the landing, and
placed on board the barge " Mar) Ann foi ti in portation.
As this barge had been lying al the landing for omi i
siderable time withouf cargo the inti n e heal had pened
her seams that she sink before the nexl morning. Pari of
the baggage was afterwards transferred to another barge
and taken to Alexandria, where, aboul a month later, it was
regained 1>\ its owners, still wel and almost worthless. The
knapsacks and their contents were completely destroyed.
Thus, through this blunder of officers of the quarl
master's department, the enlisted men of the 2d Regiment
alone lost six hundred changes of under clothing, three
hundred and fifty great-coats, two hundred and seventy-five
pairs of trousers, and other articles of clothing in propor-
tion, for which they have never been reimbursed one i
either in money or in kind.
On the 12th of August the promotion of Capt. George
W. Wilson, of Company E, then commanding the regiment,
to the position of major, vice George H.Otis, whose resigna-
tion was accepted July 7th, was announced in orders.
During the entire stay of the army at Harrison's Laud-
ing the heat, which was oppressive; extra fatigue, which
was never lessened by the full ration of double-quick step,
which was invariably taken at each brigade drill ; exposure,
bad water, lack of vegetable food, and the seeds of disease
taken into the systems of the men at Fair Oaks, caused
many eases of chronic disorder, fever, rheumatism, and
scurvy, and reduced the effective strength of the regiment
one hundred and eight men, who were sent from camp to
the hospitals in Baltimore and Pennsylvania. But few of
these men ever rejoined the regiment for service, most of
them being either discharged for disability or retained as
nurses in hospitals.
On the 15th of August, 1862, the Army of the Potomac
evacuated Harrison's Bar, or Landing. At four o'clock
a.m. of that day orders were received by the regiment to
break camp, and be in line ready to move at half-past six.
These orders were complied with, but the regiment did not
leave camp until about noon, when, with its brigade and divi-
sion, it moved down the Peninsula, marched until seven
o'clock P.M., when it arrived at the " Poor-House Farm."
pitched shelter-tents, and remained until hall-past ten
o'clock the next moruing, at which time the march was
resumed, the regiment moving to within about a mile of
" Jones' Bridge," where it encamped for the night.
On the next day, the 17th, marched nineteen miles,
moving at seven o'clock A.M., and encamped at half-past
three o'clock p.m. On the 19th marched to Yorktown,
and there encamped until the 21st, when the brigade em-
barked on board the steamer " Baltic," and sailed for Alex-
andria, where it arrived the night of the 23d. The 2d
Regiment disembarked the next morning, and at three
o'clock in the afternoon, with its brigade, moved about one
and a half miles back of the city and encamped on low
ground, near the railroad. Here it remained until noon of
the 26th, when it took the cars on the Orange and Alex-
andria Railroad, and at five o'clock p.m. arrived near War-
recton Junction, where, without joining its brigade, which
was about a mile farther up the railroad, it pitched tents.
-■J
HISTORY OF P.FNSSKLAFl! COUNTY. XF.W YORK.
Early the next morning the regiment Pell in line and
join its brigade, but was met bj orders to remain
where it thru was and join the brigade as it passed,
II ker's division being then on its way down the railroad,
which road was in n of the enemy in our rear,
near Manassas Junction, where, the night previous, it had
destroyed the track and trains, burned bridges, etc. The
records of the regiment during it> first year's service, and
the entire regimental hospital n rds, together with extra
arms and equipments, quartermaster's stores, etc., were now
replaced on the cars to be taken back t'> Alexandria. Tl
cars, with their contents, were burned near 1 lri.~t • •< ■ Station,
on the 30th, by order of Gen. Banks, to prevent them fall-
ing into the bands of the enemy. At hall-past seven o'clock
the regiment, with three days' rations in haversacks, took
its position on the right of the brigade, which this day led
the division, and moved towards Manassas Junction, keeping
near the railroad, and marching on th> mmon road and
through the fields, as was deemed most expedient. The
heat was intense, and many of the officers all of whom in
the brigade were dismounted and men were overpowered
thereby and obliged to fall out of line. In the afternoon,
when near Kettle Run, Company F of the regiment was
thrown in advance as skirmishers, and at about the" same
time Maj. Wilson, who had been unwell for some time pre-
vious, was go overcome by heat and the fatigueof the march
that he turned his command over to ('apt. Park.
At about three o'clock, when near Bristoe Station, the
enemy was t • > 1 1 1 1 • 1 in strong force, both artillery and in-
fantry, posted near the railroad. The regiment was thrown
int.. line of battle on the left of said road, and advanced
-- the fields, the other regiments of the brigade moving
in concert until evening, when it was halted for orders.
Col. Carr, commanding the brigade, soon ordered the regi-
ment to advance in line and clear the enemy's skirmishers
from the w Is. The scrubby tries were 80 thick, and
their branches so low, that the men had almost to crawl
on the ground at times, but by taking partial advantage of
paths running through the w Is the regiment succeeded
in passing through without the alignmt nl being materially
interfered with. The enemy's skirmishers fell back with-
tirin'.' before the advance of the regiment. A- il
neared the edge of the woods next the enemy, another
regiment of the brigade, which was near its left and a little
in advance, moved into line in the open field, with a cheer
which was at once taken up by the 2d. which formed line
on its right, but on higher ground, and with no force con-
ng with its right. Here it was at once met by an
artillery and musketry fire from the enemy, who were
1 in the me two or three hundred yards in
front, which was briskly replied to. and soon after by a
galling musketry lire from behind the railroad cuibank-
itS right flank. Company E's -kii mi-h.r- having
lined in tl. hind the regiment, tl,. regi ntal
line when formed comprised but fifteen officers and about
two hundred aid twenty-five enlisted men. Within a
■■ time after the flmk fire opened on the regiment,
M Quackenbush, and Perkins, and Licuts.
I i Kirker were wound.d. ami
f the cnlii ither killed or wounded; and
BS there was no possibility of the regiment proving effect-
ive in its position, it being fully exposed, while the enemy
wire almost entirely protected from its fire by the woods
and railroad embankment, and as other regiments of the
brigade had failed to make their appearance on or near the
right of the 2d, ('apt. Park ordered it to fall back to the
edge of the woods for shelter. Up to this time not a man
of the regiment, except those wounded, bad left the ranks,
but n iw, some of the subordinate officers having given the
order to retreat, a panic seemed to seize a portion of the
officers and men. who made quick time through the woods
to the rear, where they remained until the close of the
engagement.
Capts. Park, Tibbits, and llagen, and Lieuts. Savage
and McNullyat once exerted themselves, and succeeded in
rallying a portion of the men. who were moved out by
('apt. Tibbits and temporarily commanded by him. while
Capt. Park and others were still engaged in rallying the
men in the woods, ami formed in a position parallel with
the railroad, and partially protected from the enemy's fire
by slight elevations of ground.
('apt. Park, with more men, soon joined the men under
Capt. Tibbits. all of whom remained in this position, keep-
ing up a fire on the enemy behind the railroad embankment
until a New Jersey regiment of the brigade, which had
slowly passed through the woods on the line of the railroad,
opened a flanking fire on the enemy, who then started to
leave. At this time the 2d New Y'ork, with the 7th New
.Jersey regiment, advanced at a run, crossed the railroad,
and occupied the position just vacated, the enemy in the
woods in front having at about the same time, firing but
few shots alter our forces appeared through the woods on
the railroad. Bere ('apt. l'ark. who had been sick during
the entire Stay of the regiment at Harrison's Landing and
had rejoined it at Alexandria, being worn out with fatigue,
turned the command over to ('apt. Tibbits.
The losses to the regiment during tltis short engagement
were ten men killed and six officers and forty-nine men
wounded. Of the officers, three were wounded in the head,
one in the neck, one in the shoulder, and one in the hand,
showing effective work on the part of the enemy's sharp-
si ters, there being but lew of the enlisted men of the
regiment Beverely wounded. The dead were the next,
morning buried and their graves marked by a party sent
back from the regiment for that purpose. Soon after t lie
close of the engagement the regiment and brigade rcformi d,
moved a short distance, and halted. Here Maj. Wilson,
who had. in accordance with Gen. Hooker's orders, pro-
cured a horse, rejoined the regiment and resumed command.
After a halt of about an hour, lie- brigade moved on about
two miles farther, halted in a position about half a mile
north of the railroad, and bivouacked.
On the afternoon of the next day. the 28th, at aboitl
tWO o'clock, the brigade left this position, marched p.i-t
Manassas Junction, and at seven o'clock halted in an old
deserted camp near Blackburn's Ford, and bivouacked.
At three o'clock the next morning, tin' 29th, the brigade
Bgain on the match, moving towards Ccntrcville, near
which it halted at sunrise. By this time st of the field-
officers had supplied themselves with horses, some l>cing
RENSSELAER COUNT? IN THE GREAT REBELLION OF 1801.
- ;
tnki'ii from our artillery and cavalry '1 others from the
farmers' fields and stables near the route. A.fter a hall of
about an hour the brigade moved up the Gordonsville road,
and at about eleven o'clock halted and formed line near the
battle-field of the Second Bull Run, which battle was then
in progress. At two o'clock p.m. the brigade was ordered
to the front. After unslinging and piling knapsacks it
moved forward, and halted at the edge ofw Is then occu-
pied by the contending forces. Five regiments of the
brigade were at once advanced into the woods, and engaged
the enemy, while the 2d New York was held in reserve.
In about half an hour it received orders, and at once ad-
vanced tn the position held by our forces, which was in the
woods, and along the line of a partially-constructed railroad.
Here it relieved another regiment, and threw forward one
company to relieve the skirmishers, who were said to be in
front beyond the railroad, but could not be found. This
company was soon driven back upon the regiment, with a
loss of one man killed. (The other regiments of the brigade
were relieved from the front line at about the same time
that the 2d Regiment advanced to it.) In about half an
hour after the regiment took its position the one next on
its left was relieved by a newly-tunned regiment, which
cheered as it took its place in line, and was answered by a
volley from the muskets of the enemy. Soon after this a
regiment marched up in line in rear of the 2d and halted
a few minutes (it was afterwards ascertained to relieve it },
then advanced across the railroad, passing over the men of
the 2d, who were lying down to avoid the bullets of the
enemy, but soon returned, and formed line a few paces in
its rear. The enemy's fire increasing, this regiment soon
broke to the rear in confusion, and disappeared. At about
this time our forces towards the left of the line commenced
giving way, moving through the woods and up the railroad,
seme by the flank but more in a mass, breaking through
and over the lines of the regiments yet in position. Not-
withstanding this, and the still increasing fire of the enemy,
the 2d Regiment maintained its position until the regimen!
next on its left gave way, and the enemy appeared both on
its left and in its rear, when, being ordered to fall back, it
moved by the right flank without panic, yet in no regular
line, the men halting and firing, as occasion offered, until
the open field was readied, where it formed line, marched
back to rear, the position it first occupied on its arrival,
and bivouacked. The loss to the regiment during the day
was thirteen, viz. : one killed, three wounded, and nine —
three of whom were also wounded — taken prisoners.
All seemed quiet during the forenoon of the 30th. But
few changes were made in the disposition of our forces,
though the rising dust within the lines of the enemy indi-
cated a movement on his part towards our left.
At two o'clock P.M. the brigade formed in line, and at
about half-past three, the action having commenced, moved
towards the front to the support of a field-battery which
was posted in an open field near the woods from which our
forces were driven the previous day. The brigade took
position facing southerly the edge of woods in rear of and
on lower ground than that occupied by the battery. Here
it remained something over an hour, when, a raking lire
being opened upon it from the right, it moved by the
left flank to a position farther to the rear. After remain-
ing in this se id position a shorl time il ved bj the
righl flank along the road in fronl of our artillery, which
was then engaged, passed the stone house which was occu-
pied as a hospital by our 1 in Juhj ! 1, a the first
battle of Hull Run, and again formed line', lacing westerly,
The regiment, though not subjected to a musketry Sre
under a severe artillery tire while in iis first position and
until ii passed the stone house, yel not a man therein was
injured. Tlie brigade had occupied its (bird position but
a silent time when Col. ('an- received orders to move his
command " down the road to the rear in as good order as
possible." At this time, seven o'clock, ii was twilight.
The brigade was at once moved in retreat towards Centre-
villi', marching by the flank in g 1 order, wit bout excite-
ment or confusion. Though the night was dark, it moved
through woods and open fields during a portion of the
march, forded the Bull Bun Creek, which was aim
thigh-deep, twice, and arrived at Centreville, tired, wet, and
disheartened, scum after midnight. Here: it bivouacked
during the night, and as rain commenced to fall about day-
light, the shelter-tents were then pitched. On the after-
noon of the 31st, the rain having ceased, the 2d Regiment
moved to the Alexandria side of the village and encamped
just outside the earthworks, expecting to remain there for
a considerable time. Still later in the afternoon the regi-
ment was mustered for pay (Maj. Wilson being temporarily
absent) by Capt. Park, in accordance with orders received
from Col. Carr.
Brig.-Gen. Cuvier Grover this day assumed command of
the 2d Division, vice Joseph Hooker, ordered to Washing-
ton. Firing was heard this day on our right.
At half-past two o'clock the next after n, September
1st, the brigade was ordered to fall into line prepared to
move, and at five o'clock (Capt. Park in command of the
2d Regiment) it moved down the road towards Alexandria.
In about an hour and a quarter thereafter, the firing be-
tween Gen. Kearney's forces and the enemy, near Chantilly,
was heard, and the brigade soon after halted, the rain pour-
ing down in torrents at the time and thoroughly drenching
the men, and formed in line of battle on the left or north-
erly side of the road. Here it remained until half-past
nine o'clock ( Maj. Wilson, in the mean time, having arrived
and taken command of the regiment), when it moved
about half a mile across the fields towards Chantilly. and
halted. The night was terribly dark and unusually cold,
and the men, being wet, suffered severely.
At half-past two o'clock the next morning, the 2d. the
brigade again moved; at daybreak it halted about half a
mile from Fairfax Court-House ; and at sunrise moved
close to the village. At half-past eleven it move! to the
green near the court-house, where it was supplied witli
fresh bread, which had been sent up from Washington.
After marching past the wagons and receiving its supply
the brigade presented rather a unique appearance, each
man, from the commanding officer to the contraband ser-
vant, firmly grasping his inestimable loaf, while jaws inured
to toil on hard tack and salt junk Were tar from being idle.
At noon the body of the brave and gallant Gen. Phil
Kearney, who was killed the evening before at Chantilly,
84
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
:it Fairfax Court-House, it having been sent within
our linos l>v the enemy during the foreni
At two o'clock P u. the brigade left Fairfax Court-
II .- | to Fairfax Station, and halted, II
M Wilson, being ill, took the cars for Alexandria, nfter
turning the command of his regimen! over t<> Capt. Park.
In n -li'Tt time the march was resumed, nnd after moving
four miles the brigade halted and bivouacked
for the night.
\ lock "ii the morning of the 3d the brigade,
pting the 2d New York, which was detailed as rear-
cnard, resumed the march. The 2d started at seven o'clock.
lock heavy firing was heard t" the left. At three
u, the regiment joined it.- brigade near Fort Lyon,
\ Kandrin, nnd bivouacked. The next afternoon, the Ith,
the brigade moved about a mile to the south of Fort Lyon,
and went into camp. On this day, by orders from
War Department, Gen. McClcllan assumed "command of
if Washington and of all troops for the. dc-
Capitol;" but on the 7th. being called to the
. he assigned the imi liate command of the defenses
he Capitol to Maj.-Gen. N. IV Hanks. At this time
of the troops belonging to the 3d Army Corps
included in this command. On the loth Lieut-Col.
Olmsl ■ had been absent, sick, from July 2lst) rc-
joincd the regiment and assumed command. On the 11th
and 12th the division moved camp ahum half a mile to
the west, locating "n high ground. On the 13th Col. Carr,
cm the recommendation of Maj.-Gen. Hooker, and much
to the gratification of those who best knew his services
and worth, received his appointment as brigadier-general
I'll!- - Volunteers. On the 15th the brigade again
nip, this lime encamping behind the line of rifle-
nexl south of Fort Lyon. By order of Gen. Can- this
impmenl was designated and known as " Camp Hooker."
ived for and occupied by the
enlisted men of the regiment.
On the 24th, Brig.-Gen. Carr was relieved from the
tnand of the 3d and assigned to thai of the 1st
B 2d Dh n. On the 27th Brig.-Gen. Sickles
.Hid of the 2d Division, via Grover. On
the 30tl F. E, Patterson rejoined the bri
i command thereof.
I of Sickles' division was held
in ih m, and the officers of the 3d Brigade were
Sickles in tl vening, tho f the 1st
and 2 B iving been previously received by him.
0 the 4th, a raid n I, artillery moved to the front,
all ready for a move. On the 5th of October the brigade
moved camp to about a mile to the right and ft-onl of I
i. This cam] ii it' d as < lamp Ki air
•hat there was another one bearing
-. on the 23d,
le 15th, Gen. I fron ommand of
old brigade . ' I
tion .md drill, review by I
lie 17th. t - W Park, of Coin]
•nine ndalion of Bi ig, i '•■ n, i '.or.
been < ived bis ■
mission as such and assumed command thereof; and the
acceptant f the resignation of Maj. George W. Wilson
was received. On October 2:2d. 2d Division was reviewed
by Gens. Hanks and Hcintzelman and President Lincoln.
During the month of September there were but tV<w
drills, but in October regimental or brigade drills were
held almost daily. October 30th, distant cannonading was
heard soon alter dark.
At fouro'clock A.M., November 1st, orders were received
to be ready to move at a moment's notice, with two days'
rations in haversacks, the regiment to have one wagon for
the transportation of officers baggage and headquarters
camp equipage, and one for the use of the medical depart
meiit. the remaining regimental wagons to he used by the
brigade commissary for the transportation of supplies. A
lock P.M., ('amp Van Leer having been broken up, the
nt. numbering three hundred and twenty-five officers
and men, — two hundred and eighty-four rank and file,
— joined its brigade and marched to near Fairfax Semi-
nary, where it joined the rest of its division, and with it
moved to about six miles hack of Alexandria, on the Fair-
fax road, and at six o'clock halted in an open field and
bivouacked.
At half-past four o'clock tho next morning, the 2d, the
brigade '• tinned out'' and had breakfast, and at halt-past
six took up the line of march. At nine o'clock it passed
Fairfax Court-House, then moved on to Centreville, whore
it halted, heavy artillery tiring being beard at the time in
the direction of Gainesville. In about two hours it moved
again, taking the road towards .Manassas Junction and
crossing Bull Run. At live o'clock it again halted in the
old deserted camp near Blackburn's Ford, and bivouacked
Burnside's troops were in the advance this day. The next
morning, the .'Id. the 2d Regiment was detailed for guard
duty along Bull Run Creek, as follows, viz.: two com
panics at tho Manassas and Centreville turnpikc-bridgi
at or near Blackburn's Ford, four at the crossing of the
Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and three at the fori
when- the turnpike CTOSSCS, near Union Mills. After pos
ing Companies II and I. under ('apt. Hagen, at the turn
pike bridge, the remaining companies of the regiment, at
seven o'clock, started for Union Mills. Crossing Bull Bun
and then strikiiiL' tlCTOSS the fields to the road running from
Centreville to the Mills and (hen moving down that road,
they arrived there at ten o'clock, ami relieved a detach
lliellt of the 58th New Yolk or I 'el Ills) 1 \ al I i.l A'olllll
tecrs belonging to Sigel'a corps. Companies A, C, F
and G, under ('apt. Boutellc, were at -e posted at the
railroad-crossing, and E, 1*. and 1\. under ('apt. Maguird
nion Mills and the ford. Soon after t he arrival ol
these companies, one company of the 1-t Massachusevj
Volunteers, from the 1st Brigade, al Fairfax Station, al
arrived to relieve the detachment from Sigcl's corps. Im
being too late, it rejoined it- brigade. The nexi morning,
November Ith. the rcgimenl was relieved by (he L'lith
Pennsylvania Volunteers, of the 1st Brigade. The seven
i near Union Mills were relieved at elovo
o'eloek. .and at noon started to rejoin their brigade
Moving ii]' tin- railroad i M Junction, they we
; by Companies I! and I. who had been tir-t relieved
RENSSELAER COUNT? IN THE CItKAT i;i:i:i:i,U<>.\ OF L861.
-:.
and won- there halted. After a shorl rest the regii I
proceeded up tin- railroad to within about one and a half
miles el' Bristoe Station, where, at four o'clock P m ., it re-
joined its brigade and encamped with it in the woods north
of the railroad. Sickles' entire division was at this time
engaged in guarding the line of (he railroad from Burke's
Station to above 1 S «■ i — Station.
On the 6th the brigade was relieved by one regiment of
the 2d Brigade, and at two o'clock p.m., having one day's
rations in haversacks, accompanied by artillery and a de-
tachment of one hundred cavalry, left camp, and marched
along and near the railroad until near sunset, when, being
within about three miles of Warrcnton Junction, our cav-
alry met and drove in (he enemy's cavalry videttes. Here
our forces halted, and, after placing the artillery in position
and posting cavalry videttes and about three hundred in-
fantry piekets, bivouacked. The night was bitter cold, and
the bivouac being on high ground and in an open field the
men suffered severely. During the evening the regimental
and detachment commanders were called together by Gen.
Patterson, who explained to them the supposed position and
superior force of (he enemy, and the undesirable position
occupied by the 3d Brigade. It was reported that the
enemy, with a force of four thousand cavalry, were then at
Warrenton Junction. At a quarter to three o'clock the
next morning the brigade was ordered under arms, and at
three o'clock orders were given to " move off down the road
towards camp," the 2d Regiment leading. Receiving no
further orders, and supposing the force to be following, the
regiment continued its march, and arrived in camp at six
o'clock. The balance of the force, having been halted near
the place of bivouac, arrived in camp about an hour later,
and just as the first snow-storm of the season commenced.
At half-past seven o'clock P.M., the same day, the bri-
gade started for Manassas Junction. Marching on and
near the railroad, the 1st and 2d Brigades of the division
were met en route, for Warrenton Junction. On arriving
at Manassas Junction, the brigade, after posting pickets,
bivouacked for the night near (he railroad station.
The next day, the 8th, the brigade encamped, the 2d
Regiment being located alongside and north of the railroad,
below the station, and just inside the old line of earth-
works.
On the 9th, Lieut.-Col. Olmstead was relieved from duty
with the 2d Regiment, and placed in command of the 1 15th
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Company E was
detailed for permanent duty, to report with arms, etc., to
the division quartermaster. On being relieved from these
services they rejoined (heir regiment as follows, viz : Com-
pany E, below Fredericksburg, Dec. 14th, and Lieut.-Col.
Olmstead at " Camp near Falmouth," Jan. 26, 1863.
('apt. William B. Tibbits, of Company G, having been,
on the recommendation of Brig.-Gen. Carr and Col. Park,
promoted to be major, vice Wilson, resigned, the announce-
ment thereof was made in regimental orders on the 10th.
On the 11th, the 3d Brigade, and other troops located
in the vicinity of Manassas Junction, were formed in line
above and near (he railroad station, to pay passing honor
to Maj.-Gen. McClellan, who was on bis way to Washing-
ton, he having been, by direction of (he President, relieved
from the command of the Army of the Pol tc by Maj.-
Gen. Burnside.
On the 17th, in accordance with orders, most of the
tents were struck, and, with (he baggage, sen I to the rail-
road d< pol for transportation to Fairfax Station or be-
yond."
On the 18th, at one o'clock p.m., orders were received
to be ready to move at hour's notice. The remaining
tents were at once struck and the Wagons loaded, but as no
orders came to move, the tents were again pitched.
During the l'.ith troops wen- being rapidly trans]
down the railroad from the front, and the commissary stores
at Manassas Junction were placed on the cars and taken to
the rear. In accordance with orders received on the after-
noon of the 19th tents were struck and wagons loaded at
seven o'clock a M. of the •_'!tth, and the regiment formed
line and moved to near the depot, where brigade line was
formed. Rain soon commenced to fall, but at half-past nine-
o'clock, the division being formed, it left Manassas Junc-
tion and marched to Centrevillc, where it arrived at two
o'clock P.M. After a halt of about an hour and a half the
march was resumed, and the division moved on, through
rain and mud, to within about a mile of Fairfax Court-
House, where, at about six o'clock, it baited and bivouacked
in the woods.
At about eight o'clock the next morning, the 21st, the
march was resumed. When within about a mile of Wolf
Run Ford, the 3d Brigade baited and encamped.
On the 23d, Company II, having been relieved from
duty as division provost-guard, rejoined the regiment.
At seven o'clock a.m. of the 25th the brigade broke camp,
and soon after, with two days' rations in haversacks and
three in wagons, joined (he 1st and 2d Brigades, and com-
menced the march towards Fredericksburg. The 2d
Regiment being detailed, with cavalry and artillery, as rear-
guard for the day, left camp at about nine, and after march-
ing about eight miles, baited at dark and bivouacked in a
rain-storm alongside the road in the edge of a piece of
woods. At half-past eight o'clock the next morning, (be
26th, the regiment again moved, rejoined its brigade after
about two hours' quick marching, and with it continued
(be march. At noon the brigade passed Dumfries, an old,
tumble-down, miserable, deserted-looking village, and after
crossing Occoquan Creek, and marching about three miles
beyond, bivouacked for (lie night, short of rations. The
wagon-train coming up the next morning, the 27th, rations
were distributed and cooked ; and at about ten o'clock the
brigade again took up the line of march. Passing Aquia
Creek, near the village, it moved on towards Stafford Court-
House, and at about half-past four o'clock p.m. bivouacked
in a grove of young pines. On the 2Sth the brigade
marched at half-past seven o'clock a.m., passed Stafford
Court-House at noon, and at three o'clock p.m. halted about
two and a half miles back of Falmouth, near Boscobel,
and encamped ; (he remainder of (he 3d Corps, which
was at this time under command of Gen. Stoneman, being
located in that vicinity.
On the 2d of December orders were received from di-
vision headquarters to recommence drills, both by company
and regiment. On the 3d the 2d Regiment moved camp
S6
history of uensselaer county, new york.
a ~h.>rt distance, locating near brigade headquarters in an
open field, alongside of and on the righl of the road from
Boscofa 1 i" Falmouth. <>n the -1th the 2d Division was
ived by Gen. [looker in the 1 'Ding, and later in the
day the officers of the regiment presented to their lute
colonel, Brig.-Gcn. Joseph B. Carr, commanding lsl Bri-
al his headquarters, a sel of horse equipage, as a
token of remembrance and esteem. On the 9th orders
were received from division headquarters to be ready to
move at an hour's notice, after sunset on the evening of the
10th, the men to be supplied with sixty rounds of ammu-
nition, and both officers and men with cooked rations, to
include the 1 -1th.
The first reveille heard the next morning, the 11th, was
sounded at half-past two o'clock. Others followed, at irreg-
ular intervals, until near daylight. A.I about half-past five
o'clock the report of two cannons in quick succession, fol-
lowed by a rattling fire of musketry, was distinctly heard
in camp. This was the commencement of the " battle
of Fredericksburg." At seven o'clock the 3d Brigade
formed line, uniting with its division, moved to within
about a mile of Fredericksburg, where it halted, remained
the rest of the day, and bivouacked at night. The bom-
bardment of the city was kept tip almost continuously by
our artillery, fifty-seven shots a minute being fired at times
during the day. Although every effort had been made to
obtain supplies of <|uartermasters stores since the arrival of
the brigade at its camp near Falmouth, many of the men
started on this march without sufficient shoes or stockings
to keep their bare feel from striking the cold, rough ground,
but during the day sufficient clothing was received and
issui d to the nun to make them comfortable. During this
movement all tent-baggage, etc., was packed in the regi-
which remained behind in camp.
next morning (the 12th) the brigade moved about
half a mile towards the left and front, and halted on high
ind near Gen. Sumner's headquarters, where it remained
until about three o'clock p.m., when it changed position a
.short distance to the rear. At lour o'clock it again moved
to the left, continuing the march, though the ground was
muddy and the night very dark, until pasl seven
ck, when it halted iii the woods within about a mile
of the i" in t -bridges which had been that day thrown
Ra] pahannock al t two and a hall' miles below
I iri.k-l.ur_'. and bivouacked for the night, the orders
red by the officer commanding the 2d Regiment being
in there anywhere, and stop to night." Considci
artillery firing was heard this day, during which our fi
had I in throwing their pontoon-bridges across the
P iii.-k-l.ur_' as well as below it. and in
occ": • of the city.
Karl) the next morning (the L3th the brigade moved
■bout lialfa mile to the led and j..i 1 its division. During
the ! iily afternoon the battle raged fearfully
Hi four miles below it.
.-lit- on the opposite Bide of the
which the 2d Db I and where field-
. and cngagi d iii Bhelliog the en-
- I. iii sad
'-. p m the l-i Kean
old division moved towards the front, and was soon followed
by the lsl Brigade Carr's) of die 2d Division, and at three
ick the 3 1 Brigade followed them, all going to the sup-
port of Franklin's division in this engagement, — the left
wing. Crossing the pontoon-bridge, the 3d Brigade — the
2d New York leading — advanced about a mile to the left and
front into a corn-field between the river-road and the rail-
road, and formed on the 2d, near the first line of battle,
which was occupied by the 1st Brigade. In a short time
a battery of the enemy, posted on the heights to the right
and front, opened a fire of shot and shell upon their posi-
tion, when they were ordered, and fell back, to the river-
road, which, being of the regular Virginia-turnpike style, —
deep ditch on each side, with the earth diked up outside, —
afforded admirable protection for the men. At about lialf-
pasl eleven o'clock the 2d New Y'ork and 115th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers received orders, and moved back to the
pontoon-bridges where they had crossed the river in the
afternoon, and relieved a regiment of the 1st Brigade which
was there on guard. At seven o'clock the next morning
(the 1-lth these regiments received orders, and returned to
the front, where they arrived at about nine o'clock, when
the 2d Regiment was posted on the left of the brigade
which retained its position in the road), where, in the
afternoon, Company E, Cap.. Savage, alter an absence
on special duty since November 9th, rejoined it and re-
ported for duty. In the afternoon the brigade was under
a flanking fire from a battery of Whitworth guns within
the enemy's lines on our extreme left. Filing was this
day kept up between the pickets until three o'clock p.m.,
when it ceased. The wounded of both armies were then
gathered in, and the dead of the Gth Corps, who had re-
mained within the enemy's lines after their " charge" of
the 13th, were delivered by them between the picket-lines.
Officers from each army, meeting between the lines, agreed
that picket-firing ought to cease, and such was the tacit
agreement. After this but l\-w shots were tired by cither
side; none in front of the 2d Division ; though up to this
time the 1st Brigade alone had here lost ninety men, killed
and wounded, on picket.
At eight o'clock the next morning, the 15th, the
brigade left the mad (the 2d Regiment changing it- posi-
tion from its left to its right . and. moving to the front,
relieved the 1st (Carr's) Brigade. At eleven the picket-
line was relieved by a detail from three regiments of the
3d Brigade, thai from the 2d Regiment consisting of
Companies D and Ii. under Capt. John Maguire. They
«ii.: iii turn relieved, at dark, by details from the other
three regiments of the brigade. During this day there
was considerable cannonading on the extreme left of our
lines, and in the afternoon the battery on the right of thfl
brigade -helled a position of the enemy in a small piece of
ii front. At ten o'clock p.m. the brigade was ordered
to form and mOVC hack behind the road. In a few iniiiiil'S
after it- arrival, the brigade again received orders to march,
and al once Btartcd for the river. Moving as quiet as pos-
siblc, but at a lively gait, a p.ut of the tin ii the " double?
quick, i I the] n-bridge at about midnight, and
With the entire left wing of the army crossed over without
the knowledge of the enemy or the tiring of a gun. After
i; KN'SSKI, AMI! COUNTY IN THE GREAT REBELLION OF 1861.
87
moving about two miles from tin- river, towards its " ('amp
near Falmouth," the brigade, at one o'clock a.m. of the
Hiili, filed off into the woods and bivouacked. Here it
remained until noon, when ii moved back to the camp it so
lately vacated, not in the best of humor over the result of
the engagement, but happy in knowing that during the
entire affair the loss to the brigade had been small,
that of the 2d Regiment being but three or four men taken
prisoners; and as these were "stragglers," there was really
no loss.
Orders being received therefor, on the 22d the erection
of huts, chimneys, etc., for the comfort and health of both
officers and men, was at once commenced, and in a few
davs thereafter all were provided with comfortable quarters,
although there was a perfect lack of uniformity in both
the huts and streets of the camp of the 2d Regiment.
On the 25th, Christmas, Brig.-Gen, Joseph W. Revere
was transferred to the command of the 2d Brigade, and was
succeeded in the command of the 3d by that brave and
gentlemanly brigadier-general, Gershom Mott.
On the 28th the 2d New York and 5th and Gth Regi-
ments New Jersey Volunteers were detailed for " particu-
lar service; the senior officer," Col. George C. Burling, (Ith
New Jersey Volunteers, " to report to Brig.-Gen. Averill,
commanding cavalry brigade, at nine o'clock a.m., the 20th,
for further instructions." Under these orders, Col. Bur-
ling received instructions to have his force ready to move
the next morning, the 30th, at seven o'clock. At the
designated hour the detail left camp with three days' cooked
rations in haversacks, sixty rounds of ammunition, etc., and
uniting with a strong force of cavalry and artillery under
Gen. Averill, moved on to Hartwood Church, where it
halted for about an hour. Resuming the march, the force
moved in a northwesterly direction until half-past eight
o'clock p.M , when it filed off into the woods, — the cavalry
being about a mile and a half in advance of the infantry,
— threw out pickets, and bivouacked.
At half-past five o'clock the next morning, the 31st, the
march was resumed. Moving in a southwesterly direction,
the force passed through " Morrisville," and on Jan. 1, 1863,
arrived in camp at half-past one o'clock p.m., having ac-
complished nothing except a march of about sixty miles
and the loss of three stragglers taken prisoners.
On the 11th (as before mentioned) Capt. Quackenbush,
with his recruiting-party, rejoined the regiment and re-
ported for duty. On the 16th orders were received to be
ready to move early the next morning, with three days' ra-
tions in haversacks, sixty rounds of ammunition in cartridge
boxes, etc. ; but the movement was postponed from day to
day until the morning of the 20th, when orders were re-
ceived from Maj.-Gen. Burnside, commanding the Army of
the Potomac, announcing to the troops that they were
"about to meet the enemy once more." At this time the
roads were, as they had been for several days, in excellent
condition. During the forenoon troops of the centre grand
division commenced to move. At about noon the 3d
Brigade struck tents, and at half-past one o'clock p.m.
united with its division and left camp, moving towards
Falmouth ; but as the paymaster was busily engaged paying
off the men of the 2d Regiment, but four companies
thereof, which bad received their pay, accomplished it,
under command ol Maj. Tibbits. The remaining six
companies, under Col. Park, left camp at five o'clock p.m.,
and joined the brigade about ;i mile and a half out on the
road. In about an boor from this time a cold, sleety rain
commenced to fall, and the road being so occupied that
there was no possibility of the 2d Division being able to
move forward upon it before morning, it soon after re-
turned to camp, the men being held in readiness to move
at a moment's warning.
The next morning, the 21st, the division left camp at
eight o'clock, the rain still falling and the roads being con-
siderably cut up. After moving to its position of the
previous evening it baited for about tWO hours, and then
marched some six miles up the river, the brigade halting
at ball-past one o'clock P.M., in the woods near the point
where it was intended to cross the river and attack the left
flank of the enemy. By this time the rains and travel
had brought the roads to an impassable condition for artil-
lery, so the army was set to work corduroying them. At
this work the 3d Brigade was employed during the after-
noon of the 22d and the forenoon of the 23d. On the
afternoon of the 23d, the Army of the Potomac, being
effectually defeated by the mud, without ever having seen
the enemy, commenced falling back to its old camping-
ground. The 3d Brigade started at three o'clock and
arrived in camp before dark.
On the 26th, Lieut.-Col. Olmstead (as already mentioned),
having been relieved from the command of the 115th
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, rejoined the 2d Regi-
ment and reported for duty. On the same day, Maj.-Gen.
Burnside was relieved, at his own request, from the com-
mand of the Army of the Potomac, and Maj.-Gen. Joseph
Hooker, by order of the President, assumed the command.
On the morning of February 5th, at about eight o'clock,
the 2d Division, Gen. Carr in command, left camp with
three days' rations in haversacks, sixty rounds of ammuni-
tion, ambulances, etc., marched towards Hartwood Church,
and about noon joined a large force of cavalry. After a
short halt the united forces moved on, passed the church,
and marching about two and a half miles beyond it, halted
in the woods and bivouacked. When the division started
in the morning the snow was falling; this had gradually
changed to a drizzling rain, which continued to fall during
the afternoon and most of the night. At eight o'clock the
next morning, the 6th, the march was resumed. Crossing
Deep Run, the force arrived at Grove Church at about
half-past eleven, when the cavalry, with a part of the in-
fantry force, pushed on towards the river, leaving the re-
mainder of the infantry, including the 2d Regiment,
halted at and near the church. The infantry force which
advanced with the cavalry was halted about three miles
beyond the church, near Morrisville, while the cavalry ad-
vanced to the Rappahannock and succeeded in destroying
two bridges, one over the river and the other over a creek
in its vicinity. At seven o'clock p.m. the cavalry and
advanced infantry returned to Grove Church, and the
whole force commenced its inarch for camp. At eleven
o'clock, having arrived within about a mile of Hartwood
Church, the division halted in the woods and bivouacked.
88
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
At half-past eight o'clock the next morning, the Tib. the
division resumed the march, and arrived in camp at about
three o'clock p.m., the men being much exhausted by tlio
heavj march through the mud. On the 17th daily drills
were recommenced bj the several regiments of the brigade.
April 17th that sin* precursor of a move, the pay-
master, made his appearance, and paid the regiment for the
four months' service ending February 28th. ( >l' the amount
ived at this payment, over twelve thousand dollars was
at once sent home by the men of the regiment. On the
28th of April the brigade formed line, and marched
to the left down the river until one o'clock the next morn-
ing, the 29th, when it halted and bivouacked. On the
HHih. at hall-past six o'clock a.m.. firing was heard, a por-
ticin of our forces being engaged with the enemy at the
river to our left front. During the forenoon the brigade
moved a short distance farther to the left, and bivouacked
in the woods about a mile above where the "left wing"
crossed the river under Burnaide the previous December.
On the 30th cheering orders were read to the men,
announcing that our forces had succeeded in crossing the
Rappahannock tbove Fredericksburg, at the United States
Ford, and in turning the enemy's left. Towards this cross-
ing the brigade at one o'clock p. jr. commenced its march,
which was continued until about half-past twelve that
night, when it halted and bivouacked. Rain having fallen
all the previous night, this march was excessively severe
on the men.
The next forcuoon, May 1st, the brigade crossed the
toon-bridge at the ford, and in the afternoon was placed
on picket, its lines extending from the junction of the
Rapidan with the Rappahannock, along the former to
beyond the old gold mines, thence across the country par-
allel with the Rappahannock to beyond the road running
ii;. fironi near the ford. Towards dark the next after-
noon, the 2d, a heavy engagement being in progress at the
front, the brigade^ was withdrawn from picket, and at half-
eight o'clock in the evening marched towards the
enemy. Al about twelve o'clock heavy musketry firing
i. which gradually subsided into irregular picket
firing. Following the road, the brigade emerged from the
wood.- at the Chancellorsville Bouse, turned to the right,
and passing up the plank road beyond tl arth works and
batteries on its left, at one o'clock a m. of the 3d turned
to the left, formed in close column of regiments faring the
I and bivouacked within musket shot of the pi
The fat < that ovi r two years had elapsed since th list-
ment of the nun and the organization of the regiment,
that had been received fixing a tine- for its
tun 'T its mil-!' 1 OUt, and that many
of the t* nts bad utterly refused to do duty
longer aid had laid down their arm-, had such an influi nee
on the miieN— and IcgB— of some fifty men of the i
in. nt that they had since the 28lh of April, as opportunity
offered, lefl the ranks, and were then absent therefrom.
M ' thei nmanding the
1st B thich lay on the right of the plank-road), his
t thi 2d New Y ■ ■ ■■■■ u d not fight ' 1 1
licving this, but naturally anxious old regiment,
Gen. Carr, at break of day of the 3d, rode over to the 2d
Regiment . which was massed in division columns at his re-
quest, ami addressed a few remarks to the officers and men,
manifesting his entire confidence in both. Col. Park also
expressed to the regiment his entire confidence in the
courage and readiness to fight of all then on duty, and
remarked that he would rather return to Troy on one leg
than have the good name of the regiment tarnished in the
coming engagement.
Soon after this the brigade changed its position, the
115th Pennsylvania and 6th, 7th, and Sth New Jersey
Regiments crossing a small stream or ditch, and advancing
in two lines to near the edge of the woods in front, which
were occupied by the enemy, while the 5th New Jersey and
2d New York remained in reserve, in column of divisions,
alongside the plank-road and facing the front, but soon
advanced on the left and front to near the ditch. About this
time, the firing along the front became quite general. A
portion of the 1st Division, including the brigade com-
manded by Col. Collis of the Pennsylvania Volunteers,
which had been in position towards the left, gave way
and poured back in mass, passing between the advanced
and reserved regiments of the 3d Brigade. The advanced
regiments were now deployed along an old fence at the edge
of the woods, and the reserved regiments deployed and
formed line obliquely to the left and front, — the 2d Regi-
ment being on the left and near our earthworks and flat-
teries. In this position several men of the regiment were
killed and wounded by musketry from the front. In a short
time the reserved regiments moved towards the front, crossed
the ditch, and. after again forming line, obeyed lien. Mod's
order to "lie down and keep close." thereby obtaining par-
tial shelter from a slight rise of ground in front. Here
Capt. McConihe received a severe wound in the breast,
and went, or was taken, to the rear. But a short time
passed before the 5th New Jersey was moved forward to
the woods, and formed line with the advanced regiments of
the brigade, and soon after this the 2d New York received
orders to advance to the front line. Col. Park, many of the
line-officers, and Color-Serg. Farrell tit once threw themselves
in advance of the line, which was then moved to the front
at a quick pace. After moving a short distance, Col. Park-
fell, severely wounded in the leg; but rising on one knee,
1 rdcred the men forward, and, declining assistance, the
regimental line passed over him without an officer or man
lea\ in", hi- position therein,
\i about this time Gen. Berry, commanding 2d Division)
was killed, and lien. Molt -,, severely wounded in the arm
that he lefl the field. With slight assistance from a
wounded soldier of his regiment Col. Park reached the
road, and was a taken back to the division hospital in
the w Is near the Chancellorsville House, where his leg
"a- at oi amputated.
Under Liieut.-Col. Olmstead, who assumed command on
the fall of Col. Park, the 2d New York changed its front
to the right, advanced to the plank-road and occupied the
ditch along its south side (being at right angles to .and
com ting iis lefl with the other regiments of the bi igadc i,
and opened on oblique fire to the left on i! ncmy, who
occupied the opposite side of the road in front of the 1st
RENSSELAER COUNTY IN THE GREAT REBELLION OF 1861.
-:i
Brigade, which was nol as for advanced as the 3d, Here
the brigade romained until about half-past nine o'clock,
when, the ammunition being almost exhausted, ii was re-
moved ic the rear. The 2d New York, moving by its
right flunk, crossed the road, moved down alongside of it
towards the Chancellorsville House, then recrossed the road,
and funned in rear of our line of batteries. At aboul iliis
time Lieut.-Col. Oluistead, who hud gone a short distance
from the regiment to obtain ammunition, received infor-
mation that the brigade had been ordered back to United
Slates Ford, and started towards that point to rejoin it.
The whole division had been ordered back to the ford by
Brig.-Gen. Revere, who hail assumed em and thereof
on the death of Gen. Kerry, and the 2d Brigade had
started towards it, lint Gen. Carr, in command of the 1st
Brigade, refused to recognize the order, and reported the
receipt thereof to Gen. Sickles, who at once placed Gen.
Revere in arrest, and Gen. Carr in command of the
division.
On arriving near the ford Lieut.-Col. Oluistead found an
unorganized mass of men from the .several regiments of
the brigade, which he gathered together and with which
he started, at four o'clock P.M., for the front, where he re-
joined and resumed command of the 2d Regiment. Soon
after Lieut.-Col. Oluistead leaving the regiment (the com-
mand of which devolved on Maj. Tibbits), Gen. Sickles
and his chief-of-staff came riding on the field, and the
whole line was speedily reformed. In this reformation
Capts. Egolf and Ilagen and other officers of the 2d Regi-
ment succeeded in rallying many straggling men of other
regiments into lino with their own. In a short time the
enemy made an attack on the left flank of this position,
but was firmly met by the 3d Brigade, which not only re-
pulsed them but advanced and drove them back beyond
their own earthworks, which were held possession of ami
used as a shelter for our men. After fighting in this posi-
tion for some time, the enemy advanced upon it in heavy
force, but the men of the 2d Regiment were kept well
under cover until the enemy had advanced to the proper
position, and then opened a severe flanking fire on them,
whereby many were driven within the lines of the brigade,
the other regiments of which succeeded in capturing some
seven or eight colors and hundreds of prisoners. The
enemy soon massed a large force in front, again advanced
upon our lines, and, after a short but stubborn resistance,
succeeded in driving our force from its position back upon
our second line, which had been formed while the 3d
Brigade had been fighting at the front on the enemy's own
ground. Here the enemy was brought to a stand-still,
and the fighting for the day soon ceased.
The brigade remained near this position, the 2d New
York being in the woods and near the plank-road, where it
bivouacked and threw up earthworks (there being but lit-
tle fighting) during the 4th and until about four o'clock on
the morning of the 5th, when it joined in the retreat of
the army, which had commenced at about dark the previous
afternoon, in a rain-storm ; and through mud almost knee-
deep (caused by a heavy rain, which had fallen on the
night of the 3d) the brigade moved to United States Ford,
where it crossed the pontoon-bridge, and, with its division,
12
formed line along the bank of the ri i to ;uard the en
ing. Here it remai I until the whole army wa tl >ver,
when it started for its old ,: Camp, near Falmouth,' where
it arrived about lour o'clock p. «., aid ag icamp I
The aggregate loss of the 2d Regiment in thi en agc-
menl was 50, viz. :
Killed, enlistc I men 3
Wounded, officer!!, severely, :'. j slightly, 2
enlisted men, mortally, '.' . Beverely, 12;
slightly, 26 '. ." W
Wounded and t;ik'-n prisoner, enlist* d m< o I
Taken prisoner, enlisted men I
5(1
On the 7th orders were received from "Headquarters
Army of the Potomac," that three days' rations be kept on
hand ready to be cooked at short notice; that losl knap-
sacks be replaced and supplies obtained to till them ; that
arms and equipments be put in order, a full supply of am-
munition obtained, and everything prepared to at once re-
sume active operations; but these requirements proved
unnecessary so far as the 2d New York was concerned : for,
on the morning of the 11th, special orders were received
from Gen. Sickles, commanding the 3d Corps, directing the
regiment to move that day and proceed to Troy, N. Y., to
be there mustered out of the service of the United States.
After further directing that the " three years' men" in the
regiment be transferred to the 70th New York Volunteers,
and making provision for the turning in of the arms and
accoutrements of the men after the regiment should have
readied its " home," the order concluded as follows :
" In parting with the 2d New York Volunteers, the ma-
jor-general commanding acknowledges, with satisfaction, the
valuable service it has rendered the government during its
term of enlistment. Joining the Army of the Potomac dur-
ing its advance on the Peninsula, the regiment shared with
Hooker's veteran division the honors and perils of the cam-
paign before Richmond. It served with credit under Gen.
Pope in front of Richmond, and with increased distinction
under Gen. Hooker in the recent operations on the Rap-
pahannock.
" Fair Oaks, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Bristoe, Manassas,
and Chancellorsville should be borne on the regimental
colors, and ever remembered by the officers and soldiers of
the regiment."
The regiment was soon paraded, the three years' men —
numbering one hundred and twenty — transferred, and the
remainder started for home.
It arrived at the Jersey City depot in the afternoon of the
13th, where it was met by a committee of the citizens of
Troy, accompanied by Boring's Band, by which it was
taken in charge, and, after crossing the ferry to New York,
marched through the streets to and on board of the steam-
boat " C. Vanderbilt," which left the dock at a little past
six o'clock. The regiment arrived at Troy at about seven
o'clock, Mayl4th, where it was received with a salute of
artillery and the heartfelt cheers of crowds, which had
gathered to welcome home the men who, at the first call
to arms, left their homes and peaceful occupations, and
went forth to defend with their lives the unity and life of
the nation; the men who now, fresh from the battle-field,
returned with bronzed features and well-worn uniforms,
00
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTr, NEW YORK.
but with li«. nor; the men, the veteran soldiers, of that
fir.-i of Troy's war-offerings — the ' I I 5 ind."
ght o'clock the regiment loft the boat, and at about
nine, escorted bj the Common Council, the 24th Regiment,
the Fire Department, and the Young Men's and Moulders'
Associations, marched through the streets, which wcregnyly
i with flags and banners, and crowded with citizens
anxious to honor this, the Brsl regiment which had returned
from the war to this section of the State. The rcgimeni was
welcomed home by the mayor of the city, Hon. William L.
Van Alstyne, in a speech tracing the history of the rcgimeni
and expressing (he iuterest and pride ever fell by the citi-
:'.irr and achievements. Lieut. -Col. Olmstead
brii By responded, thanking the city and citizen.- for the mag-
nificent reception extended to the regiment, which would evi r
be t I by its officers and men with pride and grali-
V tin nclusion of Lieut.-Col. Olmstcad's remarks
the ■ agaiu moved, and continued the march until
'clock, when ii was dismissed, and the 2d R J
■ • marched to the armory of the 24th Regiment, New
Y rk National Guard, where the anus and accoutrements
i. and tho men dismissed until t lie 19th, then
to assemble for the purpose of being mustered out of the
Unil - vice, those residing in the city being
all ■■■ to their respective homes, while non-residents
vided fur at the hotels. On the 19th the men
igain dismissed until further orders.
Owing to the fact that most of the regimental and coni-
pany r rds had been lost or destroyed, the muster-out
not completed until the 26th, when the regiment
i met, and at one o'clock in the afternoon, headed by
I1 ag's Band, made its farewell parade through the stn ets
of the city, after which the regiment, numbering thirty-six
officers and four hundred and thirty-seven enlisted men.
returned to the armory and was there mustered out of the
Dnil • 'II Corning, captain 17th In-
fantry U.S.A.
11 the 28th the flag received by the regiment on the
rture in 1861 was presented by (lie officers
of the rcgi nl to the Common Council of the city of Troy,
in whose keeping il remained until Sept. 1!'. 1865, when,
by unanin ii was deposited in the State Bureau of
M I; ird.
On the 29lh, Paymaster William Richardson commenced
ig '.fT the men of the regiment, completing the paj ment
l.-t.
During the term ol I the rcgimeni aid was af
forded to the finni i, both by appropria-
iry .ami by a Volunteer Relief \
, n, which raised ii- funds bj subscription from citizens
to the amount imated, of % 15,
from the city I 18,000, and from the associa-
The r. ■ ■•i.l- of the : tidlturc ol
.".7171 thereby l"r the n and • luipmcnl of the
if the gains and lot
Zd Infantry Regiment, New York Volui mult
I
in llv • of the lime ;
n
I
:;.;
OFFICERS.
Belonging to regiment May 14,1862 35
Appointed from civil life 3
'• enlisted mon of regiment IS 21
Promoted out of regiment 4
Qonoroblj I by War Department on ac-
of disability caused by wounds received
inaction 2
1
Died of wounds received in action
norably dismissed from the United States ser-
vice by order "i the War Department
Mustered out of United States service with ri-^i-
iii «iit
ENLISTED IIEK.
Belonging t" regiment May II. 1862
Enlisted by recruiting-parties in Now York Statu...
Appointc l commissioned officors <>f regiment
rred bach t" 2d Regiment Maine Volunteers 52
Transferred lo 7"ili Now V"rk Volunteers, May 11.
threo years' men) 120
Discharged — Appointed commissioned officer in 3d
New V'.rk Volunteers 1
" enlisted in rcgulararmy -1
11 expiratii f" sorvice I
for physical disability caused by
wounds 17
" for physical disability caused by dis-
117
" by sentence of court-martial 2
Hied — killed and diet! of wounds received in action "I
" " accidentally 1
" of disease 1-1
Deserted
ted "ii mustcr-oul roll as killed, but was taken
prisoner [three year-' men)
Mustered out of United State- service by order, July
22, 1802 (band) .'.
Musi rod "lit of United States service with regi-
ment. May 26, 1803 I."7
56
— 58
S7I
36
910
IS
172
1 12
39
'.in
11
9 1 ,i
The following is a summary of the casualties sustained
by the 2d Regiment from the enemy while on duty.
St raiders and absentees without leave Dot being includedj
Wouricl.il, not
taken |ins.
is.
I
;.-".,!.-. \., . June -
"I . .Inn.. 30, IMS'.!.
" BrliMoc station, v., .
I8G2
" Clinni rllonjvlllc, v.,,. M.,% .;.
Tak'-n pris-
ouers.
■z ~
■- s
- ~
1
i-i
5
1
1
13
SkfrmUh if it \. u Mtrk-'i bi
1
'■
1
1
2
Sh rmish >i Fall Onkn, \ ;t . Juno 21,
i
i"
i
3
1
2
3
2
Q
!
4
1
4
1
1
1-
1
12
1
38
27
1
20
" Bull I.
" < lie, \ .i ., >l ■> 3
Hll'l I
2
1
3
1
1
'
1
11
18
1.1
1.1
10
3
1
14*
RENSSELAER COUNTY IN THE GREAT REBELLION OF 1861.
91
II.— ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH
REGJ M ENT.
The urgent call of the government for i >• men was at
dure answered by the loyal people of Troy sending the
12.">ih Regiment into the field on the 30th of August,
1862. The war committee of Rensselaer County placed
in command of the regiment George L. Willard, a regular
jtrniy officer, who soon had it in excellent drill.
The field and line of the regiment were: George L.
Willard, Colonel ; Levin Crandell, Lieutenant-Colonel ■
James ('. Bush, Major; Elias P. Sheldon, Adjutant; Ji.
Chandler Ball, Quartermaster; Rev. Joseph L. Barlow,
Chaplain; W. S. Cooper, M.D., Surgeon ; II. E. Benedict
nod Washington Akin. M.D.'s, Assistant Surgeons.
Company A. — ('apt. 1). E. Cornell, 1st Lieut. E. A.
Hartshorn, 2d Lieut. YV. E. Hakes.
Company B. — Cant. A. B. Myers, First Lieut. Charles
II. Taylor, 2d Lieut. John Quay.
Company C. — Capt. F. S. Esmond, 1st Lieut. W. II.
Plumb, Jr., 2d Lieut. David Comiskey.
Company I>. — Captain S. C. Armstrong, 1st Lieut. T.
F. Sheldon, 2d Lieut. P. Carden.
Company E. — Capt. William Dimond, 1st Lieut. Calvin
Bush, 2d Lieut. Egbert Jolls.
Company F. — Capt. Nelson Penfield, First Lieut. Frank
Chamberlin, 2,1 Lieut. YV. D. Taylor.
Company G. — Captain George F. Lemon, 1st Lieut.
YV. K. Newcomb, 2d Lieut. L. H. Stevens.
( 'ompany II — Capt. Ephraim YVoods, 1st Lieut. Joseph
Hyde, 2d Lieut. D. Hagadorn.
Company I. — Capt. E. P. Jones, 1st Lieut. A. Bu-
chanan, Jr., 2d Lieut. E. Fink.
Company K. — Capt. J. V. YV. Vandenburgh, 1st Lieut.
Charles A. Pickett, 2d Lieut. McG. Steele.
On the 18th of September, 1SIJ2, this regiment was sur-
rendered by Col. Miles, at Harper's Ferry, to the Con-
federate Army, but was paroled. The winter of 1SG2-
63 was spent in camp at Chicago ; in the spring, how-
ever, the regiment again took the field, taking part in
the battle of Chancellorsville; then followed Lee, until it
confronted the enemy's forces at Gettysburg. In the
memorable conflict of that three days' battle, the regiment
fought heroically and lost many of its brave men. In the
Mine Run campaign it took a conspicuous part. In the
successive battles, begun at the YVilderness and ending at
Burkesville Station, the regiment reaped many honors for
its effectiveness and heroism. The regiment took part in
fighting twenty-one battles. At the close of its service, it
was welcomed home with an enthusiastic ovation. Having
arrived by boat at Albany, the regiment marched from
there to Troy, reaching the city in the afternoon of July
8, 1805, with two hundred and fourteen men and twenty
officers. The reception ceremonies took place in Wash-
ington Square, which were opened with prayer by the Rev.
George C. Baldwin, D.D., followed by an address of wel-
come by the Hon. John A. Griswold. Col. Hyde re-
in the absence of a fuller account promised, but which failed to
come to hand in time For publication, the above synopsis of the record
of this gallant regiment has been prepared.
sponded, after which the regiment was escorted to Harmony
Ball, where a collation was spread and was partaken of by
the 1 e,| veterans.
The returning officers were Col Joseph Hyde Maj. W.
II. II. Brainard, Adjt. James II. Batch, Surg. W. S.
Cooper, M.D, A.ssist.-Surg. Washington Akin. Mil,
Chap. Ezra D. Simons, Quarterns ter '''<" ;i W Jen
kins.
None missioned staff, Sergt.-Maj. M. V. I!. Mattison,
Quartermaster-Sergt. William C. Lincoln, Com.-Scrgt. Jo-
siah Green, Hosp. Steward W. I>. Durkin, Leaders of
Musicians, George L. Wallace ami R. G. Padley.
Company .1. — Lieut. II. M. Clum, Sergts. Samuel Rus-
sell, C. H. Maine, C. E. Agan.
Company B. — Capt. E. C. Jackson, 2d Lieut. W. II.
Evans, Sergts. Thomas N ting, W. YVeaver, A. Feathers,
S. S. Ripley.
Company C. — 1st Lieut. Francis Clarkson, Sergts.
Chauneey Frear, D. C. Hoover, A. l'ayden.
Company D. — Capt. W . II. Babeock, Sergt. James
Thompson.
Company E. — Capt. James L. Tilley, 1st Lieut. Charles
E. Sweet, Sergts. J. S. Harris, II. Bills, II. C. Simmons.
Company F. — Capt. William Ilalon, Sergts. H. Her-
ring, II. Bennett.
Company G. — Sergts. YYr. Schemmcrhorn, B. H. Peck-
ham, John Hammond.
Company //.—Capt. G. YV. Pettit, Sergt. II. Howkirk.
Company I. — 1st Lieut. Charles Bates, 2d Lieut. John
Kuester, Sergts. YV. Neylon, G. Pease, J. Nixon.
('ompany K. — 1st Lieut. E. L. Shaw, 2d Lieut. Robert
E. Myers, Sergt. Frank Kraus.
III.— THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-NINTH
N. Y. VOLS.t
The history of the 169th Regiment of Infantry, New
York State Volunteers, is that of a regiment distinguished
for qualities which never become public fame, but which,
nevertheless, are most effective iu accomplishing results.
Its commanding officers were remarkable for that unfailing
obedience to orders which characterizes the trained and dis-
ciplined soldier, and under all circumstances they and the
regiment were found steadfast to duty. How well that
duty was performed can only be outlined in this brief record
of events in which the command participated. It did its
full share of hard work and bard fighting, and could truly
say, in the words of St. Paul, that it had been "in journev-
ings often, iu perils of waters, ... in perils by mine own
countrymen, ... in perils of the sea, iu weariness and
painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, . . .
in cold and nakedness." Its casualty record shows how
faithfully it served. It had soldiers who went down to
their graves with all the fortitude of Christian martyrs, and
who met death with an awful majesty which impresses its
witness with its thrill of power, eveu though many long
years have passed since he beheld it. Brave, gallant, and
true were they who were left behind on the field. Of the
nine hundred and fifteen men enlisted and on the rolls at
the first muster, less than one hundred and twenty returned
f Prepared by Col. Colvin.
92
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
home with the regiment ;it the close of its term of service.
Tin' ranks were tilled up several ti s, nnd yel these acces-
sions were quickly disposed of by the events of war. To
illustrate this ii is enough to mention thai in ■ fight the
regiment lost one hundred nnd three officers and men, or
fourth of its effective force reported present for duty on
the day of the battle ; on another occasion seventy-four of
one hundred and fifty men taken into action; and in one
month, the brief period of thirty days beginning with June
1. 1864, there were three hundred and sixty-four men and
officers of the 169th Regiment killed or wounded.
ORGANIZATION.
I69tli Regiment was the child of chance. One of
those fortuitous events which lead to unexpected results
brought about is- formation in Rensselaer County. Its
nucli is, \ Company, or the First Company," was recruited
by Capt. James A. Colvin, 1st Lieut. Jerome 11. Parmenter,
and 2d Lieut. Bernard N. Smith, for the 125th Regiment,
and as there were eleven companies, the war committee in
making assignments did not give it a position. Col. Wil-
lard. commanding t lie 125th, having announced his inten-
tion of breaking up the company and using the men for the
purpose of equalizing his own companies, an order was se-
cured from the adjutant-general of the State directing the
muster of the company into service, and giving its officers
their rank. It was thus left unattached, becoming finally
the - nior company in the 169th.
Thus rendered supernumerary, the company remained
in barracks at Batestown, near Troy, its official existence
dating from Aug. 21, 1862. Recruiting had not been dis-
continued, much enthusiasm prevailed, and the war com-
mittee of Rensselaer County determined to organize another
ment. On Aug. 29, L862, the field and some of the
staff-officers of the new regiment were designated, and on
■ 1-t Lieut.-Col. John McConihe assumed command
..f the rendezvous, which had been vacated on the day pre-
.- by the 125th Regiment. 1st Lieut. William E. Kis-
l r— 1 1 entered at once upon his duties as adjutant, and
M J .I, Knowlson took the position of surgeon. By
- • ■ ml., r 20th the remaining nine companies had com-
pleted their organiz ition, Clarence Buel assuming command
I, and Alonzo Alden taking the position of major.
three field-offi ervice, Col. Buel having
.•n, d his rank of captain in the Harris Light Cavalry to
t:,k.- tie w regiment I. I Mc
promoted from captain in the 1st Nebraska
V,: -, 1 Mnj. Alden from Is) lieutenant and adju-
■ in the 30th New Fork Volunto i I captain of
t|,, mpany had also served as a private in the
•j;,ih i: Militia, under the first
call f.r troops in 1861. The senior first lieutenant ■
ible officer, who, although not having been in the
an,, rent, and thorough in learning his
new profession. The senior second lieutenant had served as
private in the ttth New Yi - Volunteers, and had
., grounded • 1 1 ' Hon during the mentor-
s' fight All of the other offii
l.t Lieut G G new to the Bervicc.
Xh. • men having been recruited by
September 20th, as stated, the companies received their
designation by letter. The next thing to be accomplished
was the mustering of the regiment into the United States
Bervice. On Sept. 25, 1SG2, Companies A and E were
mustered in by Capt. Hagcr, U. S. A. The difficulty of
keeping the men together prevented the mustering of the
other companies. It was hard to enforce strict discipline,
and too strong a pressure on the new recruits was likely to
result in depleting the ranks of men who, although willing
to serve, bad not as yet acquired a perfect sense of their
position as soldiers, and were ready to assert their inde-
pendence. It was accordingly determined to order the
regiment to New York, where, it was thought, the allure-
ments of home and the fears and pleadings of friends might
be less effective.
THE ROUTE.
On the evening of Sept. 25, 1S62, the IGOth Regiment
took up the route and made its first movement towards the
scene of war. Taking the cars at Batestown, it reached
New York early on the ensuing day, and went into
quarters at the Park barracks. Notwithstanding the most
strenuous exertions of the officers, the men took the freedom
of the city, and it was decided to seek a " change of base."
After three days' delay, and by order of Brig.-Gen. Van
Veehten, who had made every effort to befriend the regi-
ment, marching orders were published on the evening of
September 2Sth, the objective point being New Dorp, on
Slaten Island, where the regiment was to go into barracks
and complete its muster-in. Landing on Staten Island,
the regiment marched seven miles to its camp, where it
remained for sixteen days, during which time the ranks
filled up, the men who had been absent from their com-
panies returning by squads to the command. The com-
panies not previously mustered were mustered into the
United States service on October Gth, the following being
the officers' roster of the regiment after the organization
had been perfected :
Col. Clarence Buel (captain II. L. Cavalry Aug. 14,
1861); commissioned Oct. 11, 18G2; mustered Oct. 8,
1862.
Lieut.-Col. John McConihe (captain 1st Nebraska Vol-
i is June 30, 1861); commissioned Sept. 17, 1862;
mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Maj. Alonzo Alden (2d lieutenant dune 1. 1861, and
1st lieutenant and adjutant May 28, 1862, 30th Regiment
New Jfork Volunteers); commissioned Sept. 2o, 1862;
mustered < let. 6, 1862.
Adjt. Wm. E. Kisselburgh ; commissioned Sept, 1, 1862 j
mustered Sept. 1 . 1 862.
Quartermaster Sidney N.Kinney; commissioned Sept.
1. 1862; mustered Sept. 2, 1862.
John Kimwlsiui : commissioned Sept. 3, l^il'J;
mustered Si pt •'.. 1 862.
3urg. .los. T. Skinner; commissioned Sept.
1- L862; mustered Sept. [9, 1862.
i Assist Surg. Porter L, I' Reynolds; commis-
sioned Sept. 22, 1862; mustered Sept 22, 1862.
Chaplain Joel W. Baton; commissioned Sept. 23, 1862;
mustered Oct 6, 1-
RKNKSHLAER COUNTY IN TIIK GKKAT UKBKLLION OK 1861.
93
Cnpt. James A. Colvin, A ; commissioned Aug. 21, 1S62 ;
mustered Sept. 25, 1862.
First Lieut. Jerome B. Parmenter, A; commissioned
Aug. 21, 1862; mustered Sept. 25, 1862.
Second Lieut. Bernard N. Smith, A ; commissioned Aug.
21, 1862; mustered Sept. '_'.">, l>»i-.
Capt. Natlianiol Wood, I? ; commissioned Sept. 13, 1**12 ;
mustered Oct. (1, 1862.
First Lieut. David P. Benson, B ; commissioned Sept.
13, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Second Lieut. Michael Holmes, B; commissioned Sept.
13, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1S62.
Capt. Joseph H. Allen, C; commissioned Sept. 16, 1862.
mustered Oct. (i, 1862.
First Lieut. Frank \V. Tarbell, C; commissioned Sept.
16, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1S62.
Second Lieut. Chas. E. Morey, C ; commissioned Sept.
16, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
('apt. Warren B. Coleman, D; commissioned Sept. 17,
1862; mustered Oct, 6, 1862.
First Lieut. Robert O'Connor, D; commissioned Sept.
17, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Second Lieut, John II. Hughes, D; commissioned Sept.
17, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Capt. L M. Wright, E; commissioned Sept. 17, 1862;
mustered Sept, 25, 1S62.
First Lieut, John F. Croft, E; commissioned Sept. 17,.
1862 ; mustered Sept. 25, 1862.
Second Lieut. Chas. H. Palmer, E ; commissioned Sept.
17, 1862; mustered Sept. 25, 1862.
Capt. Augustus D. Vaughn, F; commissioned Oct. 11,
1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
First Lieut. James F. Thompson, F ; commissioned Sept.
25, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Second Lieut. Thomas D. Jellico, F ; commissioned Sept.
23, 1862 ; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Capt. John T. MeCoun, G; commissioned Sept. 20,
1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
First Lieut, George II. Gager, G; commissioned Sept.
20, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Second Lieut. Thomas B. Eaton, G ; commissioned Sept.
20, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Capt. Wm. H. Wiekes, H ; commissioned Sept. 20,
1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
First Lieut. Wm. S. Hartshorn, H ; commissioned Sept.
20, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Second Lieut. Win. II. Lyon, H; commissioned Sept.
20, 1S62; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Capt, Michael Murnane, I ; commissioned Sept. 20, 1862 ;
mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
First Lieut. Spencer W. Snyder, I; commissioned Sept.
20, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Second Lieut, Patrick Connors, I ; commissioned Sept.
20, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
Capt. Daniel Ferguson, K ; commissioned Sept. 20,
1862; mustered Oct, 6, 1862.
First Lieut. Daniel J. Carey, K ; commissioned Sept. 20,
1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1S62.
Second Lieut. Edwin R. Smith, K ; commissioned Sept.
20, 1862; mustered Oct. 6, 1862.
On Oct. 15, 1862, the 169th Regiment, Cully organized,
and armed with Vincennes rides, started for Washington,
reaching the capital on the afternoon of October 18th. It
was quartered at the Soldiers' Rest, adjoining the depot of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On the succeeding day,
October 19th, the regiment moved up through Washington
and Georgetown to the chain-bridge, crossing over the Po-
tomac River into Virginia and going into bivouac near Port
Lilian Allen. Four days later the regiment moved hack
nearer to chain-bridge, and then went into camp. This, its
first experience in regular camp, was preliminary to settling
down to all the duties of military life. The camp was called
" Abercrombie," in recognition of the general commanding
the post and division. Col. Buel, a thorough disciplinarian
and soldier, at once enforced that discipline and initiated
that system of drill which is so necessary for the perfection
of a soldier.
THE LESSONS OF THE CAMP.
Having now reached a position where the strict routine
of soldier-life became imperative, the 169th Regiment went
through a regular course of company and battalion drills,
guard-mounting, camp and picket duty, parades, reviews,
etc. The officers were kept hard at work improving the
efficiency of the command, and it was not long ere the regi-
ment began to show the salutary effect, from a military
point of view, of the drill and discipline it was subjected
to. It was not all easy work, however, and there were fre-
quent opportunities for curbing the fractious spirit of men
hitherto unaccustomed to restraint. But improvement
came with each succeeding day, and in time the principle
of subordination and strict obedience to command became
well understood and acted upon. Perhaps this lesson was
more quickly impressed by the vigor and determination of
the officer to whom was committed the task of trying cases
and awarding punishment for infraction of duty. This
officer was Major Alden, who, in compliance with orders
from the Secretary of War, was appointed by the colonel
as regimental referee, with jurisdiction co-extensive with
that of a regimental court-martial. The referee's court su-
perseded the regimental court-martial, by virtue of section
7, act of Congress, approved July 17, 1862. The major,
having already seen sixteen months' service in the 30th
Regiment New York Volunteers, was familiar with all the
details of discipline, and earnestly and vigorously set him-
self at work to administer proper punishment to all offenders
against military law. This involved a stern exercise of au-
thority, which was exact in its dealings with offenders, and
brought down on the major the denunciation of all who
had occasion to appear before him for trial, their partisans
uniting with them in their promises of what would be done
to " get square" should the opportunity arise. These
threatenings never took effect, however, and in later days,
and under the trying circumstances of active field-life,
turned into acquiescence in the decisions of one whose
bearing commanded the respect of all who served with and
under him.
In November, 1862, Lieut. -Col. John MeConihe was
obliged to avail himself of a leave of absence in conse-
quence of the breaking out afresh of an old wound received
94
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
;it Shiloh. About the same time Maj. Alden was detailed
G ii- Abercrombie as a member of n general
court-martial for the iri.il of Ool. Doubleday, of the lib
Boavy Artillery. After this court had been in session about
three weeks another curt was convened witli Col. Clarence
Buel as president, the old court having been dissolved.
Maj. Alden assumed command of the regiment. At this
time the officers of the regiment organized the regimental
band, which afterwards became such a feature in enhancing
the efficiency of the regiment. This band was made up by
ils from the several companies, the officers purchasing
the necessary instruments. In (lie latter part of December
Gen. Abercrombie assumed command of the district, and
moved his headquarters to Arlington House. Col. Buel
relieved IV the "court and t""k command of the bri-
gadt i of the 118th, 152d, and 169th New York
Volo ["hereupon Adj. Kisselburgh was assigned to
!f. and Lieut. Jerome 1>. Parmenter was assigned
tn the duties of adjutant By a contribution among the
officers an extensive supp r of chickens and oysters was
prepared fur the regiment on Christmas-day, and various
sports were inaugurated, which caused the day to be spent
very pleasantly. Col. Buel prepared an excellent dinner
fur tlio officers "f tin- regiment. Miij.-Gcn. James A. Gar-
field the gn ats. Thus the time passed off pleas-
antly and quietly, nothing doing but the usual jiicket and
fatigue duty and camp duties. Just before the close of the
year the regiment was re armed, the Springfield rifle taking
tin- place of tin- heavy and cumbersome Vinccnucs rifle.
ON DUTY IN WASHINGTON.
Feb. 12, 1863, tlif brigade commanded by Col. Buel
w.i- broken up. the 169th Elcgimenl being detached ami
ordered t" Washington, where it reported t" Gen. Martin-
dale, military governor, fur "provost-guard duty," ami en-
camped for a brief period at " Camp Crescent," so named
it w.i- crescent-shaped. By direction of Gen.
Martindale excellent barracks wit.' constructed mar "Tin'
Circle," between Washington ami Q ■getowu, which, in
honor of tin- general, were called Martindale Barracks.
Int. i tin-.' tin- 169th moved about March 1. I 363 About
this time I.iiiit.-t'iil. McConihc rcjoi 1 the regi nt, and
Col. Buel wa- put mi a military commission at tin. Old
■••I prison, with ('apt. Jerome I!. Parmenter as judge
advo - on after the regiment reported in Washington
1 t.i tin- command of the I'i
n, ami continued his command until tin. regi-
ment l'ft tin1 district for more perilous duties. Tin- 169th
for itself Bomo renown with the military governor
ami other officials on a nut of its propriety of conduct
and fidelity in tin' discharge of duty, ami when the Bicse
Liongstreet madi v fur
tin- Secretary of ^ I 'In- 169th, with other troops,
M utindale m
ryof War t.. have the 1 69th New Ynrk Vol-
uoti a in Washington. While in Washington,
. ]•■ in ill'' appi on f
tin uniform being made '•• conform with
that of the regular army. In this uniform, with glittering
- ami win- the men bore themselves
proudly, and paid great attention to their duty. The effect
wis <ho\vn in the details from the regiment for guards to
the public offices, Company A supplying the regular guard
at the Treasury Department, Gen. Halleck's headquarters,
and nt her prominent positions, from which the captain
commanding the company found extreme difficulty in
relieving his men when the time came for the regiment to
enter the field. The exigencies of the service seemed to
require that the regiment should be sent to the front, and,
despite th ■ effort to detain it in Washington, it departed
for Suffolk, Va., on April 15, 1SG3. Henceforth the work
-I' the 169th was to be done in the field, in the trenches,
and upon the march, in the midst of all the trials and
vicissitudes of war and the sorrows of battle.
SI FFOLK AND THE BLACKWATER.
Arriving at Suffolk, Col. Buel reported to Maj. -Gen.
Peck, by whom the regiment was assigned to the brigade
commanded by Col. Robert S. Foster, of the 13th Indiana
Regiment, who was soon after commissioned as brigadier-
general. This brigade was included in the division com-
manded by Brig.-Gen. Michael Corcoran.
On April 24th, Gen. Corcoran was assigned to the duty!
of feeling the position of the enemy on the Edenton mail.
and ascertaining their strength. About three thousafl
troops, infantry and artillery, followed the Edenton roai
all. ml live miles from the breastworks, and found the enem
in considerable force and strongly intrenched. The artiller
opened, hut with no other effect than to draw the enemy':
lire, and, with the aid of a little musketry, forced thi
cnemv's skirmishers behind their strung breastworks.
Four companies of the 169th, under command of Lieut.
Col. John McConihe, supported three pieces of Foiled
Battery mi the right of the road, ami six companies undo
command of Maj. Alden. supported the other three pi©
on the left of the road, both Supports being under the go
oral supervision of Col. Buel. Alter c siderablc cannon1
ading it was found necessary to pass up through the wooi
intervening to a position in sight of the enemy's intrencl
ments. The three pieces of artillery with Maj. Alden's
command were ordered to take that position, which was
.lulu' under a heavy artillery fire from the enemy. Col.
Buel accompanied Maj. Alden, but had no sooner reaches
the place designated than he was severely wounded in the
hand and left the field. Col. Bucl's conduct was ehar.ie-
terized by remarkable coolness and indifference to danger,
and he proved himself t" he a brave officer. The position
was maintained for about one hour, when the battery and
it- infantry support withdrew in th.' position of the other
forces. Maj. Alden's command Inst one killed an. I -i v-
eral wounded, the major himself having been wounded mi
th.- left thigh by a shell, and having his horse shot throng!
the nccl bj a fragment of shell. Tims terminated the lirst
iiieiit of the 169th with the enemy, and its condufl
mi the occasion was highly complimented in general orders
from the brigade commander. Col. Buel was so si
wounded that he went to his home in Troy and did not
return to the regiment under three months. Maj. Alden
made the following report to the regimental commander of
the pari taken by his command :
KENSSELAKK COUNTY IN THE GREAT REBELLION OF 1861.
95
"It is with pleasure and pride thai I am able to bear
record of the bravery and gallantry thai characterized the
conduct uf both nhVcrs and men under my command
while facing the continuous and unabating shower of shell,
erape, and canister from the well directed fire of the enemy.
Every order was cheerfully and promptly obeyed, however
imminent the danger iuvoh ed
Thr following congratulatory order was received from the
brigade commander, Col. J. C. Drake, 112th New STork
Volunteers :
I" II i: tin., i tin i i:s 2d Provisional Brigade,
"Suffolk, V v., April 25, L863.
rial Order.
" The colonel commanding the 2d Provisional Brigade desires to
present lii- thanks to the lO'Jth [leginicnt New York Volunteers for
their good behavior in the action ol yestorday, and lii^ sympathy to
those who attained injuries. By - imaud of
"J. C. Drake,
'■ i !ol. Commanding LM ' Prov, Brigade.1 "
On the 3d of May an attempt was made to penetrate and
break the enemy's lines on the Providence Church road.
Alter severe fighting the enemy evacuated their entire
works, raised the siege of Suffolk, and commenced a retreat
towards Petersburg and Blackwater River. During the
night of the 3d the 169th guarded the bridge over the
Nansemond River. Early on the morning of the 4th,
infantry and cavalry pursued the retreating enemy and cap-
tured many stragglers. Frequently, after the siege was
raised, the llJDth joined in expeditions to the Blackwater,
where the enemy had made a lodgment and tore up about
thirty miles of railroad track. During these forays there
were frequent collisions with the enemy, and Zuni and the
Blackwater Ford were added to the list of engagements in
which the regiment participated.
THE BLACKBERRY RAID.
The enemy having retired from Suffolk, it became neces-
sary to send the troops to some other point, and accordingly
the 169th with other regiments was transferred to a com-
mand where it was supposed it would do the most good.
Gen. Lee at this time was making his memorable march
into Pennsylvania, which culminated with the battle of
Gettysburg. The troops available from Suffolk and other
points within easy reach of Fortress Monroe were gathered
under Gen. Dix, then commanding that department, and
sent to operate on Lee's communications with Richmond.
On June 27, 1SG3, an expedition was started under com-
mand of Gen. Getty towards Hanover Junction. This
force, including the 169th Regiment, went on transports
to ^ hitehouse Landing, on the Pamunkey River, and
marching thence by way of King William Court-House,
reached Hanover Court-House on the afternoon of July
4th. The march was rapid, and uuder a glowing sun,
told severely upon the men. The troops hurried on to the
South Anna River and attempted the destruction of the
bridge at that point. The force was too small and the
enemy were too strongly intrenched to permit of anything
more than a demonstration, and no assault was made ex-
cept on the smoke-houses along the road. The most
menu nable incidents on the night of July 4th, within the
recollection of the writer, were the capture of a ham and
a Bleep of brief duration in a mod puddle, — the nighl being
rainy, — wiib slumbers disturbed by the occasional explo-
sion of shells, with which the enemy were trying the |
linn as well as tempers of the tired and hungry soldiers,
who, as it appeared, bad only marched up there to march
down again. The regiment withdrew that night, falling
back to Taylor's Farm, where ii rested. The march was
finally taken up down the Peninsula, the regiment leaving
Whitehouse, whither it bad returned to awail transporta-
tion, to "hoof it" down towards Fortress Monroe, in the
midst of a storm which swelled the streams, and compelled
the men to wade at some points up tn their hips in water.
carrying their amis and ammunition above their beads.
This march was very severe. It took the regiment through
the Chiekahominy swamps, over corduroy-roads built by
Gen. McClellan the year previous, and through all sorts
of fatiguing discomforts. But this expedition bail a frown-
ing glory from which it derived a name. The Peninsula,
and indeed the whole country through which the troops
passed, was grown up with blackberry-vines, on which the
luscious fruit hung in such profusion that it more than
taxed the powers of the soldiers to gather it. It levied it~
tribute also, and put an injunction upon the bowels of the
men, so that the medical staff was spared an immense quan-
tity of opium and other saving medicaments, the event
causing general remark. The concurrent voice gave to
this expedition, therefore, the name of the " Blackberry
Raid," and well it deserved its name. We came, we saw,
we conquered, and were overcome in turn by one of the
simplest dispensations of nature. The conclusion of this
expedition brought the lO'Jth Regiment to Bowers' Hill,
near Portsmouth, Va., on July 14, 1S63. Here the regi-
ment did picket duty towards Suffolk, which had been
occupied by the enemy. Tbe troops were reviewed while
at Bowers' Hill by Maj.-Gen. John G. Foster, and then, as
was always to be expected after a special review, something
" turned up."
IN FRONT OP CHARLESTON.
Experience verified expectation, and on July 27, 1863,
the regiment was ordered to Portsmouth, Va., whence it
was to embark for Folly Island, South Carolina. This
island is one of those fringing the South Carolina coast,
and lies next south to Morris Island, which is the first
piece of land or sand-strip southerly and on the left of the
entrance to Charleston harbor. These two islands are
separated by a narrow inlet. The regiment remained at
Portsmouth quartered at the court-house until August 2d,
when it went on board of the propeller " Nelly Pcntz."
This was the first experience of the regiment at sea. and it
was discomforting in every sense. The vessel was destined
for Stono Inlet, by which it was to proceed up the Folly
River, as the narrow strip of water intervening between
the island and tbe adjacent country was called. The
weather became unpropitious, a storm arising in time to
make serious trouble in reaching the destination. Dark-
ness came on and the entrance to the river had not been
found. The captain of the vessel became excited and
Seemed to have lost bis head. The situation was serious
i tgh, and tbe uncertainty was not relieved wdien the
captain of the boat rushed along the deck saying. " I
9U
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
would not give a penny for our lives!" Some of the pas-
sengers began to make ready to swim, while others pre-
pared to drown; but all suggestions of this character were
lost sight of when the vessel reached Stono Inlet, and,
guided by the light of a flaming bonfire on the shore,
rounded the point of Folly Island and passed safely into
the river. This was on the evening of August 5th, and
mi the succeeding day the steamer went up to Pawnee
Landing, where the regiment disembarked, and marched
across the narrow island to the sea, and thence, under
orders from Brig.-G-.sn. Israel Vogdes, it went two miles
down the beach to where the remainder of Poster's brigade
w i- encamped. For six mouths the regiment kept this
Bl ition. Its camp w.is laid out just in rear of a sand-bluff,
against which the waters of the Atlantic beat at their
highest tide. The routine of duty was, of course, that
incident to the soldier's life, diversified, however, by excur-
sions every day to Morris Island, where the regiment sent
details for duty in the parallels and took part in the siege
operations against Charleston and Fort Wagner. There
was a good deal of sameness in this experience. Regular
picket duty was done along the inner shore of Folly Island.
The holding of the works, which were nightly pushed for-
ward towards the grand objective point of Charleston, was
not an enviable position, for when thus engaged the regi-
ment was under constant fire. The shells from Forts
John-. .n and Sumter, and the ': whisking" shots from Fort
Wagner, required that the men should be constantly alert
to avoid danger. Sharpshooting by day and mortar and
heavy-gun practice by uight kept all sharply alive to the
peril- (hat brset them. Yet they soon got accustomed to
tin- sound, and laid on their arms and slept while their
pickets kept watch against sudden attack. " Johnson,
rl" or "Sumter, cover!" were damnable reiterations in
the ears of the regiment in those clays. They meant that
a shell had been seen to rise from one or the other of the
rebel forts, and that it behooved the men to care for their
v by seeking the bomb-proofs or some other position
where thy were likely to be remote from danger. The
cry at these times was given by the lookouts designated to
ii for mortar-shells as they soared skyward before com-
ing down with a rush and explosion. The difference iu
the signals arose from the fact that Sumter being mar the
oi of the troops, and Johnson more remote, it became
:i in it r - -r of celerity to escape the .-hots from Sumter, while
those from .1 ihnson might be more leisurely avoided.
The 1 69th formed a part of the force ordered up to take
advantage of any chance (bran active forward movement
on the day that the batteries on Morris Island and the
iron-clads stationed at the entrance to Charleston harbor
levelled I loir o'in* on Fort Sumter. The ion was re-
duoed to ■ crumbling ma-- of ruin-, hut no attempt was
made to cross the intervening stretch of water and assault
it. On this occasion, Maj. Alden and Capt, Colvin came
near L'":tii>L' iuto Berious trouble for their first and only
infraiti f orders during their connection with the regi-
ment B th ol 'i> officers had been for court
martial duty, hut on learning that th-' regiment was i" share
in the movement against Sumter they neglected their detail
and wont with thoir command. ,\- [uence, the
court was prevented from sitting, and a reprimand from
Gen. Vogdes followed. They were threatened with court-
martial themselves if they persisted iu absenting themselves
from the court, even if their regiment was to go into action ;
but, under the circumstances, the general condoned their
fault. The details of Maj. -Gen. Gillmore's operations at
this point, with the capture of Fort Wagner and the whole
of Morris Island, are too well known to warrant repetition.
The regiment shared in all the labor which brought about
the reduction of Fort Wagner, occupying the trenches
close up to and in front of the fort on the night preceding
the morning of its evacuation and capture.
In the early days of the regiment's stay on Folly Island,
Col. Buel returned to the command, having recovered from
his wound. In all of the operations from April 24th to
this time Lieut.-Col. McConihe commanded the regiment.
Maj. Alden had been assigned to command the station at
Pawnee Landing, with its fortifications, and Adj. W. E.
Kisselburgh was detailed as aid-de-camp on the staff of
Gen. Vogdes, by whom his personal qualities and ability
were highly esteemed. This position Lieut. Kisselburgh
retained until he left the service in March, 1SG5, when he
accepted a position, with the rank of major, in the Quarter-
master's Department of the State of New York.
In November, 1S63, Col. Buel was taken sick with
fever and returned to his home at Troy, resigning his com-
mission on Feb. 13, 1S64.
The mortality from disease among the troops in front of
Charleston was very great, the 169th losing less man per-
haps than any other regiment. This was due to the care
and skill of its medical staff, Surg. Knowlson devoting
his best efforts to the physical welfare of the command with
a fidelity which distinguished him during his entire period
of service. The casualties for six months, during which
the regiment was engaged in the siege of Charleston, were
comparatively small, only a few men being killed or wounded.
On Dec. 20, 18G3, Lieut.-Col. McConihe went north
with a recruiting detail, and Maj. Alden was relieved from
his post at Pawnee Landing to take charge of the regi-
ment. The monotonous routine of siege duty continued
until Feb. S, 1864, when the 169th was included in a
force sent to make a demonstration towards the flank and
rear of the defenses of Charleston. This movement was
intended as a diversion to co-operale with Gen. Truman
Seymour's expedition to Florida. The regiment was crossed
over to Scabright Island, and thence forded the EdistO
River to John's Island. A demonstration was made at
Rantoul Bridge after some preliminary skirmishing, and
with this brief ongagement a diversion was mad" of suffi-
cient importance to retain and hold in check a rebel force
which would otherwise have been sent to oppose Gen. Sey-
mour's movements. The defeat at Olustec sent Gen. Sey*
mour back to Jacksonville, on the St. John's lliver, where
he fortified and called lor reinforcements.
ORDERED TO FLORIDA.
In response to this d itnan 1 troops were Bent forward.
The 169th was included, and started in light marching
order, leaving tents and baggage behind. On February
23d the regiment took a transport, which carried it down
RENSSELAER COUNTY IN THE GREAT KEBELLION OF 1861
97
tlie coa3t and up the St. John's River to Jacksonville,
where it arrived on February 24th. This city showed
proofs of the devastating influences of war, many of the
buildings having been burned down. The regiment formed
line of battle on the verge of the town, and, with other
troops, constructed extensive earthworks. Upon the com-
pletion of these the regiment was shifted across a creek
emptying into the St. John's below the town, and went
into camp in a grove of oaks, — a deserted planter's house
making excellent regimental headquarters. The location
was delightful, overlooking the beautiful St. John's River.
These were the brief halcyon days of the regiment. It
had never had a better selection of ground for an encamp-
ment. The picket-line, distant less than two miles, was
easily reached, and the luxuriant vegetation and balmy
weather of the Southern midwinter excited a feeling of
contentment and repose quite novel to the soldiers. Tactics
were taken up theoretically and practically, and the pomp
of war was put on with all the fullness required by the
regulations compatible with the equipment of the com-
mand. Frequent expeditions were made upon the river.
The orange-groves, loaded with fruit and blossoms, enhanced
the luxury of the hour. But this was short-lived. The
enemy were known to be somewhere within reach, and an
effort, was to be made to meet them. A force was there-
fore sent out, the l(19th being called upon to take a hand
in the movement. On April 1st the rebels were met on
the King's road, about two miles out from Jacksonville.
The skirmishing began, and, after some short, sharp work,
it was decided not to attempt an uncertain battle, as the
enemy were intrenched on the other side of Cedar Creek,
where the depth of water and the overflowed land prevented
operations with any hope of success. The troops returned
to Jacksonville. On April 11 th, Lieut. -Col. McConihe re-
joined the command with a number of recruits. He also
brought his own commission as colonel, and the commissions
as lieutenant-colonel and major of Maj. Alden and Capt.
James A. Colvin respectively. Under these commissions,
on April 12th, these officers were mustered in, the field-
roster then comprising the names of Col. John McConihe,
Lieut.-Col. Alonzo Alden, and Maj. James A. Colvin. It
was found necessary at this time to re-equip the regiment
with tents, knapsacks, clothing, etc., as the steamer " Maple-
Leaf," which had been used for transporting the stores left
behind on Folly Island, was blown up by a torpedo on the
St. John's River, and sank to the bottom, carrying down
all of the baggage and stores. Another change in the
position of the regiment was then to come.
BACK TO OLD VIRGINIA.
The regiment left Jacksonville for Fortress Monroe, Va.,
April 2(1, 1SG4, reaching Hilton Head, S. O, on the 22d.
It was there paid off, and then proceeded to Fortress Mon-
roe, arriving on the 26th. At this point Lieut.-Col. Alden
went home on a twenty days' leave of absence. The regi-
ment received orders to proceed to Gloucester Point and
there disembark, which was accomplished on the evening
of the same day. Gen. Butler was in command of all the
forces, and Gens. Vogdes and Foster were under him. On
the first day of May, 1864, all the troops at this point were
13
reviewed by Gen. Butler, and orders were issued to com-
mence drills, — company, battalion, and skirmish. On May
•lth some of the troops proceeded on transports to \Y. i
Point, to divert the attention of tin: enemy from another
movement. In the mean time most of the troops, including
the 169th Regiment, went down the York River, up the
James River, and quickly and quietly disembarked at Ber-
muda Hundred, and proceeded immediately about seven
miles towards Petersburg, to a point known as Foster's
Plantation, where they constructed rifle pits. Other works
were added in the course of operations at this point until a
strongly-fortified line was established. A scries of move-
ments towards and upon the rebel lines of communication
between Richmond and Petersburg was then initiated, the
fortified position mentioned forming the base from which
they were conducted. On May 7th the troops moved out
upon a road parallel with the Richmond and Petersburg
turnpike, and towards the railway and near to what was
called Walthall Junction. Tiie enemy was found to be
quite strongly posted, and the movement turned out to be
more of a reconnoissance in force, preparing the way to sub-
sequent encounters. Considerable loss ensued to both sides,
as a briskly-conducted fight was the outcome of this move-
ment. The lG9th lost a few men in this action. The troops
then returned to Hatcher's Run. On May 8th Lieut.-Col.
Alden returned to the regiment, his leave having only half
expired. Early on the morning of May 10th the lG9th
marched out to near Chester Station, on the railway between
Richmond and Petersburg, forming line of battle on each
side of the Richmond and Petersburg turnpike facing to-
wards Richmond, and supporting two pieces of the 1st New
Jersey Battery which were stationed on the turnpike-road.
The regiment, with some other troops, was temporarily
brigaded under the command of Col. Voorhes, of the 67th
Ohio, and the position thus taken was on the right flank of
Gen. Gillmore's main force, which was working down towards
Petersburg tearing up and destroying the railway and cut-
ting this line of communication between Richmond and
Petersburg. The 13th Indiana was to the left of the
169th, holding a country road running parallel to the turn-
pike, and supporting a section of Elder's regular batter}-.
The ground intervening between the two roads was well
wooded, and the connection between the regiments was
broken by dense masses of underbrush and young timber.
These troops were to guard against any surprise or sudden
advance of the enemy from Richmond.
This movement, not unexpected, therefore, soon began.
The rebels massed in front and began manoeuvring to turn the
position. Brisk firing ensued between the batteries men-
tioned and the rebel guns. A stubborn contest on the skir-
mish-line soon satisfied the Confederates that things were not
so easy as they had expected. They formed their line of battle,
and, deploying a brigade on the right flank of the 169th,
charged for the purpose of breaking its centre and turning
its right. The regiment was greatly overmatched, and the
masses of the enemy excited remark as they came down,
the exclamation " Good God ! major, see how thick they
are !" coming from the lips of Capt. Ferguson, of K com-
pany, to Major Colvin, who held four companies of the left
wing in the woods, on the left-hand side of the turnpike.
93
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
The right wing of the regiment, under Lieut.-Col. Alden.nnd
the two remaining companies of the left wing occupied the
woods "ii the right-hand side of the road, the right wing
being posted partially in the woods and partially in open
ground jusl outside and in front of them. The attempted
flanking movement on the right \v;is mel by Lieut. Col.
Alden witb a change of front, and the enemy were repulsed
ac that point, tho engagement becoming very hot. Fresh
troops on the rebel side were thrown forward, overlapping
the right wing of the regiment, which as steadily swung
around its flank to prevent the rebels from getting in its
rear ; and ii was not until outnumbered, and when the enemy
had surrounded and captured a portion of Company A.
that the right wing slowly retired, yielding the ground
stubbornly. While the right was thus engaged the left
win.', posted on the turnpike, was having its share of the
conflict. The rebels charged in double formation, or four
deep. The steady fire of the 1 69th did not prevent their
advance, and they kept their formation splendidly and
• d forward. Major Colvin, in response to the request
of the lieutenant commanding the section of the 1st New
y Battery, stationed on the road, swung back tho right
of his tour companies, so as to permit the gun to be fired
across his front and obliquely to the turnpike. This gun
handsomely served, and was discharged twice with a
full grist of canister, piling up the rebels in front. But
the attacking force was too strong; it had already begun to
lap over the left of the regiment, and to avoid being flanked
Col. McConihe ordered the men to fall back. The artillery-
men in charge of the limber had driven furiously away,
leaving the gun on the left of the road behind. Its fellow
on the right bad been withdrawn. .Major Colvin called for
men to help run the gun off and stooped to loosen the trail-
when the bur-ting of a shell alongside and the close
proximity of the enemy warned him that there was no time,
and the gun was left to its fate. One of the capturing
■ immediately jumped upon the piece and crowed like
a' rooster. The regiment fell back a lew rods to a cross-
i. where it found reinforcements coming up. A charge
was made upon the enemy, and the gun was recaptured.
Tho rebels made a counter-charge, and the position previ-
:npied by the 169th 1 ainc debatable ground,
neither side holding it. In ibis action the regiment lost
fifty-eight men. killed, wounded, and missing. Col. Mc-
ihc, who was on the turnpike near the centre of the
mi nt, was cool 1 collected, and bad his horse shot
under him. The undergrowth caught fire during this con-
flict, anl tl who were Beverely wounded were unable to
them perishing in the flames. After-
wards a burying detail, under Bag of truce, was Bent out
from each side. Tho 169th behaved splendidly in this
nff.iir, falling back only at the lost moment, and gained
nt for its Stl idincSS and bravery. LieuL-Col. Aid. n -
skillful handling of the right wing Baved tho gn iter part
of ilie regiment from capture.
On Ma) 1 lib the 169th, with other troops, numbering
about two thousand, under command of Bi
was the left flank of the army then operating
Dst Dairy's Bluff, on th River. On this i
it the oth of the Ii
having been transferred from the right to the left flank.
It was stationed on the line of the railroad at and across
the Richmond and Petersburg turnpike, with pickets
thrown out on high ground overlooking the latter city,
and lacing in just the contrary direction from the position
of May 10th. On the 15th most of the troops composing
Ames' command were ordered to join the forces operating
against. Fort Darling, and only the 169th New York and
the 13th Indiana, with Sanger's regular battery of light
artillery and a regiment of colored cavalry, remained.
Maj. Colvin as division officer of the day had beeti left in
charge of the picket-line in front of the works at Foster's
Plantation, and included in his command were one hundred
men of the 169th. Late on the evening of the 15th he
was ordered to bring these men to the front, and, relieving
this detachment from the picket, they rejoined the regiment
without waiting to send the knapsacks back to the works.
From this little event arose an interesting episode in the
history of the regiment which will be given farther on.
The morning of May ICth opened with ever}' prospect of
a bright and pleasant day. An extremely dense fog over-
hung the land early in the morning, but it was of that kind
which rises to meet the sun and bears promise of something
livelier and more cheerful behind it. In this instance it
had something of a lively surprise in store. The air was
pleasant, the sun lighting up the fog ; the camp-fires sent
up their curling smoke from where the regiment lay lazily
enjoying the opening day on the slope of the hill which
rose gently from the cut through which the railroad ran;
the pickets were well out and alert, cavalry videttes being
posted on the front and flank of the forces, and everything
seemed secure. But as " things are not what they seem,"
so it proved in this ease. Just as the breakfast had been
served to the field-officers, and before they had a chance to
taste of it, a hurried rush of horses, the sharp challenge of
the picket, and an instant alarm brought every one to his
feet and the regiment quickly into line. The picket along
the railway was reinforced, and Col. McConihe was told
that the enemy bad driven in the cavalry and were close
ai hand. Sharp firing soon began, ah hough as yet the en-
emy were invisible, but as if it needed only this to start tho
tremulous mist, the curtain slowly rose to a scene of excit-
ing warfare. The rebel skirmish-line occupied one side of
the railroad, and the 169th picket, deployed, held the other,
while on the rise of ground beyond the railroad the rebel
line of battle was advancing. Sanger's Lattery, in position
on the crest to the rear of the 169th, opened fire, and was
■ quickly answered from the other side. Forced back by su-
perior numbers, the outpost retired slowly. Here Lieut.
\V. S. Birdsall, a young and promising officer, was killed.
The entire regiment was then deployed in skirmishing or-
der, and, being haul pressed, fell back, facing the enemy
and preserving its line, across a ravine and up an adjoining
sl<.pe. where ii halted. The needed reinforcements by this
time coming up, the line was advanced to rcoccupy iis for-
mer position. The rebel line was steadily driven back to
the railroad, and the camp of the morning was regained,
but the breakfast was gone, the shelter-tents were missing,
and the knapsacks belonging to the men brought up the
night before had disappeared. These knapsacks, however,
RENSSELAER COUNTY IN THE GREAT REBELLION OF L861.
99
have still another part to bear in this history. The less of
the regiment in this action was thirty-six officers and men,
killed, wounded, and missing.
The fortifications on the Bermuda Hundred front, pre-
viously referred to, had been made very strong, and ex-
tended from the James River to the Appomattox. The
position was strategic, and consequently a source of annoy-
ance and discomfort to the enemy. On May ISth an efforl
was made in the vicinity of Hatcher's Run to break the
line and dislodge the Union forces from their intrench-
ments. The picket-line was strongly attacked and forced at
one or two points, but the enemy were vigorously met, and
the artillery prevented any further advance. This attempt
was renewed on the 20th, and again on the 22d, but with-
out success, the rebels being repulsed in every attack. In
these engagements the lG9th lost twenty-seven men.
COLD HARBOR AND PETERSBURG.
Maj.-Gen. W. F. Smith, commanding the 18th Corps,
having been ordered with his command to report to Gen.
Grant, then engaged in his celebrated movement by the left
flank, was reinforced with the 3d Brigade, 2d Division, 10th
Army Corps, Col. J. C. Drake commanding. This brigade
comprised the 169th and 112th New York, the 13th In-
diana, the 9th Maine, and 4th New Hampshire Volunteers,
and was assigned to the 3d Division of the 18th Corps,
commanded by Gen. Charles Devens. Embarking on May
27th, the regiment went to West Point, whence it marched
to White House, Va., the entire division reaching there on
May 30th. On the afternoon of May 31st the troops
moved out to a point distant about ten miles from White
House, and on the morning of June 1st started to effect a
junction with Gen. Grant. They reached Cold Harbor
about five o'clock p.m. Gen. Devens' division formed line
of battle under fire on the outer edge of a piece of woods,
which skirted a road by which the troops had come into
position, and which, at the point where the 169th was
posted, ran parallel to the formation. The brief moments
before the charge was ordered gave no time for rest. The
men had been marching all day, and went into the action
fully equipped, with knapsacks slung. Between the Hue of
battle and the rebel forces was a large field or stretch of
open ground half a mile wide, on the further verge of
which was a thickly-wooded ridge or hill, sloping upwards
from the intervening plain. At the foot of this slope and
at the edge of the timber the rebel skirmish-line was posted
in small pits, and the ridge was crowned with a strong rifle-
pit, flanked and supported by the rebel batteries. The guns
enfiladed the ground over which the charge was to be made.
There was little time for thought, for soon the order came
to "forward." The 169th advanced with its division, the
long line of battle moving steadily from the woods, pre-
ceded by its skirmish-line, and the order " double-quick,
march" being given, the men started forward with a cheer
and dash. They were met with volleys of musketry in
front, with shot and shell, shrapnel and canister in their
face and from the flank. It was a trying task to cross that
field through its bell of flame and death ; but still they
pressed onward. The knapsacks became irksome, and the
men unslung them right and left, as still they charged
onward. Comrades fell last, the ranks were broken, the
dead and wounded were not few but many, and still the
charge was sustained until reaching the edge of the woods,
at the font of the enemy's position, the line paused and
closed up the ranks. The leaden bail poured fast, the bill
was yet to be surmounted, and the rebi 1 work- were to be
gained.
At ibis moment Col. John McConihe I'll, giving up his
life for the flag he loved so well, one bullet piercing bis
body and another bis heart. Col. Drake, Commanding (lie
brigade, received a mortal wound. Lieut.-Col. \ldc mi, as-
suming command of the 169th, ordered the charge to be
resumed, and gallantly did the regiment respond. Up the
bill, — up to where the line of earthworks vomited forth its
flame, — onward, still onward pressed the regiment, until
at length the line was won, and, pouring over the intrench-
luents, the 169th and its brave associates held the ground
for which they fought. But it had cost them dear! — one
hundred and three officers and men of the 169th having
bought victory with their blood.
Lieut.-Col. Alden was wounded in the head when, seizing
the regimental color from its bearer, who had fallen, he had
driven its staff" into the parapet of the rebel works. He was
carried from the field by rebel prisoners, who at his com-
mand did duty in bearing off the killed and wounded of the
regiment. Col. Alden's wound was pronounced mortal by
the surgeons, but he still lives, ('apt. Allen was shot
through the arm, and also left the field. The morning re-
port of the regiment on the day of the battle of < 'old Harbor
showed an effective force of four hundred and ten men.
Maj. Colvin was left in command. After the close of the
fight the troops held the ground they had taken. The
regiment captured a number of prisoners, and with them
some of the knapsacks lettered Co. F, 169th New YTork
Volunteers, before referred to as having been lost on the
day of the Drury's Bluff fight. The regiment remained at
Cold Harbor for several days, during which the Army of
the Potomac continued its movement by the left flank,
until at length the 18th Corps, being then on the right
flank of that army, was called on in turn to follow out Gen.
Grant's pli f operations. On June 13th the 18th Corps,
with the 169th, under command of Maj. Colvin, was with-
drawn to the rear, and left Cold Harbor, marching to White
House. The regiment again took transports and was carried
back to Bermuda Hundred, and crossing the Appomattox at
Point of Rocks participated in the advance on Petersburg.
This movement was made with celerity, and early on the
afternoon of June loth line of battle was formed facing
Petersburg Heights. Shortly before dusk the order was
given to charge, and the line of battle swept forward, pre-
ceded by its skirmishers. There was a short but ineffective
resistance by the defenders of the rebel works, and the long
line of rifle-pits and redoubts was quickly captured, with a
number of pieces of artillery. On this occasion the regi-
ment met with very slight loss. At dark the regiment was
moved to the left of where it was resting, and was directed
to reverse the rebel rifle-pit in front of its position. This
work was undertaken. Maj. Colvin was ordered by Col.
Curtis, then commanding the brigade, to scud out a picket
detail under command ol'a captain to mako, connection with
*<:5lJ0
J A
100
iii>T(ii;v ok i;i:nssi:i,aer county, new york.
the pickets to the right and left of the regiment This
was done. The picket was throw it towards Petersburg,
and Capt Turbell, commanding the detail, rec< oitered
the ground in front Returning to the line of works, he
reported to Maj. Colvin that he had gone to some distance
in advance of the picket and had found pposing force,
and :i>ki >1 why the i ps were not pressed forward. Maj.
Colvin went with Capt. Tnrbell beyond the line some dis-
tance towards Petersburg, and confirmed the luttcr's report
Returning, he sought Col. Curtis, liis brigade commander,
whom he found conferring with Gen. Smith. He imme-
diately reported the facts ju-t stated, and was ordered by
Gen. Smith to return to his regiment. 1 1 « - complied. It
was underst 1 thnt the -'1 Corps, under Gen. Bancock,
pursuing the left-flank movement, would relievo the l^th
Corps that night. It < 1 i • 1 so, i ling up about two o'clock
a m. on the 16lh. All night long the rattling of trains
and the sound of locomotive-whistles indicated that Gen.
is hurrying his troops to Petersburg to confront the
danger that awaited him there. The morning of June lt!th
dawned, and Lee was in front in force. The rebel lines con-
fronted the I'liion army on the very ground which had
been passed over the night preceding by Capt. Tarhell, and
the long siegeof Petersburg had begun. On June 16th the
2d Corps charged to gain the position over which the 18th
Corps could have walked on the night before, and was re-
pulsed with great loss. < In June 17th the regiment returned
to Bermuda Hundred, where remaining only three days it
at back t" Petersburg, arriving there on June 21st
- at once put into the line of works, and went on
picket duty. On Juno 30th the 2d Brigade of the division
was ordered to charge the enemy's works, concealing its
tent behind a piece of woods. The 3d Brigade, in-
cluding the 169th, was ordered to make a demonstration to
the left of the proposed assault, for the purpose of divert-
ing attention from the main attack. It was an unfortunate
diversion fur the regiment Col. Burton, commanding the
I'd Brigade, did not assault as expected, and the 3d Brigade
bore the brunt of the battle. The 169th, at first under the
shelter of a hank rising from the edge of a small stream,
Icred forward. The rebel defenses were very near
to the Union line, — so close, in fact, that the men on either
ild call out to the Other and handy Words. As the
nVoni its sheltered position and attempted to
ir was met with a withering fire, bo close, so hot in
it there was do withstanding it. The men
shot down in one tierce blast, falling in line like- a
windrow of grain which is cut by the reaper. There •
i the terribly-weakened line fell hack the rew-
ind regained cover. The regiment
illy depleted by the casualties occurring
daring the month, Maj. Colvin was only able to take one
hundred and fifty men into this fight He brought back
ty-eu fit for duty, losing four in killed and
wounded within the bricl -pee of a few minutes. This
slaughl iment for June. | 86 I.
In the hri. ' thirty day- beginning with thi
i Harbor, on dune 1st, and ending with this fight
• thro hun
ind men in killed and wound, d.
The regiment continued in the trenches, losing a daily
average of throe men. but recovering some of its strength
by the return of convalescents from hospitals, etc. On
duly 30th it participated in the charge on the rebel lines
which followed the explosion of the mine under one of the
forts in front of (Vuieten Hill, which Gen. Grant was
anxious to SCCUI'e. The details of this groat battle, although
interesting, cannot be given. We can only review the ac-
tion of the 169th. On the night before the morning of the
explosion the regiment was moved hack from the trenches
and sent to the roar, and left within easy distance of the point
from which the charge was to be made. Early in the morn-
ing of duly 30th the regiment was sent forward to the rear
of the works, flouting the mine. The men were told to
lie down and make no noise, no matter what happened.
The day had dawned, the morning was bright and clear.
Everything was ready, and every one was intent with ex-
pectation. On cither hand were the siege batteries, with
the artillerymen at their posts; the massive guns were
loaded and trained, and the gunners stood ready to fire.
There was a shaking of the earth, and as the rebel fort went
high in the air. in a mixture of men, dirt, and timber, the
iron-throated monsters belched forth their flame and smoke
with a deafening roar. All along the line the guns opened.
and it seemed as if the universe must split with the infer-
nal din of hundreds of cannon. The troops jumped to their
feet, and their resounding cheers added to the uproar. The
sharp rattling of musketry and the rebel cry showed that
the armies were engaged. The battle had begun ; its his-
tory cannot be told here. The troops were hurried forward
in support of those in advance. Gen. Turner, then com-
manding the division to which the 169th was attached,
formed his command in massed column of regiments, lefl
in front, thus bringing the 169th at the head of the divis-
ion. This was done just under cover of the advanced line
of the Union works. Gen. Turner gave the commai
forward, and the regiment dashed over the works and the
.'round intervening between the lines. Reaching the rebel
defenses, further progress was stopped by the masses of men
in front, who had (barged and occupied the inside of the
enemy's rifle-pits. The movement on Cemetery Hill was
not successful, but the regiment held its position enfiladed
by a lire from the rebel batteries to its right. Late in the
day the regiment was withdrawn, the rebels coming down
in force and regaining their intrenchments. The 169th
fell hack only when the enemy had possession of the rifle-
pits, and w.-re so .lose that opposing forces could have
shaken hand- across the top of the earthwork. The colon
bearer being wounded. Maj. Colvin brought off the regj]
mental standard. Capt Vaughn, r company, was kille
in this action, the total loss of the regiment being twenty-
three.
B \. K in BERMUDA Bl NDBED.
i in \u_- I. 1864, the regiment returned to Bermudl
Hundred, and Lieut-Col. Aldcn resumed command, having
i IV.. m his wound received at Cold Harbor. On
i-i 10th the 169th was assigned to duty at Dutch Cap,
on the James River, and supplied the picket detail and do-
to tie- working parties engaged in digging the canal.
The morning of August 13th was ushered in with the mar
RENSSELAER COUNTY IN THE GREAT BEBELLION OF 1861.
101
of cannon from the rebel gunboats and batteries, starting
every man from his tent. A shot from one of the gun-
boats passed over the plateau on which the regimen) was
encamped, carrying down several of the shelter-touts and
accelerating the movements of their inmates. On this a
sion the regiment lost twenty two. Lieut. Crippen was killed,
Asst. Surg. Mandeville was badhj wounded, and Lieut.
Swartwout, acting adjutant, lost his left arm. The position
was held and the work progressed. The brigade was re-
joined on August 10th at Deep Bottom, where a conflict
was raging. The regiment arrived late, and lost only
slightly. In the morning the enemy retired, and the com-
mand returned to the .lames River. On August 20th the
169th went back to Bermuda Hundred, and on August
25th to Petersburg, where it remained en siege-duty until
September 28th. Karly in September, Lieut -Col. Alden
went North to secure a detail of drafted men for the regi-
ment, and rejoined at Chapin's Farm on October 1st. Sep-
tember 2Dth was memorable for the fight at Chapin's Farm
and the assault on Fort Gilmer, Maj. Colvin then com-
manding the regiment. In the first charge the rebels were
driven from their positions behind two successive lines of
snake-fence and fell back on a run towards Richtnoud.
The 169th pressed on after a rebel field-piece which had
been annoying in its attentions, but failed to capture it.
This charge was made across the fields to the right of the
road extending towards Richmond and parallel with Fort
Gilmer. It was a very pretty thing while it lasted, but
was soon over, the regiment dashing ahead with a vigor
which demoralized the opposing forces, who sought shelter
under cover of their fortifications. This charge was no
sooner ended than line was formed to charge Fort Gilmer.
This work was a part of the defenses of Richmond, and was
on the same line and series as Fort Harrison, captured the
same day by the Union forces operating farther to the left.
A hollow intervened between the road and the fort. The
regiment charged down the slope and up the next hill to
the very abatis around the fort, but, the brigade being un-
supported, could do no more, and fell back to the road, still
within range of Fort Gilmer's guns. In these actions the
regiment lost thirty men in killed, wounded, and missing.
Capt. Mulhall was severely wounded by a canister-shot
passing through his thigh. Capt. B. N. Smith was dis-
tinguished in the assault on the fort for his gallantry and
daring. That night the regiment fell back, and a line of
works was constructed. Lieut.-Col. Alden having returned
was mustered as colonel, Maj. Colvin taking promotion as
lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. J. II. Allen succeeding as
major. On October 8th the enemy made their appearance
on the Darbytown road, driving in the pickets, capturing
Elder's battery, and charging on the extreme right, where
they were met by the 1st Division, while the 2d Division,
including the 169th, moved up in support. The rebels lost
heavily and were repulsed, the casualties on the Union side
being very small.
FORT FISHER.
On Dec. 7, 1864, the first Fort Fisher expedition started,
under command of Gen. Butler. The 169th composed
part of this expedition. December 8th the regiment em-
barked at Bermuda Hundred on the steamer " Sedgwick,"
in which ii proceeded i" Hampton Roads. I' having been
decided that the '■ Siluwiek" was nut seaworthj the troops
». re transferred to the steamei "Baltio," which sailed on the
12th, and reported at a point about twenty-five miles "If
Fort Fisher, N. C, ami <m the 24th and 25th the fleet of
gunboats, frigates, ami monitors opened a fuiious bombard-
ment on the fort. At two o'clock p m. on the 24th a por-
tion of the troops, iucluding tie- 169th, landed north of
Fort Fisher, and captured two hundred and sixty of the
enemy, and were preparing to make a charge on the fort,
when orders were received iVom Gen. Butler to re-embark
without delay. The re-embarkment continued all night.
'I'h.' 169th were, however, aboard the " Baltic" early in the
evening. Gen. Butler thought the fort could not In- taken
by assault, and therefore ordered the expedition to return.
The regiment returned to its camp at Chapin's Farm on
December 31st, and three days later was again ordered, with
other troops under command of Gen. A. 11. Terry, to re-
turn to Fort Fisher. Taking tin' steamer " Thames'' on Jan-
uary 4th, the 169th was landed on the morning of the 13th
on the beach, about four miles north of Fort Fisher. The
169th was the first regiment to land, and Lieut.-Col Colvin
was the first on shore. The landing was effected near a
redoubt, which was hastily evacuated by the Confederates,
and taken possession of by Company I, Capt. Dunn com-
manding. During the night of the loth the regiment
moved down to within a mile of the fort. On the 14th,
Col. Alden, being detailed as general officer of the day,
made a careful reconnoissance of all the approaches to Fort
Fisher, and with his reserve captured a boat loaded with
provisions and ammunition at a dock on the Cape Fear
River, near the fort. The troops were put into position
during the morning of the 15th. A line of works, facing
towards Wilmington, had been thrown up, and these were
defended by the 3d Division of the 10th Corps, consisting
of colored troops, and Abbott's brigade of the 1st Division
of the 10th Corps. The 169th was included in Gen.
Ames' or the 2d Division of the same corps, and it may be
here remarked that this division, or portions of it, had served
at times with the 18th Corps, and had become so inter-
changeable that it was in the habit of wearing the badges
of both the 10th and 18th Corps.
The 2d Division having been selected to assault Fort
Fisher, its brigades were formed in three lines of battle, in
the following order: 1st Brigade, Col. N. M. Curtis; 2d
Brigade, Col. Galusha Pennypacker; 3d Brigade, Col.
Alonzo Alden. The 3d Brigade included the 169th Regi-
ment, under command of Lieut.-Col. James A. Colvin,
Col. Alden having been called to take charge of the brigade,
as Col. Bell, its regular commander, had been assigned to
other duty. The charge was made at three o'clock p.m.
This record does not permit of an account of the efforts
and deeds of the other brigades or regiments. The charge
was led by the 1st Brigade, followed closely by the 2d.
Col. Alden, who was a few rods in advance of his brigade,
had sent word back to Lieut.-Col. Colvin to be ready to
charge, and at the proper moment raised bis hand and
beckoned the regiment on. Lieut.-Col. Colvin, drawing bis
salne, gave the command, " Forward, double-quick, march,"
and with one impulse all the officers of the regiment sprang
102
HISTORY OK UF.NSSKLAEK COUNTY. NEW YORK.
to tin- front, and as their swords swung high in the air and
flashed in 1 1» •- sunlight the men gave a ringing cheer and
bounded forward. Never did the regiment go into a fighl
in better spirits or with greater vigor.
Under the heavy fire from the fori and from the rebel
gunboat on the Cape Pear River, which poured in its shol
from the flank, the regiment pressed forward, rapidly re-
ducing the distance to the coveted works. A strung timber
palisade protected the land fa< i which the troops were
advancing. A fearful shower of grape poured over and
around them, but still they pressed onward until, seeing an
irtunity for entering the fort by the sally-port, they
made a movement by the right Hank, crossinga little bridge
over a small inlet or stream, and dashed along the roadway
into the fort As the regiment entered, Gen. Ames di-
rected Lieut-Col. Colvin to take it around to the rear of
the works and push the men in as far as possible. Tliis
was done, and the rebel garrison met them only a few feet
ilistant. Determined to hold the ground, the men advanced
until the stubborn resistance of the enemy made further
progress only a matter of dogged, persistent fighting. The
big Armstrong pin [.resented to the Confederates by Brit-
ish admirer- was wheeled inward and discharged at the
Union troops. A private in the 169th, who had served in
the Russian army, seized a rebel field-piece and, aided by
of lii- comrades, fired it with good effect. Col. Alden
in the top of the fort, directing the brigade and fight-
ing with bis men from traverse to traverse. — almost hand
to band. — capturing one gun-platform after another. Each
traverse was thus an independent work, and bad to be
charged and taken in turn.
Just before dark a dingy white cloth was waved from
one of the entrauces to the subways under the platforms
and traverses. As the 169th was then in the rear of the
fort, which was not inclosed, and on the ground-level of
the fort, this cloth was Been by Lieut. -Col. Colvin, who,
waving his handkerchief in reply and calling on his men
firing, went forward with six men of bis regiment.
A j art of the garrison was anxious to surrender, and one
hundred and Bcventy prisoners were passed out in charge
of the squad. Night cai n, and .-till the lighting was
kept up. Gaining ground steadily, the troops pressed the
rebels back, and the opposing fore.- were bo close together
thai the Bhells from the Union gunboats fell with fatal
effect among our own men. At half-past ten o'clock r m.
I ii.-r of the 169th called out " They are running," and
with a wild hurrah the men followed in pursuit. This
. nded a conflict which may fairly be called one of the best
achi of the war. The fori was garrisoned by
four hundred men. It had tWO side- or
nting up the tongi f land formed by the
' ! r River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Tbi ig and heavy palisade of
firmly bolted and braced together. The -■
(ended down the coast for nearly a mile. The point of
bind where 'I eean and the river met was fortified with
what 'I I Batter] on tl liter side, and
by B i in on the inner. The fort was an
'.work, with ■ gun platforms, elevated
the surface-level, were pro-
tected and separated by traverses vising perhaps fifteen feet
higher. A small bastion occupied the angle or end of the
land-face on the river side, and another bastion about forty
feel high held the angle at the junction of the land- and
sea-faces. Torpedoes were planted along the front. These
fortunately were not exploded, as a monitor-shell had cut
the electric wins intended for that purpose. The attacking
force numbered less than three thousand five hundred men,
who achieved a victory of which they had just reason to
be proud. Gen. Ames, commanding the division, is enti-
tled to the highest, honors for bis successful management
of the attack and capture. The assault, was entirely under
bis control after it was started, and to bis persistence, cour-
age, and skill, the efforts of his staff, and the heroic daring
of bis command, the glorious result was due. lie entered
the fort with his troops, and fought them thereuntil the
end of the struggle. After the evacuation the rebels fled
down to the point, about a mile distant, followed up by
Abbott's brigade, which had been sent at the last moment
by lien. Terry to make a final charge, but was not called
upon to engage in the fight. Gen. Whiting and Col.
Lamb, the rebel commanding officers, were wounded, and
surrendered with their forces to' Col. Henry C. Lock wood,
of Gen. Ames' staff.
The 169th lost in this assault a smaller number of men
than could have been expected. Lieut. Ryan, a promising
young officer, was killed, aud the total killed and wounded
was about fifty, Maj. Allen being among the latter. But
the regiment was to be the victim of a greater calamity.
It had been ordered with its brigade to take charge of the
fort, and had bivouacked about one hundred feet from
and in a line with the large magazine. This magazine
was blown up early on the morning of the 10th, and a large
portion of the regiment was covered with the earth and
dibris, Capt. Ferguson and Lieuts. Cipperley and Mo-
1 - -or were killed, the regiment losing eighty men by this
explosion. Col. Alden, who, as commander of the brigade,
was anxious to familiarize himself with the works, ai
early on the 16th, and while surveying the fort was caught
in the explosion. He was struck by heavy timbers and
covered with sand and terribly injured. He was at first
supposed to be dead, but finally rallied and remained for six
weeks totally am scious.
The regiment, under command of Lieut. -Col. Colvin,
remained in garrison at the fort until February 11th. The
following statement as to the Fori Kisber light, together
with the regimental reports made thereon, was published in
iln Troj Timet shortly after the action :
"] mi Fism u, X. i'.. .Ian. 20, lsi',:,.
" In I lie boliof tli ai ic « - r i -.in the t69th "ill be s . ■ 1 1 ir 1 • t after, I am
anxiout i mmunicatc it through v..iir column,", li will be n
lected that the r.„'i nl [in ipntcd in the first expedition In this
point. Wo returned t r old camp near Richmond nl i December
Alter rcmi days, we were again ordered away, and
after lOTOml 'lav- :il BCn :irn IT "lir former point
.a dobai kfl
"The I'.'.'ih was Hie first regiment to land, and the writer ■
I. Alden in charge "I the lir-i .lciaclnn.nl. Coinpnn) 0 Ml
tir-t ashore an. I immediately deployed n« skirmishers, and in aft*
miio,. . in plight skirmish-firing with the enemy.
Company 1 (Nail-Factor; Company . commanded by I'.ipt. .lamci
II. Dunn, landed shortly after an up the bench. I
■ and captured a thirty-two-poundcr columbiad and
RENSSELAER COUNTV I.N THE GREAT REBELLION OF L861.
103
i quantity of ammunition. The gun was spiked, bul was soon pul in
working order by I>. F. Winters, a member of the band. It waa
turned on the enemy. A skirmishing-pnrty from Company I cap-
tured eighty four head of uattle. The day waa occupied in Landing
troops and stoics.
"On the morning of the 15th the command was ordered towards
Fort Fisher. It soou became i'\ tdenl thai work was to be dono. The
,11,11 moved in fine spirits, and never evinced better morale. The
lino of battle waa formed but a short distance from the fort, the navy
keeping up a furious bombardment and greatly protecting the dispo-
sition of the troops. Finally the chnrge was ordered, an i one of the
fiercest assaults ni" tin- wai Ik-hii. Tin- I > t lit i^ole led, tin- 2d fol-
lowed, ami then our own (the 3d). The rear of the fori waa reached
through a storm of bullets and grape. The contest was desperate.
The fort was to be taken or we were all gone. There was do such
thing as getting away from it in case of failure. The men knew it,
and with almost unparalleled gallantry stood up to the work. Tin
P.M. found the fort in our possession, the enemy doing their best to
get away. The forces engaged captured many prisoners, — almost
man for man. The enemy suffered terribly. While the fight was
progressing, our line in the rear, which was defended by the colored
troops and the 2d Brigade of the l.-t Division, was attacked. Capt.
E. It. Smith was in command of the picket-line at that point, ami
held his own until compelled t<» lull back under oovcr of the gun-
boats. This demonstration effected nothing, as our troops were not
to lie driven back. Capt. Smith re-established his line at dusk. The
accounts ami dispatches already published "ill furnish a better idea
of our victory than 1 can give. It. is impossible to describe the
exteut and magnitude of this, tin- -l t ungest earthwork and one of tho
must powerful defenses in the world. An unfortunate casualty mai red
our triumph. Our brigade had been placed in charge of the fort after
its rapture. Early the next morning a magazine exploded directly
in front of and but, a few rods from the brigade. The 169th was
immediately opposite, and many valuable officers and men were
buried and lost. About one hundred of the regiment were mingled
in the ruins and covered by the debris. Col. Alden, who had been
prominent for his coolness and gallantry in the assault of the preced-
ing day, was dangerously if not fatally wounded. Capt. Daniel
Ferguson and Lieuts. Cipperly and .Mctiregor were killed and others
wounded. The cause of the explosion is a matter of doubt. Some
say that a sailor carried a lighted candle into the magazine, while
others attribute the disaster to the rebels. A wire was afterwards
found leading from the magazine to the river, and supposed to run
across to a rebel battery immediately opposite. Appended is the
report of the lieutenant-colonel upon the operations of the regiment
in the assault, together with a full list of casualties.
*' Yours, C."
" Headqu \imi i;s 169th New York Vols.,
Fort Fisher, N.-C., Jan. 17, 1805.
" C \it. G. VV. Hi ik i\s, A. A. A. G. — The undersigned has thehouor
to report that upon the opt ning of the engagement of the 15th instant.
Col. Alonzo Alden was in command of the brigade. The undersigned
took command of the regiment. It would seem almost invidious to
make any special mention of officers and men, when all did their duty
with unparalleled gallantry and zeal. The undersigned can bear testi-
mony that every officer led his men, and the men vied with each other
to attain the front. Col. Alonzo Alden was distinguished for his ac-
customed coolnees and bravery. Major J. H. Allen was shot through
the arm and leg, but persisted in remaining with the command.
Oapts. Daniel Ferguson, das. II. Dunn, Chas. D. Merrill, J. II. War-
ren, and E. W. Church were distinguished for their coolness and gal-
lantry. Lieut. J. II. Straight, wounded, Michael Ryan, killed.
Michael Russell, wounded, all in command of companies, were the
right men in the right place. After the death of Lieut. Ryan, Lieut.
J. R. Foote assumed command of his company, and led it gallantly.
Lieut. E. Van Santvoord deserves mention. Lieut. E. R. Mosber
was hit by a spent ball on the 13th. He went into the fight on tho
loth, being obliged to use a cane. He hopped into the fight, leading
bis men. Other officers distinguished themselves, ami, indeed, all de-
serve mention. The undersigned has mentioned such as came par-
ticularly under bis notice. Accompanying will be found a list of en-
listed men who distinguished themselves, also a full report of losses
in actions.
" Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"J. A. Colvin, Lieut.-Col. Commanding IQ'Jth X. Y. V."
11 Hi wqi ibtei Z, Vols.,
I ori I.-iu i:, V C., Jan. 17, 1
■• c \ it. Geo. W. Huckins, A. A. \ . ' '• . I havi tin bonoi
the following names ol enlisted □ i having d I ngui bed them
Bolves for gallant ry in the assault on the 15th P rival John I inlay,
Co. A, wounded; 1st Sergt. John Fleming, Coloi Bi arer Corp. Peter
ii terhout, wounded ; Corp. Jno, VIcGolrick, privati I b i Madden B
private Win. 11. Freeman, B, who rolun! I to i ai i j tin bi ■
Hag after the bearer was wounded j Corp. Patrick Hoi ley, D j Bi
L. R. W Icock, wounded; private Patrick Murphy, E, killed; '
Jno. McLoughlin, T. .1. Congdon, privates John Jimjack, Patrick
Curley, F; 1st Sergt. Charles II. NoyCS, wounded; Corp. I.. 0. Dell,
II, killed; 1st Sergt. Patrick Uymer, Sergt, Benj. G. Walker, pri-
vate Jas Lester, G ; 1st Sergt. Goo. Campbell, Sergts. Jas. F. Smith,
Rob' I Rainsbury, woundeJ, I ; and specially i imende 1 for bravery,
in the presence of the commanding officers, Corp. Cho ' in, I:
1st Sergt. dos. White, K; Sergt. Maj. T. II. Gardner. The com-
manding officer desires especially to mention Fredcricl Close, o 1 Co,
P, who was conspicuous for his gallantry and bravery in getting a
field-piece into position and firing upon the enemy aftei bi go do
of the works. Many of the officers report that their men did so well
that the} could make no special mention, and the ooi anding officer
is constrained to base his report chiefly upon circumstances within his
own observation.
u y,.rv respectfully,
"Jas. A. Colvin, Lieut.- Col. commanding 169th X. )'. \ ."
The succeeding operations were directed against Wil-
mington, N. C. A movement was made towards Mason-
boro' Sound, with the intention of moving on the flank of
Gen. Bragg and compelling the surrender of Wilmington.
At this time Lieut.-Col. Colvin was relieved from the
command of the 169th by Gen. Ames, and ordered to the
command of the 2d Brigade of the division. This command
he held until after the capture of Wilmington and until the
regiment was detached for special service. Capt. James II.
Dunn then took command of the regiment. On February
1 8th the regiment crossed Cape Fear River with other troops?
and made a cUtour to the rear of Fort Anderson, for the pur-
pose of cutting off the retreat of the enemy, but the enemy
had about one hour the start and evacuated their stronghold.
Many guns and much ammunition were captured.
On the 20th the regiment crossed the river and joined in
the attack on the enemy's lines defending Wilmington,
causing the enemy to evacuate their works and the city.
The IGOlh was the first regiment in the city of Wilming-
ton, and was temporarily placed on provost duty until re-
lieved by a regiment of the 25th Corps. The 169th oc-
cupied Wilmington on the 22d, on the 2-tth marched
to North East and took charge of the exchanged prisoners,
of which there were about fifteen thousand, until March 1st,
then returned to Wilmington and did picket duty until
March 13th.
Lieut.-Col. Colvin then resumed command, and the regi-
ment remained in the vicinity of Wilmington until the first
week in April, when it was ordered to rejoin the brigade
at Magnolia. After three days' march, it reached that
point, and reported to Col. Granger, 9th Maine Volunteers,
then commanding the brigade. The regiment remained at
Magnolia until April 9th, when the march was resumed to
join Gen. Terry at Faison's Station, twenty-seven miles dis-
tant. Here the regiment reunited with the division from
which it had been separated so long. Maj. Allen also re-
turned at this time, having recovered from his wounds re-
ceived in the assault at Fort Fisher. On the 11th the
regiment marched to Bcntousville, where Gen. Sherman had
104
HISTORS OF kknsski.aki; county, new york.
•bt a battle. On the 12th news of Lee's surrender to
G cived by the troops. Tlio enthusiasm was in
loose; bands were playing, men were cheering, carrying
their hats on I ind singing patriotic songs. There
were no bound* to the joy exhibited. At this point Gens.
Schoficld and Terry made a junction. It was arranged
thai Sell i 1 Sherman's armies were t"
make .i junction at Raleigh. Hence, on the 13th, the
march was resumed to Raleigh, a distance of twenty-two
miles. • 'n the 1 lib the 169th encamped just outside of
1: eigh, and on the l>th moved i the city and com
iii.n ■ .i doing provosl duty. All the troops were reviewed
by Qcn. Sherman on the 19th. On the 25th Gen. Alden
returned to the regiment, and being yet vcrj feeble from
lii- Fort Fisher wounds, served a> president of a court-mar-
tial and military commission, and assumed command of tin-
nd |»ist of Raleigh, having received his commission
as brevet brigadier-general, by recommendation of Gen.
y, for gallant conduct nl Fori Fisher and distinguished
■>■ .'it Cold Harbor. On July 6th orders from the
War Department mustering out the 169th New York Voi-
re, with other regimcuts, were received.
I regiment was mustered out on July 19th, with the
understanding that the muster-out would date on the day
of final payment in Albany, whither it was ordered to pro-
■
The following general orders from the division and brigade
commanders wi re issued t" the regiment just before leaving
!
•■Hi \imji Ainr.it> Sf.cosd Division, Ti-.stii Corps,
- llALF.ion, X. C, July I-. 1865.
•• Otmrral Ordti .Vo. 18. The brigadier-general commanding, on his
own In-bulf and i itcful country, avails bimsclf of ibis most
>a to ih. i iik tl fficcre an 1 m ftho 1691b Regiment,
N. V. V., f..i th. dui ng tho past thrco years in sup-
pressing & rcti r form! lablo in tic- nnnals "I" history. As
nn " ii.i- been brilliant, and fr
Iquarten if appears that you bavo purlicii
in i" liftcrcnl engagements, and on >■•< i a Four
ntj been unimpcachablo, but suet) e com-
yoar eommanding generals. Your work is
ud well d w you return to your bon . the
which you bar* I, and to rojoiee in the
ill part in the attninmi i
■ il lii".' tin- gratitude of your country, —
on h.-n ■!■ t" the ■ Knij. |i 1 !■ n |
i '. i| Find a- -ill II
Ion, 10th An By oi dot >i
• I'll * i i I '■ i ■ i ■ . . Ge*. .1. S. I.itii i.i .
ii. i:.,.i. 1 60'* .v. )•. V., I.I. t. a."
lin isio.x, Timii V. C.
mil ••! I: m i ■■■.it. N. C, July 19, Ii
military icrvice
foi Bnal payment
iui final accounts
with ' 'ho I '".'.Mli Rogt, \. i
will
In its
rank! an I - Ihrough which il . nml
. will
' lin«
1 : nnd the
.. hundred
:in I sixty thrco officers and men. Since its organization there have
been conncetod with tbo regiment eighty-seven commissioned officers.
iuso of resignations, casualties in battle, and other causes, fifty-
have boan dropped lr"in the roll.
•'I'll.- 109th lias participated in twenty-eight separate and distinct
■ I in -'•in.- of them has lost heavily: in all, without
exception, it lias acquitted itself with honor, and received the compli-
ments "t the commanding gcnorals. Wo are called upon to mourn
tin- loss of many "f our brave comrades who have fallen in the storm
of battle, tin the bloody Bold of fold Harbor our gallant Col. Mo-
Conihe tell, lie know n i such thing as fear; be clearly comprehends
ili.' purpose "I the commanding general, and with victory lor hi*
watchword, with , Incss and deliberation he lod his command upffl
i ible and. t-> him. fatal charge. Many of our brave i
fell in this terrible conflict, which, with Petersburg. Gilmer, and
Fori I'i-he . charges already renowned iii history, this command will
have oocasion long t" remember.
■' While we mourn with those who mourn and weep with those who
weep |..i lie -<■ <»ur c<>iin!rv '.- martyrs, we also rejoice that their final
and crowning efforts wore patriotic and Godly, in defense and tor the
restoration of their insulted and bleeding country, and for the more
effectual reopening and ro-cstahlishnictit of (l"d's vineyard for bis
people. You are a! i to resume your peaceful avocations. Anx-
iously and eagerly your families and friends wail to greet your return,
and by all g I citizens will you he honored as the saviors of our
intry. Lot the same zeal and fidelity characterize your conduct in
civil pursuits as have Fecured your success in arms, and your civil
career will he attended with prosperity and success. Bj "rder of
"Col. am' Brkvet Brig.-Gex. Alon'zo Aims.
■■ E. W. I'm in ii. Capl. nml A. A. '.'■ u."
On the 20tli of July, 1805, the regiment started, home]
ward bound, marching over the old stage-road to Peters-
burg, and thence proceeding by mil to City Point, then?
by steamer via Fortress Monroe to Baltimore, and by tail 9
New York, where the regiment was received with distill
guished honor, bountifully entertained al the soldiers' depot,
."in ami 52 1 1 "\v:ir<l Street, and on the evening of (he 2-1 th
timk a boat l'"i' Troy, where it arrived ;it six o'clock the next
morning.
The following account of the reception of the 169th
taken from the Tiny Times of July, 1865:
■■ We have had a local Fourth of .July to-day in honor
of the return of the 169th Regiment. They have had
reception in Tt'oy such as was eminently due to their valor
their services, and the lustre they have shed on our citf
Although the ovation was quite impromptu in its char
actcr, it was none the less successful on that account. The
welcome was i that must have proved gratifying to Gen
Alden's brave leys, -showing that while absent they bad
not been Forgotten.
"It was not known until yesterday that the lii'.ffh
would arrive to-day. As soon as tie' tart was ascertained,
Maj Stcenberg, commanding the 24th, ordered out thai
regiment, ami the response was prompt and hearty. The
firemen al-. resolved to do honor to their returning brothers,
and the result was a very respectable procession at verj
short notice. The local military and firemen formed on
River Street, ami awaited the coming of the returning
soldiers The reception line extended from Broadway U)
the military being opposite the Troy Hou
■■ Expectation was on tip-toe among the military and
firemen ami tie- crowds of spectators in tin- streets a- the
war-worn 169th filed from the transport, formed into line.
and marched to the so i I' tin- reception. Aldermen
ii ami Prentice, of the Common Cot il Commitl
were burning to and fro on horseback. The capital pol
RENSSELAER COUNTY IN THE GREAT REBELLION <>!' 18G
105
feared away teams; officers were giving the words of
command, and windows on the land were filled with lares.
With steady tread the veterans marched along. Al their
head rode Alden, with well ear 1 stars upon his shoul-
ders; Dr. Kiihw1m.ii, the faithful surgeon, and Capt, Clark
j Smith doing escort duty. This triumvirate cleared the
way, and close to them was Colvin, the brave lieutenant-
col I, while the efficient Maj. \llen brought up the rear
and the adjutant and cither officers were scattered along the
line. But the central figures in the picture were the men,
— bronzed, travel-stained, and dusty, yet with the erect
bearing and firm tramp of veterans. Within their lines were
borne the colors, riddled with shut, and torn amid the
fierce onset of the foe, — the same colors that McConihe,
With his last breath, told his men to defend. It was a
suggestive moment as tin' regiment passed into the streets
of its home and once more became a part of the busy cur-
rent of our daily life, — soldiers no longer, but citizens
again. Appropriate it was that the fine regimental band
' should play ' Home Again,' and that the flags should
wave on every mast in honor of the soldiers' return.
"Mr. George G. Arnold, the sutler of the regiment, who
followed its fortunes through all the different campaigns in
which it was engaged, had caused to be painted a banner
of welcome to the returning heroes. The work has been
done in the most artistic manner. The banner is suspended
across River Street, from the Troy House to Starkweather,
Norton & Co.'.s store, and has attracted great attention. It
bears the names of fifteen of the engagements of the regi-
ment, and also the names of Buel, McConihe, Alden, Col-
vin, Allen, and Knowlson, and all of the officers who have
been killed. On the reverse, the motto: 'Honor to the
brave! Future generations will bless the preservers of the
republic!' The whole design is appropriate and graceful.
"After the full summary of the regiment's deeds pub-
lished yesterday, no sketch of their organization, personnel,
nor services is needed. Their heroic deeds seemed to rise
bjfore every eye as the tattered flags and the veteran
forms passed in review this morning along our city's streets.
They could be seen defying the swamps of Charleston,
manning the trenches of Petersburg, and righting from
casemate to casemate at Fort Fisher; even the explosion
that hurled them into mid air could be almost pictured on
those torn ensigns. Gen. Alden at the head, receiving the
plaudits of grateful fellow-citizens, seemed a type of the
pitient valor that had brought the regiment home in tri-
umph.— the same indomitable spirit that had wound up
the Rebellion. Five hundred strong, they returned to-day.
"At Washington Square, the formal reception of the
regiment took place. A large crowd had assembled, and
the procession formed a triangle around the square. The
exercises commenced with a fervent prayer by Rev. Dr.
Baldwin. We have rarely heard a more impressive invo-
cation.
"Alderman Smart introduced Hon. Johu A. Griswold,
who said that while he appeared unexpectedly on this occa-
sion, no one could appear with feelings of deeper gratitude.
Mr. Griswold pictured the sudden call to arms. The noble
response. The alacrity of Troy, Rensselaer, and Wash-
ington Counties in responding to the cause of our country.
14
We are mm welcoming them Kiel, one after another, lint
as regiments, but as representatives of oi tt
tions. 1 me of these did we feel more pride than in
the lii'.tth. We know that I !h ul. ton Cold II irbor,
Petersburg, Fori Fisher, and the war-scarred banners all
tell of tin braver} and deeds of the regiment. And the
obsequies of its tyred dead, from lime to line
minded us of its services. Mr. Griswold paid a high trib-
ute to the late Col. McConihe, and gave the regiment i
renewed welcome to the community which would never for-
■: i the brave soldiers of the second war of independence.
Three cheers were given for Mr. Griswold and three for the
'old flag.' Brig.-Gen. Alden bowed his acknowl
moots, and Alderman Smart introduced Mr. William A.
Merriam, of the New York Herald, and formerly a lieu-
tenant in the regiment, who delivered a most eloquent and
appropriate address, referring to the history of the regi-
ment, its lamented dead, and its living heroes, with especial
reference to Gen. Alden, which called forth three , 1,,.1-
for the general. The regiment then marched to Harmony
Hall, where a fine collation was in wailing. At night the
line of march was taken up, and the regiment encamped
near the barracks, about two miles from Albany, on the
Troy and Albany road, and there remained until the 3d
of August before it was paid off and the men sent home
to their fathers and mothers, wives and sweethearts, to
resume the duties of citizens."
The following is a recapitulation of the engagements in
which the lGDth participated: Eden ton Road, Carrsville,
Blackwater Ford, Zuni, Providence Church, Nansemond,
Hanover Junction, Fort Sumter, Fort Wagner, Rantoul
Bridge, siege of Charleston, Cedar Creek, Walthall Junc-
tion, Chester Station, Drury's Bluff, Hatcher's Run, Fos-
ter's Plantation, No. 1, Foster's Plantation. No. 1', Cold
Harbor, Petersburg Heights, June 15th, Petersburg, June
30th, Petersburg Mine, July 30th, siege of Petersburg,
Dutch Gap, Deep Bottom, Malvern Hill, Chapin's Farm,
Fort Gilmer, Darbytown Road, siege of Richmond, 1st
Fort Fisher, 2d Fort Fisher, Wilmington, North East,
Raleigh.
The roster of officers of the 109th Regiment New York
Volunteers, taken from the muster-out rolls at the elos of
the war, is as follows :
COLONELS.
Clarence Buell, com. Nov. 10, 1802; res. Feb. 13, 1801.
Julm McConihe, com. Mm*. 2, 1SG4 ; killed in net ion nt Cold II.nl>. o, Ya., June
1, 1864.
Alonzo Alden (brevet brig.-gen. D. S. V ), cum. Juno IT, 1 se, 1 ; must, out with
regt July 19, 181 5.
LIEOTENANT-I OLONELS.
John McConihe, com. Nov. 1*', 1862 ; pro. to col. March 2, 1861.
Alonzo Alden, com. March 2,1864; pro. to cot. .tunc 17,1864,
James A. Colvin [brevet col. N. V. V.), coin. June 17, 1864 ; must, out with regt.
July 19, 1865.
MAJORS.
Alonzo Ahlcn (brevet licut.-col. U. S. V.), coin. Nov LO, 1862 ; pro. to liciit.-col.
March 2, 1804.
James A, Colvin, com. March 2, 1864; pro. to lieut.-col. June 17, 1864.
Joseph II. Allen (brevet Heut.-col. X. V. V., brevet lieui -col. I s. \ , com.
June 17, 1SG4; must, out with regt. July 19, 1865,
ADJUTANTS.
William E. Kisselbiirgh (brevet maj. X. V. V.), c Nov. 10, IS62; rtisch.
March 31, 1865.
David A. Niven, c >m. April 29, 1864; must, -hi with ri I Jul] 19,181 5.
LOG
BlSTor.Y or i;i:nssi:i,ai:i; coi/xty. new York.
. i:im;ma-;
-I R{
N V \ muil .'in with
l-l-l \ • 1
!. T SklPD ■
. I ■ I' ■ . I .
II I i .1.
■ I.
ID, Vp || |0,
I
CHAPLAINS.
■ July 10, 1865.
I Ml klXS.
■ I", 1862; pro. i.i m.ii March 2, 1804.
il ISM: clinch, \ii_- 10, 1864.
'■'''• - ,1804; nol mual u captain.
J inc 8, 1803.
: .l.'.-l I,
N V V . in. 1I.iv in, 1-.. I ; |,.II-I. .nit With
mnj. June 17, 1804.
1801 : .1 tell. Aug. 2, I-. I
10, 181 I: .11-. I.. Hnrcli
! April 22,1865; must. Jul) 19, 1805.
I li. 22,181
'■ 1 '■ -. . , lulj i-, 1804.
,1864; nol must, iu captain.
,1864; mint out July 10, 1-
J.ilin l |802.
'■ V. V ,...in. Marc 1 23, 1803; illsch.O, i I, I8G4.
1 '• f. 19, 1801 ; must out with rogt July 10, 1805,
10, 1802; killed In action at Petersburg, Va.,
E"1*'" V. 1 ... ... In 22, 1-. I : ,,,,,- i will
- Ii Morcli 7. :
i. ..in July 19, 1805.
1804.
. 1804
. i ontJulj 10
i' |,
1803.
i i ...i.
10, I8C4 : must July 10
■ ' v I'., by oi pi.
ml July 19, 1
B B 1 j„i, ].,
riRSl MM il \ \vi-
received In
H
1804,
Hnrch 2t
"
' i with
It
"
li ..ill "illi
I
Walter 8 lllnkall, Wollbill, Ya., May
J»""< » !• ..... Mm.ii
•
-iilM »i Dnti ' ■• ip, \ . . I
ljaorj •■
•. com. Nov. 19, 1804 ; Mint, out July 19, 1805.
■ Nov. 10, 1802 ; pro. to capt March 2, 1864.
Th mm D J lllco, com. March 2, 1804 ; diwh. Juno 24, 1864.
.1 .in. - II. Slrnlt, com. Not, 19, Ism ; must, ont July 19, 1805.
in. Nov, 1". 1862; !-•■-. Jan. J, 180 1.
Thomas 11. Bnton, com. Fob. 7, isr.;: ; pro, to capt July :', 181 I
Willi, in M. Swarlwoui (brovol cupt. N.I \ . , com. July », 1804; disi b. Dec. 31,
I Irion L. Knox, i !, 1805 ; must out July 19, 1865
Willi;, in s. Unitahnrn, c N..\ lo, 1862; iliscb. Fob. 14, 1803
William II. I.yi.n-, ciin. Mulch J :, isii.;; pr... t.. ,upt. May 10, 1864.
Henry Mullinll, com. Nay 1", 1864 ; pro. Iu capt. Sopt. 16, 181 I.
io \ ..'i 6 inn .1. i om. Si pt. II . 1864; pro, Iu capt. April 22, 18C5.
Ml Tompkins, c , April 22, 1805; must, out July 10, 1805.
W. Snydor, com. Nov. 10, 1862 ; pro. to capt Juno 10, 181
Patrick Connors, c Jim roa. July 21, 1864.
i'Ii .ii.-- mi in .c \, i. Aug. IS, 1864 ; tout July 10, 1805.
li.,,, i. I .1. Cnrey, com. Nov. 1". 1862; pro. lo capt Dec. 16, 180-1.
Edwin It Smith, i I '.■,-. 16, 1863; pro, lo enpt. Aug. 22, 1804.
Rich ,il li. Vim Alstyne, com. Aug, 22, 1804 ; not t. us 1st lleut
Richard J. Uurton, i m Uiu li 27, 1805; mint, out July 19, 1 I
David II. Wells, i Feb. 23, 1803; must out July 10,
SEC IKD I II I TKNANTS.
Bernard N. Smith, mm. V > 10,1862; pr... to 1st lleut. Dec. 17, 1862.
Walter S. Blnlsnll, com. Dec. 17, 1 mi 2; pro. t.. 1-t lleut Feb. 7,181
1 in 1. Smitli, .■ Feb. 7. 1863 : pr,,. to l-i liout. Miiy 10, 1804.
1- iy W. il h, com. May 1". 1864 ; pro. to Isi liout. Sopt. 16, 1804.
I ilwnrd P, .1 icqucs, , mj -,., i i, ., i-,,i ; pro. ,,, i-( |j,.„,. \,,v u, I804,
Bernard McGuirr, com. Nov. 19, 1804 ; must out July 19, I8G5.
EU ihnel irolmes, com. Nov. 10, 1862; resigned Jan. 21, 1 01
Edgar M. Connor, c Feb. 7, 1803; must out Sopt 20,
Michael Ryan com, Feb. 10, 1804; pro. lo l-i lleut Nov. 19, 1804.
Samuel C. Cippcrly, com. Nov. 19, 1801; killed in actiou at Fori l'i-li. r, N. i
Jan. 16, 1805.
rii.nl, lis. . com. Feb. Is. isr,.-,.
'•mi pe A. Willi-, com. April 22, 1865 : must, ont July 1", 1865,
Charles E. Moroy, c Nov. 10, 1862 : pro. to l-i li in. Murch 23, 18G3.
Juni - II. Dunn, com. March 23, 1863; pro. to l-i lleut July '.'. 1864.
ErastusR.nl sher.i u Julj 1804; pro. to'lstlicut. Nov. 19, 1804.
Michael Russell, , Sopt. 10, 1864 ; pr... In Isl lleut Nov. 19, 1804.
Charles D I mi o, com. Nov, 10, I8G4; must out July 1". i
.1. Henry Hughes, c Nov. 1". 18G2; pro. i,, 1st lleut. Feb. 7, 1803.
Daniel D. Scrivcn, com. Feb. 7, 1803 ; resigned \
Alexander Hell, com Aug. 26, 1X03; pro. to lsl lleut Oct 7, 1803.
I'um.ny, c Oct. 19, 1863; pro. lo l-i lleut. Aug. 13, 1864,
•1 - II Strait, com. Sept. 10, 1864 ; pr... to 1st Mont. Nov. 10, 1804.
Thomas II. D McGregor, com. Nov. 19, 1804; killed at K.rt Fisher, N.C., I
expli uiu] Fun. 10, 1865.
,,, r. b. Is, 1805; must onl July 19, I
Henry Mnlhall, c Nov. 10, 1802; pr... to 1st liout. May 1, , 181 I.
Jonas II v. n iu. m ., p, i-, i . ,,,,, ,,, ;sl i;,.,,t. Aug, i
AH ...ii Tompkins, com. Nov. 19, 1864; pr... tu lsl Heat. April 23, i
Thomas II. Gnrdnor, com. April 22, 1805; nol mustored.
0 in. Nov. 10, 1862; pro. to 1st liout. March 2, 1864.
Richard B. Vun Alslyne, com. March -', 1864 ; dl»ch. Dec. 1 1, 1804.
I ill, in-, com Nov. 19, |s.,i ; must, onl July 19, I
'II "- II I iton, N,,\. 16, 181 to lsl Kent I pb 7,
1 I mi Feb. 7,181 i lient. Juno 6, 1804,
John I .," 1 1 , com. Noi 19, 1864; must out July 19, i
Will inn II. Lyon, com. Nov. Iu, 1802 ; pro tolstllont Match 23, 1863.
Jul,- p. It, mi, in in, , ,,m March 23, 1803; .lis, h, Nov. 1863.
ill M Swartwulit, com, Fob. 2, 1864 : pro. Io lsl lleut. July 9, l
'II ii- J. Tillcy, ,,,iii . v . 19, 1804 it out July 10
Connors, com. Nov. 10, 1862 ; pro. to 1st llent. June 10,
Norman .1 Crlpi com. Jan. 10, 18671; pr... t.. 1-t lleut July 0, 181 I.
i, com. July '.i. 1804 ; pro. i" i-i lleut Sept. 16, l-1 i
I Knox, , N.i. io, 1801 ; pro. lo l-i lleut. April 22, 1
,,iii I mi. v.. i. com. April 22, 1865; must onl duly 10, 18
Edwin It Smilh.c Nov. ID, 1862; pro, to Isl Rent Doc. 1 >, 1803,
, Feb.8, 1804; pro. to 1st lleut. Sopt. 10, 1864.
John B i N i 10, 1804; pro. to Isl liout April 22,
Ined,
in. Ma; 55; must out Julj
BREVK1 COMMISSIONS ISSUED l'.V THE GOVERNOR TO 1 .i.lslKli
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BRIO HIV ALONZO AI.M.v
son <>f [saac and Bannali Snow Aldcn, was born .Inly
18, 1831, al Wadliam'e Mills, in the town of Westpotfji
^^
'^y^
K i:\SSKL A Hi; COUNTY IN 'NIK GREAT REBELLION OF 1861.
107
Esses Co., N. V., being the youngesl of eighl ohildren.
His mother was the first white child born in the locality
where Montpelier, \'t., now Btands, His father was of the
good old Puritan stock, being a lineal descendant of the
Illustrious John Alden, \\ ho cauie over in i he " Ma\ flower,"
and was for many years lieutenant-governor of Plymouth
Bolony. Isaac Alden did active service in the war of 1812,
bid afterwards engaged in farming, lumbering, etc. In
1831) lie purchased a well wooded farm and a saw-mill in
the town of Lewis, on the Boquel River, three miles north
of Wailham's Mills. With lumbering, managing a saw
mill, making charcoal, and farming he kepi his boys steadily
at work, with the exception of about three months, when
he accorded them the privilege of attending the district
school. At the age of thirteen Alonzo was required in do
a man's work. He could burn coal-jiits as skillfully as any
Backwoodsman, cut ami pile two cords of hard wood daily ;
and when his day's work was over he would ruilk a half-
dozen cows, and then be in excellent trim for a vigorous
game of "hide-and-seek" among the wood-piles with the
Neighbors' hoys. Thus was laid the foundation of that iron
constitution which, in after-years, proved of invaluable
service to him, until it was shattered by wounds received
while fighting fir the Union in the war of the Rebellion.
At the age of seventeen, in the year 1851, he entered
the academy at Kcescville, where he^pursued his studies
till the autumn of 1853. lie was enabled to meet his own
expenses at the academy by teaching school in the winter
time. During the last year of his academical course his
chum and intimate friend was the celebrated Joseph Cook,
now of Boston, Mass. The Presbyterian Church of Keese-
ville was at that time blessed with the ministrations of that
eloquent divine, the Rev. John Mattocks. Through his
influence, Joseph Cook, Alonzo Alden, and several other
students united with the church at the same time upon pro-
fession of their faith. The subject of our sketch always
declares that this was the most important event of bis life.
In the winter of 1853-54 he taught a private school in
Westport, and in the fall of 1854 entered the Collegiate
Institute at Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., living with his
brother, Joseph J. Alden, who was one of the proprietors
of the Sand Lake Warp-Mills, in that village.
The fall of 1855 witnessed his matriculation at Williams
College, Massachusetts.
His vacations and portions of term time were occupied
with teaching in public and academic schools, and yet by
"burning the midnight oil'' he was able to keep pace with
his class, graduating with honor in August, 18511. After
leaving college he began the study of law iu the office of
Gale & Alden, in Troy, and continued there till the spring
of 1861. He was admitted to the bar and entered the
volunteer army about the same time. Those who knew him
well as a law student recognized in him abilities of a high
order. Had he remained at home and followed the profes-
sion of law, undoubtedly he would have taken a high posi-
tion among the lawyers of the Empire State.
At the outbreak of the civil war, in 1861, Alonzo
Alden was among the first to respond to the call of his
country for men to come to her defense. Forsaking his
chosen profession and putting aside all the bright hopes of
earlj mini 1. on April 18, 1861, ho enlisted as a pir
in a company being formed by Capt. John M. London.
Be rendered cffectivi ervice in filling up the company by
visiting different towns in the county, making i bes,
and securing recruits. Upon the completion of the organ-
ization of the company he was mustered into tie- service,
May II, 1861, in Company [, oi the -Oil, N. V. Volun-
teers, lie was elected, by vote of tl ompany, I'd lieu ten-
ant, with rank from May 1 1th. The regiment, in com-
mand of Col. Frisby, went to Washington) encamped for a
seasi t Brightwood, in a grove at the junction of Seventh
and Fourteenth Streets, then went into winter quart
across the Potomac. Lieut. Alden was with his company
in all its trying experiences of outpost duty, long marches,
severe drills ami discipline during the spring and summer
of 18t>2, participating with the company, in connection with
McDowell's corps, in the first capture and occupation of
Falmouth and Fredericksburg.
When not on duty with his company he devoted himself
with great assiduity to the study of military tactics and the
art and science of war. He was regarded in the regiment
as good authority on all points pertaining to company and
regimental evolutions.
On the 10th of June. 18(12, he was mile adjutant of
the regiment, which position he filled with gri til accepta-
bility until he was prostrated by typhoid fever at Falmouth,
Va., and was sent to a hospital in Washington. Here his
brother, Charles L. (of the law firm of Gale & Alden), met
him, having been summoned thither by telegraph. The
Rev. Dr. John C. Smith and wile, of Washington, secured
his removal to more comfortable quarters at a private house,
where for three weeks he was tenderly nursed by his brother
and Mrs. Smith. For several days his life was despaired
of; but convalescing, he was taken to his home at Troy.
Sept. 25, lSu"2, the lG9th Regiment New Fork Volunteers
having been organized by the war committee of Rensselaer
County, Adjutant Alden was commissioned by Governor
Morgan as major of this new regiment.
The lessons learned iu his first sixteen months of service
iu the 30th Regiment were invaluable in fitting him fur
the higher position which he was called to fill in the 169th.
With this regiment, the principal events of his brilliant
military career are associated. His tactical knowledge was
at once brought into play, and in this and his discipline he
was recognized as an officer who knew his duty, and know-
ing it, was ready and eager to perform.
When the regiment reached Saginaw, in compliance with
a general order from the War Department. Maj. Alden
was at once designated as the regimental referee, with all
the jurisdiction of regimental court-martial. His strict
administration of the office and his rigid enforcement of
discipline soon satisfied the command that war was a reality
and that army regulations meant something beyond words.
Of course he met with the prejudices of those who came
under his censure, and was regarded with disfavor by those
who had not learned the importance of discipline.
In November, 18G2, Maj. Alden assumed command of the
regiment, Col. Buel being in command of the brigade, and
Lieut. -Col. MeConihe being disabled from the effects of an
old wound. The regiment was ordered to Washington iu
103
HISTORY 01; KI'.N-SKI.AKK OUNTY. NEW YORK.
I binary, 1863, and Maj. Alder was detached to «;iko
mand of ilio district of G rn, a po-iiion which
he held until the regiment was ordered to Suffolk, Va,
Wliilo :>i Suffolk he was a participant in the different
id expeditions in which the 169th was engaged,
and ially distinguished li>r the i 1 and vigilant
support which, with six companies under his immediate
mand, ho gave t" one of the batteries engaged in :i
made upon the Eden ton Road. <>n this
sion he was wounded by a fragment of a shell knock-
ing liim from his horse, and hi- horse was shot through the
neck £ • |uent operations carried the regiment to Han-
over Court-H ' tsmouth, Va., and to South Caro-
lina, where it participated in the siege of Charleston. In
j movement Major Alden was notably prompt to dis-
charge his duty.
During this time Col. Buel had resigned, and Lien
McConihe had gone North with a recruiting detail ; thus
Major Alden was left in charge of the regiment, assuming
command Di c. '-'". 1 363.
On April 12, 1864, having received his commission as
lieutenant-colonel, Major Alden was mustered into his new
r-.ink. April 20th the regimenl was ordered to Virginia,
wh< r i engaged in various battles on the line of t lie
turnpike and railway between Richmond and Petersburg.
(in every occasion Licut.-Col. Alden displayed the Bame
f tactical skill and cool determination for which
he had gained repute. On one occasion (Chester Station,
M j Huh . while in charge of the right wing of the regi-
t, by Bkillful, strategic manoeuvres and successive im-
pctuous charges, he repulsed an entire brigade of the enemy
ami saved the Union forces from being flanked and captured.
ries of engagements on tins front the command
d i" Gen. Grant, reaching the Army of the Po-
• ■ in time to engage in the battle of Cold Harbor. June
1. 1864 Hen Lieut.-Col. Alden again distinguished him-
leading his men into action and taking command upon
the death of Col. McConihe, who was killed early in the
fight Tie- tr. 1 and captured the rebel works, and
1 Alden. while planting the regimental color ' which he
hail snatched from its wounded bearer) upon the parapet,
Bhol in the head, and carried from the field. The
colonel -i ill carries in his body the leaden relic of that brave
charge. The wound then received kept him from duty
until August 1st, when he rejoined his regiment The
command was then sent t" Dutch Gap, where Col. Alden
put in charge of the troops intrusted with the defense
of tie' working-parties 'I d in the on of
the ■ nt The colonel shoveled the first spade-
ful of earth for the Dutch Gap Canal.
In September, 1864, he was mustered in as colonel,
Omqtcd with rank to date from June I -t. and
I with In- r. gimcnl in the li:
Fi-i Col. Alden commanding tho 3d Brigade
luring thi k. After its
ind of the fort
•I." morning of Jan. 16th, whili I
view pturcd w. ■ neiiiv. by means "t clec-
tricii i be
•I, an thirty fe< t and • with the
falling debris of the wrecked magazine. When taken out
he was found to he terribly mangled and apparently dead.
Rut even in this extremity the tenacious spirit for which he
was remarkable stood by him and brought him hack to life.
II wasconveyed to the officers' hospital at Bedloe's Island,
New York Harbor, and continued unconscious lor six weeks.
He was reported killed, and his friends at home for a week
supposed he was dead. At the hospital bis brother t'harles
remained with him for live weeks. During all this period,
in his delirium he was constantly on duly, issuing his orders
and watching every point in bis command. I'pon his re-
turn to consciousness he was permitted to read his own
obituaries published in the papers at that time. He suf-
fered from a comminuted fracture of his right thigh and
partial paralysis of his right side, from which he never re-
covered. Gen. ferry, after the capture of Fort Fisher,
made a special report to President Lincoln, recommending
Col. Alden (among others for promotion to be brigadier-
general, and tie President at once appointed him brigadier-
general by brevet. The Xew York Legislature of 1865
passed a joint resolution thanking Col. Alden and other
officers by name for their gallantry at Fort Fisher, li
than three months from the date of his injuries received at
the Fort Fisher explosion, he rejoined his regiment, on
crutches, ready again for aggressive service. The , mand
was then stationed auRaleigh, N. C.,and Col. Alden having
now received his well-earned -'stars,'' with the brevet rank
of brigadier-general, '■ for gallantry and meritorious con-
duct at Fort Fisher," took command of the brigade, and
of the post of Raleigh. He also served as president of a
military commission for the examination of officers for the
standing army. With the muster out of the troops on
duly 19, 1865, he returned to civil life. Thus ended a
brilliant war record. There was not a braver or more faith-
ful soldier in the army. He never sought position; he
never shrank from duty. He was conscientious to the last
degree in the discharge of every obligation; always at his
post when not hind, red by honorable wounds ; in every
emergency and to the last he proved himself to be a model
soldier.
I'] his return to the duties of civil life, by rcas f
the Buffering resulting from his wounds, Gen. Alden
unable to resume the profession of law. Tt was a si
trial thus to be cut off from his chosen profession, but be
submitted to it under the strict orders of his physician.
In the fall of 1865 he was offered a position in the naval
office, New York, which he tilled till his appointment by
President Johnson to the pnstmnstcrship of Troy, dune I,
1866, which position he held for eight years. On the "ltli
of April. 1866, Gen. Alden was married to Chariot
daughter of E N Dauchy, formerly of Troy, V Y.
Three children have been the fruit of this marriage, — Jo-
seph Dauchy. bom duie 16, 1868; Frederick Alonzo, born
Marian, born Aug. 24, 1879. Gen. Aides
was appointed brigadier-general of the 10th Brigade, HI
tional Guard, State ol New York, in 1866, and after eleven
-• rvice he resigned. In closing this .-ketch, the per-
ristics of ton. Alden are ..pen to comment
II is a man ol positive opinions, honest intention, clear
judgment, and vigorous execution.
Till', BENCH Wli BAB
109
Characteristics like these qualify him for the duties of a
soldier, ami ycl are not incompatible with the duties of a
civilian. His military career as above outlined proved him
in be not only a bravo soldier, but also a Qrst-class tactician,
cool ami clear-headed in action, rigid in discipline, ami un-
lelenting in his opposition to wrong doing. Men of his
stamp always command respect. Prompt to obey his
superior officers, he exacted the same measure from those
under his command. In fine, lie was in every respect a
good soldier, fitted to obey, in execute, ami to command,
ami as such deserves the gratitude of every patriot, ami
honorable remembrance in his country's history. Ai the
organization of the Ninth Presbyterian Church, of Troy,
in 1869, he became a member, ami was immediately elected
to the office of ruling elder, which position he still holds.
The same qualities which lilted him to be a good officer in
the army fit him to he a good officer in the Christian
Church. By all who know him he is to-day regarded as
a faithful and outspoken Christian, a patriotic citizen, and
a generous and true friend.
OTHER RENSSELAER COUNTY TROOPS,
who served during the war of the Rebellion, besides the
regiments already mentioned, wore the respective companies
of Capts. Landon, Scott, and Campbell, of the 30th Regi-
ment, and Col. Morrison's " Black Horse Cavalry."*
CHAPTER XVII.
THE BENCH AND BAR.
Out of the long list of lawyers who from time to time
have graced the bar of Rensselaer County, we are able to
give in this chapter biographical sketches of the following.
A list of the members of the bar of the county concludes
the chapter.
WILLIAM LEARNED MARCY,
the eminent statesman and diplomatist, and a man of world-
wide fame, who for many years was a resident of Troy, ap-
propriately heads the list of distinguished lawyers of Rens-
selaer County. He was born in Southbridge, Mass., Dec.
12,1786; graduated at Brown University in 1S08; set-
tled in Troy, and followed the profession of the law. He
served as an officer of volunteers during the war of 1812—
M, capturing at St. Regis the first prisoners and the first
flag taken on laud in the war. In 181 G he was recorder of
Troy, and for a time conducted the anti-Federal organ, —
the Troy Budget. In 1821 he was adjutant-general of
New York; in 1823, comptroller ; a judge of the Supreme
Court of the State in 182f); was subsequently chosen
1 nited States Senator, and three times filled the office of
Governor of New York. During the administration of
President Van Burcn (1839) he was a commissioner to
adjust the Mexican claims, and in 1815 he was selected as
secretary of war in the cabinet of President Polk. He
displayed great ability in the settlement of intricate diplo-
W« wore promised accounts of these organizations, but thoy
tailed to come to hand.
matie questions growing out of tie Mexican war, which
iMvui red during his ter f office. I n 1 85i) h
Secretary of State by President Pierce, and "added to his
already established reputation as a statesman of a high
order. .Many of his state papei are masterly productions.
This was the last office he held, retiring on the accession of
Mr. Buchanan to the Presidency in L857.','| Mr. Marcy
died at ISallston Spa. July I. L857.
GEORGE GO! I.l>
was horn ai Litchfield, Conn., on the 2d of S ptcmber,
1807. He was the fifth son of Judge James Could. His
genealogy shows an unbroken succession of educated
lleinen, ill both the paternal and maternal branches; and in
the former he stood in hut the third remove from his Kng-
lish ancestors, whose descendants i of the junior branch ) are
still extant in England. His great-grandfather, Dr. Wil-
liam Gould, was horn in North Tawton, Devonshire, Eng-
land, in lli'.l.'l. He emigrated to this country in 1720, and
took up his residence in Branford, Conn. His grand fit her,
Dr. William Gould, the younger, was horn in Branford,
in 1827, and his father, Judge James Gould, was horn in
Branford, in 1770.
His father's sister, Elizabeth Gould, was the wife of the
Hon. Roger Minott Sherman, and his mother i Sally Mc-
Curdy Tracy) was the eldest of four sisters, who were seve-
rally married to the Hon. James Gould, of the Supreme
Court of Connecticut, the Hon. Samuel G. Hone, and the
Hon. Theron Metcalf, judges of the Supreme Court of Mas-
sachusetts, and the Hon. Silas W. Rohhins, judge of the
Supreme Court of Kentucky, while his eldest brother be-
came a judge in the State of Georgia, and he himself a judge
of the Supreme Court of New York.
On the maternal side his great-grandfather was Eliphalet
Tracy, of Norwich, Conn., and his grandfather was Gen.
Uriah Tracy, for ten years a senator of the United States,
from Connecticut, who died at Washington, and was the
first person interred in the Congressional burial-ground at
the national capital.
Judge Gould's father had few equals at the bar; and
when he was associated in important cases with his justly-
eminent brother-in-law, Roger Minott Sherman, and opposed
by such men as David Daggett and Nathan Smith, the legal
tournament is said, by those who were so fortunate as to
witness it, to have exceeded in brilliancy anything ever wit-
nessed in American courts. In view of these fact.- Judge
George Gould may be said to have, as it were, inherited
both education and law in a very unusual degree; and in
respect of both he eminently upheld the family reputation.
He was remarkable for the elegance of his person, and the
combined dignity and grace of his manners, no less than for
his almost unrivaled legal accomplishments, the purity of
bis English, and the perfection of his elocution.
Judge Gould entered Yale College in 1N23, at the age
of seventeen, and was graduated with distinction in 1S27.
lie immediately entered upon the study of the law, under
the teaching of his father, at whose celebrated law school
he was a student for two years. At the end of that period
I i.e., in 1829 i he removed to Troy, and was admitted to the
| Johnson's New Universal Cyclopedia, ]>. 295.
110
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
bar in the f >ll.nvin _ In November, 1840, lie
married .1 daughter of the Hon. George Vail, of Troy, and
witli In>r enjoyed :i measure "t' domestic happiness rarely
rded to any man. In writing of the character of •' adge
1 a- a lawyer and a judge, wo copy the words of bis
friend, Judge Harris :
"There '-an be n<> doubl thai the good influences which
Burroundcd him in his early life and the thorough training
of lii- father's school contributed much towards the forma-
tion of hi* character. Bui no arl could create, norcould
any training bestow, the high moral qualities or the amiable
disposition for which he was bo distinguished. IK n-
tinued the practice of (lie law until 1855, when hi
•■ i ,i judge of the Supreme Courl of New York.
This distinguished position he held eight years. In lSiid,
Judge Gould conferred a lasting favor upon the Bar by
editing and adapting to the code of procedure hi* father's
■ treatise on the ' Principles of Pleading.' This was
an undertaking of no ordinary labor, as the copious ami
well-considered notes of the learned editor can testify; hut
it was a labor of love to a man justly proud of his father's
fame ami with the warm feelings that always stirred the
in of Judge Gould. How it must have brought hack
the visions of his youth ami early manhood to prepare
thos for tho press, the contents of which he had
heard delivered from the lips of his father nearly forty
years befon ' A- a lawyer, the great learning ami the
■ moral excellence of Judge Gould made him an orna-
ment of his profession. As a judge, he discharged the
duties of his high office with distinguished ability and
honorable success. In this, as in every other position in
life. In' always proved himself equal to the occasion. His
powers always rose in proportion to the demands made
upon tli. 'in. 11- showed himself a thorough master of
a which came before him. His knowledge of
the ially of the common law, was very extensive,
and. what is better yet, his mind was not only well filled,
hut well packed. His learning never embarrassed him.
lie did not i me do. iind.r his great weight of
learning. He seemed always to have his acquirements,
il and varied as tiny were, under his perfect control.
II in i- no ostentations parade of his learning. His ac-
quirements h n, | leterj a part of himself, mi
thoroughly incorporated into his mental constitution, that
rything In- -aid and did seemed simple ami natural, — so
simple ami natural cely any eviden f the
I ..r the industry it had cost him
lo make 1 istcr of the subject. His bearing upon
the ■ The winning courtesy ami
tleoess, not numingled with dignity, with which he pT. .
remarkabli II was never violent, never over-
: ll.
•■ While ■' ■ I wis always kind ami gentle ill his
demeanor, he ■ nd inflexible in the dis-
charge of duty. al» ui to hear ami ready to learn
'lll-'-l the V. Ili. .11- 0
the . .11. never flinched from an ex-
if hi» own ,icl up.. n questions
to truth ami
i . v. n to severity. He saw
the principles of law involved in a case almost with the
quickness of intuition, and was always ready with the
learning requisite for their illustration. Indeed, his admi-
rable readiness in the application of legal principles, com-
bined with a rare accuracy of memory exhibited in his
prompt and easy reference to legal authority, was one of
the most conspicuous traits of his character as a judge.
"To a thorough knowledge of the elementary principle!
of law Judge Gould added the graces of high literary
culture. His judicial opinions were lucid ami concise, and
often elegant. But the most prominent characteristic of
Judge Gould — that for which he was most distinguished
ami which heevineed on all occasions, as well when hold-
ing the scales between contending parties as in the inter-
course ami business of private and professional life — was his
unbending integrity and strict impartiality. It was for this
that he was so often selected by litigating parties in th
important class of cases which are tried out of court
determine their rights.
" It is not too much to say that there never was a jud
upon the bench of the Supreme Court for whom a mo
profound respect was entertained, or who by his urbanity ai
uniform kindness had endeared himself more generally to
the legal profession. Few purer-minded or clearer-headed
men ever occupied a judicial station, and so completely did
his happy temper, his warm heart, and genial sympathies
win and attach to him all who came in contact with him
that even those against whom he was compelled to d :cidl
were disarmed of all sense of injustice by the gentlenea
and kindness with which the decision was pr unced.
"The private character of Judge Gould was pre-eminently
beautiful. He was pure in spirit aid blameless in life. He
faithfully discharged all the duties of a husband, a father,
and a friend. His eye always beamed with the same brigfl
ami benignant expression. His whole countenance ».;*
lighted up with refinement and intelligence. No excessd
marred the daily beauty of his life. He died in the very
-- of his powers, the glory of his manhood. He
- -iieli a man might wish to die, before his sun had
begun to decline, and while his mind was yet unclouded by
any shadow of infirmity or touch of decay.'
i iiaki is 1:1 SSELl lNHAl.l.s
was burn at Greenwich, Washington Co., Slate of New
York, on Sept. 1 I. 1819. lie read law in the office of his
lather. . lodge Charles F. Infill-; was admitted t" practice
as an attorney of the Supreme Court, and as solicitor of the
Court of Chancery, in the year 1844, and in ls|7 vvaS ad-
mitted as counselor of said courts. In 1853 he rcpn
the First Assembly District of Washington County in the
Assembly. He practiced law in Greenwich, in connection
with his father ami brother, until 1800, when he formed I
law partnership with the Hon. David L. Seymour, and re-
moved to the citj of Troy. That relation continued until
Jan. I. 1864, when he entered upon the duties of justiot
of the Supreme Curl of said State, to which position he
bad been elected the previous autumn. On the 1st of
January. 1-7". as justice of the Supreme Court, he bee MM
a member of the Court of Appeals of the State, and re-
maned in that court until its reorganization. In 1871, ha
6L^£J
T11K BENCH AND BAR.
Ill
judicial term of eight veins as justice of the Supreme
Courl being ahoul to expire, he was nominated for the same
position for the term el' fourteen years, by both the Demo-
cratic ami Republican conventions, and was elected without
opposition. In 1 S77 he was designated by Governor Rob-
inson as a member el' the General Term of the Supreme
Court of the First Department, consisting of the city of
Mew Ynrk, in which capacity he is now acting.
His paternal ancestors emigrated to this country from
Lincolnshire, England, and wen' settled as farmers in Mas-
sachusetts as early as 1629. The precise period of their
arrival in this country lias net been ascertained. In the
war of the Revolution four of his great-uncles were in the
Continental army, of whom one was killed in the battle of
Bunker Hill. His grandfather, Charles Ingalls, after
graduating at Dartmouth College, went to Salem, Washing-
ton Co., State of New York, and became the principal of
the academy in that village. There he remained until
1802, when, having in the mean time studied law, he re-
moved to Greenwich, in the same county, where he estab-
lished a law-office, the first opened at that place, and there
practiced his profession successfully until his death, which
occurred in 1812. Two sons survived him, — Charles F.
Ingalls, the father of the subject of this sketch, and Thomas
11. Ingalls. The former commenced the practice of the law
in Greenwich, in the year 1818, and continued it until
within a few years prior to his death, which occurred in 1870.
He was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington
County, district attorney of said county, and was elected a
member of Assembly from that county in the year 1853.
He was a thorough and able lawyer, a respected citizen, a
kind friend, and honest man. Thomas 11. Ingalls graduated
at the military academy at West Point in 1820, and after
remaining in the army some years, serving as an officer in
various capacities, he became president of Jefferson College
in Louisiana, and occupied that position until 1840, when
he resigned, and, after traveling in Europe two years, re-
turned to this country, and made his home with his brother
at Greenwich, where he remained, devoting his time to
study, until bis death in 1864. He was an accomplished
scholar and a Christian gentleman.
The mother of Charles R. Ingalls, wdiose maiden name
was Mary Rogers, was the daughter of Nathan Rogers,
who was one of the earliest settlors of Greenwich, and who
was an intellig int, enterprising, and influential citizen.
Thomas Ingalls, the only brother of C. R. Ingalls, gradu-
ated at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., in the year 1S52.
He subsequently studied law in the office of his father and
brother, and having been admitted to practice in the Su-
preme Court, became their partner, and continued the prac-
tice of his profession until his death, iu 1872. He left
surviving him his widow, Julia A. Ingalls, who is the
daughter of Seneca Gifford, of Easton, Washington Co.
He was a gentleman of culture, of acknowledged legal abil-
ity, aud was respected and beloved by all who knew him.
Judge Iugalls, the subject of this sketch, has one sister,
Mary Ingalls, who resides at the homestead in Greenwich,
which has been occupied by the family for fifty years.
Judge Ingalls married, in 1810, Miss Mary E. Mosher, the
daughter of Dr. Charles R. Mosher, of Easton, Washington
Co., N. V. She died in isis. |„ 1852 be ,„. i Mi
Luanda Stevens, "I' the city of Troy, who died in 1872.
In 1834, Judge Ingalls united with the Reformed ' Dub
Church at Greenwich, which bis two grandfathers were in-
strumental in establishing, and of which Ids father, mother,
sister, and brother were also members. Alter he removed
to Troy he united with the Second Street Pr< byterian
Church, and is now one of its ruling eld
Such are some of the main points in tic lib- of this dis-
tinguished citizen, and in the history of the honored family
tn which be belongs. Brought up in the very atmosphere
of the law, lie imbibed in youth a love I'm' its study, and
became in early manhood its careful practitioner in the
courts, applying its varied principles with discretion, and
developing with ease and skill the legal results which he
desired to reach. In the preparation of bis cases for trial
bis fidelity to his clients was always manifested by a careful
collation of the testimony, and was further evinced in a
thorough acquaintance with points both minute and prom-
inent, and iu the arrangement, in logical sequence, of the
circumstances involved. The same system was also evinced
iu bis arguments before the court, and bis briefs were models
of concise completeness. Although, as a lawyer, he was
always thoroughly interested on behalf of bis client, yet be
did not sink his capacity for judgment in that partisanship
which is too apt to blind the advocate to the fact that there
are always two sides to every question. And so it happened
that, when the good sense of the people placed him on the
bench of the Supreme Court of the State, he brought to the
discharge of bis duties a mind whose wide experience iu
many a legal conflict had left it furnished with manifold
and varied information, but still in a condition of unpreju-
diced fidelity to the force of facts and reason. Thus, for
nearly sixteen years, has he maintained on the bench a
character pure, upright, and unsullied in every particular,
commanding for himself the universal admiration and love
of the members of the bar for the intelligence and unswerv-
ing impartiality of his judicial action, and the respect and
confidence of his colleagues for the untiring assiduity and
exhaustive study which are apparent in the results which
he reaches, and in the concise opinions which he ex-
presses.
As a citizen, his interest in the welfare of the community
is pronounced, and he is always earnest and efficient in
caring for the sick and destitute, in forwarding measures
best adapted for the relief of the poor, in organizing plans
for the extension to all of the system of the free reading of
books and newspapers gathered in public repositories, and
in originating and carrying on to successful completion
undertakings which are commended to the sympathy of
man by their intention to exalt humanity. His religion is
of that nature which, while it thinketh no evil, is still
vitalized by his endeavors to render his own life effective
not only as a life of principle but as an example for others.
Of a cheerful disposition, courteous in demeanor, sharing
with equanimity the burdens and trials of others, and never
failing to distinguish the varied acts of bis daily life by
manifestations of the law of kindness, he emphasizes, with
pronounced force, in his own career, the character of a
Christian gentleman.
112
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ABRAHAM BALDWIN OLIN
was born in Shaftesbury, Yt . on Sept. 21. 1S09; fitted for
college at the academy, at Williarastown, Mass., under the
Rev. Ebenezer Canning, and graduated al Williams College
as a member of the class of L835. He read law with A.
il. Whittemore; continued his studies in tliis city after
1836; was admitted to the liar in 1810. and thereu]
formed a copartnership in the law business, in Troy, with
his esteemed brother, Job Olin, who died, greatly lamented,
in 1854.
From 1^11 to 1848, Abraham B. Olin was recorder of
the city, which position he filled with ability. He was dis-
tinguished as an advocate; also for his legal acquirements,
and for his devotion to the cause of the persecuted and
distressed. On the arrival of Kossuth, on June 3, 1852,
the hospitalities of the city were tendered him by Mr. Olin,
in the court-house. Among the noted eases in which he
. part as a lawyer was the ease of Mrs. Robinson (the
veiled murderess), who was tried for murder in 1854. On
that occasion Mr. Olin appeared, with other eminent law-
yers, for the defendant. He was elected to Congress from
this congressional district, which was then limited to Rens-
selaer County, in the fall .1' 1 Sol!, and served in that position
for 1 1 1 r. ■ terms, — from March, 1857, to March,
1 S63. During the first two years of the Rebellion he ren-
dered important services to his country as chairman of the
house committee on military affairs. In 1863, on retiring
from congressional service, he was appointed a judge of the
Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, being one of
the four judges designated to that position at the organiza-
tion of the court. He received his appointment from
I' sidenl Lincoln, and continued to serve in that position
until a few months ago, when, af his own request, he was
retired, on lull pay. In December, 1838, Judge Olin mar-
ried Miss Mary Danforth, daughter of Keyes Danforth,
Esq., of Williamstown. In L865, Williams College con-
1 up. n him the degree of LL D.
Abpnl three years ago Judge Olin was stricken with
ysis, from which he never fully recovered. He died
at Washington. I). (.'., in the year l.ST'.l.
DATID LOWRE1 SE1 MOUR,
nn eminent lawyer of Rensselaer County, and conspicuous
daring the las! generation in Stat.' and national politics,
Was born in Wcthersficld, Conn. I1 2 1803. His
Its, Asllbel Seymour and Mary Lowrey, were d
of families identified with the settlement and
■li of the commonwealth, Tl riginal ai stor of
the Seymours, Richard Seymour, of Essexshirc, came to
Hartford from the Bay Colony in 1635, and was a promi-
nent I with the pious and earni -i Hooker in the
mcnl of the three towns — Hartford, Wethersfield,
and Windsor— which for a period constituted a little State.
hard are descended nearly all bearing the
ii one in the United States,— a progeny including several
and tubers "i i and a very large
mm. 1 iii the v. o
•■ . law, or i li. in...
L ireful preparation in
the . I Yale I .Hi- powers of
application were exceptional, and his mental faculties well
developed, even as a boy. One of his fellow-collegians,
still living, in the session of the State Constitutional Con-
vention of IStiT, during the proceedings suggested by the
death of Mr. Seymour, alluded as follows to the youthful
promise of the deceased : " It was well understood that, so far
as David L. Seymour was concerned, in his class he stood
pre-eminent as a mathematician, and equal in all other re-
spects in learning with his associates. It was then pre-
dicted of him, and talked of among the faculty and students,
that, life and health being spared to him, his mark would
be undoubtedly made in the world."
At the graduation of the class in 1S26, the prediction
of professors and classmates was already vindicated in anti-
cipation. Seymour being given the salutatory7, — the second
h ir at commencement. For a considerable period ante-
cedent to graduation in his academic course, young Seymour
had selected the legal profession for his life's pursuit. Very
soon after receiving his degree he entered upon his new
studies as a member of the Yale Law School, which then,
under the principal direction of Hons. David Daggett and
Samuel J. Hitchcock, two of the most eminent jurists of
Now England in that day, enjoyed a high reputation
throughout the country. In 1S2S, while still pursuing
his professional course, he was lion. .red bv an appointment
as tutor from his alma mater, which he accepted, per-
forming his duties for two collegiate years, besides attend-
ing the lectures and joining in the forensic exercises of the
law school.
In 1830, having finished the law course and received
the most cordial commendation of his instructors, he was
admitted to the bar. after an exceptionally satisfactory ex-
amination, and prepared to enter upon an active practice.
At that time the comparatively fresh fields for New England
enterprise and talent in Northern and Centra! New York
were attracting general attention, many families having gone
from the Connecticut River towns to the larger and richei
territories of the Hudson and Mohawk. The rising village
of Troy, then promising to control the head-waters of the
I'.. nner river and monopolize the trade of the whole region
as far as the St. Lawrence and the lakes, was especially
favored in the regard of adventurous spirits, several of its
spicuous citizens — and notably the dale,- and Buels—
having originally come from Kill'mgworth and other old
towns in the Connecticut Valley. Seymour, carefully weigh-
ing the reports from various parts of the country, determined
nine his professional career in Troy. In June,
1830, he found himself started in business, entering the
office of the I Ion. John P. Cushman, one of the most able
and popular counsel of that day in the State. The first
two years of his experience, though not altogether desolate
so far as patronage was concerned, were especially valuable
in the familiarity with the rules and modes of practice they
taught, and the strength they imparted under association so
favorable i.. a well-poised an 1 equipped intellectual tempera-
ment. At the end of this period, Mr. Cushman, justly nppn -
dating the honest aspirations and line parts of the young
lawyer, and requiring a junior, offered him a partnership. •
i I advantageous a proffer was gladly accepted,
an 1 the linn of Cushman .V Seymour was for d. From
TIIK BENCH AND HAlt.
113
this date Seymour's professional success was assured. The
firm, as originally constituted, lasted for many years,- -until
the death of the senior partner, in fact.
The local bar at. this time comprised a large number of
excellent lawyers, including such memorable names as David
Buel, Jr., Isaac McConihe, Hiram I'. limit, Daniel Hall,
Thomas Clowes, and Archibald Bull. Tn this brilliant coterie
Seymour at once was accorded a rank unprecedented for 80
youthful an advocate. His thorough knowledge of the old
English law. of which he was an ardent and devoted lover,
found him great favor with the scholars of the profession,
while his cultivated oratory and clear, incisive rhetoric se-
cured for him an unusual popularity on the rostrum or be-
fore a jury. During the earlier years of their partnership
the senior partner was charged with the presentation of all
oases of intrinsic importance, but very soon after their asso-
ciation that experienced advocate had made the discovery
that for the preparation of a cause he could fully rely upon
the excellent judgment, exact method, and ripe erudition
of his younger brother. This was true to the degree that,
after a short experience of his associate's thoroughness in
all respects, Mr. Cushman, the leader of the Rensselaer bar,
and surpassed by but few in the ranks of jurisprudence of
the State, rarely looked at a cause before going into court,
trusting fearlessly to its perfect preparation at the hands of
his faithful and indefatigable junior.
Besides and notwithstanding his devotion to his profes-
sion, Mr. Seymour was greatly interested in the politics of
the day. The breadth and largeness of his philosophy natu-
rally predisposed him to a study of public questions, whether
involving political or social economy. In sympathy, his
conservative tone of mind allied him with the Democratic
party of the period. Soou after his establishment in Troy
his persuasive and logical eloquence in occasional addresses
at public meetings enlisted the favor of the local politi-
cians, and in 1835 he was urged to accept a nomination to
the Assembly. His candidacy was successful, and his
service, both on the floor and in committee, was so satisfac-
tory to his constituents that a renomination was proffered
the succeeding year. Declining a second election, he ac-
cepted the office of master in chancery, thereupon proffered
by the governor, and performed its duties for several years.
In 1842 he was persuaded to re-enter the political field.
The Democratic party of the district, desiriug to pit its
most popular representative against a very strong candidate
of the opposition, tendered to him the nomination for Con-
gress. This nomination was, after careful consideration,
accepted by Mr. Seymour, and he went into the cauvass.
After a contest of unusual warmth, he was handsomely
returned.
In December, 1843, at the age of forty, he took his seat
as a member of the Twenty-eighth Congress. The tariff
question was at that date the principal topic of agitation,
and Mr. Seymour's position as a prominent member of the
committee of ways and means, to which the bill was re-
ferred, made imperative his declaration of policy. In this
instance his essential integrity of sentiment and strong in-
dividuality were demonstrated in a marked manner. Not
satisfied with the views of his associates of either party on
the committee, and unwilling to indorse the free trade dicta
15
of the Democracy or the protective and almost prohibitory
theories of the; Whigs, he made a distinct and independent
report embodying his own views in favor of a discriminating
system that would have encouraged industrial, while not
crushing out the commercial, inten i
During this session the annexation of Texas was like-
wise a then f grave discussion. Mr. Seymour developed
a kindred individuality in his treatment of this question)
Opposing the measures contemplated by the joint, resolution
of Congress as infringing upon constitutional reservations,
but finally voting in favor of the amended bill as it came
from the Senate. Mr. Seymour was chairman of the Com
mittee on Revolutionary claims, and the author of the bill
of January, 1844, extending the scope of the pension laws
in a manner to embrace many meritorious cases previously
unprovided for.
In the fall of 1844, at the expiration of his first term,
he was again the candidate of his party, but, through the
action of the anti-rent faction, which threw its suffrages for
his opponent, was defeated. A third nomination, however,
in 1850, was successful, the agrarian agitation having been
extinguished, and the district again returning him by a
handsome majority. In this canvass not a few of his
Whig friends and neighbors forgot their allegiance to their
own party, giving their votes to Mr. Seymour in generous
recognition of his support in Congress of the industrial
progress of the country. In the Thirty-second Congress
Mr. Seymour's influence was greatly felt on many questions
of national importance. The majority of the House of
Representatives acknowledged him as one of its wisest and
most reliable leaders, and many measures of legislation lost
their extreme partisan purpose through his essentially pa-
triotic and constitutional prevision. The position of chair-
man of the committee on commerce — numbering among
its members Alexander H. Stephens, Andrew Johnson,
and William Aiken — was a universally approved indorse-
ment of his varied knowledge of affairs and his broad
statesmanship. During the first session he again demon-
strated his independence of party dogmatism by reporting
a bill appropriating several millions of dollars for the
improvement of rivers and harbors, which was signed by
the President, thus adopting the liberal and fostering
policy of the Whigs rather than the ultra-restrictiveness
of the Democrats. In the second session, in response to a
general demand from State Legislatures and boards of trade
for a reciprocal system of free duties between the United
States and the British provinces, his committee framed the
original report which served as a basis for a subsequent
treaty and laws for reciprocal trade. He was also mainly
instrumental in securing the passage of the first enactment
requiring a rigid inspection of steam-boilers and providing
the guarantees of safety on shipboard since elaborated,
under the title of " navigation laws," into a thorough system
of protection against the dangers of travel upon water.
Retiring from the active political field after his second
term at Washington, he returned with increased zest to the
pursuit of his much-loved profession. His partnership with
Mr. Cushman having some time previously expired, he
formed a new connection with Hon. George Van Saut-
voord, with whom he was associated until 1SG0. Mr. Van
114
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
SantviMinl at this time became the reoipient of official
honors which interfered with the devotion of hia entire
time i" the business of the partnership, and the linn was
dissolved. Judge [ngalls was next associated with him in
his law office, under the firm-name of Seymour & [ngalls,
a connection which lasted until the junior member was
called i" the bench, after which Mr. Seymour t iiiiu<->]
with a younger member of the bar, Mr. Charles E. Patter-
a partnership which lasted till hi- death. The law
offiiv.- of which he was the head, after his retirement from
rog the first in Northern New York for
the of their business and the importance of their
ind, under the tuition of the accomplished lawyers
thus associated, wen- developed many of the ablest members
of the profession now practicing in II n selaei and Albany
Oountii 9.
Mr. Seymour's professional career was a success beyond
that of most men. ami he was often called upon to contend
with the best and most powerful minds in the State, while
many of the weight} causes in which he was engaged were
of that superior prominence which will make them always
stand as established precedents in the reports of his State.
Among the noted causes in which he-was engaged stands
prominent a suit involving rights under a patented inven-
tion, ami known to all the bar of Northern New i'ork as
the " Spike ease." For nearly thirty years this ease has
occupied the attention of the courts, and for the last twenty
years of his life did he. as their leading counsel, so well
guard the interests in that case of his clients, Messrs.
Corning, Winslow & Homer, that it is regarded among the
prof, -.-ion that by his efforts they were saved from what
seemed inevitable disaster and the payment of ruinous
damages.
In 1 866, Mr. Seymour received the degree of LL.D. from
Hamilton College. In April, 1 ^'>7. he was nominated as
a delegate-at-large by the Democratic State Convention to
the i vontion called to revise the State Constitution,
and was elected in the canvass which followed a month
His participation in the labors of the convention
was marked by the same integrity of purpose and unpar-
t i- in .-pirit that had distinguished his professional and
legislative career. His very last public effort was an ex-
haustive argument upon a question affecting the State
Banal system, in which he dissented from the majority re-
port of his commit!-
In the latter pan of September he went to his country-
seat al Lanesboro', Mass., proposing a few day.-' freedom
from official and other efforts which had perceptibly worn
down his general vitality. Shortly alter his arrival he was
prostrated by B severe attack of B disease from which he
bad previously suffered. His illness lasted for sixteen days,
end of which period, having endured prolonged and
extreme agonies, in a spirit of calm and trusting resignation,
relief came in thai mortal slumber which to the Christian
sufferer i- the prelude to immortal joys. Mr Seymour's
• was the .i-ioii of universal gloom in the city of
which he had been l"f so many year- a nc-i honored and
; hut. Tic bar, th" pre--, the t imunity, with-
sincerely mourned the loss of a citisen
whose talent, integrity, unselfishness, and public -pirit had
alike been unimpeachable. At a formal meeting of the
legal profession eloquent addresses from the lips of his sur-
viving brothers in jurisprudence commemorated in tearful
encomium the virtues and the ability of the deceased. He
was buried on the 15th of October from St. Paul's church.
On the 12th of November, the Constitutional Convention
reassembling after its recess, lion. Martin I. Townsend an-
nounced the death of his colleague from Troy in an elabo-
rate oration, and was followed by lions. Amasa J. Parker,
Henry C. Murphy, .lames Brooks. Thomas .1. Alvord, John
M. Francis, and other prominent members of that body.
Well befitting his character are the words uttered on that
occasion by the lion. Erastus Brooks:
•• I can say, and all who knew him will bear witness to
the truth of what I say, that he was in all respects a true
Christian gentleman, and not only a member of the Church,
but an ornament of the Church which he represented, and
of which he was a member. He has left that behind him
which is better than all the wealth which he left, and that
is the reputation of an honest man and a faithful public
servant. In the largest and highest sense he was what
may be called a statesman, because he comprehended the
necessities of the country, and that the duties of a public
man are not merely to the constituents which he imme-
diately represented, but to the State at large. He was a
patriot, too, in its largest sense, as has been said, because he
not only loved his country with sincerity, but served it with
the highest devotion. He recalls to me these lines of Pope,
in uttering which I will conclude the brief remarks I have
to make :
" 'Statesman, yet friend to truth ; of soul sincere;
In action faithful, and in honor clear;
Who broke no promise, -erred no private end.
Who gained no title, and who lost no friend.'"
Mr. Seymour married, in ISoT, Maria L. Curtiss, daughter
of Sheldon Clarke Curtiss, an eminent lawyer of Derby,
Conn. As the offspring of this marriage there survived
him three daughters. — Mary L., wife of Titus E. Eddy, a
manufacturer and merchant of New York City; Sara L.,
wife of S. Fisher Johnson, a banker of New York City ;
and Fannie M., wife of Charles E. Patterson, a lawyer of
Troy.
WILLIAM A.UGU8TU8 ItEACH
was born at Ballston Spa, to which place his father, Miles
Beach, had removed from Connecticut, in the year 1TS6.
On the maternal side, bis lather was related to Judge Smith
Thompson, of the Supreme Court of the United States. In
1807 his father married Cynthia, a si-tor of Judge William
I,. F. Warren, and a relative of Dr. Warren, of Bunker
Hill memory. Ili> lather served during the Revolution in
a Massachusetts militia company, holding a c mission
bearing the bold signature of John Hancock. Zerah
K ich, his grandfather, was one of the commissioners of
the treaty of Wyoming, and was also in the Continental
army, having passed the winter at, Valley Forge. Miles
Beach removed with his family to Saratoga Springs in the
year 1809.
William A., during his boyhood, attended school at the
Saratoga Springs Academy, and later Captain Partridge's
military school, at MiddletoWn, Vt. He first studied law
//-•///, >
TIIK BKNCII AND BAH.
115
in Saratoga, with his uncle, .Indue Warren. He was
admitted to the bar in August, 1833. His first legal part
Dership was with Nicholas Hill, Jr. Subsequently lie
formed partnerships successively with Sidney .). Cowen,
Daniel Shepherd, and Augustus Bockes, his connection
with the latter continuing until his removal to Troy. He
received the appointment of district attorney in L843, hold-
ing the same until 1847.
*In April, 1851, lie removed to the city of Troy, where
he formed a copartnership with Job PierBOn and Levi
Smith, under the linn-name of Pierson, Beach & Smith.
Mr. Pierson withdrew from the firm in 1851!, and it was
continued under the firm-name of Beach & Smith until
December, 1870. During all this long interval Mr. Beach
was actively engaged in his profession. In addition to the
lurge office business of his firm he had an extensive crim-
inal business, and was engaged in most of the important
litigations of the day, and was constantly brought in eon-
tact with the most able New York lawyers, and always
proved himself the equal of any of them, whenever an im-
portant controversy arose. The first thing said by the
friends of either side, by way of advice, was, " Employ
I Beach." He was employed in the noted Albany bridge
case, where the question involved was the right to bridge
navigable streams emptying into the sea, where the tide
ebbed and flowed, under State authority. Mr. Beach had
opposed to him in this controversy William H. Seward,
then a senator from the State of New York, Nicholas Hill,
and John II. Reynolds, of the city of New York, all since
dead, and he proved himself equal in argument and learning
with these great men. The history of this case is worthy
of a remark here. It was heard in the United States cir-
cuit court for the northern district of New York, before
Hon. Samuel Nelson, then a justice of the United States
Supreme Court, ami Hon. Nathan K. Hull, district judge of
New York, of the northern district of New York. These
eminent judges were unable to agree, and made a certificate
of disagreement to the United States Supreme Court, where
the case was argued, — that court then consisted of but six
members, — and the court there was also equally divided.
The practice of the court in such case being that the case
would be sent back to the circuit court, with directions that
it be dismissed. This was done, leaving as the result,
after years of earnest and expensive litigation, no actual
decision either of fact or of law.
Mr. Beach was employed by Horatio Seymour, then
Governor of New York, to defend Colonel North and his
officials, who were appointed commissioners to superintend
the taking of the votes of soldiers in the field. The United
States authorities claimed that their commissioners had
been guilty of malfeasance in office, and ordered a military
court to try them. This court sat in the city of Washing-
ton, D. C., and it was here that Mr. Beach made one of
his most able and brilliant efforts. At the close of his
argument a rule of the court was taken, and it was unani-
mous for acquittal, and the prisoners were discharged. The
president of the court, a perfect stranger to Mr. Beach,
after the acquittal came to Mr. Beach, gave him his hand,
* Kindly contributed hy Mr. Smith.
and CODgratulated him upon his masterly effort, and thanked
him for the powerful aid he had rendered the court in arriv-
ing at its conclusion.
Ransom II. (idlett, then a resident of Washington, ami
himself a lawyer of distinguished ability, who was present
at this argument, writing to the Albany AtffUt shortly
afterwards, said in substance that 1 1 < - had been for many
years a resident ill Washington ; that he had known all
these great men, — Webster, Clay, Calhoun, etc., — beard
them both at the bar ami in the halls of Congress, ami
that none of them had excelled Mr. Beach in brilliancy or
power.
'I'he defense of General Cole, charged with the murder
of Senator lliscock, at Albany, is another noted professional
triumph of Mr. Beach. General Cole met Senator lliscock
at the Stanwix Hall, in Albany, and at sight shot, him dead.
It was claimed on the part id' the defense, and some evi-
dence was given in the trial tending in that direction, that
Senator Hiscock bad trifled with the affections of the gen-
eral's wife while he, the general, was at the front fighting
for the cause of his country, and that the general on his
return, hearing the facts, meeting the senator by accident,
shot him on the spot. Mr. Beach in his argument charac-
terized the ease as one of " emotional insanity,'' that
although snne a moment before and sane a moment after
the shot was fired, yet that when the fatal shot was fired,
Cole was insane and wholly irresponsible for the act. The
court and jury took this view of the case, and the jury
promptly rendered a verdict of acquittal.
These are but a few of the important cases in which he
was engaged while living in Troy. In all of his eases he
brought a careful preparation, and was always great in his
presentation both to court and jury.
The county of Rensselaer looked with pride upon him
as one so long its resident and humble advocate. His suc-
cess in the great metropolis has been equally marked. His
lime is wholly taken up with the most important cases
known to our courts of justice in the State and nation.
JOHN 1). WILLARD,
for a little less than forty years a resident of the city of
Troy, was a man of studious, somewhat retiring habits, a
close observer of human nature, far-sighted in regard to
business operations and political movements, a prominent
public man, a Mason of high rank, and a gentleman of fine
literary acquirements. He was born at Lancaster, N. H.,
Nov. 4, 1799, was the son of a clergyman, and a descendant
of Maj. Simon Willard, who emigrated to this country from
the county of Kent, England, in 1634, and was celebrated
in the Indian wars.
Judge Willard was educated at Dartmouth College, where
he graduated at the early age of nineteen. He began the
study of law in Chenango Co., N. Y., completed it in Troy
with Judge McConihe, and was admitted to the bar in lSliti.
He immediately opened an office in the city, where he bad
already many warm friends. The next year he was ap-
pointed surrogate of Rensselaer County by De Witt Clin-
ton, but the ': Bucktail" party in the Senate refused to con-
firm him on political grounds.
In 1834, Governor William L. Marcy appointed him
116
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
judge of the oourt of Common Pleas, an office which he
held for -ix year.-.
In the moan time his business as a lawyer had been con-
stantly increasing, and at 1 1 > « • dose of his judgeship lie
determined t" devote himself entirely to bis profession, and
refused all nominations for election to public office.
Previous to this he had edited the Troy Sentinel forsev-
cr.il years, having succeeded Orville L. Bolley, and from
about L835 to 1848 he was secretary of a profitable corpo-
ration,— the Troy Insurance Company.
In 1829 he married Laura, daughter of Blakeslee Barnes,
of Berlin, Conn. She was born May 13, 1808, and sur-
vive- at the time of Writing this sketch. Finding his health
railing him, in 1850, accompanied with his wife, he spent
a little over a year abroad, visiting most of the countries of
Europe, and in 1 855, with his son. again visited thai country,
remaining some fifteen months, during which time he was
an interesting corres] lent of one of the city papers. The
degr f I.L.I'.. conferred by Dartmouth College and the
Masonic University, was no empty honor. It was merited
by this careful student, graceful writer, anil well-read lawyer.
Judge Willard held the highest offices in one of the Ma-
sonic l.odu'.'s of Troy, and also tilled the position of Grand
Master of the State at the time of the memorable (roubles
in the order, caused by the secession of some Mil. ordinal.
bodies. With a Arm but temperate band he settled all these
difficulties, and restored the harmony which is the support
of all such institution-.
In ls.")7 he was elected, as the Democratic candidate.
State senator for the twelfth district, comprising the coun-
ties of Rensselaer and Washington, and discharged his
duties with acknowledged ability. He was a director in
the Commercial Bank of Troy, and a member of various
literary and scientific societies. He had a taste for literary
pursuits, and found time amid the engrossing cares of a
laborious profession to give much attention to general liter-
ature. In public as in private life he was straightforward.
upright, decided, and reliable. Although not a church mem-
ber, he attended the services of the Presbyterian Church,
and for several years was chairman of the board of trustees
of the Second Presbyterian congregation in Troy. He was
th.- efficient friend of all benevolent enterprises, and inter-
ested in whatever coi rued the business interests of the
..mity in which he lived. He die.l Oct. 9, 1864.
He had two sons, — Henry, a graduate of Dartmouth Col-
now a Congregationalisl minister in Minnesota, and
Clarence, a Troy merchant .deceased).
BAM EL ORAY HI vi [NQTON
tnded from a wealthy .and honorable ancestry,
which date, back to the settlement of New England . and
civil and military records make prominent many of the
members of the Huntington family in State and national
ilation in the struggle for independence, and in the
public offices of the country, wherever they have
found Judge Huntington was the son of Rev. Enoch
Huntington, of Middletown, Conn., and «a- born Maj 21,
1 T-sJ Hi- father I it x*ale College in 1785 with
high honor, receiving tfai Berkeley premium, as bis father
before him had done J . Igi I luntington was also a nephew
and namesake of Samuel Huntington, one of the signers of
the Declaration ..!' Independence, p resident of the Colonial
Congress, and who was afterwards governor of Connecticut
for a number of years.
I.ik. most of the youth of his native State, he received
the rudiments of a thorough education in the excellent
From photo, by Atkinson, Troy«
Q^^7^e^k^^^^^?y>^
*C^K>
common schools then and still liberally and carefully sus-
tained by the able legislators of that State. After leaving
the common school, he receive.! the preparatory education
necessary to admission to a collegiate course with his father,
and was admitted to Yale College, where he graduated with
the honors of that ancient university in the year 1SII0.
His rather thought him too young to commence the study
of his profession, — the law, — and sent him to Shelter Island,
where he was a teacher for two years. Returning home,
he became a student in the law-office of his brother. Enoch
Huntington. Jr., of his native town. He wa.- admitted DO
p.raetiee at the bar of Middlesex County, where he com-
menced business in connection with his brother.
He selected the law for bis profession, and in making
that eh. .ice he felt that the legal profession yielded to no
other in dignity or importance. At that day. too, the greal
lights of the bar and bench of his native State beckoned him
onward in a course of honorable distinction in bis profession.
Such men as ReeVi and Swift adorned the bench, while
l'ierrcpont Edwards, Goddard. Daggotl. and Gould shone at
the bar.
In the ;■■ it 1 B06 hi removed to the State of New York,
and settled in practice in the village of Waterford, Saratoga
Co. Here he soon rose to eminence as a lawyer, and
ranked among the ablest of the many distinguished men
who have graced the bar of that county. He removed to
TDK HKNCH AN' I) I5AR.
117
Troy in the year 1825, where, during the remainder of his
life, his professional business was among the largest and
most lucrative. II is counsel was sought in the most im-
portant cases, particularly in those relating to real estate.
In this branch of the law he was a perfect master, as well
from his intimate acquaintance with the decisions of the
English courts as from the fact that the period of his prac-
tice, reaching to upwards of half a century, embraced that
space in the history of our country during which not only
the system of our law of real estate, but in fact almost the
entire body of American common law, has been formed.
When he commenced practice there was no American com-
mentator on the law, and the reported cases, cither in Con-
necticut or New York, did not exceed half a dozen volumes.
Under the administration of Governor Clinton he was ap-
pointed to the office of judge of the court of Common Pleas
of Rensselaer County, and discharged its duties with great
ability and impartiality. His decisions always commanded
respect, as they were felt to be the result of an honest con-
viction of the right of the case, in a mind guided by patient
research and stored with legal lore.
In the death of Judge Huntington, July 5, 1854, his
brethren of the bar mourned the loss of one in whose coun-
sels they had often confided, whose legal acquirements did
honor to their profession, whose professional relations to
them all were kind, courteous, and honorable, and whose
social intercourse so often helped to strip labor of its
drudgery, relieve life of its tedium, and to strew our path-
way with pleasant and harmless trifles and gay flowers.
Judge Huntington was a man of very commanding per-
sonal appearance. He had a large frame, a clear, florid
complexion, and possessed very considerable beauty of
feature. His bright and cheerful eye, when he was en-
gaged in conversation, lit up with more than ordinary
brightness. He possessed ready wit and a very keen sense
of the humorous, and in his social hours he was a most
charming companion. He should be ranked with the best-
trained and most accomplished lawyers in the county and
State.
He married for his first wife Mary Johnston, of Middle-
town, Conn., who died Nov. 23, 1823, leaving one daughter,
now Mrs. John H. Whitlock, of Troy, N. Y., a lady of re-
finement and rare natural artistic attainments. For Jlis
second wife he married Mrs. Januette C. Cheever.
MARTIN INGHAM TOWNSEND,
of Troy, N. Y., is descended of ancestors who, for more
than two centuries, have dwelt in this country. His primal
progenitor in America was Martin Townsend, of Water-
town, Mass., who was born in 1644, fourteen years after
the settlement of Boston. In 1668 he married Abigail
Train, and their youngest son, Jonathan, was born in 1687.
Removing to Hebron, Conn., Jonathan married, and one of
his children, who was named Martin, was born in 1727,
and married Rhoda Ingham. Among the descendants of
Martin and Rhoda was a Martin, who was born at Hebron
in 1756, and who married Susannah Allen, of Hancock.
This Martin had four wives besides Susannah, and eighteen
children. One of these children was Nathaniel, who was
born Sept. 4, 1781, and who died July 20, 1865. In 1805
he married Cynthia Marsh, who was born March 5, 17-::
and who died April 2, 1S76. Of their four children three
still survive, one of whom is Martin I. Town-rid, the Jub
ject of this sketch, who was In. in at Hancock, in Berkshire
Co., Mass., on the 6th day of February, L810. As has
been already noted, be inherits on his lather's side the blood
of the Inghams of Connecticut and of the Trains of Ma i
chusetts. Through his mother he claims descent from Miles
Standish, the citizen-soldier of the Pilgrim Fathers, and
also from Henry Adams, of Braintroe. In 1816, Mr.
Townsend removed to Williamstown, Mass., and was edu-
cated at the common schools of that village, at the academy
there situated, and at Williams College. At the latter in-
stitution he was graduated in 1833 ; and at the commence-
ment of his class, by reason of his scholarship, he received
the second appointment in the literary exercises of that oc-
casion. He took his master's degree in regular course, and
was honored with the degree of EL.D. by his alma mater
in 1866. After graduating, he read law for a few months
in the office of David Dudley Field in New York City ; but,
having removed to Troy, N. Y., on the 1st of December,
1833, he immediately thereafter entered the office of Henry
Z. Hayner as a law student, and so continued for a year
and a half. In May, 1835, he became clerk in the office
of his elder brother, Rufus M. Townsend, and in 1836 his
partner in the practice of the law. The connection thus
formed still continues. It was in 1836 also that he mar-
ried Louisa B., the daughter of Oren Kellogg, of Williams-
town, a lady who for more than forty years has aided in
making his cheerful life still more cheerful, and who, by her
noble presence and pleasing ways, like mellow sunlight,
surrounds him with homelike happiness as he treads with
unfailing step and buoyant mien the bright pathway of his
autumnal days.
In 1838, Mr. Townsend was a candidate for member of
the Assembly when his party — which was then the Demo-
cratic party — was in a minority of about one thousand in
the city of Troy. In the canvass he ran far ahead of his
ticket, but was defeated. He was the district attorney for
the county of Rensselaer from 1842 to 1S45. He repre-
sented the Eighth Ward of Troy in the Common Council of
that city from May, 1842, to May, 1S43, and from March,
1856, to March, 1858. He was a member for the State at
large of the Constitutional Convention of the State of New
York in 1S66-67. By a strict attention to his duties,
and by his graphic and intelligent expositions of the sub-
jects which were considered by that body, he won the
esteem of his learned associates and maintained the honor
of the district which he specially represented. In the year
1869 he was nominated on the Republican State ticket,
without his knowledge, for the position of attorney-general,
but was defeated, with the other State candidates associated
with him, by the machinations and overwhelming frauds —
as they are now recognized to be — of Tammany Hall. In
1872, Mr. Townsend was chairman of the New York Re-
publican delegation in the convention at Philadelphia which
renominated Grant for the Presidency. It will be remem-
bered that Mr. Greeley was then the candidate of the oppo-
sition. Mr. Townsend, in announcing the vote of New-
York, spoke as follows: " The Empire State, by the unaui-
11-
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
mous voico of her delegates, has instructed me to casl her
seventy votes for thai man of whom our distinguished
fellow-citizen Horace Greeley has said. ■ He never has been
beaten and lie never will be.' Ulysses S. Grant." He was
■ h. —■■11 by the Legislature in 1873 a regenl of the Uni-
versity of the State of New York to till the vacancy occa-
sioned by the death of the Bon. John A. Qriswold. In
the fall of 1874 he was elected representative in the I Itli
Congress for the 17th Congressional histriet, and was re-
elected to the same position in the 45th Congress in the
fall of 1876
In his ohosen profession of the law Mr. Townsend early
him, and all the aid which would naturally flow from a
sympathizing humanity. He vigorously defended the only
two slaves who in Rensselaer County appealed to the courts
for protection during his connection with the bar. To one
of these, Antonio Louis, who was arrested as a fugitive in
1842, liberty was granted ; and to the other, Charles Nalle,
freedom came on the 27th of April, 1860, he having been
taken on that day by a mob from the custody of the United
States marshal while Mr. Townsend and other gentlemen
were waiting in the office of the late George Gould, justice
of the Supreme Court, for the return of a writ of habeas
fir/niK that had been issued on behalf of Nalle.
I'roln photo. 1'V > in. in .
yfLtCzd^ ^C^^~ opttyofaujL
prominent position, which he nol only maintained
while the men witli whom he began bis career surrounded
him. but wbieb he still maintains as he encounters the
yoni nd the fresh vigor of a new generation.
While serving as district attorney of the county of Rens-
r. he secured the conviction of Benry Q Green and
1 1 iv Miller upon the charge of murder, and both of thi so
offenden suffered the i itreme penalty of the law. Always
believing thai a slave escaping into ■ free State must, under
the Constitution, be returned by the federal government to
his master. Mr. Townsend wa- most active in extending to
the «lavp so escaping every light thai the law Could give
He was associate counsel for the defense in the cele-
brated trial of Henrietta Robinson for the murder of
Timothy Lanagan. Mrs. Robinson was known as the
•■ veiled murderess," from the fact that she persisted in
wearing a veil wbieb concealed her face during the trial,
and wbieb no threat nor inducement could lead her to
remove, except for a few moments on two or three occa-
sion.-. The trial commenced at Troy nn Monday, May 28,
1854, and was concluded late in the evening of Saturday,
on the -'7th of the same month, by the rendition of »
verdict of guilty. Mr. Town-end's argument on this
occasion was based upon the idea of the insanity of Wl
THE HUNCH AND BAIL
118
prisoner at the time the alleged crime was committed, and
was peculiarly eloquent, comprehensive, discriminating, and
exhaustive. The eases adduced by him in support, ol' this
theory were specially applicable, and the references to au-
thorities in maintenance of his position demonstrated the
research, investigation, and study which he had bestowed
on the subject. Sentence of death was not passed upon
the convicted woman until June 14, 1855, more than a
year after the close of the trial. The execution was ap-
pointed for Aug. 3, 1855, but on the 27th of July, a week
previous to the fatal day, Governor Clark, in the exercise
of the great prerogative of his office, commuted her sen
tenee to that of imprisonment for life in the Sing Sing
prison. There she was soon after taken, and there she
remained until a few years ago, when she was placed in
the asylum at Auburn for insane criminals. In the
thoughtful mind the question arises whether the insanity
which affected her in prison, and has now settled down
on her permanently, as is probable, was not in 1853 the
shadowing cloud that then obscured on her troubled nature
the distinction between right and wrong, and, as her learned
advocate claimed, produced in her an abnormal and irre-
sponsible condition.
Mr. Townsend has always held an advanced position in
law reform, and was early a favorer of the measures lately
adopted by this State, enabling husbands and wives to be
witnesses for and against each other in civil actions, and
allowing alleged criminals to testify in their own behalf.
For more than forty years he has been connected with most
of the important litigations in Rensselaer County, always
maintaining the character of a zealous, indefatigable, and
accomplished lawyer. In arguing a question of law to the
court, the clearness with which he defines his position is
specially noticeable. A statement of the principle supposed
to be involved is followed by the application of that prin-
ciple to the case in band, and then, by apt illustration and
by subtle and cogent reasoning, the legal aspect of the case
is developed, and the particular rule which should govern
in its decision is evolved and proclaimed. But it is before
a jury that the strong and salient powers of his mind are
most apparent. His analysis of the subject in hand is
searching, skillful, and exhaustive. Not a point that can
make for his client is left, undisclosed, not a statement hurt-
ful to him is adduced, but it is sifted with the most pene-
trative scrutiny aud surrounded with all the doubts that
can be raised as to its truthfulness. If he is engaged for
the defense in a criminal case, and if it has been shown
that his client possesses any trait of character that chal-
lenges admiration, such possession is enlarged upon until it
spreads out like a mautle of broadest charity, and is made
to cover any inequalities of disposition, temper, or conduct
that may have been developed to that client's disadvantage.
Yet while his defense is obstinate and protective, bis attack
is trenchant, aggressive, and pertinacious. The war is car-
ried into the enemy's country with such dash and courage,
and with such an appearance of belief in the strength of
every position taken, that not unfrequently, in desperate
cases even, "out of the nettle danger" he has plucked
"the flower safety."
As a politician, Mr. Townsend, during his whole career,
has been true to his convictions; and those convictions have
not sprung from a low standard of political ethics, but have
been always referable to an elevated idea of the value and
right of personal liberty. He was a Democrat until 1848,
but was at all liino unhesitatingly and openly opposed to
slavery, and when in that year the convention that nom-
inated General Cass for President of the United States re-
solved that it was proper that the Territories of the nation
should become slave soil, he snapped the ties which bad
bound him since manhood to a party that bad thus disre-
garded its own traditions, aud addressed the first public
meeting convened in the United States to protest against
the pro-slavery action of the Democratic party. That
meeting was held at Troy, on the .'id day of .June. ISIS,
and for the consideration of those assembled on that occa-
sion be prepared and presented a series of resolutions ad-
vocating the principles of free soil, free speech, and free
men, and these resolutions were then adopted. From that
time forward he has always been the able and conscientious
apostle and advocate of those principles and aspirations,
which, lying at the foundation of the movements of the
Barnburners of New York, who in 1S48 nominated Mar-
tin Van Buren for the Presidency, became more clearly de-
fined in the position of the Free-soil Democracy as taken
by them in the nomination of John P. Hale for President
in 1852, and which culminated in the formation of the
Republican party, when it first presented itself as a national
organization in 1856, and nominated John C. Fremont for
the Presidency.
During the Rebellion he was the earnest and outspoken
upholder of the government in its efforts to maintain the
integrity of the Union. So marked was his advocacy, and
so unsparing was he in his denunciation of the traitors and
treason, that during the draft-riots of July 15, 1863, the
mob sacked his house in Troy, and either carried off or
destroyed or injured nearly all articles of personal property
that it contained. On becoming a member of the House
of Representatives, he at once assumed the position of a
careful observer of all that was passing about him, and was
at all times ready to approve or condemn intelligently the
various measures presented to him, in common with other
members, for consideration. But it was not until the House
entered upon the discussion of the Centennial Bill that all
its members became aware of the mental energy, keen hu-
mor, brilliant thought, and illustrative power embodied in
the personality of Mr. Townsend. On the 20th of January,
1876, in a speech favoring the appropriation named in that
measure for securing the success of the centennial celebra-
tion of the origin of the nation, he took occasion to display
the inconsistencies of those who opposed the appropriation
on the ground that it was contrary to the Constitution.
During its delivery he received the marked attention of all
present, and his effective sallies of wit and searching analyses
of conduct, illumined with occasional pleasantries enunciated
with clearness aud made completely impressive by the force
of his own indomitable and peculiar oratory, raised him at
once to the level of the most practiced debaters of the
House. Commenting upon this speech, one who heard it
wrote, '• No printed report can convey a sense of the im-
pression produced on the delighted audience, nor show how
120
HISTORY or RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
deftly, in the midst of all the merri nt. the logical results
of the war. the olemenoy of the Union, the worth of the
nation (.1 all its oitisens, ami the wisdom nod righl of the
United States to Bet forth evidence of it- advancement at
Philadelphia were all stated with that power of suggestion
which is often more potent than labored argument."
The editor of ffarper't Weekly, introductory to an epit-
ome of 1 1 * i —■ speech, said, " It was a perfect rebuke to the
insolence of Mr. Hill. an. 1 it was a distinct announcement
to that gentleman and his friends that, although they have
■ come back to the Union to staj .' they have not come back
to ml.-. The gayety of the speech, it- wholesome humor,
and it- kindly and friendly spirit did not in the least con-
<•i-.il the clear perception and the resolute < vietion and
determination of the speaker. The undertone was one to
which every generous and loyal American heart responds.
Ind 1. there cannot well be found a more characteristic
and admirable expression of the reeling and purpose of the
domiuant party in this country than this Bpeech of Mr.
Townsend's. There is no vindictiveness of feeling, no ran-
cor, no desire to recall the war for the sake .of crimination,
no feeling but a hearty wish for concord; but also no for-
getfulness of the (acts of our history and of human nature,
no doubt of the ahsolute justice of the cause of the Union
in the war. no question of the infinite national dishonor
and degradation wrought by the long ascendency of the
Democratic party ; a profound contempt for the old-
fashi 1 -lavc-holcling violence and the Northern subserv-
ience to it which have reappeared in the Democratic House;
and an equal scorn of the fine-spun i'|tiiddities of ' striet con-
structionists.' " — Harper's Weekly, Feb. 19, 1876.
Among his otherable speeches was his argument in favor
of transferrin.' the Indian Bureau to the War Department,
delivered April L'-\ 1876, his ol. -mat ions on the protection
of the Texas frontier, presented on July 12 and 18, 1876,
and his remarks relative to the settlement of the title of
Governor Have- to the office of President of the United
9, made on Jan. 26, Feb. 20 and 21, and March 2,
L877. But not alone as a lawyer and politician is Mr.
Town-end distinguished. A- a man of high culture and
of attainments in the Geld of letters i- he also well and
favorably known, lumong his miscellai us writings are
several of a high order. Hi- easaj entitled "Saxon and
Celt," being a brief argument designed to show the influence
of the Bible ; his addrea daboi before the alumni of
Williams College ; bis occasional paper- ami hi- speeches, as
forth in the debates of the Constitutional Convention
of the St v n fork, all evin ixtended reading,
thorough research, and ■ full appreciation of the to]
illy presented.
Tlo extract foil. .win- i- from the a. I. he-- above alluded
i ii who fellg the giant forest which for i
has dominated the Boil, or turns the flowery sod upon the
lie and commits t.. it- bosom the bread
yielding corn, — that man wl moistened brow and stal-
wart arm are bending over the ii that sparkle in
i-r workshop as the earth-bon tali ar.- moulded (•.
meet the million wants of life, -thai man wl
toil brings Ion the hills and exalts the valleys, or who
- in the bowels of mountains, old u the morning of
creation, that he may prepare a highway for the commercial
and social intercourse of man, — each of them is doing the
will of God, and performing the work which he has for
each of them to do. They are all ' dressing and keeping'
Qfld's garden, and subduing the earth which they inhabit.
From the hum of yonder spinning-wheels and factory-loonis
there ri-es an anthem more sacred than choir of cloistered
nuns ever hymned ; and that tireless mother, whose waking
. yes prevent the watches of the night, as she plies her busy
needle to clothe and feed her little ones, is offering to God
a sacrifice sweeter than the Arabian incense which burns
upon priestly altars. Let none who serve their race, their
country, or their family by active labor, whether mental or
physical, for a moment doubt that their work shall be ac-
cepted l.y II im whose eye sees all. and whose rewards, the
couse.|iiciices of well-doing, can no more fail than can the
system which He has instituted and which He constantly
upholds."
Mr. Townsend now holds the office of United States
district attorney for the Northern District of New York,
to which office he was nominated on the 6th day of Feb-
ruary, 1879, his Bixty-ninth birthday.*
RUFUS MARSH TOWNSEND
was born, Aug. 1, 1806, at Hancock, Berkshire Co., Mass.
He was the son of Nathaniel Townsend and Cynthia Town-
send. He was the grandson of Martin Townsend, who
settled with his father Martin Townsend and wife in Han-
cock aforesaid, in 1765. His grandfather was then nine
years old, and he came with his parents and his younger
brother from Cornwall Bridge, in the State of Connecticut
This family had returned to Cornwall, and then moved to
Hancock; most of the journey to Hancock was in the
woods, and without roads or track. This family, consist-
ing of father, mother, two sons, thus took up their abode
and residence in the forest on the western border of what
came to be the State of Massachusetts, and led the advance
in the settlement of this State. His grandfather, by the
early death of his father, was left with his mother and little
brother to confront and overcome the dangers and hard-
ships of this wilderness, and, ultimately, the sorrows of the
American Revolution. Rut the native mind and practical
character possessed by him enabled him ultimately to be-
come possessed of large wealth, and to be greatly respected
and revered by the inhabitants of all the country aiiiii.1
him.
Hi- ancestors were among the early settlers in Watertown,
a little out of Boston, and were emigrant- from England,
and they trace their blood to the Townscnds in Norfolk, OM
of the eastern shire.- of England. This family resided ill
Rainham Castle, in Norfolk County, where Charles Town
i originated, ami all of hi- name in England.
Bis grandfather had eighteen children and five wives;
he had sixteen children by his first wife, and two by hi.«
second wife. He lies buried in his family burying-ground,
a l.w rods from where his father and he stopped and look
up their homo iii the forest on arriving from Connection!
in 1766. His mother was Cynthia Marsh, the daughter
of Rufus Marsh, of Hinsdale, Mass., — and wife, who wa?
mporarj Hiography of Now York."
1
or
t/r.
TIIK BFNCII AND liAK.
121
Marv Adams, cousin to John Quincj Adams; her mother
w;is Mary Adams.
Nathaniel Townsend lived mi the old homestead in San
cuc-k until March, IS Hi, when lie moved with his family
(wife and three suns. Rufus M. Townsend, Martin I. Town-
send, and Randolph VV. Townsend) to Williamstown, .Mass.,
ami near Williams College, where he lived until Ins death,
the 27th of July, 1840, aged eighty fouryears. Bis mother
died at her old li e in Williamstown, 2d of April, 187(5,
aged ninety two years. He had only one sister, who died in
1829, twelve years old.
He and Ins two brothers fitted for Williams College in
' their father's house, under private teachers. He graduated
at said college in 1S.">(), and then, after teaching one year a
junior class, studied law in Troy, X. V.. three years with
Hon. John P. Cushman and Hon. David L.Seymour; and
at the end of three years he Commenced the practice of law
in Troy, where he lias practiced ever since. There were at the
Troy and Rensselaer County bar a number of eminent law-
yers during all his early practice; there was Hon. John P.
Cushman, Hiram P. Hunt, David Buel, Samuel G. Hunt-
ington, among many other very able lawyers. As a jury
lawyer Mr. Cusliman stood at the head of the profession in
the central part of this State. His tact, skill, and resources
in the trial of a cause were almost unparalleled. He was
one of the most able and sharp examiners of witnesses on a
trial of his time ; he was the perfection and ideal jury-
lawyer of his time. From the office of John P. Cushman
he went into practice in Troy, and has continued practice
to the present time.
FRANCIS NORTON MANN.
Prominent among the long list of able men who, during
the last half-century, have contributed so much to the ma-
terial, industrial, social, educational, and religious interests
of Troy, who have literally grown with its growth and
strengthened with its strength, stands the name of Francis
N. Maun.
Judge Mann was born in the town of Milton, Saratoga
Co., N. Y., on the 19th day of Juue, 1802. His father's
name was Jeremiah Mann, who was a son of Joel Mann,
one of the pioneer settlers of the town of Milton. His
mother was Lydia Norton, a daughter of Francis Norton,
of Hebron, Tolland Co., Conn. His grandfather, Joel
Mann, removed from Hebron, Conn., about the year 1793,
and settled on what has since been the homestead of the
Mann family, in Milton, Saratoga Co.*
Jeremiah Mann, the father of Francis N., was a farmer,
and it was his earnest desire that Francis should follow the
same occupation. But Francis had more ambitious views
than his father, and, being naturally inclined to reading and
study, early resolved to acquire the advantages of a liberal
education. During his boyhood and until his eighteenth
year he worked upon his father's farm, attending the dis-
trict school of the neighborhood some three months in the
winter season. But the meagre, although so far as they
went excellent, facilities of the common schools of the time
did not satisfy the eager and inquiring mind of young
* See Sylvester's History of Saratoga County, p. 4S4.
16
Francis, neither did they afford the oei an instruction
required of a candidate for collegiate honors, To pui
this course it was necessary for Francis to leavi home.
To tins course bis father was strongly opposi d Hie father
urged upon him the propriety of continuing hie occupation
of a farmer, and insisted thai forthal purposi hi education
was already sufficient. So strongly was bis father oppo
to bis leaving home thai he utterly refused to afford Francis
any pecuniary aid whatever in case be should do BO, but
generously offered to give him a line farm should he remain.
I!ut Francis had made up his mind otherwise, and, unaided
and alone, the farmer boy look the incipient steps towards
accomplishing his own destiny as the future leader in the
affairs of an important city, then in its infancy.
Some sixteen miles from the Maun homestead there re-
sided, in the town of Charlton, Saratoga Co., a Presbyterian
minister whose name was Joseph Sweetman. To Dr. Sweet-
man Francis resolved to apply for admission into his family
upon some terms whereby he could in return for his Ser-
vices receive at the doctor's hands such instruction as
should fit him to enter college.
On foot and alone he went to the residence of Dr. Sweet-
man, and the result of the interview was that Francis be-
came a member of Dr. Sweetman's family for a period of
two years. He then entered Lansingburgh Academy, then
under the care of George A. Simmons as principal. Here
he remained one year, and on the 24th of June, 1823, entered
the junior class of Union College. He was graduated on
the 24th day of July, 1825, and on the 4th day of Octo-
ber of the same year he entered upon the study of the law
in the office of Ashley Sampson and John Dickson, at Roch-
ester, N. Y., supporting himself while there by acting as
clerk.
After leaving Rochester he continued his studies in the
office of Daniel Cady, of Johnstown, for a while, and
finally, coming to Troy, finished them in the office of Sam-
uel G. Huntington, and was admitted to the bar as attorney
and counselor of the Supreme Court at the August term,
held at Utica in 1828. He immediately opened an office
in Troy for the practice of his profession, which he has
continued to the present day, — a period of over fifty years,
— although for the last twenty years bis whole time and
attention has been devoted to the care of his own large and
increasing estate.
As a lawyer Judge Mann never encouraged litigation,
uniformly declining such cases as he deemed to be without
merit. He was usually successful in the courts.
His official career began in 1835, when he was elected to
the office of supervisor of the Second Ward of the city of
Troy. He also represented this ward as supervisor in 1857.
He was alderman of the Second Ward from 1844 to 1847.
For five years — from 1S40 to 1845 — he was one of the
judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Rensselaer County.
In March, 1S47, he was chosen mayor of the city of
Troy, to which office he was three times re-elected by in-
creased and flattering majorities.
Judge Mann, during bis long professional, official, and
business career, has been distinguished for his integrity, his
carefulness, painstaking, and vigilance as a business man.
In early life Judge Mann became a communicant of the
122
HISTORY OF RKNSSKLAKR COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Protestant Episcopal Church. He was one of the rounders
of St John's Church in Troy, in the year 1830 ; was a
member of the Erst vestry, and lias continued a member of
its vestry ever since. At all times he has taken a deep
and active interest in matters of religion and charity.
On the '-'"nil day of October, 1848, Judge Mom was
married to Miss M try J. Hooker, daughter of Marquis de
I. Payette Hooker, of Poultncy, Vt., a lineal descendant
of tin- Rev. Thomas Hooker, who founded the city of
Hartford, Conn., in the year 1636. Mrs. Mann died on
tin- 28th of July, 1875. Three children were the fruil of
tlii— union, — two boos, Francis N. Mann, Jr., Elias Plum
Mann, and a daughter, Emma M. Mann.
Francis N. Mann. Jr., was graduated at Yale College,
: 1870, and al tin- Albany Law School in the year
[872. He was admitted to the liar as attorney ami coun-
selor-at-law in tin1 year L872, was alderman of the Second
Wan I of tin' city ••!' Troy from 1873 t" 1-77. and in the
year 187J) isa member of Assembly from tin' First District
i.t" Rensselaer County. Elias Plum Mann is a graduate of
the R - tei Polytechnic Institute of Troy, class of 1872.
GILBERT ROBERTSON, -III..
was born in tin- town of Argyle, Washington Co.. N. Y.,
in the year 1815. His grandfather, William Robertson,
Judge Robertson, after attending the common schools, pre-
pared for college at the Cambridge Academy, of Cambridge.
Washington Co.. X. Y.. ami at the academy in Herkimer, in
th. county "I' Herkimer, in charge of Dr. Chanel, then a
celebrated teacher. He entered Union College in 18°!:!. ami
was graduated in 1837. After leaving college he tuughl
school in Columbia County two years. In 1839 he entered
the law-office of Messrs. ( 'ail v & Fa ire hi hi. ill Salem, and
continued with them until November, 1841), when he came
to Ttu\ anil entered the law-office of Messrs. Ilavilcr
& Gould. lie was admitted in the bar in 1843, com-
menced the practice of the law with the late Judge Mo-
Conihe, and has continued the practice ever since. In
1843 he was elected a trustee of the public sel Is, and
continued on the board three years. While in the bcIiooI
board, helm.' the present public-school system was ad
Judge Robertson took great interest in the schools, <irigi-
nateil many important reforms in the system, and mainly
through his influence the amount of public money's appro-
priated to schools was doubled. This greatly stimulated
the interest in the schools of the city, and paved tie mi
for tin. adoption of the present system. Judge Rol
also took great interest in the Troy Young Men's Associl
tion, ami held the important offices of president ami enrre-
sp. Milling secretary therein. He was appointed by the Gov-
phofo by Alton- i .
Ar, (ItfLcaXtr* A
'..•Mi in Scotland in 1752, emigrated to this country in
177'J. married Mary Livingston, of Greenwich, in 177.~>;
purchase*! a large tract of land in Washington County, and
there in 1823. Ili- father was Gilbert Robertson
of the preceding, ami hi* mother was Elisabeth How. who
was Ix.rn in Bootlaod, and came to this country in 1802,
• rm. r of the State a justice of the Justices' Court ofTroj
in 1-17. In 1848, the office having becon Icctive,he
eras elected to the same office, which he held for li^'
and for four years of that time was also police justice.
In 1851 he was elected recorder of the city of Tn
the term of four years. By virtue of this office he was »
*
THE BENCH AND BAR.
123
iiilx'i' til' llie common council of Troy, ami took an active
part in all important matters brought before thai body.
In 1859 lie was elected county judge of Rensselaer
County, and was re-elected in 1863. While holding the
office of judge he was distinguished for his ability and his
strict impartiality. Although an active party man, he
never was known to allow Ins party feeling to influence liis
judicial conduct.
On the 29th of December, 1869, he was appointed
United Slates assessor of internal revenue, for the Fifteenth
District of New York, by President Grant.
In 1ST.", he was appointed postmaster of Troy by Presi-
dent Grant, ami was reappointed in 1877, — which office he
still holds.
During liis incumbency he has spared no pains to make
the post -office acceptable to the people of Troy, introducing
many improvements therein, and giving greatly-increased
facilities to its patrons. Of a truth almost every business
tirni and prominent citizen of Troy, irrespective of party,
signed the petition for his reappointment, so great was the
public confidence in him.
Judge Robertson was originally a Whig, and on the
formation of the Republican party ardently espoused its
came. On the organization of the party, in 1856, he was
elected chairman of the Republican county committee of
Rensselaer County, and was continued in that position, with
the exception of one year, for twenty years continuously.
He was also a member of the State committee, and a
member of its executive committee for three years.
In politics Judge Robertson was born to rule. His influ-
ence in his own party in Rensselaer County, it is not too
much to say, has from the beginning of his political ca-
reer been paramount. This commanding influence is also
strongly felt in State political circles.
Of Judge Robertson it can be said more emphatically
than of most men that he has discharged the duties of
every office and station he has held to the entire satisfaction
of all concerned. In the year 1852, Judge Robertson
married Miss Angeline, daughter of Dr. Joseph Daggett,
of Troy. They have three children, — Gilbert Daggett,
Mary Elizabeth, and John Livingston.
ROBERT HENRY Jl'CLELLAN
was bom in Schodack, Dec. 28, 1826. He was the youngest
son and fifth child of Dr. Samuel McClellan and Laura H.
Cook, his wife. He was prepared for college at the academy
al Nassau, principally under the tuition of Rev. Ward Bul-
lard, A.M., and was admitted to the junior class of Union
College upon examination. He was graduated at that insti-
tution m 1845, receiving the honorary membership of the
Phi Beta Kappa Society, as distinguishing his proficiency,
and received the honorary degree of A.M. from the same
college.
Be pursued the study of medicine to a considerable
extent in the office of his father, but abandoned it for the
Study of the law under the tuition of his brother-in-law,
Hon. Anson Bingham, of Nassau, and he was admitted to the
''•" in IS 18. I„ 1849 he went to California as one of the
pioneers, and while there voted for members of the conven-
tion aud for the adoption of the constitution recommended
by the convention. He earnestly combated the proposition
to extend slaverj to thai Territory. On his return from
California he commenced the practice of the law with Mr.
Bingham, his preceptor, and in L852 married Mi Jean-
nette E. Tobey, of Wesl Stockbridgi M i and removed
to .Nassau. In 1 85 I he was elected supervisor of the town,
ami in 1855 was re-elected without opposition, and al the
fall election of that year lie was elected surrogate of the
county as the candidate of the American party. At the
close of his term of office, in 1860, he resumed the practice
of Ins profession, In 1867 he associated with himself
James Lansing, and their partnership still continues.
While he was surrogate he began to prepare a book for a
guide to executors, but did not complete it until 1862,
when it was published and very highly commended. He
prepared a new and very much enlarged edition, which was
published in 1873.
For some years he had been engaged in the preparation
of an extended treatise on the practice in the Surrogate's
Court, and the duties of executors, administrators, and
guardians, and it was published in 1875. His experience
as surrogate of the county, with its vast business interests,
together with his large practice, made him master of his
subject, and his books are standard authority. His topics
are systematically and logically arranged, and his style is
particularly clear and concise.
He has been admitted to the District, Circuit, and Supreme
Courts of the United States, it having been rendered neces-
sary by the extended business of his firm.
In 1877 the alumni of Union College elected him a
trustee of that time-honored institution.
In politics he was originally a Whig, and on the disso-
lution of that party he joined the American party ; but on
the breaking out of the Rebellion he sacrificed all his per-
sonal and political prejudices to his patriotism, and has
continued to act with the Republican party from that time.
In his social intercourse he is genial, sympathetic, and
kindly considerate. The cares and perplexities of a large
and increasing practice have not dulled the fine points of
his literary culture, nor lessened his love for classical
studies, which he still pursues with delight ; and he is,
consequently, a thorough classical scholar.
Of an ardent and sanguine temperament, he does what
he has to do with all his might, and he is characterized for
bis absolute punctuality and fidelity in all his engagements.
True to his ancestral predilections, and of strong religious
convictions, he is a staunch Presbyterian, and, happy in his
social and family relations, he enjoys the respect and confi-
dence of the community in which he lives.
ROSWELL A. PARMENTER
was born in Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and is the
eldest son of the late Dr. Azel F. Parraenter. His early
life was spent on a farm working for wages. During the
winter months he taught school, and thus was enabled to
defray the expenses of his education ; and by the time he
had attained his majority he was not only thoroughly ac-
quainted with the various English branches, but also well
versed in the natural sciences and in the classics. About
the year 184U he took up his residence in Troy, and with-
124
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
■ nit the assistant (' friends, and with no other encourage-
ment than that afforded by his confidence in his own abili-
ties, I in establishing himself in that city as a lawyer.
II formed a partnership with the late Judge McConihe,
and was - i in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative
practice. He early adopted the plan of pleading his cases in
the higher courts without employing assistant counsel, as
w.i- usual with young lawyers. By this means he came in
direct ilact with soi I' the al talent in the
northern part of the State, and acquired :i valuable experi-
ence, which was not without marked effect upon his subse-
quent career; and in the celebrated case of the Corn Ex-
change [nsurancc Company, against Babcock, argued by
him in the Court of Appeals several years ago, that court
paid him tlu> high compliment of adopting his points as the
law governing the case, thus settling forever in this S
the long-agitated and vexed question as to the legal liability
of a married woman as indorser for her husband.
Among the number of other caa - of local celebrity in the
conduct hi" which the legal acumen of Mr. Parmenter was
jpicuously displayed, we may mention the Troy Pahn
involving a constitutional question of great importance ;
the Banker case, brought to annul a marriage contract ; the
I 3 official newspaper case, prosecuted through all the
courts; the case of Can- vs. Breese, brought to set aside a
voluntary settlement l>_v a husband upon his wife; and the
fiercely-contested case of the Troy and Boston Railroad
Company against tin- Huston. Iloosac Tunnel, ami Western
road Company, brought to determine the ownership of
a dismantled railroad fifteen miles in length, — which last
two are stil! before the courts.
During the recent civil war he was active in the support
of the federal government, and subscribed largely from Ins
private purse t.i aid the Union cause. He traveled exten-
sively in the State during tliis period, making stirring
speeches in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the war
and encouraging subscriptions and enlistments. He was
one of the principal speakers at the great war-meeting held
Park, Troy.
In the spring of ls71 he was appointed corporation
attorney of the city of Troy. He found, on entering office,
a large number of suits against the city, soi f which had
1 n upon the calendar t"r years, and involving I
inte of money. After three years of patient labor he
i in disposing of this accumulation of litigation,
and. iii recognition of his services, received the pu
f Mayor Kemp a political opponent i
and a unanimous vote of thanks from thi Common Council
■ if Troy. II. e appointments he still holds the
. attorney, having for a period of nine
urinous dutii - to the •ni ir.< satisfiv
rg of the city of Troy.
In the fall of 1 873 he received the Democratic nomination
to tl - from the 1 ■ iw Sixteenth i Senatorial
I' rising the count f Ben let and Wash-
itiog and I
II n I V Baker,
.Ir who was chosen the previous * i i » ■ ■ - by a majority of
four tbotu by eight
hundred While in the Senate he
served as a member of the committees on canals, literature,
and eii-rnssed bills, performing his various duties with an
intelligence and energy which won the respect of his col-
- and secured the warm approval of his constituents
1 pon leaving the Senate in the spring of 1875 he publicly
announced that he would under no circumstances accept i
renominatioti tor a second senatorial term. He steadfastly
adhered to that determination, ami one again devoted al!
hi- energies in the practice of his profession, lie was en-
gagi 1 in the trial and argument of nearly all the important
legal controversies coming before the liar where he pra
While not wanting in other essential requirements of a grail
lawyer, he excelled chiefly in the cross-examination of wit-
ni - - ami in discussing questions of fact before the jury.
His ingenuity in prnvini: controlling facts without specially
arousing the apprehensions of his adversary was the subject
neral remark.
Without losing sight of his profession, Mr. Parmenter
entered upon the political canvass of 1S7G with great
in favor of the Democratic party. Ilis speeches on
stump were earnest, eloquent, and effective. During the
campaign he was nominated for representative in Congress
without any solicitations on his part. His opponent on
Republican ticket was Hon. Martin I. Town- ml, one of the
readiest stump-speakers of the State, who had alreai
tered upon the canvass. Mr. Parmenter accepted tin nom-
ination, and immediately challenged Mr. Townsend for joint
discus-ions throughout the district. But the challeiif
declined, to the great disappointment of the masses of both
political parties, who had reasonably anticipated eloquent
and brilliant discussions. The district was largely Republi-
can, and while Mr. Parmenter carried Rensselaer County,
in which both the candidates resided, he was unable t
come the large Republican majority in the county of Wash-
ington. As a public speaker Mr. Parmenter possi --
ability, and his services are always in demand by the State
committee of his party, especially in great political
gencies. His habits of mind are severely logical, and in
disposing of questions of fact he has few equals in the
State. His legal ability and acquirements are of the best
order, ami in addition he possesses, in a remarkable degree,
those oratorical qualities which never fail to produce a
marked effect upon his hearers, whether on the bench, in
the jury-box, or composing a vast political assemblage.
Notwithstanding his immense practice for many
do! excelled by that of any other member of the Tn
he i- a diligent -indent of science and literature, and is
noted for his extensive reading and the variety as well a*
refinement of his mental acquirements.
II was married, in 1855, to Miss Mary L. lb
daughter of the late Parley Reynolds, of Petersbui
Y. lb- has a family of three children, — namely, Al
K . and f'|. -1 S.
FRANKLIN J W IWHM i:\TKTt.
The Parmenter family is of Fn nch origin. They trace
their descent from Jchan Parmentier, who was born at
Deippe in 1 4 :' 1 . He was a distinguished navigator and
author, being the first known discoverer of the Indies**
far as Sumatra, where he died in 1530 at the early age of
■^y^~,i-j
^2W;
6t/L<?'/'?^£^t/
THE BENCH AN!) BAR.
1 25
thirty-six. Hi* works were published in black letter in
Paris il"' year succeeding liis death. From him descended
Jaques Parmentier, the celebrated painter, who in 1676
illcd i" England to decorate Montague Bouse, after
irardB the British Museum.
Robert Parmenter, the founder of the American family,
was born in England in 1621 ; came thence with liis wife
Leah, and settled in Braintree, Mass., in 1648, as the
oolonial records show, lie was the first lo anglicize the
il;, in.' by eliminating the " i." He died June 27 . 1695,
his widow surviving till March 21, 170t>, when she died,
eight) six vears. Their eldest child, Joseph Par-
menter, born (let. 20, 1655, lived to the age of eighty two;
H i- deacon of the church at Braintree, and fell dead in the
pulpit during divine service, Feb. 20, lV.'iT. The good old
man was interred in the Hancock Cemetery. The first
generation were buried on their own lands, with no head-
,i ■ to mark the spot. This was necessary in those davs
te prevent " the noble red man" from desecrating the graves
..I' the whites. The deacon's son, Benjamin, born Sept.
;i. 1682, married Hannah Bigelow, of Weston, Mass., and
about the year 1 7 1 6 removed from Braintree and settled in
Newport, 11. I. Their eldest son, also named Benjamin,
horn Dee. 111. 1712. was the father of John Newton Par-
iii. ■liter, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch.
John Newton Parmenter was born in Newport. II. I., in
17 12. hut removed to Chester, Mass., where his second son,
Azel Fiske Parmenter, was born in 17Sli. The doctor, as
•I named was always called, after becoming a resident
of Rensselaer County, having graduated with high honors
at a medical institution in Massachusetts, came to this State
in 1810. He never practiced medicine, alleging as a reason
tor his strange conduct in abandoning a profession in which
lie was so well qualified to attain eminence, that he could
imt think of violating the scriptural injunction, "Thou
shalt not kill." It might, perhaps, be well if all physicians
wen as conscientious. At this time, as we have heard his
old neighbors declare, he was a tall, erect, athletic man,
with dark, piercing eyes, black hair, pale face, and of re-
markable beauty. His thorough education, his keen, ready
wit, his pleasing address and social habits', rendered him a
great favorite in society. He was always one of the most
popular men in the town, and many are the pleasant anec-
dotes still told by older residents of Pittstown of the doc-
tor'a characteristics, of his wit, his humor, and his repartee
that so often set the table on a roar, and sometimes, when
under provocation, "carried a heart-stain away on its
blade."
Or. Parmenter was for many years a teacher iu vari-
ous schools in different parts of the State, and nothing
could be more amusing than to hear him relate, in his in-
imitable manner, his experiences in that comparatively
early period before the schoolmaster had been much abroad
in our State. One incident which actually occurred under
'•i'' doctor's tuition, and which has before been in print, must
suffiee. The scene was near the Helderbergs. One morn-
ing there came into the school-room t^it was originally a
barn | a new pupil. He was a tall, raw-boned, angular youth
"I eighteen, whose vision was so imperfect that he could not
distinguish objects clearly except at some distance from the
"Where do you read ir?" inquired the doctor,
preparing to give him a lesson. " Don'l read nowheres, —
can't read." The doctor opened a spelling-book, and. point-
ing to i he first letter of the alphabet, asked, " Do you know
what that letter is?" -No. I don't I" " Well, thai i- A.'
said the doctor, encouragingly. The astonished youth
seized the 1 k. held it out before hi- e\e- ;,| anil'- length,
d intently for a full minute, and then ejaculated,
'■ Great Jehovah I ie that \ '.' I heerd o' him !"
In L820, |>r. Parmenter married Lavinia, daughter of
Roswell Hay. of Northumberland, Saratoga Co., X. V..
who was a musician in Gen. St. Clair's army, and was
taken prisoner during a skirmish with the rear-guard when
that genera] was compelled to fly from Ticonderoga at the
rapid approach of the British troops and Indian- under
Ceii. Frazer, in 1777.
Shortly after his marriage, Dr. Parmenter purchased the
pleasant little farm situated in i'ittstown, about a hundred
rods south of the Johnsonville station on the Troy and
Boston Railroad ; and here he built the one-story-and-a-
half frame house i still standing and kept in good repair by
those who cherish it i where he lived SO many veal's, and
where his second son, Franklin Jay Parmenter, the subject
of this sketch, was born on the 2Sth day of August, 1829.
His mother was a most extraordinary woman. Always of
delicate constitution, yet gifted with much beauty in her
young womanhood, her ambition was beyond her physical
strength. To a great degree deprived of the advantage of
an early education, — for in her day school-houses were not
thickly scattered over all the land as at present, — her strong
will and resolute spirit made up the deficiency in after life
amid its active duties, and almost from her Bible alone did
she obtain a respectable education. Industrious to the
utmost limit, and possessed of wonderful business tact, she
accumulated quite a fortune by her needle, which she de-
voted to the uses of her growing family. We have heard
her son say that, although his father was a kind and loving
parent, yet it was to his mother's industry, her practical
sagacity aiid business qualifications, that he and his broth-
ers were indebted for the greater part of their educational
advantages ; and that, too, whatever of success in after-years
the brothers may have obtained is in a great degree attrib-
utable to that good mother's fond and solicitous incite-
ments to their ambition. This excellent woman died -at
her residence, before mentioned, in 1848. Her husband
survived her ten years. They are buried in the cemetery
at Tomhannoch.
Young Frank attended the district schools in his native
town, always standing first in "composition." and often
writing poetical squibs upon the teacher or some of the
" big" scholars, and not unfrequently called to severe ac-
count by the victims of his wit. In 1846 he entered the
academy at Hoosick Falls, where he remained for about two
years, teaching school during the winter season to help pay
his expenses. In 1848 he entered the Troy Conference
Academy at Poultney, Vt., where he completed his aca-
demical education. Here he took a high stand in scholar-
ship, and particularly in the ancieut classics, and iu all
matters pertaining to literature and belles-lettres.
Twenty-eight years afterwards, Troy Conference Acad-
126
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
emy, having had it- sunshine and shadow, issued its call
fur a grand reunion of its old students. Mr. Parmenter's
illness prevented his attendance, but he contributed a poem
which was read in the order of exercises on thai occasion,
and which was highly applauded and extensively copied by
the newspapers. We quote a few stanza*, not having space
fur the whole p
■• ' I ,- twentj 3 lay
Sinoo thai bright, balm; morning
When June, the rosy heir of May,
Her sunn] brow adorning
With loaf and Qowor of ovory hue,
. the Summor'a portal,
To live nor little season through,
Thou die liko any mortal.
■■ Y. -. more than twenty years have rollod
Adown Life's pathway checkered,
Anil loft, with many tin
A sad and fearful record,
Since who would their night retrace,
Then all attiirsl for knowledge,
RocoiTod and gavo the fond ombrs
And posted off for college.
• • • • •
'•Along the dusty track we sped,
A weary way before us,
Till T. i'. A.'s broad maples spread
The evening shadows o'er us.
• •••••
" Well, here we meol again to-day,
- many summer- after !
Our spirits may not all he gay. —
Tear- mingle with our laughter j
For as our oyes surrey the scene
We mi-- 'he fresh young fao
The maiden grace, the manly mien.
That filled the vaeant places.
• ••••*
Nature, here, ha.- known not death.
Still smile both mount ami meadow ;
Still hums the mottled bee beneath
The £r.m<l "l 1 maples' shadow.
Day broke on yondor mountain-tops
This mom a- brighl as ever.
And through the ferns ami willow
Still gropes tlo- darkling river.
are ,r, changed : for twenty years
■ some tell-tale traces
t p oi the gronnd of -mile, and tears
That human life cmbi I
Old Time the tin. i gray
Amid the -lark will sprinklo;
t- kllelri I
a the wrinkle."
William A Beach, who i- as bad a writer as Rufus
I I -I Parmenter to keep minutes
him during lii- examination of a witness. Mr. Par-
;i playfully insisted thai the hand-
writing was nol -•■ .: 1 as l» i — own. A few minutes
rwards hi observed written at the fool of lii- notes the
following
■■. w. x. n.
' I' I down in In- might,
talked like an at : i
It was soon handed round tlio court-room, and made
much .mil tli. bar
But as wo may have occasion to quote from other poems
of his, written and published amid the eares and anxieties
of a laborious profession, this must suffice for the present.
In April, 1849, Mr. Parmenter came to the city of
Troy, and began the study of the law in the office of
Mel lonihe \ Parmenter, on the corner of Congress and
First Streets, in the same building where his law-office now
is and has been continuously for twenty-four years. He
taught a district school in Brunswick the following winter,
and in the spring of ]S5ll opened a select school on the
comer of First and Ferry Street-, where he taught prin-
cipally the ancient languages and the higher English
branches, and was well patronized by the first families of
the city. At the close of 1851 he abandoned teaching
altogether, and applying himself diligently to the study of
bis profession, was admitted to the bar on the fourth day of
May. 1SJ2. and at once began practice.
lie held the office of police justice of the city of Troy
from January. lStJO, to March, 1864, having been in die
first instance designated by the Common Council to fill the
vacancy in that office occasioned by the resignation of Hon.
M Warren, who had been elected as surrogate at the
previous general election. Mr. Parmenter was twice ele<
to the office by the people, first for the short term ending
in March. 1861, and then for the full term of three years.
I )n each occasion his competitor was one of the most pop-
ular men in the opposite party, but Mr. Parmenter's majority
was very large, lie has been successful in bis profession,
for he attends to all business intrusted to him with vigilance,
fidelity, and skill. He has always had a good clientage,
embracing many of our first citizens. In political faith
Mr. Parmenter was always an active Democrat. During
the Rebellion he took strong grounds in favor of prosecuting
the war with vigor until the South should come back to its
allegiance. He made many public speeches throughout
the country, and wrote many articles for the newspa]
advocating these view-, and contributed two thousand dol-
lar- towards the expenses of raising the 169th Regiment.
New Fork Volunteers, in which bis brother. Col. Jerome
B. Parmenter, commanded a company, as stated in our
sketch of that gentleman.
In 1SC9 Union College, at it- seventy-first commence-
ment, paid Mr. Parmenter the compliment of conferring
upon him the honorary degree of Master of Arts. Tie
following extracts from the newspapers of the succeeding
day show that the public1 thought the honor well bestowed.
The Troy Whiff Bays: -The academic distinction in this
case was most fittingly bestowed upon one of the li-
belles-lettres scholars of the country, and a know
the fact of it- bestowal at the hands of the learned faculty
and trustees of the ancient and honorable Union elicited a
wide degree of favorable commenl among the distinguisl
concourse of people in attendai n the commencement
Mr. Parmenter is -aid to be the possessor of the finest pri-
vate literary librarj in this city." The Sunday Herald
It i- undersl 1 thai this honor was given in recog-
nition of Mr. Parmenter's attainments as a belles-li
scholar, in which relation to literature he is very popular.
We congratulate the gentleman upon this handsome recog-
nition of hi- literarj position." The Troy Times says:
TIIK BENCH AND BAB,
127
•' P. J. Parmenter, of this cil v. received the degree of Mus
tar of Arts, — a worthy acknowledgment of his attainments
in general literature and aa a belles-lettres scholar."
In the curly fall of the year last named the Eon. Martin
I. Townsend was seen our morning, axe in hand] in the
public park in front of the First Presbyterian Church in
the city of Troy, climbing and hewing away upon the huge
trees that had become deformed by irregular growth of
their limbs, and also cutting out the crowded sumacs, etc.
He did this of his own motion, but with the assent of the
church. Mr. Parmenter thereupon addressed a playful re-
monstrance to him upon the subject. Mr. Townsend en*
joyed the joke so much that he gave the remonstrance to
the city papers, where it was published, ami thence copied
and commented upon by most of their exchanges. It was
addressed tl To Martinus, the Destroyer, from Franklinus,
the Censor." We quote a part of the poem :
** In earlier times, when the eagle of Rome
Held the world in ber talons ;onl called it her home,
Though freedom was lust to her subjects, she threw
The shield of her power o'er the works of virtu.
And the tame of her legions, the wealth of her marts,
Reflected less glory than that of her Arts ;
Ami we at this hour had not sighed for their worth
But that the grim spoiler swooped down from the North.
The gems of the chisel, the pencil, were riven
And scattered like chaff in the whirlwinds of Heaven !
But even these robbers from spoil could abstain :
They left smiling Nature to blossom again.
Unlike the destroyer of modern renown,
Who leaves Art to flourish but Nature hews down!
Behold our fell Goth in his glory : and mark
His desolate track in yon beautiful park
As he mutters and sweats o'er his unhallowed toil.
'Tis said that no grass would spring up in the road
Where the hoof of grim Attiht's charger had trod;
That the flowers by the wayside would wither and die
As the murderous Hun swept ruthlessly by.
And so shall it be where Martinus shall pass.
The breath of his nostril shall poison the grass,
And the beauties of Nature, all sapless, shall fade
Amid the cursed groves that his footsteps invade.
'' In the tent of the Arab a marvelous tale
Is told by the Bedouin when night draws her veil,
And the sons of the Desert, awe-stricken and mute,
Give ear to the legend none dare to dispute.
'Tis that of a spring welling up in the wild
Where Hagar wept over her famishing child.
What time the weak, henpecked old patriarch drove
His evil-starred handmaid away from his love:
If the guilty approach it, it shrinks and is dry :
With parched tongue and forehead the wretch staggers by.
When Innocence comes its pure waters to sip
It gushes with gladness and leaps to the lip.
Refreshed by the nectar, the wanderer bows
His head o'er the fountain and proffers his vows;
Then speeds him with spirits clastic and gay,
Nor the hot arid sand-reefs embarrass his way.
Oh, fearful Destroyer! may Fate never bring
Thy thirst to be quenched at this wonderful spring!
For no cooling draught shall thy fever allay,
M hile the bright "conscious wafer' glides swiftly away.
"With heart soft as woman's, that radical brain
Must answer for sins which thy breast must disdain.
Had thou heeded its dictates, or listened to mine,
The trade of the spoiler had never been thine.
With talent sufficient to cope with a Pitt,
With the richest of humor, the keenest of wit,
Wli\ h ilt ll ;n \,)l in o, H h
1 >f bl< ing i iii' n.iiiiii i ild ;i -I. n"i ■
What demon inspired thee when, dead to .'ill la i
Of natural boauty, you ravaged our grove ?
Thai dear hallowed ■ pot, iit.it n eot cIb io bade,
U here a W illard hud taught and a Boman hud prayed ;
Tin- Bcei l i li' ii laboi n bei o e ich bonoi i d i
Rose up from those elms to the temple ol I
Where tin- polished di oou I a \ in© nl instills
Religion in hearts thai In- oloqui nee thrill '
# # # » « •
How Id's! ih >xpose the dear nymphs of the grovi
To wioked flirtations and perils of love?
Didst thou ii"i reflect bow b lover might spy
The i"i in of his fair one, the glance of ber eye,
If the shade that obscured his rapt vi ion were drawn
Prom the close-guarded Inttico that looke o'er the lawn
Adorning the mansion4 just over the waj ,
Where beauty, imprisoned, sighs out tin- long day ?
$ * * * ft
Mart inns, destroyer ! bethink thee, when Bpring
Shall return with the verdure the gentle gales bring,
How the robin will mourn his lost home on tin- -pray
Of the red -tasscled sumac thine axe lopped away !
There too, at the root of yon lilac, is laid
In a sweet-clover grave, the sad parents had made,
Their prodigal son, who had flown from his nest
Across the broad Hudson, far into the West,
And paid the dread price dissipation exacts
At the court of Queen Wrenna, where morals were lax.
Full soon the mad reveler had found, to his cost,
The world not so kind as the home he had lost,
And he wept for his mother, on whose tender breast
He hoped, still he hoped, to find shelter and rest ;
Then, broken in spirit, in health, and in pride,
Flew back on weak pinion to die at her side.
But even his tomb, 0 Martinus! you spurned
As your cruel foot trod where his dust was inurned !
And now his lone parent (for she who gave birth
To her poor erring offspring lies low in the earth)
Comes back to his once happy roof-tree, and, lo !
It is fallen and crushed by thy merciless blow !
I would not for worlds be the theme of his song,
As he hymns to his Maker this tale of his wrong !
I warned you in season ; but never could man
Divert your set purpose when i»n«'e ynu began.
List then to thy doom ! For the havoc you made
No tree shall permit thee to rest in its shade;
No songster of Heaven shall pour his glad voice
To lighten thy cares, or thy heart to rejoice.
And when the tall column shall point to the sky,
Inscribed with thy virtues that never may die
(Though far be the day when thy worth shall be shown
In letters of gold or on tablet of stone),
No sweet little redbreast his sorrow shall bring,
Nor, perched on the marble, thy requiem sing."
When Dickens revisited this country in 18G7, Mr. Par-
menter, one of his most ardent admirers, wrote a poem
called " A Welcome to Dickens," and on his departure a
" Farewell to Dickens." These poems were published in
Harpers Weekly \ and created much excitement. They
were copied into most of the leading papers and periodicals
in this country and in England, where the " Welcome" was
illustrated by a large picture representing Dickens, as de-
scribed in the poem, embarking with all " the children of
his brain." When the great novelist died so suddenly, in
1870, Mr. Parmenter wrote the "Lament for Dickens.''
which was not regarded by the public as fully equal to the
The Troy Female Seminary.
28
insTiun 01 kknss khaki; cocnty. xkw YORK.
two pr iding. These poems are too 1 ■ > 1 1 lt Por insertion
here, and too well known and t < ■> > easily accessible to re-
quire it. Mr. Parmenter lias written many other poems,
of which perhaps the best known are "The Bride of ili<'
Elm," "St Frauds Preaching t" the Birds," and "The
B i Man's Ballad." His campaign songs are almost num-
berless, and have 1 n sung l>\ most of the Democratic
clubs in the country. Be has been often urged to
collect his poems, many of which arc still in MS., and ] >nl >-
lish them in a volume; and we understand it is his pur|
to '1" so « hen he can find leisure, and also t" publish a series
.■t' sketches, called "The Wits and Humorists of the Troj
B
From boyh 1 Mr. Parmenter lias been a great reader
and a collector of books. He has one of the larg
choicest, and most valuable private libraries in the State,
embracing seme quaint and curious old volumes that could
not be pn >y their weight in gold, and which have
been out of print for centuries. He is quite an extensive
land-owner also, having purchased Beveral years ago a tract
east of and adjoining the city of Troy, which he has laid
out into building-lots, haviug first opened a spacious avenue
running through the centre from east to west. It is called
Blmw 1 Avenue, and on either side he has planted a row
1ms, which, from their uniformity and vigor,
present a most beautiful appearance, and will long keep his
me rv 'jrcen. A.cross the highway, on the south, is a
I n comprising' about sixteen acres, with farm-house,
etc., which he has named Forendina, and which is noted
for its choice fruits and garden products. We believe it
is his intention at no distant day to build a fine mansion on
. lightful Bpot and make it his permanent residence.
In lSTli, Mr. Parmenter married Forenda, the daughter
of the late Robert Dana Silliman. a sketch of whose useful
lift appears in another part of this work.
JAMES luKSYTH
is from the northern part of the State, and has passed the
whole of his professional life in Troy. He came here in
11 ber, l~b'.. and formed a law partnership with the
II ii. Hiram P. Hunt, then member of Congress from
this district, which i tinued for two or three years; after
which he struck out for himself in the profession of the
law, which he has pursued with ability, honor, and success
at the Rensselaer bar for more than thirty-five years. Sub-
icntly he n me years associated in professional
business with the late Charles R. Richards, Esq., and with
■it, Esq., now of New York, and later with
I! I, Fnr-uian and Esck Co wen, Esqs He is tl Idesl
son of Robert and Sabrina Ramsay Forsyth, and was
born in the town of Peru now Ausable . Clinton Co., N. Y.
1 1 - otch- Irish extraction, and came to
this country in 1730, settling iii Chester, Rockingham <'o..
N II. In 1816 his pan Lake Champlain and
settled on tb R i. on the eastern side of the
wilo Fork, wl the subject of
i ti i s« sketch was bom on the 8lh "i September, 1817. The
family « rs in that part ol the countrj lli-
father was lumberman ivern-keeper, and mer-
chant; bo held various town offices, and met a premature
death by drowning in 183-4 at Pittsburgh, N. Y. II i-
mother was a New Hampshire woman, daughter of James
Ramsay, Esq., of Romney, Grafton Co., N. H., of unusual
mental force and culture. She died at Keeseville, N. Y.,
in 1864.
Mr. Forsyth received his rudimentary education in the
common school of the period, and his preparation for col-
lege at the Keeseville Academy, and in 1835 entered the
I'nivcrsiu of Vermont, at Burlington, from which he
graduated with the usual honors in 1839. The same year
1 omtne d the study of the law in the office of the
Hon. George A. Simmons and Charles !\ Tabor, Esqs., at
Keeseville, where he remained until he was admitted to
the bar in 1842, and until the following year, when he
came to Troy. The Rensselaer bar was then led b\ emi-
nent lawyer.-., such as David Bucl, Jr., Hiram P. Hunt,
Job Pierson, Samuel G. Huntington. David 1, Seymour.
and others, with John P. Cushinan as the circuit judge.
For a young lawyer, under the then existing circumstances
of the case, who was determiucd to live by his profession,
there was no alternative but " to labor and to wait."
Among other professional business at this time, he was
employed to institute proceedings in chancery to open an
old decree in partition of the land known as the "South
Part of Green Island.'' Watervliet, Albany Co., and to re-
partition the same among the proprietors and heirs, on the
ground that the terms aud conditions contained in the de-
cree of partition had not been complied with. The suit,
after bill and answer filed, was settled, and the property
rcpartitioncd by agreement of parties, and the land thrown
open to purchasers, upon which a prosperous village has
since grown up.
Shortly after this period the railroad growth and expan-
sion in Troy and vicinity began. The legislation of tie
State on railroads was crude and undigested, and had to 1»
interpreted, construed, and settled by judicial decision-.
The construction ol' every railroad involved a great amount
of litigation and professional service. He was in a position
to take hi> share of this new business, and for fifteen years
he was identified with it.
The Saratoga and Washington Railroad, Whitehall and
Rutland Railroad, Rutland and Washington Railroad, the
Troy and Boston Railroad, Albany Northern Railroad N
York and Troy I Harlem Extension Railroad, and the 'I'm.
Union Railroad. — all were, the growth of this period, and
with which he had more or less to do on one side or the
other.
In 1855 he foreclosed the second mortgage on the San
toga and Washington Railroad Company, and the road was
sold and a new corporation, the Saratoga and Whitehall
Railroad Company, organized.
II. . d iii several capital cases tried in this
county, and in several important litigations involving the
rights 1 liabilities of subscribers to the stock of pn
railroad- and corporations, and in the contested scat casein
the Supreme Court between Judge Wright and Judgi
Hogel in. tried before referees at Stephentown during
the Anti-Kent excitemi at,
In 1846 he married Sarah M., daughter of Elisha TSb-
bit-. Esq., late of New York. Of this marriage was born
<^>-(tu_e/
L<_
TI1K BENCH AND DAK.
129
a son, Robert, now an cngii r in Chicago. She died in
1854, and in I860 he married Lydia A., daughter of
Charles Pumpelly, Esq., late of Owego, N. Y. She died
in lSTii. 'I'll dy child of this marriage (James') is now
al school.
In politics Mr. Forsyth always acted steadily with the
Whig parly until its dissolution, and then constantly with
the Republican party, organized in LS54, in which he took
an active pari.
^\' 1 n-ii tlic Rebellion broke out, in 1861, Governor Mor-
gan appointed him chairman of the war committee of Rens-
selaer County, and he at mice applied himself to this new
duty, and three regiments of volunteers were with the
greatest dispatch raised and sent to the war by this com-
mittee.
When the United States government organized a depart-
ment for raising nun for the service he was appointed by
President Lincoln on the board of enrollment, and was
provost- marshal of this district from 'July 1, 1864, to the
end of the war. lie was United States collector of inter-
nal revenue in this district in the years 1868-69.
Preferring the duties, labors, and study of his profession
and the command of his own time in business, he has not
sought political preferment or asked the suffrages of his
party, neither has he avoided the discomfiture of defeat
when his party asked the sacrifice in a city and county
usually adverse in politics. He has been identified with
important interests in Troy tending to its growth and pros-
perity. Officially connected with the Rensselaer and Sara-
toga Railroad and the Troy Union Railroad, as attorney
and counsel ; and of the latter, from its organization until
1S68, the secretary and treasurer. A director, attorney,
and counsel of the Commercial Bank of Troy from 1853
until its close during the war. Also a director of the
Tiny City National Bank, as organized by the late John
A. Griswold, in 1865. The president of the Troy and
West Troy Bridge Company since the completion of the
work, in 1874. He was one of the incorporators, and is
now one of the trustees, of the Union Trust Company of
New York.
Always interested in both educational and church work,
a firm advocate of the free-school system, he is a trustee
of the Troy Female Seminary, and of the Rensselaer Poly-
technic Institute, and the president of the latter institution
since 1809. He is a vestryman of St. Paul's Church, Troy,
and has been a deputy to the General Convention of the
American Church since the erection of the diocese of
Albany.
Of late his avocations have diverted him from the la-
borious practice of the profession, but he has lost none of
ais thorough love for the law as a science, or of his industry
ind zeal as a critical reader and student of elementary
writers and books of reports. He is content to see the
Jiisiness of the courts in the hands of younger men who
aave won it, and no one enjoys their triumphs more than
ne, or gives his praise more freely to worthy young men of
he bar.
His career has been one of close application to his pro-
esston and varied surrounding interests, without a respite,
"xcept in 1859, when he went abroad with Governor Sew-
17
ard and I Inn. II in j .1 K lymond, and pa I tin u timer
on the Continent during the Italian campaign, witncf
the battle of Solferino, in [taly, on the 24th of June of thai
year, between the French and A.ustrians in which more
than forty tl sand men were placed " hors du combat
After that he made the tour of Rome and 8outhi rn I
with Governor Seward. In 1870, soon after the opening
of the Union Pacific Railroad, he visited California.
He has been the candidate of his party for ma.
peatedly, and lor county judge, and his name was stroi
urged iii 1*7 1 by the Republicans in this pari of the State
for the appointment of United States district judge for this
district, in place of Judge N. K. Hall, deceased ; bul a d
central location of this officer in the district, al S rai
was made.
GILES It. K ELL I,
son of Samuel Kellogg, was born in Williamstown, Mass.,
March 28, 1808. He was fitted for Williams College
partly by undergraduates, and partly at Stockbridge by the
Rev. Jared Curtis. Entered college in 1825, and was
graduated in 1829. He studied law at Salem, N. Y , for
a while with Allan & Blair, and in the spring of 1830
came to Troy. Was admitted to the bar in 1S32. Settled
in Troy, and has continued to reside there till the present
time. During the administrations of Jackson and Van
Buret), he was, for ten years, while pursuing his profession,
the principal editor of the Northern Budget, the oldest.
and the leading Democratic paper in this part of the Sta
Before the Court of Chancery was abolished, he was, for
a number of years, a master and examiner in that court,
an important and responsible office; and he has held several
other prominent places of trust under the judiciary system.
In 1830 he was married to Adeline, daughter of Justin
Kellogg, of Troy, who died in 1839. Has had six chil-
dren, four of whom, two sons and two daughters, are now
living. Both sons are graduates of Williams College and
members of the legal profession. Mr. Kellogg was for ten
years (1868-1878) one of the trustees of Williams College
elected twice on the nomination of the alumni society, and
has been an elder for twenty-five years in the First Presby-
terian Church of Troy.
JUSTIN KELLOGG.
Justin Kellogg, born at Troy, N. Y., April 18, 1844 ; grad-
uated at Williams College, Massachusetts, in 1865 ; studied
law, and admitted to practice at Albany in 1866, and since
pursued the practice at Troy. In 1871 married Miss
Mary Bryan Teake, daughter of Frederick Teake, of Wil-
liamstown, Mass., formerly of Troy, and has two children.
GILES KELLOGG.
Giles Kellogg, born at Troy, N. Y., Dec. 21, 1S55 ;
graduated at Williams College, Massachusetts, in 1*70;
studied law, and admitted to practice at Albany in 1S77;
practiced in Troy until 1879, when he removed to Chicago,
and thence to Wisner, Neb., where he is successfully con-
tinuing his practice.
MOSES WAREEN
was horn on the 22d of September, in the year 1820. His
grandfather, Daniel Warren, was born at Westborough,
130
msToKY of rknssklaer COUNTY, NEW YORK.
M sa . Bod was at t bo battle of Bunker Hill. His father,
M - - Warren, Sr., was born in New Bampshire, removed
to ilu- town of Hoosick, in Rensselaer County, about the
year 1806, and was in 1--1 elei ted sheriff of the county.
After attending the common schools at Boosick, M
Warren, tin- subject of iliis sketch, prepared for college
at Ballard Seminary in Bennington, Yt.. ami with Joseph
■.\-. of Troy. Hi' entered Williams College in 1 s : ; 7 .
and was graduated in August, 1841. Be entered as a
student the law-office of Rufus & Martin I. Townsend in
February, 1841, remaiued two years, and in the office "I'
Kellogg & Strong one year. Be was admitted in the bar
of the Supreme Court on the lTili of May, 1844, ami
ii practice in Troy. In 1845 lie was appointed jus-
tice nl' the Justices' Courl of Troy. After the adoption
nl' ilie new constitution the office was made elective, and
he 61led it by election till ls.v.t. Mr. Warren was elected
surrogate of Rensselaer in 1859, and again in 1863. Was
appointed, on the resignation of Judge Strait, to fill va-
cancy, and in 1^71 was again elected for six years, and
again elected in 1^77 for six years; still holds the office.
Mr. Warren has always 1 n a Democrat In I860 he
i member of the Democratic National Convention at
Charleston, and supported Stephen A. Douglas for the
presidency. Again, in 1868, he was a member of the
Democratic National Convention in New York, at which
G nor S ymour was nominated for President
Mr. Warren has been distinguished throughout his long
official career for the impartial and conscientious discharge
of hi> dul
EDQAB LUYSTER FURSMAN.
Born at Charlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y.. An- .">. 1*"S.
Educated at the Schuylervillc and Greenwich Academies,
the New York Conference Seminary, and Fort Edward In-
stitute. Studied law at Fort Edward, iu the office of
Bon. A. I». Wait, county judge of Washington County.
Was admitted to practice at a general term held at Cald-
well, on Laki in 1S5'J. Resided and practiced
his profession at Schuylerville until 1866, when he removed
Troy, and became the partner of Bon. James Forsyth,
and afterwards of Mr. Esek Cowen. In 1870, Mr. Furs-
man became ■ — iated with Mr. Levi Smith (formerly
h \ Smiili |, tin- firm-name being •■Smith. Fursman &
( loweo." Mr. Fursman i- a man of commanding eloquence,
and of marked ability in the practice of hi- profession.
1 I VI -MITII
hom in the town of Rich ford, Franklin Co., Vt., in
the year 1 B23. At the tender ago of eight he went to live
ng hi- relatives, by reason of the death "i hi- mother
and tin- breaking up of the family. Consequently In- early
life for himself, ami. unaided pe-
cooiarilj n education, which he finally
luring hi- minority by working on the furm
part of tii,. year and attending school the re-
mainder of the time. At the age of sixteen, having had
1 »>1 for oho term, ho was
a teacher the following winter. In the Spring of l-|n 1,,.
rksbip in a wholesale dry-goods I se in Bos-
ton, where lie remained one year, and then entered the
academy at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., where lie re-
mained until 1845. In the mean time he had become a
law-student in the office of Hon. William A. Dart, of that
place, and in the winter season taught school as a means of
supplying funds to further studies.
Mr. Smith is not an exceptional ease among professional
nun. who. surrounded by difficulties on every hand, have
obtained their education and laid the foundation tor their
future success by their own perseverance and indomitable
will to carve out fortune and place for themselves.
In 1845 he became a clerk in the law-office of the late
Job I'ierson. of Troy, and in 1S4G was admitted to the
bar, forming a partnership with Mr. I'ierson for the prar-
lice of the law, which continued until 1851 under the
firm-name of " Picrson & Smith." In 1S51 the Hon.
William A. Beach, now of the city of New York, joined
the firm, and its name was changed to " Pierson, Beach &
Smith."
Alter a few years, Mr. Pierson withdrew from the firm,
leaving the name " Beach & Smith," which firm continued
until December, 1870, when Mr. Beach withdrew from it
and removed to the city of New York.
Mr. Smith then associated with him as partners Edgar
L. Fursman, K-ck Cowen. and Charles ]>. [vellum, Esqs.,
under the firm-name of "Smith, Fursman & Cowen,"
which still continues. For over thirty years these various
firms, of which Mr. Smith has been a member, have been
known uot only for the wide extent of their practice, hut
as composed of individual membership ranking among the
first as advocate and counselor.
Mr. Smith is among the most genial and companionable
of men. In the city of his residence there can he found
no one with a larger or more devoted circle of friends.
lV.-.-cs-ing broad and enlightened views of the duties and
responsibilities of life, he has always been found among the
readiest to advocate and support public enterprises, and to
aid with his counsel and from his means deserving public
and private charities. For his wise counsels, his known
integrity, and his unwavering fidelity to every trust confided
to liiin. he i- deservedly held in high esteem by his fellow-
eitizeiis. both as a lawyer and a man.
EBENEZEB SMITH STRAIT.
'I'he subject of this sketch was born at Stcphcntown,
N. Y.. May 28, L82I, and is consequently fifty live year-
old. Bis family name come- from New England, hi- father
having been born in Providence, R. L. the second of three
sons, called, respectively, Shadruch, Meshach,and Alx
h Strait, early in life, settled in Stcphentown, when
he married Aphia Smith, a native of the latter]!
English parentage, by whom In- had eleven children. Ebon
czer Smith being the ninth. Meshach Strait was bj pro-
n a lawyer, but never devoted himself to pi
following for many y.ar.- the business of land surveying
Iii his adopted town he was held in great respect by In*
fellow-townsmen, who for thirty successive years elected him
to the office of justice of the peace. Loth of the judge «
li lived to a ripe old age, his father dying at tl
of ninety ,, ne year.-. The judge received a.- hi- only patlV
THE NEW YORK
public lib;
ASTOR. I
TILDEN
V / / , ,
/
THE BENCH and BAB
i::i
11 \ ;i fair English education, a capital which he has cer-
toinh made the most of. When twenty-two years old he
began the study of law, and three years later, in L849, was
admitted to practice. Shortly after his admission he re-
moved to Nassau. N. Y., where lie opened an office and
began the practice of liis profession. While there he was
chosen to the office of superintendent of common Bchools,
in which he served five terms, lie has twice represented
his district in the Legislature, the first time in 1857, and
again in 18G3. In 1867 he was elected surrogate of Rens-
selaer County, and thereupon removed to the city of Troy,
where he has continued to reside. lie held this office until
Feb. 1, 1S71, when he resigned to accept the appointment
of county judge made by the governor to fill for the unex-
pired term a vacancy in t lie office caused by the death ol
the incumbent, Hon. Jeremiah Romeyn. At the next
general election, in the fall of 1871, he was elected his own
successor for the full term, and at its expiration, in 1877,
he was re-elected by the largest majority ever given in his
count v to any candidate for the same office. Judge Strait
was married in 1859 to Louisa, daughter of Horatio N.
Hand, of New Lebanon, N. Y., who bore him three chil-
dren, but one of whom, H. Nelson Strait, now survives.
In private life Judge Strait is especially characterized by
modest and unassuming manners, strong social feeling, and
warm friendship for a large circle of admiring friends; in
public life he is ever the courteous gentleman to all, and a
faithful and devoted servant to public interests. As a law-
yer lie is thorough and painstaking, his attainments being
rather solid than showy, and he is well regarded by his
brethren at the bar for both learning and ability. In the
judicial office he is upright and conscientious, fair in bis
decisions, and careful in his investigations.
JAMES LANSING
was horn in the town of Decatur, Otsego Co , N. Y., May
It, is:; I. The founder of the family emigrated from Has-
sctt, near Zwall, Holland, and settled in this country in 1000.
His father, James E Lansing, in early life removed from
Schodack, this county, where he and many generations of
his ancestors were born, and settled in Otsego County, where
for many years he was a merchant.
Mr. Lansing was the eldest son of a family of nine chil-
dren. At the age of twelve he became a clerk in his father's
store, and during the winter season attended what were then
known as select schools, taught by law students. It was
during these school terms that bo first cultivated the desire
for public speaking, by being connected with a debating club,
where he rarely missed an opportunity to speak.
Following the age of sixteen he was a student in Caze-
novia Seminary. Depending upon his own exertions to ad-
vance his studies, at the age of eighteen he taught one term
of school in Ohio, and then attended school at Warnerville
Seminary for four terms. Necessity again compelled him
to leave school, and he set out for the South, — at that time
the great Eldorado of penniless adventurers, — his purpose
being to teach school, to improve his education, and ulti-
mately to study law, a design which he had early formed,
and which he never at any time had relinquished.
After a short stay in Kentucky he went to Mississippi,
win-re he was successful in obtaining a school upon a pi u
lion, at a salarj of eighf hundred dollars for forty weeks'
service. At the expiration of this timi h
ation as assistant in the academy al Byhalia, Mi al ad
vanced wages, After six month- he returned North, and
the same year, ls;>7. married Sarah A. Richardson, of
Poultney, Vt. Returning to Mississippi, he was principal
of Mount Pleasant Academy for one year. He then
sisted by his wife, took charge of the Female Academy
Of that place, where he remained until the breaking out of
the Rebellion. Shortly after the firsl battle of Hull Run
his school was broken up by a mob; he was notified to leave
town, and compelled to seek safety by flight. A few months
afterwards, through the aid of friends, he secured a scl 1
in Macon, Tonn., where he remained until after th vu-
pation of Memphis by the Union forces, when an opp ir
tunity occurred for his departure.
During his stay in tin; Confederacy he was several tira -
arrested by the conscripting-officer, and, after being taken
some distance from home towards the camp, was released
and allowed to return, on account of the Confederate con-
script law exempting teachers. On arriving North he im-
mediately resolved to put into practice his long-cherished
project of studying the law, — a profession for which he had
in a measure already prepared himself by the private study
of Blackstone and Kent.
lie was graduated from the Albany Law School in May,
1864, and at once took a student's chair in the office of War-
ren & Banker, of Troy, N. Y., to learn something of the
practice of law. After six months, through the invitation
of Mr. Warren, then surrogate, he accepted the position of
clerk of the surrogate's court, where he remained for al-
most two years, and entered into a copartnership with Robert
H. McClellan, a prominent lawyer of Troy. Mr. Lansin"
immediately and diligently sought to perfect himself in the
knowledge and practice of his profession, with the desire, if
possible, to bridge over by his industry the years that others
of his age had spent in the practice of the law prior to his
admission. To that end he turned his attention to litigated
business, his first case being tried at the Rensselaer County
bar not more than ten years ago. lie prepared and tried
his own causes, and, without the aid of counsel, argued them
through the several appellate tribunals of the State.
James Lansing was one of the delegates selected from
the Rensselaer County bar to attend the meeting called for
the organization of the New York State Bar Association,
in 1876. He was present at its formation, and was ap-
pointed a member of one of its principal committees, which
position he has since held by successive reappointments.
Mr. Lansing is a man of excellent natural powers, and by
his own exertions has made himself one of the most learned
and successful lawyers at the Troy bar. His habit of self-
reliance has gained him a standing of independence and in-
fluence. His career is noticeable as an example of honor-
able success in a profession adopted late in life, and pursued
under circumstances of great difficulty and discouragement.
His name is associated with some very marked professional
triumphs, and bis arguments are always entertained with
high respect by the appellate tribunals. In addition to his
public efforts, Mr. Lansing has exhibited rare talents as a
:::.'
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
writer upon legal topics, and bis learning nnd candor have
made him a favorite referee in important cans
Mr. Lansing has seven children living. Bis eldest son,
- Walter, n promising young man, died in l>T:i.
1 DWARD FITCH Bl LLARD.
l',.r a sidernble time a resident of Troy, and long
1 now identified with the bar of Rensselaer County,
Gen Bullard deserves mention in this connection. lli-
record :is :i lawyer is conspicuous, and his practice has been
widely extended ; as a jury advocate he is also very buo
ful. The reader i- referred to our recently-published his-
tory of Saratoga Co., N. Y.. for a more full personal sketch
(it* this gentleman.*
MOSES I. CI "I 'ill
was ln.ru in Hopkinton, N. B. Be attended the academj
in iliat town, and at the age of fifteen years entered Dart-
mi mil College, graduating in the year 1834. At the ex-
piration of his college life, and in pursuance of a prior dc-
termination to come to the Stat.' of New York and study
law, he entered the office of Eliphalet Pearson, al Ticon-
,l,.r. j - . thereafter Mr. Pearson removed from thai
place, and Mr. Clough went into the office of James J.
Stevens (a brother of tin- late Samuel and Cyrus Stevi i
at Ticondcrogn, finished his studies, and was admitted to
the bar in the year 1-:'.". [n 1-1 1. on the re val of the
late Gardner Stow to the city of Troy, he was appointed
district attorney of the county of Essex, which office lie
held for more than six years, having, at the expiration
of his term of appointment, been elected as a Democrat in
tli.it Btrong and reliable Republican county in the year
1847. Be also held the offices of master in chancery and
Supreme Court commissioner, and was poslmasterat Ticon-
deroga during President Polk's administration. lie con-
tinued in a successful practice of the law at Ticonderoga
until the year 1857, when he removed to the city of Troy,
where he -till resides in the practice of his profession.
ISAAC GRANT THOMPSON
was born in Rcnss ' N. Y., and died at Saral
Springs N V . on the 30th of August, 1879, aged thirty-
nine years. II" had always lived in Rensselaer County,
with the exception of a few years of his early life passed
in the Weal Hi- education was of the common schools
and academics. In his youth he had taught in both de-
partment! H was admitted to the bar of this State in
Saving always a predilection for the editorial oc-
cupation, he ultimately became a legal editor, author, and
elebrity. Be became city editor of the
/ Daily Prat about 1869, at the same time compiling
his minor legal treatises. In ls"<> he founded the
Allan)) d In 1871 he commenced the pub-
lication of the " American Reports." Bewroteatreatia on
tie Law of High* itise on Provisional Rem
I •• Worn ■ I. ■■ Stud'u -." supplying a
Study of For* nsii I ! impilcd a
volume il Bank Cases," manuals for supervisors,
i the first
'
twenty-four volumes of the " American Reports," edited
with Mr. Conk six volumes of tlie "Supreme Court Re-
ports" of New York, which effected a revolution in the re-
porting system of the State, and at tlie time of his death
was engaged upon the most important law treatise of hi-
life, which lie left half finished, lie was married in lSTl',
and his wife and three children survive him. Mr. Thomp-
son continued to edit the Albany Laio Journal and the
■■ American Reports" up to the time of his death. Tho
former is read in every English-speaking community in the
world, and had attained, under his direction, an influi I
unsurpassed, if not unrivaled. The latter, now in their
twenty seventh volume, pur]. oil to "jve all cases of general
interest in the courts of ultimate resort in all the States
and Territories, have attained a very large circulation, and
have universally been esteemed models of their class Two
such original enterprises have rarely been conceived and
executed by a man of thirty years of age.
The following from the pen of Mr. Thompson's
cc— or. Irving Browne, in the Ml>,mij Law Juurntd of
Sept. '.. 1-7'.'. conveys a just and intelligent estimate
Mr. Thompson's character and work:
"The writer may be pardoned for saying — what Mr.
Thompson never would have said publicly — that the Albany
Law Journal has made its way all around the World, and
is read, copied, and cited in every Slate of this Union,
throughout Great Britain and Ireland, in France, Germany,
and Italy, in China, Australia, and New Zealand, without
•much advertising or canvassing, almost exclusively upon its
merit-. Mr. Thompson was proud of this; he loved to
have it so. It was his pet project and hobby ; he -pared
no pains nor expense upon it ; he cared not what il i
him; he was continually planning to make it better,
was never satisfied with it. He was conscious of the de-
mand- of the great and critical audience which he addn •
he had a high sense of what was due them, and hi- con-
science was always unca.-\ lest he was not giving them li is
very best,
■ Mr. Thompson would unquestionably have made his
mark at the bar. His mind was acute, incisive, compre-
hensive, and fertile; his self-possession was perfect; his
command of language was strikingly forcible, affluent, and
elegant. Be did not leave the bar because he doubted bis
adaptation to the pursuits of the advocate, nor from <iis
taste, but because he preferred to strike out a new path,
because hi- tasti - were scholarly rather than argumentative,
and because in his chosen walk he thought to meet fi
of the unpleasant incidents and harassing circumstance!
that infest the vocation of the advocate.
" In person Mr. Thompson was rather below the middle
hi ight, quite stout, and broad-chested ; his head was large
and fine, his forehead full and broad; his complexion WW
dark and ruddy; his features were regular, his eyes »
p oially brilliant and kind. lie was a fine specimen ol
Vigorous and manly beauty. While he did not shun nor
repel men. his i isU - wi re r< served and .-.•eluded. Ill- -hy
(tended i ven t.. hi- own actions and emotions. Be IH
the most unpretentious, modest, and simple of men. He
was ready to oblige, and knew how to confer an obligation
deli. ,t.l\ Id was faithful and punctual ill the smallest U
^rvw V C^Anv-
The parents of John H. Colby came to the eity of Troy
from the counties of Grafton and Sullivan, in the State of
New Hampshire. Their ancestors were among the early
settlers of the Granite State. His grandfathers, upon both
the paternal and maternal side, were engaged in the Revo-
lutionary struggle of the American colonies for independ-
ence, one participating at the battle of Bennington and the
other upon the field of Saratoga. His father's name was
Caleb K. Colby, and his mother's was Abigail Howe. Mr.
Colby was born at Troy, March 27, 1835, and received his
education at the common schools of the city and at the
private academy of the Rev. John Smith, A.M., who was
a graduate of one of the Scottish universities. Upon
leaving school he entered the law-office of Olin & Geer,
at Troy, the senior member of the firm being the Hon.
Abram B. Olin, who was, until quite recently, one of the
judges of the District Court of the District of Columbia.
Upon his admission to the bar, Mr. Colby became a mem-
ber of the legal firm of Olin, Geer & Colby, and continued
therein until the election of Mr. Olin as a member of Con-
gress, since which time he has practiced law without any
partner. He is the author of " Colby's Criminal Law and
Practice," a publication well known to the legal profession
both within and without the State, and has also published
a commentary upon the law and practice governing the
disposition of surplus funds arising upon sales of land
under mortgage foreclosures.
Politically he has always been an uncompromising Demo-
crat, and an active member of the party, having been
several times chosen a delegate to State conventions, and
having been a member of the Democratic State Committee.
He was a delegate from the State of New York to the
Democratic National Convention, held at Baltimore, Md.,
which nominated Horace Greeley for President, and was
also a member of the Electoral College of the State of
New York, in 186S, which cast its vote for Horatio Sey-
mour for President.
He has been a member of the board of education of the
city of Troy ; was appointed city attorney of Troy by its
common council, and at the age of twenty-six years was
elected district attorney of Rensselaer County. While
district attorney he was one of the most prompt, efficient,
and fearless public prosecutors that ever served the people
of his county. He was an active member of the citizens'
committee which in 1870 framed the new city charter, and
one of the special committee selected to secure its adoption
by the Legislature. While city attorney, and acting under
the direction of the common council, he compiled the
statute laws and municipal ordinances relating to the city
of Troy, which were published by the city in a printed
volume of seven hundred pages.
From the time of his admission to the bar he has been
actively engaged in the practice of the law in his native
city, and is well and favorably known as a safe and prudent
counselor, — one of untiring zeal in his fidelity to his
clients. Although leading the life of a busy advocate,
coupled with the discharge of the duties of public offices,
he has found time to become largely identified with the
purchase and sale of real estate in the cities of Albany
aud Troy. He is a man of uncommon energy, industry.
and perseverance. He is a married man. — the name
his wife was Ellen Desmond, — and he has two children,
named John D. and Mary J. His religious proclivities
are of the Universalist persuasion.
h.a.e.^ey j-_ iec i in* a-.
now one of the senior members of
tho bar of ■ ' bnntj , was
born At JonotvHlo, •
N Y , July 10. 1834, ml oral tli-
■
, [gl Dally
inia i ]•■ tod-
ahlro, England, from which place nil
■ . W
« Itfa hi- t v.
James and Willi. .in to Now England!
Hi I iit>t al Ipswii b U i
The but named ion ■
to Virginia, when he became tho
ii ir "f a numoroui family.
, the elder, In 1070,
married Kllnbeth Emerson, Howai
tho ».! intoes and
nihil) "i land
«itu it.- in the rallej ol the Quonnoo-
ii. in," then calle i Stony Brook, bill
- iffleld, under a
grant from the Qenoral '
In 1070, He
t.- Sofflold in 107*1, » hero,
(br tli*' next crntory and a lml f. In*
and his descendants were prominent
• ii and Inflm no n lied
>1 »j 13, IT.:
I Uarch
8, 1760, tooh an actlToparl In public
lima,
Bllphah I Kb ph,who
WM l-orn m 1TI-, iiinl died in 1821,
lieutenant in
in.il militia dnring the
tronblouj timo which preceded the
flndc] ndi nee In 1770,
and alterwanli a like commission In
■in. ntal army, ilgned by
John Ba I
■ 'ill of 9 blcli . nmm Unions
in the family.
K n -. the oldoal aon of tho
but nanv-d. waa born al Sufflcld,
Jan. 10, 1771, and in 1T:»1 camo with
ltdeon Granger,
poetma-r i
Inol to Troj, then n
■mall but thriving village, where ho
IlTod until 1820, when, In conse-
nt fin which in
: best] hi of
tho ■ ■ ■ LllUOSl fatal
blow t.. it- prosperity, ho removed
to JoneaTllle, where he resided until
hi- death, la i 366. Bii matoi nal
■ grandfather was graduated al Barrard College In L707, and became tho
Brat settled pastoral Snfflcld In 1710,8 relation which continued dnring a long
and usafnl life.
J. King wu pre| and tor college at Jonesvillo Academy, then n v. ry
flonrlahlDg Instltntlon under tho care of Prof Hiram A. Wilson, when In i> 1 1
mph ted an extended and thorough course of preparatory studies. 1 1 • ■ was
l-l- with two college honors, ran King among
ihe very Hist of a class nTnety-elghl In number, seventy-nlno "f whom won
the ■!■ _ f a i: in 1861 bo received tlie degree of A U. immediately upon
Imtir, tie to Troy I c mploto his law studios, in which ho had
already mad i . rnd thenceforth to make that citj his liomu.
be wbi ■ student In ti IHce of Judge Gould and Hon.
■ ■■ Imlttod to th" i at. ho i "intn n ■ i iii. pi ictlo
of Uw in I that year Hon, John D. Wlllard, tbe senior member of the
firm of \s iliar.i a Raymond, who for many yean had controlled a very large
I red frum prat lice, and Mr. King at the panic time bo-
came a iwrtner with Hi H nnectlon which i at once Introduced him
lnt<> a Urge and responsible la* . in 1863, Mr. Raymond also retired,
and In sir King formed a partnership with tin- late
John A. Millard, which continued until the death of that gentleman, In I860.
I Mir -i ■ \r* the business ol his firm wu and Impor-
tant. King waa appointed dty attorney, which offl o he filled for
a full tonn Ii .like credl labia t-> lilmsell and ttunactorj to tbe cor-
bankrnptcy laa baring been onactod, ho was by
r-JosUce ("hA.**- ftj-j-oint^l register In hankrnptcj for tho I
i . : W ishlngton Counties, and hold thai i
.■ twelve yoani, and until the repeal of th
• i ■ n I ' l at tho expiration of
hi* flr«i t' nn wu i aarvad f<-r a as I term of four yean H
bad prsrvloaslj f"r «••»« al yean basn prssidenl of the I nl Unmnl
A*»- | and Its vicinity, and always an actln friend of the college,
In i-~ n b morary member of the Alnmnl \««- latlon ol w lb
)\rKr.
a elected a trnstse ,,f the Troy orphan Asylum, whb ti
•tin i. md oif.'rt t.. promoting tho Intel
oldest and •! rateable charities In tho city.
II' baa *!«•• for a Mill I-.- f the board of trust
lemy.
H*ing originally »wii a. In polll 1 anll-slSTery man, ho
wtm f hs i irtj . and
early t-*eam« an in-tiTe and a isaloos partir||«nt in tlio political mOTsmontl of
tho city nml county, often represent,
ing bia district in tho State conven*
tions. For many years ho was In
Intimate relation with Hon. Thur-
low Wood, the sagacious iH>lj[tcal
Icadi r, and also enjoyed the personal
friendship of (JowriiorSowunl, never
faltering in his fidelity to tho ideas
and principles of that great cham-
pion of human freedom. When ih,
dissolution of the Whig pal
came imminent, by reason >•{ thf
irreconctlaldo division on the nri>
Joct of slavery, he was chairman :
tho ity central commit toe, and au
one of three prominent mem
the party in Troy who publlohi d thl
call for a mass meeting of all iti>
members who wero in favor
speech, free Boil, and free mon,"fbf
the purpose of reorganizing as ' Rl -
publicans."
The meeting was hold and tlio
new organization promptly .
From that time for seventeoi
hi was ono of the most active men*
hereof the Republican ccnti
untie,, of Kensselaer Coin •
for a time nls<i a member of the Si »t.
central ■■ <tiuii i tt i .- and mi u-
tive committee. Mr. King hoa fre-
iniently declined Bolicltalions b)
accopt office, but his i« ti\ ity in
political organization, and hit* famil-
iar acquaintance with • mini -
have given him a soniewluil extss>
bIto political Influence,
At the breaking out «>f th
Hon in ISfil ho was among i
most in the matter of pn
enlistment* and filling the local
regiments, and until the cli se "1 thl
war in every way manifested In*
earnest desire for Ihe trilimpn Of
the cause of freedom and hi
sympathy for its noble defenders In
the field. Ah a consequent
ii nd e Vint ing course, when the" Prafl
Riots" occurred in Is'.: hi
was one of those designated in ad-
vance for destruction by tli
which sacked the office of (ho Tn-v
Daily Timts, and destroyed the tur-
nituro and nearly dcmollshod Ihr
residence ,.f ll-.n. Martin I. Town-
»end, who was his near n«
Notice of thoir design had heei
to Mr. King several hours prci
both os a menace from enemies and as n kindly warning from others snsO
knew and desired to thwart their plans, and his family \va- consequently asal
..ut ..f the city for safety; but Mr. King, with Urge numbers ol othi
citisons, remained on the ground. Tho late arrival of a military force on il"-
Bccnc caused tho mob to scatter before their designs could be accomplish) <L
During the Inst two years ..f the war ho spent much of Ins lime and
devotedly as chairman ->f the Troy branch of tho United States Christian Com-
mission, nn organization embracing large numbers of the Iwst and most libera]
citizene of Troy and its vicinity, who not only give freely in money and nup-
plb -. but also their personal services in camps and hospitals, for tbe n
comfort of sick and wounded soldiers.
Though not born in Troy, Mr. King is very closely identified with the dtj(
his fath.r having resided in it for twenty-six yeai s. and ho himsell f.»r the lavt
thirty-one yours and upward. Ho married," in 1861, Kllen B. L Ilaj
granddaughter and one of the only four surviving grandchildren *>\ .1
Vandorhoydon, tho"Fatroon" of Troy, and ..n,e the owner oi m
ils is more fully shown elsewhere In this volume. Ho has two children Hvhtg,
a son, Edwin A King, who j^ now n law student in Ins office, and n I
Mr. King i- now the senior member of tho law firm of Kin. Ill
partner being La Uotl w. Rhodes.
Mr. King baa been for many year* one of the most prominent, active, »nd
public-spirited citizens of Troy. As a lawyer he has always held in i
rank and comnmnded a large }<atronago. His legal learning, his sound judg-
ment, and hi- long and varied experience, have peculiarly fitted him a« an
adviser, and his services na a counselor have always been in especial n*qu#st,
M-.re from accident and early business relations than from oi iginal im '
hli ill- baa been mainly passed as a counselor rather than as an ndvoi
it li probable thatolherw|»o hia fine scholarship, cleat power* -'f "tat- meni,and
persuasive address would have given him a creditable rank as an ndvi
Tho Jndli ial . asl of his mind wan fitly recognized in his appointment to thl
res (ions lb) < | i r In bankruptcv, the duties >d which hi|
portant ofllco ho has so longdischnrged to entire public acceptance, m > King <
l n of learning and devotion to tho cause of publb ediuati.n have alwayi
I -'en remarkable, ;m.| l.av.- 1 n |.nhlic,ly recognized and rewarded,*- i* evident
from the foregoing review.
In the midst of a most busy professional life and of exacting public
has nlway- h d time for personal culture, and has added to bin oxeellf»l
youthful education tho wisdom and urarpn of nn extensive reading. I
thai ■ i i wise and unostentatious i Itizcn, i- wboss,
' » and virtues, many honors have como unsought,
And who, without solf*«.eek(ng, lias thus exert*'d an exton*lvo and I i
0 in the affairs of the cily, the county, and the BtatO,
THE BKNCH AND BAR.
well ;is in the largest duties, private as well as public. He
was the fondest and firmest of friends. Il«' was an anient
lover of nature and of poetry ; his greatest ambition was to
possess a farm and l>o a farmer."
Mr. Thompson was one of (lie most widely-known citi-
zens that Rensselaer County lias ever produced. His sud-
den ami untimely decease was regarded by the bar of this
oounty as a serious loss to the profession, and elicited many
touching tributes from the most eminent jurists ami journ-
alists.
IRVING BROWNE,
eldest child of Rev. Lewis C. Browne ami Harriet Hand,
was born at Marshall, Oneida Co., on the 14th of Septem-
ber, 1835. His father was pastor uf the Utiiversali.st
Church in Troy. N. Y., from 1S:;7 till is in, when the
family removed to Nashua, N. II., ami afterwards to Nor-
wich. Conn., and to Hudson, N. Y. Mr. Browne's educa-
tion was in the common schools and academies. Between
the ages of fourteen and eighteen he worked considerably
at the occupations of printing and telegraphing. In the
fall of 1853 he commenced the study of the law at Hudson
in the office of Theodore Miller, now one of the judges of
the Court of Appeals of this State, continuing there until
the fall of 1850, when he entered the Albany Law School,
from which he graduated in the spring of 1857, and was
then admitted to practice. His graduating thesis, in favor
of Parties as Witnesses, was published, at the solicitation
of the faculty, in the " American Law Register."* After
six months spent as a law clerk in the city of New York,
Mr. Browne entered iuto partnership with Rufus M. Town-
send and Martin I. Townsend, at Troy, forming the well-
known law-firm of Townsends & Browne, which continued
until the summer of 187S. Mr. Browne then practiced
law alone in Troy until the fall of 1871), when he was sum-
moned to Albany to succeed the late Isaac Grant Thomp-
son as editor of the Albany Law Journal and the Ameri-
can Reports, and then removed to that city, where he is
now engaged in that occupation. In 1858 he was married
to Delia, only daughter of Richard F. Clark, of Hudson,
N. Y., by whom he has two daughters. He has never
sought office, and has never held any, except that of school
lommissioner of Troy, which he occupied five years.
Although leading an active professional life, Mr. Browne's
astes and inclinations have always been in the direction of
iterature, study, and the development of the critical faculty.
3e lias been best known at the bar by arguments in the
ippellate courts, and particularly by his argument in the
Uundy trade-mark case, which established in this State
he right of every man to the fair use of his family name
a business. Of this argument it has been said that " it
tas become the standard authority, and is used as a text
or citation by the whole legal profession."
Mr. Browne became a contributor to the Albany Law
Journal at its start, and continued largely to contribute to
until he assumed editorial charge of it. He republished
) book-form two series of sketches which he wrote for
iiat periodical, namely, " Humorous Phases of the Law,"
* An curly indication of the spirit of legal reform which has char-
iterited much of his later life and writings.
and"Shorl Sketch.- ol Greal Lawyers," both of which
nut with warm approval throughout this country and
( Ireal Britain. An emincnl jui i I of wrote of
him : "In my judgment I" i m I iccond to the d
brilliant ami effective writers, al home or abroad, in the
department of forensic literature." Mr. Browne bae
made and published a translation of Racine's •' Lea Plaid-
curs ; ' has written several amateur dramac anda real .ari-
cty of esthetic and literary criticism for newspapers and
magazines; ami has edited several legal works ami volumi
of law reports. On his removal from Troy to Ubany he was
thus spoken of in the leading Troy newspapers: ■ Every
production from his pen is replete with thought and sug-
gestion, and his compositions are generally pervaded by a
humor natural and effective, and by critical statements, the
result of a full appreciation of the Bubject under discus-
sion." " He is singularly well qualified by taste, culture,
and experience for the duties of his new position, and
those who are acquainted with his remarkable powers of
application are confident that the high character of the
publication about to be placed in his charge will suffer no
deterioration. But while we congratulate Mr. Browne
upon the unsought and deserved honor of his appointment
to such an editorial chair, we join in the general regret
that his duties will compel his removal to Albany."
WILLIAM H. HOLLISTER, JR ,
was born in the village of Coxsackie, Greene Co., in this
State, Oct. 11, 1847. His father's name is Win. II. Hol-
lister, a life-long resident of that town. His early educa-
tion was obtained in a district school, and later at the
Coxsackie Academy. In the spring of 18G5 he entered
Phillips Academy, at Andover, Mass., preparatory to enter-
ing college. He finished his preparatory course at the
Hudson River Institute, at Claverack, Columbia Co., N. Y.
In the fall of 180G he entered Williams College, Williams-
town, Mass., and graduated in the class of 1870.
Immediately upon graduation he received an appoint-
ment to the census bureau in Washington, where he con-
tinued for one year. In the fall of 1871 he came to Troy
and entered the law-office of Edward F. Bullard, with
whom he studied for three years, and was admitted to the
bar Sept. 11, 1874. He was at once received into part-
nership with Mr. Bullard, and the partnership continued
under the name of Bullard & Hollister until the spring of
1878. He is now practicing alone. In the spring of 1878
he was elected school commissioner for the city of Troy.
WILLIAM II. SHIRLAND
was born in Troy, N. Y. He was the son of a stove- and
iron-manufacturer of that place. His ancestors came from
England, and very early settled in the United States. The
rudiments of his education be received in the common
schools, the Santa Clara College, Cal., and the Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N. Y. He commenced the
study of law with Gen. 0. II. La Grange, at San Francisco,
Cal., and continued his studies with Hon. Martin I. Town-
send, at Troy, N. Y. He was admitted to practice as an
attorney and counselor in 1874, and is still practicing his
profession in Troy.
134
BISTORT OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
■ issrus b. iui.ki.kv,
born in Albany, N. V.. Aug. 21, 1849, began the stu.lv of
law in ili'- office of Smith, Fursman eV. Cowen in lSTt!.
Admitted to the bar in May, 1877; now practicing in
] ■;.
HKNltY VAIL BHEPARD,
l...ni in Troy, N. Y.. Jan. 9, 1856, began reading law in
the office of Ball & McGregor in IST.">, ami subsequently
iii the office of Smith, Fursman & Cowcn. Admitted to
the bar in May. 1877, from law dopartnu'iit. I'nion i
practicing in Troy.
OTHER MEMBERS OF TI1K BAB.
Abonl 1812, Samuel B. Ludlow, having been graduated
in 1809 at Onion College, commenced the practice of the
law at Nassau, until about thai time called Union Yillagc.
Ili< practice was considerable, and he had many Btudcnts,
among them Cyrus Mason, afterwards D.D., and Henry
Ludlow, his own brother, afterwards an eminent preacher.
N very long after lsi'2. Barent Van Vleck also com-
menced the practice at the same village. Mr. Ludlow con-
tinued at Nassau until about 1S.'!4. when lie removed to
( tawego, wh are he still lives honored and at a great age.
Not t'.ir from 1830, Mr. Van Vleck died, and he was
succeeded by John Koon, a native of Schodack. Mr.
Koon was subsequently appointed district attorney, removed
t" Troy, and afterwards to Albany, where lie died. Mr.
Ludlow was succeeded by Anson Bingham, who had, like
him, graduated at Union College, and had studied law in
his office.
In IS4H. John T. Hogcboom, originally from Ghent,
Columbia Co., opened an office at Nassau, and remained
there until 1844, when he returned to Ghent, abandoning
active practice because of a tendency to a disease of his
throat Be was soon after and repeatedly elected county
judge of Columbia County, and has filled most acceptably
other honorable positions. Mr. Bingham joined with him,
in 1852, hi- brother-in-law and pupil. Robert II. McClellan,
who remained with him until 1855, when, being elected
surrogate, Mr. McClellan removed to Troy. Mr. Bingham
then associated with himself Hugh \V. McClellan. from
Chatham, but a native of Schodack. and in 1 ^."",7 removed
their office to Albany. Mr. Bingham, in 1853, was elected
district attorney of the county, and Bincc has published a
most valuable Beries of 1 ks upon the law of real estate,
in which he specially excels. Be has been a number of
tim. - ■ member of the Assembly, there ■ chairman
of the judiciary committee. Judgi II _ I i was buc-
i by Edward I! Peck, from Chatham, who, about
I -.">-• 1 !■;. Wat ren I Benl m, from New
Mass., but he n movi I about I 354 to Vala-
tia, and afterwards to Hudson. Bon. E. Smith Strait,
about 1852, had commenced the practice at East Nassau,
near his n - phentown, and on the removal of Bing-
ham \ McClellan t" Albany he removed i,, Nassau, wh
he remained until he was elected surrogate and removed to
i N i. hi- pi npied by
his brother, Barni* I 3 I who has sine, removed to
I I abash, Mr. Lindsay for a timi Jo
On cnbush, In the
mean time, about 1SG7, Grove P. Jenks had opened his
office at Castleton, where he still remains. About 1853,
Cornelius S. Snyder, of West Sand Lake, after a short time
practicing at Berlin, returned to his native village, where
he has since continued practicing. Burton A. Thomas, of
West Sand Lake, was long since admitted to practice, but
has confined himself to office practice.
Among the eminent lawyers who have graced the bar of
Rensselaer County there are many more of whom we have
endeavored to obtain biographical sketches, but unsuc-
cessfully.
The following is a list of the members of the Rensselaer
County Bar, with the year of their admission to practice in
its courts. Where not otherwise specified, the residence is
understood to be Troy:
Aokloy, P. W., 1805.*
Alberts, rohn P., 1840.
Aldcn, Charles L., 1854.*
Averill, James K.
Baermnn, P. II., 1857.
linker, Charles I., 1873.*
Banker, T. S., 1S57.
Ball, John, 183;').
Ball, .Milieus, 1857.
Beach, Wm. A., 1855.
Benton, Warren C. (Nassau).
Bi D h, Miles, 1856.
Belts, Harvey, 1857.
Bingham, A. (Schodack).*
Bird, John, 17'Jii.
Birdsall, Simeon P., 1871.*
Bingham, Aiishii i N'assioi i.
Bishop, P. VT., 1864.
Blair, George T., 1st:',.
Bliss, William M.. Ism;.
Black, Frank S.»
l!,,ar,lm.ui. I>. I..
Boies, William, isri.
Ifritt.m. John G., 1837.
Bristol, Henry H.. 1843.
Brintnall, C. B., 1851.
Brintnnll, Charles S., 1S76*
Brockway, D., IS57.
B >wn, I". M.. 1870.
Brown, Lyman, Is 13.
Brown, Henry. ISL'I.
Browne. Irving, Is.'.s."
Britton Si Hndloy, 1845.
Bryan, Frank II.. lsri'.l.
Mm I. David, Jr., 1812.
Buclj Clarence, I S57.
Jo ., 1857.
Bucl, Oliver P., 1865.
Ball, Archibald, 1810.
Dullard, B, I'.. 1*66*
Burdiok, Albert s.. 1870.
Bntlei 1827.
Buikley, 0. F..»
Hi, it-. Blibn Sehaghticoko).*
lliirlm Sohaghti.
eoke).*
I, rhoms B . 1857.*
Christie, Robert, 1844.
Church,
Cipperly, .1. Albert, isr,«.*
Clarke, Do Will C,
Hark. I
Olough, Hon I . i
Clowes, Thomas. I si;.
Clute, Tli,, mas J., 1860.
Colby, John II.. 1850.*
Cole, Edmund L., 1866.*
Cook, Robley D., isr,:;.s
Cowen, Esck, 1865*
CofTcy, .Tain.- W.
Comstock, A. C. (Lansing-
burgh).*
Cross, W. R., 1860.
Cusbman, John P., 1812.
Cushman, Jabet \., 1830.
Cutting, G. S., 1860.
Curley, John P.
Darling. William, 1S30.
Davenport, Charles F... lsils.
Dai onport, Nelson. 1 857.
Davis, George I:.. IS20.
Davis, Charles M . 1335.
Davis, George R., Jr.. 1843.
Davis, .lame- T., ISJ3.
Davis, II. J.,
I is, E. C. (Lnnsingburgh).*
Day, George, 1S51.*
Donio, Colo II.. 1857.*
Dexter, Geo. S., 1S75.*
Dickinson, John D., 1 7 '.' I .
Disbrow.W. I'.. 1857.
Donnan, George I!.. I 875.*
Dorr, Francis 1 1., 1S75.*
inson, 1806.
Eastman, Ira A.. Is:;:;.
Eddy, Henry T„ 1-:;.,.
Ensign, Lew i- W ., 1875.
Blmendorr, Peter E., 1791.
Filkins. Hamilton, 1848.
Fitob, John, 1843.
Fitch, George W„ 1844.
. John I... 1858.
Flandraa, B. F.
Flint, William. 1874.
Fonda. Nicholas, 17'.U.
Bbenezer, 1800. ,
I l ',. James, 1844*
Forsyth, Niolson, 18 17 .
I ostoi . Samuel.*
i Iwln W.. 1857.
■ ■".*
Frciot, .linn, - I .
ighticoka).*
Fulleii Ui lander N\. 1 53 .
Fursman, Edgar I... 1867.*
Inscl II.. 1816.
\ present momber of the Rensselaer County B.ir. -1'i'rfi Supreml
U ij Term, i -
^£//^2H<£^V
Hon. Thomas Clowes was born in Marblehead, Mass., Aug. 5, 1791.
His father and uncles were seafaring men. While a hoy he went to
sea with his uncle, making two voyages across the Atlantic. While
the vessel was lying in the harbor near Lisbon, tho famous Berlin and
Milan Decrees were issued, closing the ports of all Europe. After
several months the captain put to sea, escaped the British and French
cruisers, and arrived safely at the port of Marblehead. His father,
brother, and one uncle were lost at sea. In the year 1SUS he went to
live with an uncle, who had settled in the town of Brunswick, with the
promise of becoming heir to his property. He subsequently litted for
college under the instruction of Rev. Mr. Banks, of Montgomery
County, and entered the sophomore class. He remained a student for
two years, when, upon (lie death of his uncle, his personal attention
was required in tho settlement of the estate, and he came to Troy
and entered the office of Ross & McConihe as a student of the law.
While pursuing his law studies the late Governor Wm. L. Marcy came
to the city, and tlie two young men became warm personal and political
friends.
lie was a diligent student, became a good scholar, and could repeat
whole pages of Homer's " Iliad" in the original Greek. He was a
good lawyer, and was the first man in Rensselaer County who en-
gaged in Chancery practice.
Although his father and uncles were Federalists, he became, by tho
teachings of his mother, an Anti-Federalist and Republican, and
engaged when a boy in all the political discussions of the day. For
some years he was the owner and editor of the Ilndyct, whose columns
owed all their political weight and character to his vigorous pen.
When the Republican party split into two factions he sided with the
Bucktails against tho Clintonians, and subsequently, in the contest
for the Presidency after Monroe, he, with a large fraction of the
Bucktails, supported Adams. He was a man of positive opinions,
and always followed his convictions. He was a National Republican,
and a firm adherent of Mr. Clay ; and afterwards a strong member of
the Anti-Masonic party, of the Whigs, Fusionists, and Republicans.
In 1831, Mr. Clowes was prominent in his efforts to procure the
nomination of Mr. Seward for Governor, and in 1836 his influence
carried the county and decided the vote in the convention in favor
of Mr. Seward. He was appointed by Gen. Taylor postmaster of
Troy, and held the office about fifteen months, when he was removed
by Mr. Fillmore because he would not support the compromise
measures. Mr. Seward's friendship obtained from Mr. Lincoln his
nomination for postmaster a second time. He was reappointed a
Photo, by Atkinson, Trey, N. Y.
third lime by President Johnson, but did not live to enter upon tl.o
duties of tho office. He was surrogate of the county from LSI I to
1827; recorder from 1823 to 1828; alderman of the Second Ward from
1833 to 1839; and served one term as county treasurer in 1S32. lie
was canal appraiser from 1840 to 1844. He was elected canal com-
missioner in 1856, but was juggled out of the office by the convention
of that year. He was appointed by joint resolution of the Legisla-
ture to fill out the unexpired term of Jones, resigned. He was ap-
pointed State assessor, April 18, 1849, and served one term of two
years.
He was elected a trustee of the Troy Female Seminary in 1S27 ;
was a constant and wise friend of the institution, and for nearly
forty years always watchful to promote its best interests.
In the many Legislative contests over measures affecting the inter-
ests of Troy he always took an efficient part. He was a stubborn
opponent of the often tried, often defeated, project to build a bridge
over the Hudson at Albany, and the city is mainly indebted to him
for the charters of the Troy and (ircenbush and Troy and Schenectady
Railroads. He began, as alderman, the system of sewerage and
macadamized roads which has done so much for the health and
cleanliness of the city, and advocated strongly the purchase of Ida
Hill by tho city for a public park. In 1824 he set out trees in Semi-
nary Park, of which one in each corner now survives. He also set
out the trees in the Court House Park. He was remarkable for his
good judgment in public affairs, and for his skill and tact in devising
ways and means to obviate unforeseen difficulties. In two instances
were Mr. Clowes' suggestions of notable import, — in the act known
as the " Hold-Over Law," and in the " Metropolitan Police Bill." In
all the relations of life Mr. Clowes was emphatically an honest man,
and discharged public and private trusts with strict integrity. His
mind was a storehouse of political knowledge as well as of classical
literature. He was full of anecdotes relating to public men and
public measures. Upon the occasion of his death, April 9, 1866, the
Rensselaer County Bar passed fitting resolutions, accompanied with
appreciative addresses of the services and usefulness of their worthy
but deceased brother.
On July 6, 1818, he married Nancy Cox, of Nassau, but at the time
of her marriage of Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y. Of their children
only one daughter reached maturity, Mrs. P. S. Mallory, of Troy,
who has two sons and one daughter, — Thomas Mallory, a merchant
of Troy ; James H. Mallory, in the post-office service at Troy ; and
Mrs. Charles C. Craft, of Pittsburgh, Pa.
John* Lamson Flagg, well known to the citizens
of Troy for many years as a gentleman active in
business, warm hearted, of unbounded generosity,
genial, and with marked force of character, was horn
at Nashua, N. H., Sept. 11, 1835. He prepared for
college at Troy, X. Y., under the tuition of the ven-
erable John Smith, and entered Harvard University
in 1853, from which he was graduated in 1857. He
was a student at law in the office of the late Hon.
David L. Seymour, of Troy, and was admitted to
practice in 1858. In 1860 he married Ellen H,
•laughter of Col. W. W. Brown, a prominent citi-
zen of Providence, R. I., by whom he had one son,
John Flagg.
In I860 he was elected school commissioner of the
Third Ward of Troy; manager of the Troy Young
Men's Association in 1862, and president of that
institution in 1863. He was elected jn-tii f tic
Jnstires' Court of Troy in lStll2, and appointed by
the common council as police magistrate of the city,
— holding this office until 1865. In ls66 he I ame
the Democratic candidate for mayor, and was elected
to that high and responsible position, being the
youngest person ever chosen to that office in the
history of the city government. He was re-elected
the following year. Previous to and during his
administration of the mayor's office the incumbent
pn tided in person over the deliberations of the com-
mon council. In this position his talents shone
conspicuously, for he was a good parliamentarian,
and possessed the nerve to enforce the rules and take
advantage of all points in his favor.
In 1868 he was elected to the lower house of the
Legislature, and re-elected in 1869, 1870, and 1871;
serving in 1869 as chairman of the committee of
ways and means, and being a prominent candidate
for the speakership; acting in 1870 as chairman of
the committee on public instruction, and in 1871 as
chairman of the committee on railroads. He was
a director of the Troy City Bank from 1864 to the
time of his decease, May 11, 1874.
Since 1871, Mr. Flagg had been quietly engaged
in professional pursuits, and was formerly connected
with J. G. Runkle, now of Albany, in the practice of
law, and had built up quite an extensive business, as
collection agent, with Mr. Xeary. He was the recipi-
ent to a large degree of the public confidence, a man. of
exquisite tact, ami possessed the faculty of reducing
the most complicated details of business to a beau-
tiful order Mini method. He was a believer in the
Unitarian faith. His disposition was mild, his at-
tachments warm, his impulses generous. lie in-
herited a marked benevolence from his parents, and
always held an open hand to the poor and needy.
Hi- natural amiability, courteous demeanor, and
graceful politeness attracted hosts of friends, and ren-
dered his companionship pleasing, if not sometimes
magnetic. He never cherished malignity or sought
revenge, and had remarkable self-command amid
the stormiest antagonisms.
TIIK MKIUCAL PROFKSSION.
135
Qalo, John B., 1846.*
Gardner, Daniel, 1823.
Gambell, Oi in
Qeor, Brastus, 18 16.
Beer, A. C, 1847.*
Gilbert, Hullistcr I!., 1830.
Qleason, I'm id, 1830.
(Ileus,, n, I h niel S., 1 837.
Gould, George, 1831.
(I, .iild, George V., 1876.*
Gould, Tracy, 1875.*
Grnnt, Br} ;MI- 1S:>7.
(in, ii, John B., INT'.'.^
Grcone, John ('., 1868.
Grey, Thomas, 1871.
Griffith, Lewis E„ 1869.*
Guy, Thomas J., 1870.*
Hull, F. L. (Berlin
Hull, Daniel, ISIO.
Hull, lionj. II., 1856*
Hadley, Imos K., 1843.
Hazen, William, 1S46.
Hardie, Robert.*
Hassott, J. J.:i!
Harris, Henry, 1S36.
Harwood, il. M., 1857.
Hayner, Henry Z., 1830.
ll;i\ nrr, Irving, 1865.*
Heartt, Richard, I860.
Henrmun, (J. H. (Lansingb'gh).*
Henry, John V., 1791.
Hess, Hyman.*
Kicks, Horace I..
Hong, J. Edgar, 1875.*
Holley, Orville L., 1S26.
jBollister, Wm. II., Jr., 1874.*
Holmes, Jacob, 1S46.
Hogcboom, J.T. (Nassau), 1840.
Howard, J. N., 1840.
Hubbell, C. B., 1876.
Hubbard, Rugglcs, 1806.
Hun, Abraham, 1791.
Hunt, Stephen P., 1833.
Huntington, Sam'l G., 1S10.
Hurlbut, E. P., 1836.
Hyatt, E. (Lansingburgh).*
Ingalls, Charles R., 185::.
Jcnnyss, Richard C, 1847.*
Jcnks, G. P. (Schodack), 1867*
Johnson, H. A. (Iloosick)*
Johnson, Alex. G., 1S43.
Jones, Daniel, 1806.
Jones, P. L., 1857.
Keach, Briggs (Iloosick Falls).
Keach.Calvin E. (Lansingburgh),
1875.*
Kellogg, Giles B., 1S32*
Kellogg, John B,, 1860.
Kellogg, G. B. 4 J., 1867.
Kellogg, Justin, 1S66.*
Kellutu, Charles D., 1873.*
Komble, John C, 1833.
Kendrick, Samuel, 1S12.
Kent, Moss, 1791.
King, Eliphalet R., 1S46.
King, Harvey J., 1849.*
King, L., 1S19.
King, Henry A.*
Kimball, Richard B., 1840.
Knickerbocker, .1. F., 1847.
Koon, John. 1846.
Lamport, John T., 1831.*
Landon, John .M., 1855.*
I. , Di riok, 1857.*
Lane, Jacob I... 1 B57.
Lansing, James, L865.
Lansing, Charles J. (Lansing-
burg b
Lawton, George P., 1870."
Lee, A. A., 1857.
Lostor, P. A., 1875.
Lindsey, C. B. (Greenbush).*
I kw I, P. T„ 1871.*
Lottridge, Robert A., 1857.
Lyon, v. I)., I860.*
LudloWj Samuel II. (Nassau),
1 s l •_'.
Mann, James F., 1821.
Martin, Olin A., 1875.*
Marcy, William I,., 1812.
Marvin, D., I860.
Mann, Francis N.*
.Mann, Francis N., Jr.*
Mastcn, Henry V. W., 1843.
Mather, Calvin E., 1843.
McClellan, Robert II., 1862*
McClellan, Hugh W.
McConihe, Isaac, 1815.
McConihe, John, 1860.
McConihe, Thornton, 1866.
M,T'ui lane, Duncan (Green-
bush). -:
MeGrogor, Beekman, 1865.*
McManus, William, 1S17.
McManuB, Thomas, 1875*
Merrill, Alphonzo (Schaghti-
coke).*
Merritt, Henry A., 1858.*
Miller, Dennis, Jr.*
Millard, John A., 1840.
Moran, John, 1852.
Moran, P. H., 1857.
Mosher, George A., 1870.*
Moulton, J. W., 1822.
Munsell, Hezekiah (Hoosick).
Myers, II. II., 1875
Neary, Thomas, 1S66*
Neil, James, 1843.
Neil & Lowry, 1842.
Newman, W. A., 1S60.
Norton, Marcus P., 1864.
O'Brien, John, 1853*
Olin, Job S., 1843.
Olin, Abraham B., 1843.
Olin & White, 1843.
Osborne, Jeremiah, 1S05.
Paine, John, 1830.
Paine, Amasa, 1807.
Palmer, George, 1835.
Palmer, J. W., 1874*
Parmelee, Charles C. (Lansing-
burgh), 1835.
Parmentcr, F. J., 1852*
Parmcnter, R. A., 1848.*
Parmcnter, J. B.*
Patterson, Charles E., 1865.*
Pattison, Elias J., 1843.
Patton, J. G.*
Pearson, Eliphalet, 1840.
Peck, John II., 1864.
Peck, Edward R. (Nassau).
Perkins, Charles W., 1S70.
Percy, A. J., 1S57.
Percy, John T., 1857.
* A present member of the Rensselaer County Bar.— Vide Supreme
Court Calendar, May Term, 1879.
Phillips, Levi, I i I
P n, Samuel D., 18 13.
Porter, John I'.. 1858.
i.in.i. ki abu I,. Edwin, IS60.
Raymond, John, 1840.
Rodfield, Sidney A., 1821.
Rej in. Ms Win. V. V. (Si Ii.i !.i
coke I.
Reynolds, S. E. I Petersburgh).*
Rhodes, La Mott W., 1867.
Rioe, Obed, 1817.
Richards, Charles I:.. 1843.
Robertson, Gilb't, Jr., 1843,
Koili,-, Wm. J., 1875*
Rodgers, Spcneer C, 1875.
Root, Charles W., 1843.
Romeyn, Jeremiah, 18 10.
Ross, Stephen, ism',.
Rowley, Charted N., 183.1.
Ramsey, I,<\ i, 1806.
Rankle, J. Z., 1864.
Russell, John, 1806.
Rutherford, Friend S., 1846.
Schooloy, Win. II.*
Scott, Frank, 1850.
Sergeant, S., 1857.
Seymour, David L., 1S31.
Seymour, W. W., 1840.
Shappo, John A., 1874.*
Shaw, William, 1865.®
Sheldon, Cyrus D., 1830.
Shepard, Henry V.*
Sherwood, Lorenzo (Hoosick).
Sherwouil, Lyman (Hoosick).
Shirland, William H., 1875.*
Shortis, Edward, 1843.
Shrauder, Gurdon G-*
Silvester, Francis, 1791.
Smith. Benjamin, 1818.
Smith, Levi, 1846*
Smith, Albert, 1875.*
Smith, Henry W.*
Smith, Charles Ed., 1875.
Snyder, C. S. (Sand Lake), 1 853.*
Starr, Samuel, 1806.
Stevenson, James M., 1S33.
Stiles, 11. B. ( Lansingburgh). *
Stone, D. H., 1835.
Storm, Allen B., 1830.
Stoughton, Hugh B.»
Stover, Samuel, 1857.
Stow, Gardner, 1845.
Strait, B. C. (Greenbush)*
E. Smith, 1871.*
II- ... ■- u , I - 13.
Stroud, C. I. II-. -i,.-k). »
Suthoi land, Thome .'.. i
i r, .v. li., i
Tabor, Char] I ,1857.
Taylor, John. ls:;7.
Taylor, II.. 1840.
Taylor, John II!
Taylor, I'. B., 1875*
Tin Broeok, Derlck, 1791.
Terry, Scth II.. I
Thomp ii I .iii.i i
Tillman, Lewis T., 1810.
Tin. ma-, Bonton A.
Tot ranee, .1. I:., 1*75*
Towner, Luther, l
Townsend, Byron G., 1865
l.i end, Martin I., 1S37.*
Townsond, M. I,., 1 ■
Townsend, Rufus M.. Is::::.
Tracy, Cornelius L., Is|o.
T raver, Alvuh ('., 1857.
Vail, Alvah ('., 1S57.
Van Dyck, Peter A., 1791.
Vandenburgh, Cornelius, 1791.
\ :,n K lock, Barent (Nassau).
Van Santvoord, George, 1857.
Van Schoonhoven, Gerrit, 1791.
\'au Srhoonhoven, W. II.
V1111 Veghten, Dow, 1825.
Viele, John J., 1846.
\ iele, Philip, 1830.
Waite, George C. 1846.
Wanen, Moses, 1845.*
Wells, J. Fairfield, 1843.
Webster, Nelson (East Nassau).*
Wendell, Gerrct, 1791.
Wellington, George B.*
Wheelcr, George, 1833.
White, Jos. D. (Iloosick), 1843.*
Whiting, Daniel, 1830.
Whitney, C. M., 1865.
Wilkinson, J. B., Jr., 1S75.
Willanl, John D., 1830.
Wilson, Ebenezer, Jr., 1812.
"Wilson, Horatio, 1845.
Woodbury, P. T., 1843.
W Icook, Don Carlos, 1845.
Woodworth, John, 1791.
Woostor, Albert E., 186S.*
Wooster, E., 1S69.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
In this chapter it is only attempted to give some me-
moirs of a few of the early physicians, with an account of
the medical organizations of the county, to which are added
short sketches of some of its living members.
I.— ALLOPATHIC.
SAMUEL GALE, M.D.
Prominent in ability and influence among the early set-
tlers of Rensselaer County was Dr. Samuel Gale. He was
born in Goshen, N. Y., March 3, 1743. He studied med-
icine with his uncle, Dr. Benjamin Gale, of Killingworth,
Conn., who was a graduate of Yale College, and an author
of several works on medicine and other topics. The latter,
136
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
in 1770, was award. -.1, 1 > v the London Society for the Pro
motion of Art and Commerce, a gold medal, which is in
the possession ofE. Thompson Gale, of Troy. Dr. Samuel
married and practiced hi- profession in ELillingworth,
and while there was commissioned by Gov. Jonathan Trum-
bull, May 1. 177."). a captain in the Continental army.
After the close >>f the Revolutionary war. learning of the
local advantages of the newly-laid out village of Lansing-
burgh, N. Y.. he removed thither. Bis judicious sugges-
tions, lealous participation, and executive tact were active
9 which largely entered into the social and political in-
-!- of the little hamlet, in which, at the very beginning
of its life and growth, he made his residence. Honored as
he was professionally, with the respect and confidence of the
community, he developed, with great zeal, the educational
and religious tendencies of the people, which, in a short
time, resulted in the publication of a newspaper, the estab-
lishment of a library, and the organization of several
churches, Pr. Gale removed to Troy in 17S7, where his
leal in promoting the growth of the village into the city
was untiring, lie was. at the day of his death, a very
skillful physician and surgeon, and had a large practice
both in the village of Troy and around the adjacent country.
As remarked by a writer. " He was a tall, well-formed, good-
looking man, — a man in the broadest sense of the word ;
!•> use the language of an intimate friend, 'Dr. Gale was
born a gentleman.' :'
He died dan. !». 1799, aged fifty-six years, and was buried
in the old graveyard on the southeast corner of Third and
Stat.' Streets, from which his remains were removed in
1 364 to the Gale vault, in Oakwood cemetery.
A - ii. Samuel Gale, Jr., M.D., was graduated by the
fir-t medical Bociety of Vermont, May 9, 1792, and was
licensed to practice medicine in Troy. April 12, 1798. He
afterwards removed to the W.-t Indie-, where, for a short
time, he pursued the duties of his profession. On his
return to Troy, he changed his profession to that of an
thecary and druggist. Subsequently he was postmaster
of the village and city of Troy, from the year 1S0-1 to
1 328 lie died July 21, 1839, aged sixty-sewn.
JOHN- i.i.i DON, Ml'..
on hi- settlement in Troy as d physician and Burgeon, made
himself known to the public by advertising in the . I nu i
Spy, published in Lansingburgh, the following card:
"The subscriber, having finished the Itudicl of physio, surgery,
and man midwifery nt the Unir* [b, and pr;<
in Europe " tho inh.-ibil-
Troy.
" JoDM Lol
'
lii 17'.u the smallpox raged with extreme malignancy
.- the Uppoi Hudson, and many of the inhabitant
the villagi ictims of the contagious dis-
In its treat dI Dr. Gale and Dr. Loudon wen
intin i. nid both were extra ly successful.
Dr. John I. Ion's license were granted bim Oct. II.
17!'7. At the day of his death, which occurred in mid-
winter. 1- hi- residci n the northeast corner
Di I. udon had secni
competency and considerable property from his large prac-
tice in Troy and vicinity. He was one of the charter-
officers of the city, and on its incorporation, April 12, 1S1G,
was assistant alderman, representing the Second Ward.
DR. ALEXANDER ROUSSEAU
was also an early practicing physician of this county. An
extended sketch of his life will be found among the memoirs
of the early setters of Troy, in the history of the city, on
subsequent pages of this work.
THE RENSSELAER MEDICAL SOCIETY
was organized July 1, 1S0G. The minutes of the first
meeting are as follows :
"In conformity to an net of tho Legislature of t lie State of New York,
entitled An Act to Incorporate Medical Societies for the Purpose of
Regulating the Practice of Physic and Surgery in this State, passed
April I, 1806, the physicians aud surgeons of the county of Rens-
selaer, to the number of twenty, viz.: Benjamin Woodward, Aaron
D. Patehin, Benjamin Rowc, Abner Thurber, .Moses Willard, Asher
Armstrong. Ely Burritt, I. M. Wells, ll.zekhih Eldiidge, Samuel
telle, David Glcason, Edward Davis, Alexander Rousseau, U. M.
Gregory, John Loudon, Sanford Smith, Edward Ostrnnder, David
Doolittlc, Moses Hale, James H. Ball, convened at the court-house in
Troy, and proceeded by ballot to elect their officers, when the follow-
ing gentlemen were declared duly elected :
"President, Dr. Benjamin Woodward: Vice-President, Dr. John
London: Treasurer, Dr. Samuel dale: Serr.'tary, I'r. f. M. Wells;
Censors, Dr. Ely Burritt, Dr. Muses Willard, Dr. Hezckinh Eldi
Dr. David Doolittlc, Dr. Benjamin Il.ove : Delegate to the Medical
Society of the State of Xew York, Dr. Moses Willard.
"Bexjamis Woodward, Secretary pro lent.
"Tr.iv. July 1, ISnC.
•• /.' < \ That a committee of five be appointed to draft a code
of by-laws for the use of the Rensselaer Mcdicul Society, mid that
Dr. Ely Burritt, Dr. Ilezekiah El.lri.lge, I'r. M - Willard, Dr. M
Hale, and Dr. Aaron D. Patehin to be the committee.
"Jteeotved, That the annual meeting of the Rensselaer Mediou
Society he the first Tuesday of July, and that it he held at the court-
house in Troy.
'• Resolved, Thai a tax <>f twenty-five cents bo levied upon .-very
member for tho use of the sooiety.
•• /,'. ,,,/,-. ./, Thai the president direct the treasurer to purchase two
books, one for the use of the secretary, the other for the treasurer.
. Thai the gentlemen who arc appointed the committee
to draft a code of by-laws to govern the Medical Society of the county
of Rensselaer report the same the second Tuesday in January next,
to whi.'h time this meeting stands adjourned.
•■ Retained, Thai the adjourned mcoting he held in the court le. use
i . ji ten o'clock, i.H., the Becond Tuesday of January next
•■ /.' wived, That the secretary bo directed !■■ publish notice of the
adjourned meeting in the Xorthern Hndyrt three weeks previous
thereto.
" I. M. Wiii -. v , (,,,-,/.
"Tit.. v. July 1, 1300."
The records of the
were burned in 1 320.
bers i a> far as can be
•David 1 little.
•Amati
Motet Dale.
i it Collins.
Pelog It. Allen.
•Asaph Clark.
[Stephen J. Brown.
■fJ'.hn Wl I. r.
•Irn M. Wells.
Rensselaer County Medical Society
The following is the list of mem-
ascertained) prior to that date:
John Loudon.
M s Wilhinl.
•Aaron D. Patehin.
I'eiiiiinon Rowe.
sllc7«'kiah El. 1m
I'm id CI.- I "II.
•Ale.v.
let Tann.r.
•Samuel McClcllan.
•Nicholas B. Harris.
* Dec*
| Itroi.n.l.
Photo, by Atkinson, Troy, N. Y.
ALFEED WOTKYNS, M.D.
Alfred Wotkyns, M.D., was born at Walpole,
N. H., Sept. 7, 1798. His father was a farmer.
He was mainly educated by a private tutor, under
whose charge he was put at the age of thirteen.
At the age of nineteen he came to Troy, and en-
tered the office of the late Dr. Moses Hale. In
1821 he was admitted to the practice of medicine,
and became a partner of Dr. Hale ; but not long
afterward, wishing to perfect himself in his profes-
sion, he removed to Philadelphia, where he read
medicine one year under the tuition of Dr. Nathan-
iel Chapman, and attended the lectures of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania, of which institution he is a
graduate.
He returned to Troy in 1822, and applied for the
appointment of surgeon in the United States army,
and received the appointment, though there were
some three hundred applications for the position.
He was soon ordered to Natchitoches, La., on the
Red River, about two hundred miles above New
Orleans, an extreme frontier post. A subsequent
order changed his destination to Pensacola, Fla., at
which post there were then stationed some two thou-
sand men. Here he remained two years as surgeon,
when he resigned.
Returning to Troy, he reopened a physician's office,
and tor a period of nearly fifty years was a practicing
physician of that city.
He has been president of the County Medical
Society. He was many times a delegate to the State
Society, of which organization he was a permanent
member. In 1838, when Troy had but three super-
visors, Dr. Wotkyns represented the Second District.
He was one of the originators of the Marshall In-
firmary, a governor of the institution from its com-
mencement, and a member of the medical board.
When the State Bank went into operation, in 1852,
Dr. Wotkyns was chosen its president, and continued
as such until January, 1868. The prosperity of this
banking institution is well known, and it is conceded
that its success has been largely due to the striking
financial abilities and great business sagacity of its
president.
In 1857-58, Dr. Wotkyns was mayor of Troy.
It will be recalled as the panic year for the whole
country. City finances were somewhat embarrassed
throughout, and the aid Mayor Wotkyns furnished,
in enabling the city to meet all of its obligations on
the one hand, and to escape the extortion of money-
lenders on the other, was very considerable, as well
as very timely. In the discharge of his official duties
he exhibited his characteristic business satracitv.
Dr. Alfred Wotkyns died on the 23d of December,
1876, deeply mourned by his family and friends.
His life was an eventful one. There was not a
word of reproach against his character; nothing to
sully his fair name; nothing to dim the lustre of his
life, still left shining as a bright example.
His magnificent person will be long remembered
in Troy, and many have learned from him, as golden
rules in business, to be cautious in the inception of
an enterprise, and prompt and daring in carrying it
out.
For his first wife he married Mary Williams. Of
this union were born three children, of whom only
one survives, viz., Mrs. Dr. W. P. Seymour, of Troy.
For his second wife he married, in 1850, Eliza,
daughter of Dr. Isaiah Breakey, of Greenbush,
N. Y., who died Sept. 11, 1876. His children by
this marriage are Grace, B. Marshall, Webster, Wal-
ter L., and Roger S., who have, since the death of
their parents, removed to Chicago, 111.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
137
Jul] ii Downs.
•Simon rfewcome.
-John Van Xniiiee.
.1. - II. Ball.
* Walworth.
•Emerson Hull.
Minn- Thurber.
Charle Cole.
Benjamin Woodward.
Theodore M.i\ .
■ Elj Burritt.
I i iah M. Gregory.
* Arnold.
I 'In C
■ I li Kingsloy.
A-her \ini
3a] \fosos.
•John S. M ill. i .
•Jeffrej W. Thomas.
| Horace Bull.
Abraham llng.h torn.
' C. P. Van Ayke.
— Drake.
The following is a chronological list of members from
Jan. 9, 1821, to 1880:
Graduate of JRat0 "'
Election.
.Lie. Medical Soeiotj State of Vn 1821,
. " Rensselaer Count; Med. Society. .182 1.
. " Dutchess County Med. Society.. ..1821.
. " Jos. C. Yates, Mas. in Chan... 1821.
. " Hebron Medical Sociel v. Conn.... 1821.
" Me Ucal Society Stnte of X. V 1821.
•' ....1821.
Rensselaer County Mel. Society ..1821.
" " " ' " " ..1822.
" Albany County Medical Society ..Isl'l'.
•• Rensselaer County Med. Society.. 1822.
•• Montgomery County Med. Society.1822.
•' Medical Society State of X. Y.....1823.
Yale Colle
Name.
[ Archibald lloliertson
I Matthew M Ij
I i';i Vail
•John Ta\ lor
I Blijuh Graves
•Alfred Wotkyns
tCornelius \V illinms...
•John «'la|i|i
Ezekicl linker
fO. E. Lansing
fKufus S. Waiic
- ii I), Basset!
1 Elisha Sheldon
' /.'lias I !arv
fjacoh S. Miller..
■■■T. C. Brinsuiadc..
"f Norton
fAbram D.Sporr
Wass .......'.'!!!!
■fCkarles E. Burrows Castleton Medical School
• II. P. Van Dyke Lie. Columbia County Med. Society.. ..1S25.
fDnniel Haines " •• •< •• •• ' 1825*
►Charles II. Gregory !!.!l825!
(Joseph Koon Lie. Albany County Medical Society... 1825]
gjB. S. Kimberles " Rensselaei Co Medical Society.... 182s!
I / : i hariah Lynn .1826
fSimeon A. Cook 189r'
Hiram .Moses
t Alexander 11. Day
1'. S. Westcrvelt.... ].]"
f Martin Mason...
John Squire -#
-.lames Langworthy
ICharles Hale .....!!!!!!!!!!!!!
'< \. Streeter Berkshire School of Medicine....
■P. M. Armstrong " "
►Avery.I. Skilton...
KJoseph W. Freiot.
tWin. P. Porter University of Vermont.
I . Hi own
....1SL'::.
1824!
1824.
1824.
1824.
1825.
[826.
1S26.
1826.
1826.
1826.
IS27.
1827.
1827.
1828.
.Li.-. Medical Society Stat.- of Conn ls-_>s.
Regents' University Sta'eof N. V..1sl's.
1S28.
1828.
•J. II. Carpenter Berkshire School of Medicine 1828.
tAlexanchr Burritt Li.-. Medical Society Slat.- of X. V I82s!
•l-aiah Beaky •• Rensselaer County Med. Society.,1828!
I Frederick B. Leonard. ..Yale College ....1828!
•Lorenzo Streeter 1829*
tWillinm Anderson Edinburgh College of Surgeons. 1829
•Lansing Mather Yale College !]ls]]".i]
C. S.J.Goodrich Berkshire School of Medicine 1S29!
tDavid Elliot Lie. Herkimer County Med. Society.. .1829!
1 1'. W. Blatchford University of New York 1829!
fJohn K. Palmer Berkshire School of Medicine I82!l!
•John Van Buren Lie. Rensselaer Comity Med. Soeiel v... I S2!l!
•Joseph K. Elmore .1829
t.Matth.-n-Tnrek Berkshire School of Medicine.!!. !.!!!!!!]83t)!
fMclzer Flagg Bowdoin Medical College !]]]]) s:;n
tBenjamin Gates Lie. Saratoga County Med. Society..]]] I s:;n'
fJoshua B. Graves Vermont Academy of Medicine... 1830"!
JGeorge Sampson Lie. Clinton County Med. Society. !]]]]]l v.n
tSamucl Russell •< Censors Stato of New York. |83o"
fOrren Goodrich " Berkshire School of Medicine 1830
J '■ Brigham " Rensselaer County Med. Society..l831.
.'"'".i "> A. Rousseau.. College of Physicians nnd Surgeons. ..1831.
tjliram Wotkyns Lie Medical Society State of X. V.. 1831*
TF. A. Carpenter Berkshire School of Medicine !!.183l!
Rr. C. Schermerhorn " " " ...|s:;i
•>■ S. Van Alstyne Lie. Herkimer County Mel. Society!" 183 1
Bostwick , ]V;1
!•'• v- w- Abbott Castleton Academy of Medicine.. .]]]]]. I s:;l']
."• ,"■ Hll° Lie. Rensselaer County Med. Society, is::-'
TL S. Kilbourn •' " • < <i u ' |S:;.,
'Piatt Burton Berkshire School of Mcdiein- ..1882!
Deceased.
18
f Removed.
X Expelled.
Vlllir.
I Lee II. Ma\on
i 1 1 <-ii i \ Brown..
I Vlonzo ii. Hull
■ I mi'- I horn
Hoi ace n "i
l-lo.'l ti. (hinder
•John Wright
-I. II. Xeuland
rtichu rd S. Bryo n
•John II. Ila\ in -
i Da i I Wheeler
Bonjamin Judson..
Luther II Bat bei ....
fPhilip T. Heart!
fAnson Owen Hard...
Hi in v Lane,
•Joseph Nelson
fCharlea Smith
* Eber F. Crandnll ....
f Andrew C. (Jetty
•George II. 1 1 regory..
*\V illiain .1 . JTouug...,
•John II illnian
t"R. G. Buck ingba m...
•G. 11. Van Wagenan
fThomas Browning....
•James Christie
tA. Vide
*S. Z. Henry
fThomas T. Wells
t-l. W. Richards
fMyron Knowton
•Charles S. Tu iss
■-lames |,. Henry
•Richard Bloss...
■Moses Frownell
fWilliam H. Rhodes...
John Warren
fRowland Thomas
fJoel C. Crocker
•William Johnson
fGeorge Hill
fCyrus Bachus
fJ. 0. Cohl,
Loirs C. Wheeler
■-Salmon Moses
S. A. Boughton
fLewis McKnight
D. Bryan Laker
•John E. .May
fStephen Wickes
William L. Cooper
-j-E. S. Buswell
»C. V. W. Burton
William ?. Seymour...
■■1 'ha I les I 'onk
Reed I! Bontecue
•P. II. Thomas
fJohn Salter
Charles Freiot
t Austin
A. D. Hull
•Benjamin F. La n ton..
Daniel D. Bucklin
t I.egler
E W. Cnrmiehael
* l'a vler Lewis
•Thomas W. Clark
W. Hiscock
.VI. II. Burt,,,,
f i leorge Oliver
C. L. Hubboll
f Henry Palmer
fjuliu's A. Skilton
•II. L. Bullions
Henry B. Whiton
f.John Know Isou
F. B. Parm'ele
I.e Roy McLean
Alexander 11. Hull
* \. II. Ben, diet
Washington Akin
fJohn B. Gregory
■■■Charles Brow nel]
Mahlon Felter
E. Butts
\\ illiain S. I looper
fll. c. Carrington
f Coo. Inch
B. Ilalstel Ward
William X. Boiie.-teel....
Date ol
I.i .1:1- lo Iilun I ontral Med
" Renssclai
" Medical - . 1833.
Roj il ' '
Li'-- Ii- n ■ " r County Med. Sooiotj I
Sfnle Collogi ...1834.
" "
University ot Vermont i s;;;,
... Mid die I. in y College 1836.
Li--. Medical Society Stateof X. V Is:;;.
Vale College
William- College .'.'.!.]]]] I s::r]
Lie. Rena elai i I ounl y Med loicl 1 ^::7.
Castleton Academj of Medicine ...".1837.
\ ermon i " " 1837.
....Lie Ri n I i. i County M,-d. Society I
■••• " '
" Dutchess " " " ..1838.
....Williams College 1838.
----Lie. Medical 5o ietj State of X. V :
....Williams College |
.... Vermont Academy of .Medicine |s:;s.
....Herkimer Co Col. Phys. and Surgs....li
. Lie. Rensselaer County M,-.| Socii ty..l
....Vale College ...1839.
....Castleton Academy of Medicine 1 s;;;i
" ' •' i
....Berkshire School of Medicine. I
....Lie. Rensselaer County Med. Society.. 1841.
....Dartmouth College ....1841.
....Lie. Rensselaer County .Med. Soeiety.,1841.
....Berkshire School of Medicine ....1841.
....Bowdoin College 1841.
....Berkshire School of Medicine 1841.
....Fairfield Medical Institute 1841.
" 1st]]
...Lie. Medical Society State of .M iss im;,
■•■• " Ontario County Vied. Society |s|_-
• 1842.
1st-;.
...Lie. .Medical Society State of Conn I S-|J.
...Castleton Academy of Medicine 1843.
...Philadelphia Medical Universitj 1 843.
... Albany .Me Meal College .' is i \
...Woo Istock Medical Institute ...184 I.
...Lie. Rensselaer County Med. Society..l847.
...Albany .Medical College is is.
...Castleton Academy of Medicine 1849,
I sci.
...Lie. Censors State of Xew Vork I860.
.. " Saratoga County Vied. Society 1850.
.. Albany Medical ' '"Ili-ire...
..University ot Xew York..
..Albany Medical College
Berkshire School of Medicine..
.Albany Medical College
1851.
....1852.
....1852.
..Lie. Rensselaer County Med. Society..l 853.
..University of Xew York ....1853.
..Castleton Academy of Medicine |s;,::.
..Albany .Medical College 1854.
Is., |.
..|s.,a.
..I v,-,.
..1855.
1857.
- " " " Is.,;.
- " " " 1S..S.
.CastVon Academy of Medicine I s.,o
..Albany Medical College 1859.
• " " " ~
I860.
.AM v Medical College 1860.
• " " " l-r,|.
.College of Physicians and Surgeons....l86I.
.Albany Medical College
.College of Physicians and Surgeons.... i m; t.
AH'.ili'. Mr deal College 1864.
I >ei eased
f IL lino il
138
niSTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Gradunto of
Phi- ..r
HU-clit.il.
I . B. Boycc 1864.
Joseph 1'. I. "in. ' x 1864.
C. A. M inship Ubnny Medical College 181 I.
,m II. Camp Bork«hire School of Medicine 1864.
Davis " " •' 1865.
Col. of Physicians and Snrgs., N. Y....1S65.
M Hubbard Vormonl Medical College 1866.
Ben - ' itlin Volo College IS66.
+E. 17. Vnndcrwarkcr Mbany Medical College 1 ^ < . * *. _
Charles U. Burbeck " " " 1867.
fFrai bio 1 '
■ II. in y Venae I
T. 11. Uoinstrccl Col. of Physicians and Snrgs., N. Y...1867.
rge II. Mannion University <>t" Pennsylvania 1 v'7.
II. 'in i lomlorfr .' 1867.
fAlbcrl S. Ncwcoiub Ubany Medical College 1867.
J.C. Hutchinson Col. ol Physicians and Surgs., N. Y...1
.Linn'- M. Shaffer University of Ncfl Y.>rk IS68.
Henry Q. Adams .Jefferson Medical College 1868.
J.C, Hutobinson Col. ->t" Physicians and Surgs., N. Y... 1 sr.s,
\m,.- All. n Pittsfiold Medical Collogc
•C. I,. P. Giroux Mcgill College 1869.
II. \ Vlbany Medical College 1869.
n T. Luck College "t Physicians and Surgeons.... 1869.
\v. li. Hull Albany Mcdicnl College I
James I.. Hogcboom Lie. Rensselaer Count) Med. Society... 1869.
Junes McChi snoy ' !nstleton, Vermont 1S69.
Edward Yates foBcrson Medical College IS70.
tj. G. Laviolctlc Victoria University 1876.
- Allen Albany Medical College 1876.
I. Wcntworlh.... " " 1871.
•P.J.C.W. Golding King's College, London 187
iu T.Boynos llbany Medical Collcgu 187
I'.. Mcrrcll Bishop University of Now York 187
ft. II. Greene Dartmouth College 187
/.. Rousseau Laval University 187
B.J. l"i-k Albany Medical College is:
R. D. Tnivcr Bellovuo Medical Colli ge 1-7
li.iui.-l Magce Dartmouth College 1ST
Frederick Halves Bellevuc Medical College Is?
Albany Medical College 187
Bu kl ii Bellevuc Medical College 1S7
Nichols University Vt., and Bcllovuej N. V....187
- Iiuvl.r Albany Medical College 1S7
t.M. .1. Davis " " " 187
JC. I1. Becker Long Island Medical College 1ST
I!. W. Capron Ubany Medical College..... 187
I . II. Davis " " " " 187
James Warwick " - " 1-7
John 1'. Prendorgaal " " " 1878.
A. I!. Willi- • " " 1878.
.1. A. Thompson University of Miohignn 1878.
S. A. Skinner University nf Vermont 1878.
II. Nichols lib Medical College 1878.
I., 1'. I Bellevuc Medical College 1879.
Caroline S. Pease Woman's Medical College, Pa 1879,
I'. II. Nchcr Mbany Medical College 187
1'. .1. Timmini Georgetown University
J. II. Cippcrly University "i New York
.1-
.l-7:i.
'.i.
The following is a list nf tin- active members in 1^7:i :
\ikin.
Amos Allen.
Mien.
Wm. N
R, B. Bonti
lin.
I' I. Bncklin.
Charles 11. Burbeck.
M. II. Burl
Klibu I
V. II. '
B. W. Capron.
K. W. I
.1. II. Clpparly.
Willinn
Willian
I II l'
M. .i. i
tar.
II. Gn ulcndorff.
I II
T. B. Hemstri et.
D. w. Hiucox.
I., tluhboll.
W. II. Mull.
.1. C, Hutchison,
J. I'. Lomax,
Daniel Magco.
Jami - Mol Ii''-m>v.
Li R ■■ MoLcon,
l . Morris.
I'. II. ti
C. B. Ntebola.
Wm. II. Nichols.
I". B. Parmelo.
Carolini - I
.1. 1'. I'rrtnlrrgnM.
Zotiqui
i I Johuj I'-r.
w. r. Seymour.
S, \. Skinnor.
r i . -i John.
* Raaioi o l.
J. A. Thompson.
1'. .1. Timmins.
R. ]>. Trover.
Harry Van Wcri.
It. II. Ward.
James Warwick.
Lewis i'. Wheeler.
II. B. Whiton.
C. A. Winship.
A. IS. Willis.
Thr annual meetings of the Rensselaer County Medical
Society are held on the second Tuesday in January, and
the stated meetings on the seeond Tuesday of each month.
The following are the officers I'm- 1ST!) : President, V. B.
Parmele; Vice-President, J. D. Lomax ; Secretary, C. C.
Schuyler; Treasurer, I'. E. Nichols; Censors, Le Roy
McLean, 10. YV. Canniehael, Robert Thomson, M. II. Bur-
ton, Win. T. Baynes; Delegates to State Medical Society,
R. D. Travcr, William S. Cooper, Charles II. Burbeck ;
Committee on Hygiene, C. II. Burbeck, II. Van Wert,
George Rice, C. S. Allen, D. D. Bucklin. E. W. Capron.
EARLY PHYSICIANS' LICENSES.
The following are the dates of the licenses of some of
the early physicians of Troy and vicinity: Dr. James II.
Ball, Oct. 2, 171)7; Dr. David Doolittle, Oct. 13, 1707;
Dr. Michael Henry, Oct. 17. 1797; Dr. Edward Ostrander,
Jan. 13, 1798: Dr. Abner Armstrong, May 27. 1800; Dr.
David Gleason, July 15, 1800; Dr. Ely Burritt, March
29, 1802; Dr, Benjamin Woodward. Dee. 11, 1802; Dr.
Abner Thurber, Dee. 17, 1803; Dr. Rufus A. Burritt,
April 21,1806; Dr. Simeon Z. Henry, April 3, 1815;
Dr. Henry J. Ross, Sept. 25, 1S1G ; Dr. Amatus Robbing,
Jan. 9, 1818.
The following are some of the fees adopted by the mem-
bers of the society soon after its organization:
A consultation visit
First visit in general practice
Every subsequent vi.-ii
A visit after ten o'clock ;it night and bofon
sunrise
A visii tu tin- country, one mile
Verbal advice
Bli cding in ' tu* in- in
Bleeding in the foot
Bleeding in the jugular vein
Bleeding in tin- temporal artery
Extracting t<">ili in shop
Extracting, with :i visit
Cupping and scarifying
Ordinary cases in midwifery
Extraordinary cases in midwifery
I : . : i ■ i ^r for kino or smallpox
Ointments nnd liniments, from two drams to
Miir ounce
prescribed in powder "r
pills
Evory Bingle draught, in phial
All compositions in which musk, oil of cinnamon, or
other high-priced articles wi re ingredients, were exceptional
in price.
MOSES n Ml-. M.D.,
.ii the time of his death, wa> deemed the " Nestor" of his
profession. It was said that he was more generally known
in the place than any other man on account of his reputa-
tion as a surgeon, ami that in "all important surgical i
was, if ii"' 'In' 'ii-' i" I"' call) d upon, sure to be the last.'
II.' was born June 12, 1780. II.' began the study Ol
medicine with Dr. Josiah Kitridge, of Walpole, N. II. I"
Ordei t ake himself more proficienl as a student of anat-
omy ami surgery, he became a pupil of the celebrated Dr,
Nathan Smith. In 180J he came to Troy, and, having "I-
$4.00 to flu.uu
1.00
.50
2.00 to
4.00
1.00
l.no to
5.00
. .H i.,
1.00
.50 i.i
1 .00
1.00 to
2.00
5.00
.50
1.00
1.00 to
2.00
6.00 in
15.00
l.i. Uli n,
15.00
2 mi
.25 in
.50
.:';. t..
.50
.7,11
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
L39
rained his license July 12th of that year, began practicing
in the village.
In 1818 he, with Prof. Amos Eaton and Dr. Ira M.
Wells, of Troy, perfected the incorporation of the Troy
Lyceum of Natural History. At the first meeting of the
association, Nov. 9, ISIS, he was chosen, with Dr. 1. M.
Wells and Dr. Ainatus Robbins, a curator. The Hon.
[saac McConihe, in an address on his life and services be-
fore the lyceuiu, said, '-This was a positi I' great labor,
requiring the greatest knowledge of science to superintend
and preserve all the property, arrange in cases, name scien-
tifically, and enter into proper books all inincralogical, bo-
tanical, and other specimens. Dr. Hale was the first to
make a report, and the first who made a donation to the
Lyceum of Natural History. Hardly a year elapsed from
the commencement before it numbered among its members
(.nine of the most celebrated men now in the country, and
the publication of its transactions were commented on and
printed from one end of the country to the other. This
was the first society of the kind in this country. The
celebrity of this one brought into existence a thousand
others." Dr. Hale was one of the most ardent of its mem-
bers and supporters, and at his death was its vice-president.
Several of his essays on scientific subjects are to be found
in the transactions of the society published in the Plough-
hoy, a paper printed in Albany, at that time under the able
Management of Solomon Southvvick.
Dr. Hale was deeply interested in the establishment in
1 821 of the " Rensselaer School" (now the Rensselaer Poly-
technic Institute i, and was its secretary at the time of his
death.
Several times he was elected president of the Rensselaer
Medical Society, and was frequently sent as a delegate to
the State Medical Society, meeting in Albany. In 1830
he was elected a permanent member of the latter body.
The University of Vermont conferred upon him the hon-
orary degree of M.D. in 1825, and in the same year he
was elected a corresponding member of the French Society
of Natural History, of which Baron Cuvier was president.
" In his disposition," it is said, " Dr. Hale was emi-
nently social and generous. He attached no value to money
for itself, but gave it freely with his services to all who
were in want. His dress was simple, his manners dignified
and courteous, and in his treatment of his patients cheerful
and decided. His style of living was plain, with the ex-
ception of his table, where he gratified a somewhat epicu-
rean taste."
Dr. Hale suffered for many years from an aneurism of
the aorta and hypertrophy of the heart, from which ho
died suddenly on Jan. 3, 1837.
A5IATUS ROBBINS, M.D.,
was educated at Williams College, and studied medicine
with Dr. Ely Burritt, an old and eminent physician of
Troy. Dr. Robbins received his license June 9, 1818.
After Dr. Burritt's death lie succeeded him in his practice
and married his daughter, who soon followed her father to
the grave and left her husband desolate, — a stroke, it is
siid, from which he never recovered. He died June 15,
1854. He was said to have been " a gcntlcmau of the old
school, refined in manners, dignified and reserved in hie
portment, without asceticism, lie enjoj d n mo I elect
practice.''
THOMAS W. BLATCHFOED, A.M.,
was burn July 2o, 179 1, in Topsham, Devonshire, Eng-
land. His father removed t" the United Stat - and sub-
sequently, in lsti I, took charge of the united congi
dl' Presbyterians of Lansingburgh and Waterford, X. Y.
In 1812 he attended medical lectures in the '-New Insti
tution," New York, of which Dr. Nicholas Romeyn was
president. In November, 1813, he matriculated at the
" College of Physicians and Surgeons," and in 181 I he was
appointed resident physician of the New York State pri on
in Greenwich. In 1815 he visited Europe, and while
there he attended in London two courses of medical lec-
tures at the United Schools of Guy's and St. Thomas's
hospitals, given by Sir Astley Cooper and Professor dine.
In 1816 he returned to New York, where he graduated at
the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1817. After
practicing for some time in New York, he removed to
Jamaica, L. I., where he practiced for nine years. After
the death of his lather he removed to Troy in May, 1828.
When he first came to Troy, he was not as successful as
was expected by those who induced his coming, as the best
practice of the city was monopolized by three or four pop-
ular physicians.
It is said that he even thought of returning to his former
home on Long Island. He soon, however, entered upon
an extensive and lucrative practice, and became known in
the profession as one skilled in diagnosis, and whose counsel
was sought after by the younger physicians of his day.
His habits of early rising, industry, and methodical ar-
rangement of his daily duties permitted him to accomplish
a great amount of work in his lifetime. He was much
interested, while he lived, with the affairs of the Marshall
Infirmary. The lunatic asylum connected with this institu-
tion was originated by him. At his death he left his
medical library of over six hundred volumes to the in-
firmary, and which gift is now known as " the Blatchford
Medical Library of the Marshall Infirmary."
He was for seven years connected with the board of edu-
cation of this city, and, with the exception of seventeen
mouths of that time, was its presiding officer. In 18G2 the
Fourth Ward school was named the " Blatchford School," in
honor of his eminent services in the cause of public educa-
tion in this city. He was also for several years a trustee of
the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and of the Troy Fe-
male Seminary. In 1828 he became a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and in 1839 was ordained a ruling
elder, which position he held to the end of his life. The
following incident is related of his habitual attendance on
religious services on Sunday :
" A physician of Troy, a member of one of the churches, wasadmon-
ished by the authorities of his church for his uniform absence from
public worship. He excused himself upon the ground of professional
duty. He was asked why it was that Dr. Blatchford could almost
always attend church, and he almost never. He replied that he
oould not understand it. for he kuew that his practice was not as
large as that of Dr. Blatcoford's. He was accordingly advised to
call on the doctor and learn his secret. He did so ; and upon stating
the object of his call, Dr. IS. sail to him, "You always attend your
HO
history of uexssplaer county, new york.
:t:»ii..i]-. don'l you, Vnd you aim to bo always punctual
ir appointments, don'l you " " ' ■ 1 « yes," ho replied. " V ell,"
It. Blalchford, " I have a consultation «itli my Divine Master
nt ten o'clock every Sabbath morning, and I make all my nrra
to ni' t-i my appointment."
I>r. Blntchford was the author of a number of excellently
prepared papers and essays: "Inaugural Dissertation on
I gned Diseases," 1-17; " Letter on Corsets," 1823;
■■ Letters to Married Ladies," 1825; " Homoeopathy lllus-
trated," 1842; " Equivocal Generation," 1844; " [naugural
Address before the Medical Society of the State of N< w
York ." •• Two Cases of Hydrophobia," 1854 ; " Report on
Hydrophobia," L856; by which he was made extensively
and favorably known to the profession, not only in tliis
country, but also in Europe; and " Rcporl on It. >t and
the Abolition of Pain as Curative Remedies," 1856.
II died of typhoid pneumonia, Jan. V. 18b'G, and was
buried in Oakw 1 c
AVERT .1. SKILTON, M.D.,
an old Troy physician, was well known and liad a large
practice. From 1822 to 1823 be studied medicine with
l>r. Christopher C. Kierstcd, of Saugerties, N. Y.\ also
with Dr. William C. DeWitt of the town of Catskill,
■ , ie I ".. and al.-o with Dr. Conant Catlin, at Bethlehem.
II passed an examination before the Connecticut State
M licul Society, and was licensed March 9, 1S27. In
1828 he became a member of the Rensselaer Medical So-
Pr. Viele, in bis interesting reminiscences of pro-
fessional life during the last forty years in Troy and vicinity,
read at a banquet of the Rensselaer County Medical Society
in January, 1879, says, "He was a man of unyielding
energy and perseverance. He was foud of science, displayed
a taste for conchotomy, and hud a very large collection of
shells and marine Bpi cimi as. In his profession he was in-
defatigable, ami bis ideas of benevolence to the sick ex-
ption that I had ever formed of the mcan-
ing of the word. He refused ne, and 1 presume his
practice was the most varied and extensive of any of his
i : formed more work, received more blame
and less money than any other physician, and when smitten
on the left cl k he Would turn the right one."
T1I"M \- 0. BRIN8MADE, Ml'..
another prominent physician of Troy who honored his pro-
ion with "good works," was born June ]i;. 1802, al
Hartford, Conn. He studied medicine with I' i'
ol New Marlb ro', Mass .and in March. 1823, was licensed
a practicing physician by the •'• cticut State Medical
In ]-.'■'.' the honorary tl of M.D. was con-
ferred on him by Yale College. In the latter part of I
he removed to Lansingburgb, and after ten years' practice
in that village remo d : Troy. Dr Brinsmade maybe
■ life-long student of medicine and hy-
II ndustriouslj applied himself in getting knowl-
ih from men and books, which would be useful t"
bim in the duties of his profession.
\- - iid by hit before thi Rei I louuty
M ■ :.• i - 1 1 ticcd medicine with o sim:!
of purpose nevci ircfully cultival de-
partment of the profession, avoiding all tendency to special
practice, and yet was the trusted counselor of those whose
tastes led them to cultivate special branches, lie would
I"- one hour discussing surgical pathology and the propriety
of an operation; the next, perhaps, equally engrossed in
grave questions of ^vumcolo^v. on each occasion the asso-
ciate of men devoted to these specialties. In breadth of
professional capacity it is safe to say l>r. Brinsmade had
few, if any. superiors in the profession."
As a local physician, he was a sedulous observer and
investigator of diseases special to this vicinity. In the
irds of bis private practice he has left invaluable data
for reference and practical application.
For thirty-five years Dr. Brinsmade made Troy the field
of bis successful practice, and endeared himself to thousands
of families who bad secured him as their physician during
his life in the city. He was always kindly interested in the
professional career of bis companions in practice. His mem-
ory is hallowed in the hearts of all who knew him.
In January, 1S24, he became a member of the Rensselaer
Medical Society, and in 184S was elected its president,
serving two years. On bis retiring from tins office in 1850
he delivered an elaborate address on the medical topography
of the city of Troy. This address was published in the
"Transactions'' of the State Medical Society for 1851. In
1844 he was sent by the Rensselaer Society as a delegate
to the State Medical Society, serving four years, and in
1S50 was elected a permanent member of that society,
after which time he took a prominent part in its proceed-
ings. In 1 S 5 7 be was elected its vice-president, and the
following year president. In 1S58, as vice president, he
delivered an address on the registration of diseases, and
furnished the society with an accurate record of his prac-
tice for twenty-one years, carefully analyzed and tabulated,
covering three hundred pages of the published transactions,
and comprising statistics ,,f thirty-seven thousand eight
hundred and seventy-two cases. In 1SG0 he presented
another paper on the registration of diseases, including
statistics of two thousand and fifty-six cases treated in 1858
and 1859.
lie was a number of years health officer of Troy, and
chairman of the Hoard of Health. At a very early dati
became a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, ami
was for many years a vestryman of St. Paul's Church, and
at the tin f his death was filling the office of junior war-
den, lie was al.-o a trustee of the Rensselai r Polytechnio
[nstitutc for twenty years, and contributed to ii much time
and material aid. From 18G5 to 18G8 he was ils vi.e-
president, and in the latter year was elected its president.
While attending a meeting in the Athenaeum building,
on First Street, on the evening of June 22. 1868,convi
io raise funds for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and
while reading an important paper, be passed into eternity.
Tie post- Item examination showed that the cause of
death was heart-disease, of which he bad had for years a
well-grounded apprehension.
JAMES THORN, M.D.
(In the 20th of July. 1802, I..' was born at ColchcstOT,
England. lie graduated at the Royal College of Surgeons,
Till'. MKMCAL PROFESSION.
1 II
London, Aug. ti, 1824. After practicing in England, lie
oame in the United States and made his home in Troy,
1832.
As said by his biographer, " His professional life in
Tiny was, until the insidious beginning of his fatal sick-
ness, an eminent success. For more than :i quarter of a
century he carried the responsibilities of a large and im-
portant family practice in the city, and al the sunn' time so
far excelled in surgery as to stand much of the time with-
out a rival in that specialty, performing during many years
the most important surgical operations of the city. Dr.
thorn's fondness for publicity and his ureal personal popu-
larity naturally led him into polities, and gave him success
in that field. Besides minor offices, lie twice occupied the
position of mayor of the city, having been elected in 1862,
and again in 1864. His terms of ollice were full of more
than ordinary labor and responsibility. The payment of
bounties for soldiers during the early years of the war, and
the relief often needed by the families of volunteers, made
it his duty to control the handling of large sums of money,
and the great tire of May 10, 1862, naturally placed him
at the head of the committee for distributing relief to hun-
dreds of impoverished families ; yet no one found him guilty
of selfishness or partiality, and no one believed that he was
richer after his term of office."
During the last ten or twelve years of his life he became
gradually helpless, physically and mentally, and previous to
his death he sought the care of the attendants of the Mar-
shall Infirmary, where he died Nov. 27, 1876.
ALFRED WOTKYNS, M.D.
Prominent in the allopathic practice of the city was Dr.
Alfred Wotkyns, a sketch and portrait of whom will be
found elsewhere in this work. As said by Dr. Augustus
Viele, in his address before the Rensselaer Medical Society,
" Dr. Wotkyns was the Chesterfield of the profession, but in
no sense a ' Beau Brummel.' With a mind clear and com-
prehensive, he was enabled to discharge the threefold posi-
tion of an honorable physician, a successful financier, and
a chief executive officer of the city."
GEOROE H. HUBBARD, M.D.,
of Lansingburgh, died at that place Jan. 19, 1876, aged
fifty-three. He was born at Hopkinton, N. II., June 8,
1821). He studied medicine under the direction of Dr.
Diamined Davis, of Sutton, N. H., and graduated in June,
1845, at Vermont Medical College. From that time to
184'.) he practiced at Bradford, N. H. ; from 1852-.").") at
East Washington, N. II., where he represented that place
in the State Legislature. From 1853-59 he was editor of
the New Hampshire Journal of Medicine. In 1861 he
was commissioned surgeon to the 2d New Hampshire Vol-
unteers. He remained in the army until the close of the
war, having held many important positions in the medical
department of the army. In 1868 the honorary degree of
master of arts was conferred upon him by Dartmouth
College.
The cause of death was a serious cut on the left knee'
which he received from a fall in getting out of a horse-car.
Iuflainrnation and blood-poisoning followed. He died in
tb«' lull vigor of his manhood, beloved by all who knew
him, and respected and honored bj the profession.
Among those who have become prominent in the pro-
fession, and who are still living, maj In- mentioned the
following :
CHARLES I.. HUBBELL, M.D.,
was born in Williamstown, Mass., Sept. 16, L827. He
graduated from Williams in tin- class of 1 846, and from
Berkshire .Medical College in 1848. lb- fir>t settled in
Williamstown, but subsequently removed to Troy, in L854,
where he entered into general practice.
He is a member of the Berkshire Count) Medical, the
Massachusetts Stale Medical, and the Rensselaer County
Medical Societies; was president of the 1 liter in 1874.
He is the author of a pamphlet on " Medical Examina-
tions for Idle Insurance," and other articles on medical
subjects. He was attending physician and surgeon for
seven years to the Troy Hospital ; also for eight years post-
surgeon to Watervliet Arsenal ; is now one of the attend-
ing physicians and surgeons to the Marshall Infirmary.
He served during the war as surgeon to the Black Horse
Cavalry, and, after they had disbanded, to the 12th New
York Volunteers.
In September, 1S52, he married Juliette E., daughter of
Gersham T. Bulkley, Esq., of Monroe, Mich. She died
in June. 1876.
REED B. BONTECOU, M.D.,
was born at Troy, N. Y., April 22, 1824. He was edu-
cated at the High School Academy and Rensselaer Poly-
technic Institute of Troy ; graduated M.D. from the Castle-
ton Medical College, Vt., in 1847, when he entered into
practice with his preceptor, Dr. Thomas C. Brinsmade, and
has always resided in his native city. He is the author of
many papers on subjects pertaining to his profession ; is
a member of the County Medical Society, permanent
member of the New York State Medical Society and the
American Medical Association.
He entered the United States army in 1861 as surgeon,
and remained in active service until the close of the war.
holding many positions of honor and trust. He was brev-
eted lieutenant-colonel and colonel of volunteers in March,
1865, for faithful and meritorious services during the war.
He was married July 18, 1849, to Susan Northrop.
WILLIAM P. SEYMOUR, M.D ,
graduated A.B. from Williams College in 1845, and M.D.
from the University of Pennsylvania in 1848. He was
professor of materia medica, obstetrics, and gynaecology in
Berkshire Medical College, and of obstetrics and diseases •
of women in the Albany Medical College. He is a mem-
ber of the Rensselaer County Medical Society, of the New
York State Medical Society, and of the American Medical
Association.
HENRY B. WIIITON, M.D.,
was born in Lee, Mass., Sept. 24, 1827, graduated at Union
College in 1851, and at Albany Medical College in L854,
He settled at Elmira, N. Y., but in 1856 removed to Troy,
142
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
in which city ho has since remai I. He is a member of
tin- i; •■-- laei C unty Medical Society, has held all the
offices therein; permanent member of the New York State
Medical Society; is one of the curator.- of the Albany
Medical Society. Has I n for the past eight years one of
tin- attending physicians to the Marshall [nfirmary. His
service in the army as surgeon continued over a period of
lour 3
MATTHEW II. BURTON, U D.,
was born in Albany, March 16, 1833. He graduated from
the Albany Medical Collect' in l^.V). ami located in Troy.
Hi is a member of the Rensselaer County Medical Societj
was its president in 1870, is a permanent member of the
Zork State Medical Society ami the American
Medical Association. He was for fifteen years attending
physician and Burgeon to Troy hospital ; was coroner dur-
ing ls"» -"''' I'll, and lor nine years past lias been health
officer of the city of Troy. He is surgeon of 3d Division
National Guard, State of New York. In June, 1S5S, he
married Frances L., daughter of Anthony Sciler, of Troy.
LF. ROT MCLEAN, M.D.,
was born at Jackson, N. Y., Feb. 12, 1831. He was edu-
cate! at the Washington Academy. Salem, N. Y.. and at
the Onion Village Academy. Greenwich. N. Y.. and grad-
uated M.D., in 1S55, from the Albany Medical College.
From that year until 186] he was resident medical super-
intendent of the Mar-hall Infirmary. Troy, and in 1S04
comme d the practice of medicine in this city, turning
hi> attention almost exclusively to surgery.
1I-- is a member of the Rensselaer Couniy Medical So-
ciety, of the New York State Medical Society, and the
American Medic il \ --" iation.
II entered the army in lSi'il as a surgeon, and served
until 1864, having been during his term of service pro-
moted to positions of trust tn 1867 he was appointed sur-
1 Division, National Guard, New York State,
with the rank of colonel, which position he held until 1877,
when he tendered his resignation, lie is now attending-
Burgeon to the Troy hospital, — a position to which he was
appoint) d in
JOSEPH D. LOU \\. U D .
Inim in England, April I. 1829. He came to this
country in 1832, and after completing his education was
for some yeai I as teacher in a private classical
II studied medicine in the College of Physicians
ami Snt _ '■ York, graduating therefrom in IS
i serving lor sixteen months in the hospital of the col-
ik City, he removed to Troy in L863,
and i Tier appointed medical superintendent of the
hall Infirmary,— a position he Still holds. He i- a
member of thi B n laer County Medical Society, and
New York State Medical Society, ami various scientific
u- in the city. In 1864 he married Isabella,
daughter of James Mm. of Troy.
-'■mi "Tin I! y Mil v PBY8H LANS.
Up to 1812, !'■ Mcller D G Easl
•i i Di Ball ol North Nassau, had represented
the medical profession in Nassau. Just before that time
Dr. Rowe had died in early manhood in Schodack. Then
Dr. Samuel MeClellan, upon the decease of Dr. Rowe,
settled in Schodack, at first boarding in the family of Mr.
Elmendorph, at the house formerly occupied by Mr. P.
Frishenger, piano-manufacturer. In 1815, however, he
removed near to Nassau village, where he remained until
his death. About the same time Dr. John Miller cotn-
menced practice at East Gfreenbush, and Dr. Mellon, re-
moving to Hudson, was succeeded at Nassau by Dr. Ebe-
nezer D. Barsett. Not many years later Dr. Harris
commenced his practice in South Sand Lake, and Dr.
1 1 raves in Stephentown. These gentlemen long occupied
the territory; but on the death of Dr. Gale, Dr. John H.
Hay lies settled at East Nassau, and after a few years Dr.
George W. Strait also opened an office there. Dr. James
Hogeboom commenced his practice at Castleton in the
mean time.
I p to 18-40 no new names appear. Not far from that
time Dr. MeClellan, having had as partner- Doctors Simp-
son, since of Hudson, aud Coventry, of Newark, N. Y..
associated with himself Dr. Montillion Beckwith, a former
student, who had practiced for a number of years at New
Lebanon. Their partnership continued until the death of
Dr. MeClellan, and Dr. Beckwith continued the practice
until his death, about 1S70. Doctors Miller. Harris, Gale,
and Ball, died before 1850, and Dr. John S. Miller has
long practiced at Schodack, near East Grccnbush, while Dr.
Harris was succeeded by his son-in-law, Dr. Elliott, and
afterwards by 1 toctors Anson and Boyce, of Sand Lake.
Dr. EberW. Carmichael, a former student of Dr. MeClellan,
has practiced at Sand Lake since about 1S4.'!. Dr. Phi-
lander 11. Thomas long practiced at West Sand Lake, and
was succeeded on his death by Dr. Hull, who has a son in
practice at Poestenkill. Dr. James Hogeb n was succeeded
by his son and namesake at Castleton. Since 1S30, Dr.
John Squire has practiced at Schodack Landing. After
Dr. Beckwith- decease, Dr. Nehcr, formerly connected with
the army, settled at Nassau, and. later. Dr. Samuel Me-
Clellan, a grandson of the first doctor, settled there.
It. HALSTED WARD, M.D ,
a practicing physician of Troy, and also well known as a
ii-i. nol only in this country, but abroad, was born in
Bloomfield, N. J., June 17. 1837. He was the eldest son
and child of I.-rael ( '. and Aluicda Hank-1 Ward, a lead-
ing family of that place, and prominently c cied there
as well as in the neighboring city of New York, where the
business interests of the family were mostly located. During
his thorough academic course of stud) at the celebrated
local school- of James II. Ixundcll and Rev. E. Sey ur
lati i . In- taste and aptness for scientific -Indies
Wi to SO marked that he was constantly sought as an assist-
ant in the scientific work of the institutions. Entering
Williams College at the age of seventeen, he was graduated
in IS.'iS, and three years later received the degree of A M.
During his college course In was distinguished as an orig-
inal and analytical writer, and a- an enthusiast ill scientific
-nid ' II was presidi nl of the " Fhilotcchuian," of
the large literary societies connected with the college, and
-'*.<:
-
1'liutu. 1'V Alkint-MTi, Tr<«v
t&d-
0&Ly
Dr. Richard Bloss was born in the town of Royalton. Windsor
Co., Vt~, April 1", IT'.'*. U is father was a respectable farmer in that
town. Ilis education up to his fifteenth year was confined bo a com-
mon village school; at that age he commenced a preparatory course
for college. From tho age of eighteen to twenty-one he taught school
during the winter, and pursued his academical course the remainder
of tho time. lie commenced tho study of medicine under the instruc-
tion of Dr. Joseph Denison, studying and attending lectures for the
next three years. lie graduated at Dartmouth College, Hanover, in
Be commenced the practice of his profession in the town of
Bast Bethel. X. V.. where he remained six years, and then returned
to Royalton, his native town, where he soon established an ex ten si <
practice, which he retained up to the time of his removal to the city
of Tr >;. . in 1840. Here he formed a copartnership with Dr. R. S.
., nndor the firm-name of Bryan A Bloss. This copartnership
was dissolved at the end of live years, after which ho continued the
practice alone until his son, Jabez I\, iru associated with him: and
on his removal from the city, his son, Richard D. Bloss, was con-
nected with him in practice to the time of his decease.
On thi ' January, IS II, he received a slight wound on his
thumb and forefinger, while engaged in a post-mortem examination
of a case of puerperal peritonitis. The Inflammation extended up the
right arm and formed an abscess under the pectoral mosaic, which
disci mously. Nothing hut nn iron constitution carried
him through this first struggle with disease. Be never entirely rc-
thal arm and hand. In 1849 the disease again
appeared in hU thumb, In 1868, through the effect!
it again appeared in the form of a earbunolo on the upper lip. In
the spring of 1859 he mi thrown from his carriage, fracturing bis
skull and three ribs. II- n tWW 1 from the imed
bis practice, bal not with hll wonted energy and assiduity. In 1861,
whil<* getting out of his carriage, he had the misfortune to fall ami
break his arm. which, for want of recuperative power, nnitod slowly
and troubled him while he lived. In March, 1801, again a small
tumor mado its * n his under tip. Its growth
mnpanied with pain, and choked by the u«o of chloride ol
•inc. In 1883, T'r. Ifaroh pronounced it seirrhus and removed it.
Finally a tumor formed n^nr the angle of the jaw, whi^h was
hard, painful, and of a purple, 'htning appearance. It bled pro.
fusely and reduce.! him very fast. He suffered excruciating pain,
bot retained his faculties unimpaired until his death, Sept. 18, 1C
Lore was the mainspring of his life. As a citizen ho loved his
country, her institutions, and her greatness. Ho was loyal and
patriotic He loved his fellow-man. To the talented he gave his
admiration; to the wealthy, his courtesy; to tho poor, his advice,
his services, and his substance: they never sought his aid in vain.
His mission was to heal the sick, and he never inquired of the pros-
pect of remuneration. He loved science, and sought out her hidden
mysteries.
II was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and enjoyed all the
offices and honors in their gift, being successively Master of a lodge,
High-Priest of a chapter, Illustrious Master of the council (which was
named aftor him), Commander of the encampment, and member of
tho grand body of the State; he was also Deputy Grand Master
of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York at the time of his
death.
He became a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church at the age
of twenty-one, and for many years prior to hi.* death he was senior
warden of Christ Church in this city, and contributed liberally to
it- support. He built a church edifice almost entirely from his own
means in hia native village, Royal ton.
Forty year.- of his life he gave to the practice of medicine, — the
first half as an allopathist, tho remainder in faithfully testing the
truth of the principle, " Similia itmilibu* eurautnrj" how success-
fully, the thousands whom he treated can testify. He began the
practice of homoeopathy in 1842, and used frequently to relate anec-
dotes of his early experience, of the ridicule, obloquy, opposition,
and almost violence he encountered; but these things only brought
forth greater and more persevering effort, which met with abundant
;in 1 en. luring SUCCCSS.
Dr. Bloss was one of the delegates in July, 1858, when Rens-elacr
County asked admission to the Homoeopathic Society of Washington
and Saratoga Counties, at which time the society assumed the name
of the Bom coop atbio Sooioty of Northern New York. At the next
annual meeting he was chosen president of the same. Hia presence
in that body was won felt, and the organisation roac from a merely
social and oolloquial gathering to the dignity of a parliamentary
body. He fell m deep in teres I in its prosperity and success, and
labor I van com on t. In all his intercourse he was dignil
and gentlemanly, yel familiar and approachable, over willing to aid
all who were seeking for knowledge. Ho gave the members of the
fraternity confidence in the principle-, and much of the success of
homoeopathy in Northern Now York may be attributed to bis en-
couragement.
THE MEMK'AL PROFESSION,
I 13
also one of the editors of the college magazine of the time,
■ — The Williams Quarterly. He was one of the mosl
active of tlio students in organizing and carrying out the
" Florida Expedition," a college excursion to Florida and
Georgia, in the spring of L857, for the purposes of scien
tific study and collection, which not only enriched to an
unexpected extent the natural-history collections of the in-
stitution, hut also set an example of a new met bod of scien
tific culture which has been extensively and profitably fol-
lowed. After graduation, having a strong predilection for
medical science, he pursued a specially thorough course of
study under the preceptorship of I>r. N. S. King, a practi-
tioner of Bloomfield, and at the leading medical schools and
hospitals of Philadelphia and New York, graduating in
|t662 from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
latter city. In the beginning of his medical career, the war
of the Rebellion being then in progress, he offered his ser-
vices to the government, and acted as assistant surgeon in the
United States military hospital at Nashville, Tenn. After a
i\-w months, however, lie was obliged to resign, on account
of ill health, and removed to Minnesota, where he remained
for more than a year, as a sanitary measure. He returned
to the East in I860, and settled at Troy, where he has since
resided. For a short time previous to the death of the late
Dr. Thomas W. Blatchford, he was associated in practice
with that eminent practitioner, since which time he has
carried on alone a very large and important family practice.
In addition to an amount of medical labor which would
overtax the strength of most persons, he has carried on his
scientific work without intermission. Having commenced
the study of botany while in college under the enthusiastic
professor — now President — Chadbourne, he has continued
his researches in that branch of science with equal diligence
and success, giving especial attention to the departments of
structural, philosophical, and economical botany. In 1869
he was appointed instructor, and the following year pro-
fessor, of that science in the Rensselaer Polytechnic Insti-
tute,— a chair which he continues to hold in connection with
the duties of his medical practice. His methods of teach-
ing arc original and pointed, never losing sight of the prac-
tical uses of science. Though a skillful and successful
practitioner and professor, it is in the field of microscopical
research that he has attained the most distinction abroad.
His work in this field was commenced during the early part
of his collegiate course, and for many years he has been an
acknowledged authority on the subject. In 1871 he became
one of the associate editors of the American Naturalist, an
influential journal then published in Salem, Mass., but now
in Philadelphia, and established in it a microscopical depart-
ment, the first department of that kind added to any jour-
nal in this country, and antedating any journal relating to
this branch of science now in existence here. He is the
author of a large number of papers and editorials on this
branch of science, nearly all of which have been republished
abroad. He has, by his critical skill and original contriv-
ances, contributed materially to the modern improvement
of the microscope and its accessories; has done much work
in medical microscopy, not only for the benefit of his own
pnin iee, but also for that of other physicians; has used the
instrument in the study of blood-stains, and other difficult
ami important questions in medical jurisprudence; ha
tended its use largely in the investigation of handwriting,
forgery, and altered writing of various kind- and has fre-
quently appeared in tb mils as an expert in criminal and
other cases. In carrying out hi- favorite work of popular-
izing science, he has become well known 08 a lecturer upon
his chosen studies; and being thoroughly imbued with the
love of science, and always logical and iu i tive in the
presentation of it, he never fails to impart character and
interest to his public efforts. I>r. Ward is a member of the
Medical Society of the Slate of New York, and of the
American Medical Association; also of the Rensselaer
County Medical Society, of which he was president in !>77.
and re-elected in 1878. lie is a member and officer of the
board of governors of the Marshall Infirmary, and holds
office on the medical staff of that institution. His scien-
tific associations are numerous and important. He is a
fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of
Science, with which be has long been actively connected
and repeatedly held office, having been chairman of the
microscopical subsection in 1876-77; was elected and
served as first president of the Society of American Micro-
seopists, which was founded in 1878; is member of the
American Meteorological Society ; was president of the
Troy Scientific Association from its organization in 1870
until 1877, and has since been president of the micro-
scopical section of the same. He was the originator of the
American Postal Microscopical Club, and has been actively
interested in various local societies, and other organized
efforts to advance the interests of this department of science
throughout the country. The Belgian Microscopical So-
ciety has conferred upon him the rare distinction of honor-
ary membership; and, in addition, be is honorary and cor-
responding member of a large number of other societies in
different parts of this country. During his short residence
in Minneapolis, Minn., he was called upon to act as health
officer, that being the only occasion on which he has been
inclined to give the time or strength to serve the public in
any other than a strictly professional capacity.
Dr. Ward was married, June 10,1862, to Miss Charlotte
A. Baldwin, of Bloomfield, N. J., and has four children.
II.— HOMtEOPATIIY.
Pursuant to a call, the homoeopathic physicians of
Rensselaer County, N. Y., met at the office of Dr. R. S.
Bryan, "No. 70 Second Street, Oct. 6, 1859. Present, Drs.
R. S. Bryan, S. A. Cook, R. Bloss, Kellogg, and Searle, of
Troy, also Drs. Fuller, Carpenter, and Mosher from other
parts of the county. Dr. Mosher was elected chairman of
the meeting, with Dr. Searle as secretary. On permanent
organization Dr. R. S. Bryan was elected President ; Dr.
Joseph Mosher, Vice-President; Dr. S. A. Cook, Secretary
and Treasurer ; Drs. Bloss, Fuller, and Searle, Censors.
In December, 1860, the following officers were elected:
Dr. S. A. Cook, President; Dr. II. E. Fuller, Vice-President ;
Dr. W. S. Searle, Secretary ; Dr. J. Mosher, Treasurer ;
with the addition of Dr. A. M. Cushing to membership.
From the records of the society, there was no meeting until
March, 1S63, from which time to the present the nanus
of Drs. George Kellogg, 1S58; J. P. Ploss, 1863: M. W.
Ill
IIISToRY of RF.NSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
Campbell, Troy, 1864; •). F. Miller, L865; C. S. W'ood-
ruff, 1865; R. I' I'm-". 1865; .). Vounglovc, 1865; l>.
W. Pitta, Johnsonvillo, 1866; B. S. Coburn, Troy, 1868 .
C. G. Clark, 1868; Charles Thompson, Pittstown, 1868;
I. II. Ward, Troy, 1868; Jam - • Tonihannock,
1868; I. H.Green, Tomhannock, 1868; I'. L.Vincent,
186 I ft. K. Belding, Troy, 1*71 ; L. 1$. Waldo, Lansing
burgh, 1872; II. I'. Holmes, Lansingburgh, L877; M. L.
lell, Troy, 1877 ; A. ft. Green, Troy, 1879; William
Simpson, Hoosick Falls, 1879; G. M. Lamb, Troy, 1879,
appear on the records of the society.
The first practitioner of homoeopathy of whom we have
any record in this county was Dr. F. S. Field, ;i graduate
of ,i medical college in London, England. He settled in
Troy in 1839. Although an able and highly-accomplished
man, he was unable to support himself here on account of
his being unknown and with new doctrines. Drs. U.S.
n and ft. Blosa were led to look into the subject of
homoeopath) by his remarkable cures, and from him they
obtained material for study. In 1841, Drs. Bryan and
B lenly avowed their adherence to homoeopathy. Dr.
ft. S. Bryan was born in Patterson, Putnam Co., X. Y. ;
graduated in New York City, and began the practice of
medicine with his lather, but removed to Troy in 1835.
He died in March, 1860, at t ho age of sixty-four. Dr. R.
B -- was a native of Vermont, a graduate of the medical
department of Dartmouth University. He died in 1863,
al the age of sixty-five. Dr. S. A. Cook came to Troy
from Vera t. and began the practice of allopathy, but
in a few years espoused the cause of homoeopathy, which
he followed most rigidly until his death, which occurred
March II. 1873.
Homoeopathy won a decided victory during the cholera
epidemic of 18.V!; its siim^ was all its must ardent fol-
lowers could wish, and its march has been steadily onward.
I1 CI i - and Joseph Mosher, of Schaghticokc, were
later converts from the Old School rank, and reuiai 1
faithful to the cause while they lived. Dr. Edward L.
Coburn, a native of Columbia County, graduated in medi-
cine in New York City, 1829; was f the pioneers of
homoeopathy in that comity. After eleven years of Old
School practice he beca lonvinced that "similia similibus
curantur" was the true law of cure, lie removed to Troy
in 1853, where I njoyed a large practice, but died in
Chatham, N Y. in 1863, aged fifty-eight, Dr. George
Kellogg, of Paterson, N. J., removed to Troy in l
and remained here till 1862, when he entered the army
under Gen. Butler as staff surg 1 after the war re-
moved to New Orleans. Dr. 1! I' Blosa graduated in
Vermont in 1854, and settled inn liately in Troy. Dr.
.1 P I: - graduated in New fork City in 1853, and
to Troy. |). || i; Fuller graduated at Berkshire
M I '-">7. Bottled at Lansiugburgh. Dr. C.
II Carp ntcr graduated al Albany, 1856; settled in 1
in 1865. Dr. \V. S. Sail' graduated in Philadelphia in
doc began tho prai tice of mcdii inc in Ti
to Brooklyn in 1870. Dr C S. W Iruff grad
■ ' in 1 357, and camo to Troy in 1 -
I'r. M \Y. Campbell, a graduate of Cleveland in 1851,
Bellied in Troy in 1- ■ I1 \ M Cushing, a
of Cleveland, settled in Lansingburgh in 1861, and in
1864 removed to Lynn. Mass. Dr. J. C. Mosher grad-
uated at Castleton, Vt., in 1860; he began practice in
Pittstown. Dr. J. Younglove, Jr.. graduated in St. Louis
in 1861 : began practice in Troy in lS(i."i; has since settled
in New Jersey. Dr. J. F. Miles graduated at Long Island
College in 1865, and at once settled in Troy, but stayed
onbj a short time; his present residence is unknown. Dr.
D. W. l'itis is an alumnus of Philadelphia College; began
practice in Johnsonville in lS(i.">. where he now resides.
Dr. E. S. Coburn graduated at Homoeopathic Medical Col-
lege in New York City in lSlj-l; remained two years in
that city with Dr. W. M. Pratt, when he went to Ohio;
settled in Troy in IStiO. Dr. F. L. Vincent graduated in
Chicago in 1861 ; practiced in Illinois eight years, and
removed to Troy in 18G9.
I lom pathy has now stood upon its trial in this county
for thirty-eight years, and to-day its list of practitioners is
longer, its patrons greater in number, and its social position
higher, than ever before.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE PRESS- BOOKS AND AUTHORS.
I.— EARLY NEWSPAPERS.
TROY.
The Farmer's Oracle was established in Troy, in 1 T : '7,
by Luther Pratt & Co., who had removed their printing
materials thence from Lansingburgh. After the discon-
tinuance of this paper, the Northern Budget was also re-
moved to Troy, making its first appearance there May 15,
1T!IS. Its office was on the east side of Water Street near
Pierce's inn.
The Troy Gazette, the third paper established in Trojj
was first issued Sept. 3, 1S02, and published by Thomas
Collier. It was Federal in polities, ami passed out of exist-
ence aboul I S(i0.
Other earlj papers were the Farmer's Register, 180Ckj
Ciintonian Democratic in politics; Trot/ Post, 1812, Fed-
eral in politics, published by Parker & Bliss ; and the Troy
5 tiiiel, in 1823, with 0. L. Holly, editor, and Wm 9
Parker, publisher. The last named was a National Rcpilb-
liean organ.
The Daily Sentinel was the first daily paper ever issued
in Troy. Its first issue bears date of May 1. 1830. After
an existence of a little over a year it was chan
setni-weekly.
Following the Sentim/. a number of papers were subse-
quently published which had only a brief existence. U
their order they were :
The Folder, April. 1824, by Gilbert Gunflint, Esq.
tgelicul Restorationist, 1S4J.">, by Adolphui
Skinner.
Troy lit vit w, or /•■ ligions and Musieal llrposilory, Jan.
I. 1>1Y.. Truman Hastii - • ditoi . Tuttlc A llicl b|
print
M h 25, 1826, Castor .v. Pollux, editors.
TIIK PRESS HOOKS AND AIJTIIOKS.
148
Evangelical Repository, lSl'K.
Troy Republican, L82S, by Austin & Wellington. 1830,
Thomas Clowes.
Northern Watchman, 1831. In 1832 changed to '/'/"//
Watchman.
The Gospel Anchor | Universalis) i, by John M. Austin,
afterwards by 11 J. Green. 1833, Williamson & Austin.
The Troy Statesman, June 12, 1832, by T. J. Suther-
land.
The Troy Press, weekly, first published on Saturday,
Aug. 4, 1832, by William Yates. It was continued until
Jan. 1, 1833.
The Daily Troy Press, which succeeded the Troy Daily
Sentinel, was issued Feb. 11, 1833, by William Yates, at a
shilling a week. The paper was first neutral in politics,
but afterwards anti-Jackson in tone.
The Troy American, Sept. 18, 1833, published by E. J.
Van Cleve. It was an anti-regency paper, and was pub-
lished about one year.
The Botanic Advocate, 1S34, by Russell Buckley.
The Troy Daily Whig, published by James 31. Steven-
son, editor and proprietor, was first issued July 1, 1834, S.
Richards, printer. A more extended history of this paper
is given elsewhere in this chapter.
The Trajan was first published Dec. 23, 1S34, by Rus-
sell Buckley. It was a penny daily.
The State Journal, 1830, It. J. Masten ; 1837, changed
to Ar< w Yuri,- State Journal.
The Troy Daily Mail, Nov. 15, 1837, H. T. Eddy, edi-
tor, Wellington & Nafew ; 1837, Tuttle, Belcher & Bur-
ton; 1840, Atwell & 31 ills. It was a morning paper; the
Whig, afternoon issue. It was of the same polities as the
Whig, and was its rival for party support and influence.
It is said to have been conducted with enterprise and edito-
rial ability, but as two Whig papers could not be profitably
carried on, the Mail was in 1S40 merged into the Whig,
which thenceforward became a morning paper.
The Troy Daily Bulletin, Dec. 6, 1841, William Hagen,
editor; R. Thompson, printer.
The Troy Daily Herald, Oct. 24, 1842, Ayres & White-
house.
The Aquarian, 1843.
The Troy Temperance Mirror, published by Bardwell &
Kneeland.
The Family Journal, 1844, Fisk & Co.; 1848, the Neio
York Family Journal; 1851, the Troy Family Journal.
The Troy Daily Post, a. penny paper, was first published
Oct, 1, 1843, by Alexander McCall ; 1844, McCall &
Davis; 1840, Davis & Ayers (Rensselaer County Post);
1847, Wells & Davis ; 1850, Davis & Johnson ; 1S52, A.
G. Johnson.
The Trojan, 1845, a weekly literary paper, by Abbie
Goddard.
The Troy Daily Telegraph, 1846, by Hagen & Ayres.
The Rensselaer County Temperance Advocate, 1846, by
S. Spicer.
The Troy Commercial Advertiser, 3Iarch 28, 1848.
Brownell & West ; W. L. Crandal, editor. Sept. 29, 1848,
Edwin Brownell. Issued daily in afternoon, and also
weekly.
19
The Old Settler, monthly, January 16, 1851, by -
Allen.
The Unique, semi-monthly, Thursday, June 12, 1851,
by Parvus lulus.
The Troy Daily Times begun its long-continued career
i.n Wednesday after »n, June 25, 1851, John M. Francis,
editor; J. M. Francis & K. D.Thompson, publishers. A
full account of this publication maj be seen elsewhere in
this work.
The /." Ruche Canadienne, 1851, was publibhed by
Dorian & Matbiot,
Our Paper, issued in January, 1853, by Messrs, Davis &
Culler.
The Troy Daily Democrat began its career on Oct. 24,
1854, James T. Ellis.
The Troy Daily Traveller, in 1854, succeeded the Troy
Daily Post. Its publishers were Fisk & Avery ; Fisk,
Fisk & Avery; Fisk, Avery & Thompson.
The Daily Arena began publication on Tuesday, Oct.
18, 1859, by MacArthur & Fonda. February, 1801, A.
G. Johnson, editor; A. A. Fisk, publisher.
The Troy Daily Express was published in 1859 by Allen
Corey; Gaylord J. Clarke, editor.
The Troy Morning News was issued in April, 1860, E.
F. Loveridge, proprietor.
The L'Aigle Canadien, begun in 1S60 by James R.
Lettore, publisher; L. Cousin and Dr. J. N. Cadieux,
editors.
The Troy Union was first issued on Saturday morning,
3Iay 18, 1861, at No. 1 First Street, by Van Arnum &
Merriam.
The Troy City Democrat, June 28, 1862, by J. A. and
A. Corey, editors ; A. Corey & Co., publishers.
The Troy Daily Press was first issued on Saturday even-
ing, Aug. 8, 1803, from the office No. 209 River Street,
A. S. Pease, publisher; A. S. Pease and F. B. Hubbell,
editors. A full history of this prosperous journal may be
found in another column.
The Sunday Herald made its first appearance Nov. 11,
1807 ; Wm. F. Boshart, editor and proprietor.
The Public Spirit was first published by Le Grand Ben-
edict, in March, 1808.
The Sunday Telegram began its life in November, 1S70 ;
Thomas Hurley, editor and proprietor.
The Troy Volksfreund, a German weekly, was first issued
April 13, 1872, by August Hillebrand.
The Sunday Trojan had its first issue on April 25, 1875 ;
I. F. Bosworth and A. L. Elliott, proprietors.
The Troy Observer, a Sunday paper, was published for
the first time Oct. 15, 1870, by William V. Cleary. In
December, 1878, it was purchased by A. B. Elliott, and
merged with the Sunday Trojan, under the title of the
Trojan- Observer. The latter was conducted by A. B.
Elliott until Aug. 3, 1S79, when it passed into the hands
of 31. F. Collins"
LANSINGBURGH.
The first newspaper published in Lausingburgh bore
the lengthy title of The Northern Centinel and Lansing-
burgh Advertiser, and was first issued May 21, 1787, by
lie
history of i;i:nssi:i.akk county, new york.
Claxton & Babcock. It was a quarto sheet, seventeen by
twenty inches in si
The Federal llerald&w eded the above Feb. 12, 17S3,
published by Babcock & 1 1 i.k.ik. followed I", the American
Spy, April 8, 1791, by Sylvester Tiffany subsequently
Tiffany ,v Wands, and Win. W. Waml-^ ■ ; in turn succeeded
by the Northern Budget, Juno 20, L797, under the man-
agement of Robert Moffitl & ( !o.
The Lansingburgh Gazette, Sept. 12, 1798, was issued
kly bj Gardiner Tracy. In 1826 the name was changed
to /' /.'■ •■ ' On '. Gazette, published by .).('. \
Jeremiah Young, [ts na was again changed, and in the
fall of 1828 was discontinued. A new series of the Ga-
was issue I i:i 1 1 a ember, 1 B26, by BJdw. J. Van Cl<
which has passed through many proprietary changes, and is
now published 03 Dr. \ 1!. Elliott.
The Farmer's Register first appeared Jan. 25, 1803,
with Francis Adai urt as its publisher. In 1806 it was
removed to Troy.
The Democratic Press and Lansingburgh Advi
Jan. 13, 1838, by Wm. J. Lamb; subsequently chang
to Lansingburgh U In 18GI, S. V. R. Young
and Thomas llobinson assumed charge of it, and changed
its oamc to the New Advertiser. It was discontinued July
12, 1861.
Other papers, following in the wake of those above men-
tioned, have been T/ie Literary Cabinet, by James Peek,
in 1841; T/ie Golden Rule, by Rev. Rolla J. Smith, in
l-S-14: Tin' Antiquarian and General Review (monthly),
1 B - William Arthur, in 1SI7; The Lansingburgh
Dail} Gazette, by Mitchell & Kirkpatrick, Jan. 3, I860
S 11- Weekly Chronicle, in 1864, which, after several
changes, was removed to Cohoes about 1869 ; Our Little
Paper (a small weekly l>\ K D. Vyrcs in 1872; The
I ■ . in 1 -Til : and the Lansingburgh Courier, estab-
lished in 1875 by Isaac L. Van Voasl and Wm 11. Kngle.
All of this numerous list of papers published in Lansing-
gh have been discontinued, with two or thr txceptions.
In other parts of the enmity were the following news-
-: The Nassau Gazette, started in December, 1850,
!■;. -I M G r; the Lutheran Herald; published semi-
monthly, at Wt -• Sand I. ike, in 1844, by rJ. L. Dos ; the
1, .„/,/;,/, Guardian, established in Is.Vi In \, .1 tinod-
rich, and subsequently published by J. D. Comstock.
II.— THE PRESEN1 PBESS OF Mil COUNT!
TIIK NORTHERN Bl InlET
was fir.-t issued in Lansingburgh on Tuesday, June 20,
1 T :»7 - mile of first page of first number.) It
• In thii papar I por, Hi-iij. Thurb
h>» 11. |.y "( whioh, data I .luni' I. IT
»inm Tboxbi II la Publio thai hi ntimic*
the I Jacob Icn'a. with
I r irbieh be
will native, in
rje, ball an I il»\ - lard, rauinionfl,
I pewter, if
»' "; i iv ill
1 rrill
give li.
■ '
•lore."
was removed to Troy, where the first number published in
that plaee appeared May 15, 1798. (See fac-simile of
third page of the first number published in Troy.) Hon.
Giles B. Kellogg, at the " Festival of the Troy News"
gave the following account of the Budget :
"The Northern Budget was established in 1797, in
Lansingburgh, by Robert Motlitt. It was removed to Troy
the next year, — for a long time published weekly, then
twiee a week, and subsequently during its existence, daily.
Troy was then a small plaee. a mere village. In 1800 the
editor of the Budget took occasion to boast of the rapidity
of its growth, saying that it then contained about three
hundred dwelling houses, besides stores, whereas, but fifteen
years before, it had but two dwelling bouses and not more
than fifteen inhabitants. The earlier numbers of the paper
are curious specimens of the art of printing, — small in
size, the paper coarse and dingy, and the head embellished
with a wood engraving, meant to be a likeness of Dr.
Franklin reading the constitution, and having for a motto,
' Where Liberty dwells, there is my Country.' Before the
paper was a year old, after its removal to Troy, the pub-
lisher announced that the weekly expense of bis establish-
ment was thirty dollars. The contents of the Budget were
principally selections from other papers, the editorials short,
and few and far between.
" When I came to Troy, in the spring of 1830, the
Budget was published by Kemble cV Hooper, the former
having charge of the editorial department. The next year
Mr. Kemble was elected a member of the Assembly, and
requested mo to manage the paper editorially during his
absence, as I bad previously occasionally assisted him.
" Mr. Kemble was a politician, restless, active, aud effi-
cient. Under his management the Budget bad become a
power in the country, and in the northern part of the State.
lie had a great itching for office, and quite as good tin opinion
OS any one of his own merits and ability, lie was seldom
defeated iii earning into operation any purpose he cherished.
His means were limited, and the Budget was not the source
of much income. He wanted to represent this district in
the Senate, and one day. in a very positive manner, told the
cashier of 01 f our banks that he meant to do so. The
cashier, having no faith in the success of his scheme,
jocosely remarked that when he got to be a member of the
Senate he should have all the money he wanted, and no
draft from him On his bunk should be dishonored, — no
uncommon occurrence at that time to his paper. Mr.
Kemble was nominated, the next fall elected, and the cashier
redeemed his pli
■■ About the year 1835 36, Mr. Kemble sold his iutere-t
in the Budget to Mr. Hooper, and in H.'17 Mr. Hooper
retired, and transferred his interest to Henry W. Strong
and myself, wl nductcd the paper as editors for one
year, when Mr. Strong retired, and I remained in tin-
establishment with Mr. Cook till March 10, 1840, when
I disposed of my interest, and bade farewell to editorial
duties.
■• During the administration of Jackson and Van Burcn
; questions were agitating the public mind, and gn
inten ii stake. The discussion of these questions
of course filled the newspapers, and the Budget entered
TI1K PRESS BOOKS AND AUTHORS.
Northern Budget
L AN 1 1 N C BUS OK:— Poam.ap, awaiti T.b.da, Miiiim*, a, ROBERT MOFrlTT Ci Co. at Two Dollab. ,h A-.au.
S^-Votont I.—]
TUESDAY, JUNE io, i79f.
[ — Nowata t. — ]
R.&J.Lanilng;,
HAVE '"f')" ItMiwtf, awd
art now opening, for Salt*,
■i (heir Stoic, near 10c Hotel,
in Lanhngburari, a «rv neat
ASSORTMFNf of
DRY GOODS,
Groceries, &C.
■tcdnrkably Ctitau and of the
.T«t1t importation,-—- Country
^rodiKC «Hl be icteivtd in pay-
ThtTJ"'** '"?* Bnd con,«-
«ie« StotcNPf Boring Grain,
«nd «tM pay »* Rnflcft atren-
t»r> 10 lb« BuGaels.— Every
fa»cr thankfully a"c*nowl«iBtd.
January 9, 1797,
Ncal Duffeer
HASJuS receded, from New- York.
ate.- «cry Iwiiome Ladies, Gilt
and CUt NeU-Laeea, Lockets and
CUbiitoflbe newei- femtooa i ly*. ■
good affortsCB' of Japan Wue. liirwf/'-
\L RJllowJdjp , _
GROCERIES,
Sr.Cto.s Rmm JjBttici'foirm.
t iplliod OiM r'nr.;b Brand*, MolsiTes
iiiultu, '■ iVjft, ' M.bus, Tetienfxe.
and slrcny Wines, Lump and
Brown »u«ie*f- Hvfen end B°«*_
Teas, Pepper, Al'pu*. Ginger. CoS«,
Ailum, Copperas, Red-Wood,
Indigo, hio-megs, muff, Powdei
(and sltoH* Cotton, Sec
tul, 8J, iod. 1 id, and iod rC.U»:
Ail which lie will fell as low- u cu be
Miduftd in -ny bare in »*na, for .ready
V-w *» Cafti f r nwfi l-zcda irt oisMtr
produce.
Luifflgbvjh) April 14,. 1797. I
FOR. SALE,
|lr Jlfltaflg i«" */ --*■*-• ■* '** *^"
,«»» fir**, 1*7 tWjfcr C*j* w 0
0**CnSlt
No. 50. i-Mon, 550 ac«;
h7«v 51, Locke, SJ°«
No. fyLraxe, »S°J
"No. Jv Dryden, ^j'Jl
No. jo, Yiiyieo, fS-'l
Ore tor on beneea Lake. * rhc *>at-
let of Cethong Creek, 7 miles fca* <*
Centra, «»*hlcbi-a.'igDOA)fr.andi4
toes) node! improvement , an orchard of
mdk »od otitis fratt inses : « being for-
•eity i^IiJanretiftfnffli
Twt> Ion, eotj?*aur£ $00 acta, ih
dVrConary otOttitrKb tuwrifcip No: !+,
tnunwvi w'r sih J mileicfirie town and
kittiwr of Sndti», wtrb WlmpMvetjrcr.1 of
fctec or eight' »ctw.io good fence, ue
wfl waterrf, «nd of a «ry nch trtd fu-
jwwr qtuiiir. No (r»fl of couctty of ibo
U. 5uio is more roatvhally otaetited by
•aiwcornnnjoicanon, M it is navigabk
from the Soou» to Niagara, Montrc-l and
Ofiregci, (wtiicft !a 10 miles fro.n Sodm)
Wktiy woe mile u^d-canriage (o bcittec*
«d», A eredit will be grfen on the
ttice l 'i acattooed tou, cod No. 1 1
Jmitp.
Alfo, two tafta. contri'ing twenty-
<rUe tDoofitnd t«fe», -jaatcd on ?o«"s
•ftdCrug'tCKclu, tear- 1-. if (amn'i
Itiret. fans ofVtrgmia : Pou'- Creek,
which jiUr^eand contunt, nina nearly
thtecgli tnt center oi ore craft ol 14,000
re;, on wrttch u a fall ct beuci than
ifi (eel : for cooveniencci for errcawg
milts, orwot'A) Jt *<y mtcnt, itlonoi
ttreeded in (he United Soi« J ih*« W
•oiaid nec.n ineil.aoft.ble bed o/itta
e*r, f iilu'i one rctle of the : ilir. Nci-
fber tact exceeda ;o roilw ftord rtvs
lock tttfigsuos of Junst'a Ri^cr. A
•redit l'o. i*j of the porc^iaio r.oney,
<-t11 tc gn-cTi on the 1*0 liftmcnuonal
%ncb— Titles tcdifenitjbte. For terms,
jfply to Rich as t> M. Wiilumb. «
Ceaevzi 01 Naiuaiiil V,t 1.1,11 mo,
•f T^uibngbtirgru
Nut* *
;» '797»
Lord & Sherman
HAVE irptenilVd ibeV* 5toflt with
Weft wwl F. alt 'JotUs OOODS, ot
Aitksriot ouaiiry, slid n»de l-u^r- iJdiii-
omT in bOOKS W STATlONARVr
cosififting ol »»nub!c oolWliona on Arta,
Shooco, fhilofophy. Geography, fUf-
rory, Biography, Politics, Law, Phytic,
Govtrnrntnt, MeUprivfics, Voyages, P*»-
erics : Alfo, School and other Books lor
Children, of. oeiy age; Blank Booki,
Paper Hangings, ana vuious otlwr
kiudi of Paper.
taoGnghuTgh, Jtme 6> 1707- t
• ftq-Or«V» from ;he Country, for any
kinii of !>>okv, whethu lot Libraries or
Shops, will be poofiually Mteodedto, u
J>is biuie.
The Copartnership of
JANES 6c DOLE
1T7AS, on the nsttenih inasnt,
VV difcjvwl, by roctuBl cenfeat.—
(1 petions, ihcrdbre, wtto have Icpal
demands sninA (aid (ms. are "rqucli-'j
piderrt tnem tor Icttlemcnt: Likewise,
thofc*hoare indcbiedtothc takleonipv
snj -»hofc ObltnatioM wr acconnn
hve btcomeNdtK) are requdlcd to make
imnscdiaie pavV^m. 1 bofc Who do oor
.Comply, with tliSvnotlee before the filft
day of lofy nar,_"Vtl be prolecuiei,
wiihoot dtfcrimination. N.
The books and obligarwris Me left in
the hands of Elijah Jane*, >£oi(*atnoti-
xtd lofeltle the fame ; and w^ WSD, m
totiire, carry on bnliiiefi st ili'F 60ft
fonndly Owumcd by the laid firnV I
EUIAHJANCtS,
JAMES DOtsA
lanlingrmrgh, March ij, '797-V
FOA S A L h, \
TWO ThoufsTrd Acres of LAN1V
cue thonfama of which liti nboai
14 milea north of johnltown ; the otbex
thostMid .sear ti^c Rnynl Gnvft. Tlic
abovc-mairi-VKtl Land WiQ bs fold ni/iw
good term*, and & title given whicn uriJt
be lsus£acury to thepurcrafcr, by
JOHN CALDWKLL.
lanfingbatgh, June 6, 171)7. t
Fall Goods.
Jujl received, anifo*foltt by
Cuflcaden » Rurhcrford,
A very large aid general of-
fertment vf
Dry Good's,
All of ilie beft Quality, neweft
fuihioiiMVtnicU Inipyruinin.
A L S Oi
A targtfvppij e/a/U!bA 0/
Liquors and Groceriesj
t.L-,]flic|(.'f^vci y 'Jctcnplion ;
Crockery, by ihc craie ;
HardWarc; Iron and Steel;
4d.6d.8d. iod. isd. cod.uTid
t.jil Nailaj.
8 by 6 arid g by 7- Window
Glafs ,
DryandpickWdFiftt
Snuff. Tobacco, &c,
TheaboveGOODScxcecd-
baili in Quality end quantity,
*\rty aiTortmcnt ever before of-
fered for Talc in. this partyfthe
country ; and will be? fold un-
ufually low, either by wfaotey „
fale or retail. Tor cath or ap. ' gcU Ciitar **/?
prcved notes atfo days. I <xflku-e*ilar u„.„
*viJI be paid for WkJat and ,£
TO BE SOLD OR L£T,
A Valuable cfUlf, 00 whtcn ike
fuWciicx*ao*i llvta, atSchanK,
ticocrpoioi, cooftillag of a later
oad well fvniAcd YjWtlV-ntt Hoofc,
wiih lea looms 1 a Stort, 4a by 10 1
• large B«oi«d SVd. well fmilhcd j
witb about cijthry • "lvz icki ol bind,
bfthehtfl ^ualiry, jo acica of which
arc low tend, lying on tae jfrajr, and
about |s acres ol upland, ly I a*
bout one mile fro.n the above. In
Complete sence, dfrvtdea) lnio UVrt
Iota 1 all which have a rtiesm of watet
run&.ng itif.i-gh rb£tn In Ir% difefl
feafon. For terma nil piiec, ea-
q,iiireofih« fubfev ibtf, r>n thaprr
mi'ef, who will grveao uodHflocab^
tttla foe the fame.
.NATHANIEL JACOBS.
April], 1707. Hi
•?■ 9. Tee GBste aed dITI of Cap*.
CHACE, on the Poinf. arc Imewlfe
lor (Vic, and the terms and oaf win
be totdeeafyi which say bettnowo
by cplylng 10 biro, on thapitmtfes*
FOR SA LE,.
A fffifgan fw Sitty HOUSE ™
/ V tbe u?nB fmrt of ibt village «/
Laa/iagttrghi cu itriinjtji'jr aflin aaia
3ntf% ittvf aa fxtt/ttar fiond for a mtr*
ebfrt, ta-iTzL-tpir, or mtebaxie, tht
bo*/* •' elaefi tein*?ttf{f fiajhtd -j/ith a
goad Ctltar mrndi* lit -u/bolt cf if, ftnd am
tzcdteal itlixr kittiti, togtthtr wfifr
FOR SALE,
TWO rtif hcaotifal young ST/iU
LrONS ; ih« 00c a btigbt fciy,
the other a encfaul bto«a, onoungtbrM
yesn ola ; fifteen tuodsfc^n ; tcaarkS)-
biy tlrortg, boury a*0 wtltV^moonh
Tory were gA by thar nared uvl iho-
rjogh-brcd horft, bOURKKOUr, otdt
of two of ibe bell mares in this A <■ i tbo
ena was Cfteea-fiatem(h) blooded, the o-
her a full-blooded ioiporicd mate.—
boarkrow. won eight royal plain u> I
)Tir 1791, andhsinot oeiej inirainiog
roysl,
m bttrt
!Un.e ; ui the year 1 793, ne vii imj^itej
ffrm bngland, and now ow.^il by Ko-
be re Heatoo, of the connry 01 V-eft-CheA
ret. The pedjgrce and im.--i <A ■, j ',-_ rws
wry beatrifui yoong aaanlow will be
pen it- das tvuijucfs, by iLc fnbfcri^
Alsniww aajnhra^bnebaf GelJfngt,
siviuss vety bxaanlbl breeding Masea,
■itfcb&ueartfas bkoded. For ftirthn
ntrticalan, apply to tht tWcribcr, aa
Wanrr-VHctt one mile aortl. ol the air
•frtlbfcy. *
THOM.«L.WtTBEElC
Match 17, 170.7, tft
FORSALE,
Attkelj^aOive NEGRO WENCH,
about »6 years of age, whotmder-
tandsall kiodsof Kiictum Work, ami is
an exceeding good Cook. Site i« otti:rr\l
for fale tor no faaTt ; the nant of em-
ployment is the only reaXoo. I -^une of
ttopriatv.
Pdavg, 1797. I
JudfomBontecou
* MZRC-HANT.TAJLQRS,
HAVE brely retired, in addition
ro their tor-Mr, a neat and filhi<
ooitMe Affonment of GOODS, in rneir
liru* of bofmels, fuirable for the prefent
lea/on, Tlieir cutlomcr? can, a* ofual.
be accommodated on the IbortcQ notice.
Lannngbar^h, June 6, 1797. t
moil kind: of Cou strt- Pro-
duce.
5CJ-- Sto«Inc#& Pruort:
t ho. done on toe tnoft. rcafona-
.ble\iertDj.
NjL^iugburgh, Xov, 1, 1796,' -tfi
~T~*QaP£^Pr5iS^*'
itlro *i7»-r.)t/."V bj *I« ftukiib tviib a
Kttle fKftwtf fight 6f lawserui ttUo m
Stor*,J soda wrver failing tttll of W*.'/ r •
ibewbo/e otakimg e Junae-)* -u/kitfifir
ad rarue*i**U:. it tibardfyf
dcgfitKe mad
*ttv oiled latb'u tows : Parjurttv"i**tr~
tvletn rnonirr of the /ft/fit Att Imtxg em
• lie prem/u :
Mi he* etj\,/n %-ih, .
T_ A smiHsv*' of Ion <J L JH2J, ,io *%*■'■
fiKcopwtrrerlB.pol B. BBECKER ' ,^M ,/^^bm ,» &/*» $?£&
rjreo. « at, on the 1 1 atb uR-difolveH £lvawt„t „ ,*, t\ttVa,:.„ $0j#vbam*4»
LOST,
SOMt time in Apnl Ufi, a Kgoeia-
ble Note ef Hand against Henry A.
Delmsarrcfi given to the (uhiciiac/, for
thirty-two Pounds, New-Vort oatreacy*
Whoever has losod ftid nott> thill b*
bandtbmeJy .ewaxded by rcetuni^g it to
A. WHEELER.
Lanfingbwffc, May i, 1797. rfy
by mutual confem, ' All ic.jr.» there-
fore, who sre indebted 10 laid firm, are gr/f qiiitfirj
■npany fatrti)
Tee Upu it of ih*
folicited to make Immediate pcymeat ; ^t^^iuaSewi,, tfcitti \blfi
andttofetowhomlaid 6r.nts indebred, , vbo-ue.Ji, <->fej>-l*e*ja,JknJ, my beaten
ore reqnefied tft exLibff their accounit for ; modntedwbfiirm, f„*\ot>n toootfr»rf
a fetUctncar. ,
BENJAMIN BEECHER,
tLUSPARMELE,
WILUA.M DAGGETT.
LsaCngburgb, May ty 1397.
THE bu5nd: will be contin-
ued by Eli at Paimbii sikI R«n<s-
ma!i bEtCRia, underJbehrm of PaI-
Mtia and Bcecnea) srbo « ill contiu-
oe mancfitioring Turpentine and Shaving
SOAP, Mould and D.p'd CANDLEb.
u ufuil. The/ i^vcuor oaliaada t8iail
affawmcot of
■b, ai ma* Utft fait them., oJn* Op lb>
mefl reafonableeetm. TbefubfSber in- I
ttnii bvilJiig agri/t end fawauilja/eiJ '
totu/t lb* tnfmmg (umntr. The title wilt
b* vierrraaui on fit Ceasedieat tia-im bj
ibe/mbAnber. *
WAIT RATIlBUtT.
Lamjhtgitirgbf Itb. X, 171,7. *
JOSEPH BURR,
Leather DrefJer St Glover)
HAS for fab, at the Ego of ihf
Breecbetfic Gtov.s.ot/'ifite W.ilto,
Geo. 8e Sen. TibSu, good Wata-
Leirher, Bu-b nndDoeSkio, She**
SfidLombdo, Vhlre Lea'aer, Call.
Goer, Sheep aid Lamb Sklof, tao*ej
Sheep fend -Lamb Si*m»[ Trw U\ |
BB«,*«etn4yon>cn*tabQ59i Ladiet'aodJ
^iJtraM'i CI --<■■"!, oftJIfgjts.
A L $ Q>
Aquaorhy of good .^pinnftig fit Ha&-
lerv' 7'ou! : all which he * ill fell
cheap lot cafe j a-idth:faaIleflrs,or
graTeluIIy arhnowlc dg-d,
N. B. Cslh giveo for fmall Calr*,
Colt r. a SAcep ;i> ' '.
Laoriogbofsh, Oct. 4, 1750",
Gt
FOR SALE,
A 'Jit/Cat HOVSE, and lot of
Ground, en K'lg'Slntf, tfpffitt
ibe Printing Ofict* an lie -Village of Lan-
fttgbofgb; lb* Hasfe iinoojtortee bigbf
*rd:<* an eUsibU fixat'tos for bitfinefi I
Alfo* oar ImedreJ and forty one Ocrtt vf
tntrtUmt Lacdt fiwat* m the ajtfijide of
Lata Qbamptmn. For tit terns of pay*
aire/, apply is chefttbfcribtr, ,W Larjiug- •
••rgb.t JOHN D. DICKJMO.-
h CHOATE and '0
HAVB received at thfir, Card M»-
nulaclury- an alf^ilmenr of
rroceries,
which dwy will difooli of low, for Caft.
' ELIAS PAMEtK,
' hENJAMIN BEtCHER.
TO BE SOLO,
THE Dwelling Hoofe and Lot
wnuc tbc fuhfctaier now bra, to-
gether wife- two ohoja tbctetui, feparan,
tri)anli9dweHiao,fu;^Meiot Ivteehania,. ,
The front c*.£tuWeb oecumien J7 ^.^ •«7«»«™ «J dwell.ng
meTcba^M.re, Tr»pternitV are m> ; '^.^5* « ,he Mam ftm- *«!-«-
liie.\teiT.G.a!B.*:iob(u*e. <** *> fM "
EnijIiiTi C«d Wirt, of an faeeH'nt
quaitiy i they aietherr-iore teady to
fjoply thsir ftirr.dsapd cullnnwr', on
ibr IhofteO nntice..wi'hCARL:S U\
any defcrlplion. By the v'fi'fs d icn |
or line;*? pajr. vpry cbe«P^ ard rcjuil
ifn.it fupeiior la'ao* Maaufaciu(rd
in 1 he United Sine*.
I.«r.l,ngbaii;n. ]uly ro I706. 1 I
in
TO BE LET.
AND pOJfcffi&n uamedtately given,
b vety convenient dwelling Hoofe
RED CLOVER S£tD„
FOR fide by the fubfesiber a
quantity of the beft ltd
clover .t«d. By the hundfcd or
ingle pound ; tikewife a general
rtfortmantof Hollo*- ware. tfl5
i NEAL DUFFEE,
LaeCn.jbur.jih, Jan. 24, i**Q7-
Troy HoceL
THE fubferiber moft ref^ettnlly in-
R-rTiia Kis friend!,, and the public,
that he Tu» lately removed from Lea/rig-
burglr w Tsoj, where he has take-i a good
*kT convenient Hoafc fr*TAV£itN,
oppofite Ass let's, at the Ferry; and be
ftattrtf U: n-.feli that nothing (nail prevent
hia makinghis emtcrtainrnen.e^ual to any
in thii jaa of the country, by ull.dii.ty
and .atlcotirm in the life of his bjunefi,
THOMAS C. TALMAK.
i May 16, 1797. I
TO BE LET,
A Convenient Dry-Good*
STORE, with <- good
Cellar tinder it. in the moil el-
igible* part of this town, "for bu-
Gneft. AppW to
JLEX.1XDE& V STEWART.
Imn/itgtwti, fei. :E, 17-17. (fi
uatcd oppoli
on a comer lot, bounded c.t HoUck and
K.»g Streerj. The hoofe is ^nnvemenr
icr a t.imilv, andluia ooodgarden ; td-
fo, a building, ocmpitd as a ftaMe,
wbereb can be Itorcd nboor rood bu(b>
rb of ..■"'■■-.
■ The whole will be difpofed of on ger4
terms, and polTellicn jikh ' by the tin.
cf (Jctober next, 01 fooou if nrcciftr} .
Wm. BELL.
LanCo"horgh, Nay 8, 17Q7. tfi
F O R SALE,
A l.! v.; I .-, fmi'; young NEGRO
WENCH about if ytan.l
age. ■ Enquire cf the Printer.
Lanlingborgri, May . j, 1797. ■ 1
W A M T E 0
AWcINunrnv't^FAR.VIorMILLS,
dtttant not aore than Jibees miles
uom Albany, In?* oN SwSatusgbargh j
!jr vbafh a crnr't*, ta will be given
—or picbated,, if t.ie p.act, 1-c rr.-.?-. ,
:"!• withci of the pcribn wamiftg. For
rurthci ir.tDiiv.tien, enquire cf Mttfri.
CutcAnsv end rtuTui.aigB.e, Lau-
fiaghutgh.
N. B. Ob th* HidlV I'ltwdd be
twKsnjatk
AARON NOBLE.
LmSngborgb, April u. tit
A QtJANTITY OF
Spanish Hides
Arrived this day, of the befi kinu. They
WILL. BE bOLD AT THE
JVftt' - York Pricey by
HENRY GUEiT, Jen,
Albany. Ap;;lj4. 1
Calvin Barker,
Painter and Glazier^
Has for tale, st his Shop, oppofite Mo,
Galpin's inn,
A. GENERAL aJTonmeot of Paints,
dry an J ground in oil . Lik*ewife all
kinds o| Colon, ready mixed and prcpa-
ed fir ya.-iime deigns, dens, ire Oil ;
Putty, by the hundred or tLTaller qnanti.
ty, and great wuiuwanca, ma tie to those
who porchalc by tbe bandied ; Psiaren*
Hid Limners' BruBtes and Tool*; Gold
Leaf; a, gescral c&rtnnei of Wud'iir
CL-.fi, f.-om aa by 16 to the fmallelt gar,
tthieb he Will cut to any dinienri on.
\ S4uln^s*rgh, Nov. 1%, ■ 390. a
FOR SALE,
i*>o Eirreltof Cider, fort cfvhi.fi if
go-xl Ipr pre/ept ofe ; the acipajiaijei raj
a good' bo.ly for Vinrvar; a.fn, a few
Band, of Pork- ) dWi£L BUCSLY,
Laofiusburgli,- April 18, 1-LJ7. 1
Hh»F \S Hug* MMdJeroo.of
PIJlrfbiKfti. in tin; (in:, y- uf
Cliaton anitnariof Mew- Ycrb, rjrc,
on she tfcuieenth dsy of Jjnuerv. it.-
the year one thoufaBd.rcves I ..u-.d:.<j
•-•■d i.ir.ety fit, ro f;curc (he ['.■.,o.,[
ol ninety pou'.dt. with liwinl !r.tei--
ert. oq 01 before the brlt cay cit-c-
btuaty nest eaftjlng, rr.ztt.iy? i,>
Chatlc; Dunham, sit ihaienrain lor^
piec^ut parcel ol hod, fiin-te, lying
*i. J b .. !'■ " ir. Clinton County and it.-te
of New- Yelk, beinr psrrcf let No^
%}, i:. ihenifl cIlvITionof the t. -,..
BiipofP.atr.W.fli, and betrlnt it m
whlr^n-iul ■.■i.ipllac, ^itki'l N 1. 3^
bein^ rhe conb eaft cojc'-rof lot N»^
j8. thvocsiaOtth, ttui'.y-oncct.ainii
ro a beech Ufe, maikcdontbiccfir*C7-
(heoee tn-a, twcety-ihtee chitw^
f ghty-fisre li.>ks. t r.. . 1:.- f uth, twes.
ly>o^e chains. Ih-ncu cafl, :j chains,
crghty -t.re links, 10 the pI.C; of be*
Slfir.tng 1 conttini -g ttlry ecsea of
lind. Ant) ■ wvhc.ass default iQ
paytssDt has beeo made uf the aSore
mentioned nltvety poUi^-, Vkb tb?
inteieS, according ro tht tero ana
e*T.<- of fdd Dorfgage: rJotice^.
tiwrtfrre, berclrf r-veo, that ifea f5o"
oof igsg-d pecBslfta will be fold, at
public eucsioo or vtodue, at tti hou'a
(*f Pbxbf KcfehMSt, In Pl.tt&orjrs
on she tenth day cf Dumber cn*tp
at to o'clock In ihc forcoooc, to tb*
higheft biddei*, acording to the ft«>
ttrte ia fucb cale i&ide acd p. 0, u , .'.
and In c-a<c realty 10 tlac power cco«
.sioed io the tBoncage ana] of faict
premifci 1 ar which .i3>catd ,'Tsra
tbc CODc..ioosof f*!* will be mads
keont), ted • c-jc -yeni-,', ftifTiciexx
In tbc Uv7. rziTvrs6 to. he r-tcs._
fee. by CHARLES DVWitm.
rja.iCwrg\ Xhj ?«,, 1797. »}
I'M -SIMILE OF FIRST FAGE OF THE FIRST NUMBER OF THE BUDGET ISSUEJl IN I. ANSINGBIRGH.
L48
HISTORY OV RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Tax 0.1 H.* Jo, Landi i
■ '■ ■
r* M arfat'/ t\#.ii#» Jti ».. ■
* ■ r o r r.
T*BJ. U ibt* t^M. M "li: »• Bt-rdVy
Inn, *• bt
■ffB*Maa*l MM|l!i Tt-ii' lm, » .J-J-
. .
m4« 4 ■ ■» »Jl ef U^lanl
••4 aahflUai tc be «MM ii<«fW«i IW
mm
Tb-» eaaaeaa ■ Vi birr f »r J-I aa t t '«*
•I >*- |*T .O* — v-t *l tht r.'-att r».
I
ItaaauVn
• *rbi>pai - ta, Tum.
. 1, ••-.■?*■ t, •!•*%■
I
:-rdifc?».
-
■
I ■ _■ Lit , JT.
**JB. an met »■• - . r, 1 BjaaaVr, t* at-
■
•
r i - -
Vi, *-t • i«b t-l en;
b»-Ot* • *>! rw >
~i*fc. .rtr-j". H I
. fc*l t*«J-.I a-J
*at"at-*i, »*.-. a. «■*;-■ at i r Btl| —■ ll I-
1 . - i^,,.
■ aa *», trttd ew tit af
J -a! »«J fWty tw i: I 1 an, Ceagtrfi to* a*
Ptdrat UaJt, Un J
taara, Ul taaaaan-g u CM ifc*lhe«, Mt|j
'""»-6< k»- fcaa^^twttWrr urta
-■ .1 bti*t dtdaPttd Iteai ik>>[.
S'Tf.ar *l nntMiuj npr^ti, hnta a
tMiaactaf tec ■iW—, tint kaaJraj •ad
. . J.-vl by Ma >rrt-i«,
7 as tjaaaalltt «Wd itfj a|
tea. mliMmiiM lb* tabu to it* taani «|
I it-t. V*.-.-(..j la Ctai a* a.
J do*: mi, ikiKiiui ki) ea
^•<l«niViil .! DfCfaV
bt* - tea rrttVni T«M. Il.*i'lbt lo/lr*
I fa i.. i .. . ' , bear fat pambH la ,b,
.'..aura al iku abiami aatbi a^a- ie
«"*»■ ia^htk|TM>aNMnaUn.
rd ai eertfuy, ltai.il n.it ibt tat: j ta»W
pratnard fat by n». maj ajaj, u tat teat af
.*« au.'.a, larra kak] and n.ntty tti
iWaCaaaV litn at.aJ.rJ a-a ri-r aal'ut.
Tan ia**, « auihiaMm* ■'. I
dtrahii AWtaf iat • f.j.. <•■ — K.i k. ibt
prrteet llMUal .( it.- . , . v , ;,
ptnbabOfy ef iMrnkdn^MCM fart pa*.
kbaut, aat » f*7 afvt »t . rj, d dtftlAnaa
_ ia tat jrr»-.d br jr. b al ia« aritmt m raar,
"•« ba>*4 MJM«at|T dai) i MaHfetOTi
■ o"foli'(ut i.-nniMniiUiMi
I **^ riwict, bj iktiWrtTNlrfrbt, tndtbt
) i.-^if^jg o^»la-f,o( itotwrpnd-bt,—
ta» (a laiittyooaMibpik it Ltli lauaif*.
|4«t xo atVW^cil tmur, (r,n [-,ir»f
P*a««ti ire fti^d j; taa bm-
aWd ib .»aJ %..i»»^ jaaa.1 t ;
nan.iat caaco'i tc bt iJSu
T.» .r >*■ fc^tl fn ii tf tar nrnar
■ ■ .
- ilrtiia', t-jfci i«--
• - tj.fctaa JcLait, LVir, n>|.
..i at at*«»| '..pr.
■ -. L-r», a-*« NaWin)
•
. iaoi adi W * (Lot axi-aa.
-. t./w-r-
■
■
I
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a ■
■ iaa;a* tf a*1, • fia»,
:
tJaai »-J IK17 i-*<.i
. i... t
waaa^ibt fA')a»«i£(rlataiic«it .
Uob
■
■J. Taiirt -.11 bt d|
iamai mtnacai'
:l m.
<t.'. Tbii ibedajukt^tattel*
''■J. **T actlMia aA.S^tai, v« ti-'j, tuvfei
WlMI,
1 K'v*ni. Tnt: fht trpnn-oanMni of
.►» [mI ut iv(*t aihr iaaj« tmaag la. fes
•<r.l Baa, KrtaiLnt 10 ibot .»tr..1..»
autabn al aahtbaaatt. at ifttttaiaad b) tat
talcaaajii
Tjens.
pkpok r.
1- pj-». r,«a, t W naniiln a^ela itj^ lb
•"■■» J tatPrtt'-laai'i irttta »i -t j-i 10
<a» r >:.■««. fl| (Hnaxrrr, ind it« <**•
(taa ol ihc itoij faati afllil en ihc
1 ; b ' K. ta nq»t aaJ upon *|Mihci
»-Tt »vl artui ■u«fii^a, a>»j t-« t*et(-
(uT.itiat aa^anJtk^, "A* aft t« ct>
T'tlfrm rakaf aaiurilitil>oe,
5 fif.ii'c" p^Tai ea
' it iba I* teaailit and
irpoti vpon ih« np-dm-er cf rflibl Qdri
bt ta*. 1 - f Alien
'""»( a. KJVftaf »•■!■» tat Ua*«d
• '" — I r-To' te it*
n ■■■ att «l tba *a»M bMl« en tbe tmit
of iS itiaa.
t(*aw aaJtt twtlwo. ia .V HovEt of
Rqfi frwiiim 1
31# naajirtiv *pv*ttJ** lift fmrftf th
^Wf» r '*» f'cAaVat a/ fl* l/«iWrf f UUt
vtftrfittrj nu*f-i2i* f c-mrwtt
«*/(Af tkftmttfj :liCt±*tr,,l4\t fmr.u
.■'Hi £:nStJ H if* Hi*t« Rt
-. tt m lint rtJttUtm f/ lif t ata
aA. aU i.'fr/j^ti,
Riroat , i% r«(T,
faMa)lkM% Uti.W, "An
-fl u rti1.. -i ,n ar\:finia'< al ■Manl.
a '
k.i oe mat tatrrar." alirat an rhaJlta] to
BtMaJ it* Uo ml Stim. wbm.
tail 1 ■ wm-itw, tbnt it t <n
attaftof bVili tpaOa— ita iW
li-t nal a^ltiit ef (h« toe a try, 10 toiitk
•br« to i«cb ptirilr-e ; acd ibit for ibii
p««;«tf, a lanrcr irdAtet «nba 1 - Uai
, btfaN xfaai&oa, lUn lb* at>
pronJn. u 1S.1 tul wwJ cut!" ta bt r-qun-
"■•- Tat CMaTtmri *ra alio ef opinio*. IXu
•at** |jitt«-j'i tj«r» tV* pcowIcuKt
aad luairKC af tiitnt, >k.kai)
- -. ai .<. ritjH, »:>.■ i\'r.'<". n
■ri| arcrfbi* tad >ra-
l laa H.urrf ar avan.
Vila! ikntaWhi! btU(a<a«lef avlJt
aMMtaaw,
Oa ibtaj fu'Vfl* nfpttS^f. ib* can
evnw beg fame ia iKaaomJ it* i»i*rai£*
t. /.Art-? y, Tatt prariGe-i cv(M 1 1 ba
a-aia b 1- i^nef rra
Oal tnuJ.iwn. -tart tWI
aa r*«**J at ae in. klni S; 1
aafar-l 1* bn.aw a uirta al lbs UemlJ
1
■
■Van. at tu'l Vr» J.
— N- f-nhaf
^na^aaaaa-
. -CJ* a. ami
.. S- ' j«>i r..
IWH *%**■ lb«
■
•"'I «l| f« ftStll
af b-Ci
»**»t. Pran.
aYi (-f '
•Aim art aa>
.; a*j>
»• I*" t»
fe«t"i> '. -■ bVfiki, b-t
ab'T.af bit
latBairyu. aiiaal iiiiawil.
■t «a»--rra 11 ca-il at t,-.ktJ ii.te ib* hiS.
rtl. Tar reouuiln ioj ». t.ui ccramf
id t*» J^, ,
Tat 1 1 iad. ibt llMtft of RfptCrtitttitti
i-t ibt L'a.inl b*Mn *f m Mite 1 t.iiuciirt
of ik. labaHea b/ai't.-I lb. Unioc, 01 ibr
■
!«-.,. Mi. Om *MLdit* iirf ■ipmlifi.
*S<hbt bad b»rnp.»foi.*!. irO 1^ li.nt
rrlalnmai rtpmita «cra ibra ar-rtd it,
BTibrai orrXurwa, oo»ri.iw>,0j. T ht orm-
auiitt raft, «b>-a Mi. Otu ewrrd la aa>c*«I
ibt UCiamlat.eab; add.oK aJirr akii 11
(an) tboq. ainaca »ad pmLlcr| istviaem,
lUir «crf.. *ct (bill mbai.:-
»(».aH iht Uentd Suiti.- ."
arftjatrai bad «D>icT*aa« taabdfaait da.
Mr. ,%:r. Ailta rrep^-dcj* «!t[i idj.t.
trdnJ h, «itiBdin> l^T piBUJi
pnajarOe ibt PitbJtai kiTlJ.eai
Ibt 1 rue 111 it) utai araasi bt ft.'«:j th
•lio^r.-ai ta ibt p«a;t cf ibt erven y. 4
iBTca«l€rrabU dttu (, Mr. A. « aaJtra
praoofiioa. «at»> ibt ^. Urs-n oa Mt. Ot
aratedaKei rttaiatd,* aad ^ - .
H ■« tj. It bniax bttn I
ll*il»,lr«fm.f»»i» ibe" 11:
tart tt't f>ajtrj flmiU fird >i artilfiij tc
Crc.art *u ■^ainll FtxHi, Mr. v< "
irpa'arrd (tt |rl!a*»ijr iaxn!a, "• b«1*Vt&
mk 03u.«!:bc Cabal fiun «ult
r*'tdwtt" Al .t Kbb* data'*, M 1
Cinatt etttrd ij Hv tA ibt rnotkm hj ai-
■««. ** at dka.1 -*nh *it/ haflilXT »f- ■■.»> its*
U i<rd |uart|H b«i Mt. Drttt duubtiag
abtibn tldt bmbU eat infiiaPt on i-t rro-
•■■i"icti- tf Ibt ttr-.l.'jii r. rr
| ■ ■ , , ■
It i> jpoc*J till acxi tey t the «k>1i jo «u
Tnov, ftLy 15.
Tic dtUnjr Gazette, of bfl weft.
mcrfliont. «l 3 report, tlui Wiiium
Nonh, Efq. i> appouiied, by the Ex-
ecutive ol ihiiSuie. »Scnjturol llie
United Stales, art J. S. Hcbirt,
poir.icd Diilrja Ju.ige.
A Bnflon paper, of the tiTi Jnft.
ftM*. Cjpum Davis, horn London.
iafimaa, lb*t, Miicli s 5. off Ircbnd.
he fpoke a Brii.fh Gfnina \< ll.-l. jufl
om of port, thccapuiri ol wlucli fjlj.
that newi had been received of the
eapinrc of 3 French fngJtet and ^o
tranfpont, on thcii way lro*n Don-
tiik, to BrcO, by a Bntifti fijuaJron.
73af tffefo e/tle Britifi Orier, N
For caplunnc sll American vefTel*.
bound to or frorn the ports of thcii
rnemict,- are hid to be, that t$ per
crnl. premium it now paid agamfl
ibe nOi of capture by 'he Bntifii
cruifcii. from New -Yotf tothcWcfl
Indies. f/*&l»> R
The French, flufhc-l'wilh viflorY,
altJ •-"■'■ ■ 1
aflcd in a way *» to make audi
weep." It it, we (car. the univtr*
fat conduQ of man. in crreumftaD*
ces lite thofe in which the French
ate. Lei ui, therefore, aamiic their
braven-, refill the;t oppreiTiun, offef
litem peace, and weep over poor hii.
man ruiuie. [ *V. fa ', j h
On the tlO April, a lire hrwlc*
Ml in Wilnuomui N.C.1 arbico, in
eir-ht hoiin, dcftmiej iuu ihtidt of
tbC tOVn, [AVW'JW/atplT.]
A st:-;.i F.
[ T-fra fnm «• lr^ ^aarr.l
I ««« MI>fl( |h* •!■ -
•Vat tea Id o-riBr* IV at-.' <
irti<aajbl-, a.!<a locki-| en ir- hn I a*(n.
! <i|.i.oii I catttdad uV ft*
t**Vf., j;J ,,hil kin(fl fal lit*. .rail.
lad in 1 fnaean»tflaliBar|radka!iT errr
pfcaJi axalt^-saabaaiaf aatb unlx
tj and b-iuty. (n« IwJt alr-ii.pi av*
bt dtri.r.1 traailBt vautl rf tb« pinnlt ef
aaaaiaautd natttt, ho* a»rb to n bra-&;>-
a : -,U .. bt lariat *vld d .n
*' liit btttbrtw. J-ri tatnati ia aailt 1"
On tie icVa r/ .fyrlt, tkt ite in lie
river St. L*cn*c* yteijrJ wfi ill
Jl'frutk, *\4 a-ai heJtm ut frittej by
ii/ fl*tf /■# /ar/ 4Uttttki tj ffrtnf. A
SUntrrjl /Si^rt _/)a.vj /jCu /if ^/a*
o-ii attjnlh ~ ~ ~
1 ■
Tbc O&al axntOD let adjeorr.
me*' to '•j-niiy 'on nudt. but nrr".rtc.
at to 11— vl eowfi ibt Hcu_- lu ta »Uui<
A Pari* paper, of March 6, roen-
lioni the followicg cAiiaordinajj' oe-
(oitcnic :
Tlia commifilor.er of cevernmcm
a; C-Ij:j, has tl.iu wuiten to ihc
Minifier ol the Interior; " 1 hold
it fufir-tcntly imponant t» give you
th*. inlormation, thai ihe Caoyennc
Foumict, on the ml, bIt. wai deli-
vered oi fir living childxeo, ihrre
bo)i a"r.d Hire* girli, bui wlucb tiajc!
fo-yi attei they were bom."
\
**• , iad •% Mm al a*.
* tl HaaV • -- : Ot, (-»•
| a* *« Us**d t.it-t i tad rt-
-faaef rbrtaaaMta »W— aaff-
[ aa*M.ar btaajrtaf rtaak*>» -»t <• (jaa-
taa, tamaaWaalf a-a *a -aWat laant.
-» •*. Haa<t af H-*iaiafwt
-» a. tj* t-r*-t a*
-' tba aafwii«aaaa af a-awt i
•««• Mt. !■».«• prit aal — a***d the rr
raft ay i' • •*-§ laai tBajarta* -» aWt
- ■■ tttMf dt
- i:%Mbji af tar t
n aadr, taaadnHBl '
I- r-».*dai»»t vara -
•■ aj» «-*
> - • ■ Sea af bbbbbb ar
H'-*i «tC-*d^aar>. Xar. Itatytt
avtuua, ^.., b| ia»j
fnlh /.rami, tnni tk( er-p 'c*r\
enp ted.tt, rtUtne fa- M/j
rnttafu li/ Wuu ef ike in-
k*hU*li en cUrmfcr tke ftfetj eflke
a.-t/fj aAd* /.'.*/r tufrevemeati *m tke
riaaT /fa>. C4TifiJersHe ffary omj
dV«f f# fitat lArrf *y U/ tmentftg
e%* Wirt «.*«• i »*//», -//> /t *f4rt,m
fitmtUeJ #a fi/ M»a, /*/ tr/ anaj firaata
a/- fa fit */W*J y JO /'■»• ^//rr-
4nr/inf b«rr c-jerUimed tkst g'rjt
aV*ra<7/e*. tf p'efertj W—U af*e em
tie fids I ef Oe nvtr rda*a iLurtii
TMdllmeStt.
| ■ --C tat ra-.fi a/ Hi pufiili
l-t t a* if- U-.-td a-atrt -*i. njlij1
St#» - aWt-fi*- tba traacnaat ttat Iraaa
pff-jbaj kaat ta Mt. F— tbar),
«r Ur> awadwt at tba taartt af Omi Bra.
ta aid apa-a. — rreana ibt fyrttmt af.
_ _ V-a. W 'ba* tawtt Ufa* L -
batr BtaiB i*»B»a-J aaaa af tW •
. nd ta, ia i*t ca*>-
•'•. m •* tl I tad at tkt
'•■•
aaf ibt tkM MiatWU
[J- To the Citucni of Lanringburgh.
5iTt/ pvtt-JJjKc exr Ufi »mW, a
■ Ural Ai.-;-- irJuitJ
m ic M/etr i* t!itextrJtBn.\ cj reau,
Pn/c.itt, Oj:-e to uui far:
it k&i therefore, htm Jo*f.~- 1
*«rXiwa/>»tT7ii*i nntittcftkn ncr<*
»»/«. Jrfd* ea-r au'aa'i Ae/a ejuirt,\ intei
mp ea the Jut-jell ty axel. Ii\ Oft
€t>aftdat, iawcPcr; ttj/ na itu-awtf'-
< :'-Ji to your bufieeji tc jar
HaxJt. 7>r A^ien'ftrit'ii requii'e3
... aii^n^/t Ir^ol cbzioiioa,
ly tkeir tttiiuanon here, uhih tkry
ucmU tj pahbfnei al Leajhghtgk :
4<if,/ f»f <.- tM.it Adx*rttf*+tKtt n-U
teattBtu tc ivtirxmlaUJ aiHoin'hc fame
tvjlctani &i ujad, J/>
teaa'd. Hut tee 'tttuta y ;
/4jc patronage trtntk yon I i
• j' ■ ■• \liiUfit Lanfin^bn- ',. li'c
fieiter ck'fdi+i pttr Papa -
Jer*Jy kexa fiich as we aUuird you
it (hould be. jy agreealU, tee jhdi
eennnue to fene ytu mtk i/jj u/aa/;
OK4lJka!f% upoa eoery cuafca, kekap-
py i« lecefjittgarjexct jtt*e.icir ten-
ia the iiae ej cur ifjixrji . \
THE OfTiecof »!); NORTHERN
BUDGET it letnuvrd I id
ljt'j'''£fl,r$* lo Jtej — aud i> r.:i\9
trp: or, -.lie eaft fiJe of Wata-Jtrttt,
four doon aorth ol Pi:ri:;'j Inn.
This papei ccntinuti lo have an ex-'
tenfive ciifiilauon in the Pale ol
Verataai, and in the counties of
Resteer, Seraxga, ICtJatatua
Mcrctiapu and o:hej»,
wha aVifh lo fccuie an eaienli\ etude
aftd conn-.'iion to (lie KbrthVdtd,'
may avail llbemfelva of ihii chan,
nc!. lo ad-.eilile the Public ol ihett
vanoui flaati*, a.id lines of buCnefj
— Tlicir cenimand; i?il] ci'^i meet
ourptomyti!!ci:ii!)n.
The 1'lUN J INC BUSINESS, irl
all its vaiir'.v.eejblcuird atilmORirb
with neJtncU sn.l uccurjci ; A0-
'VERTISEMENTS inJcile I
ufuai temifaJlLANKii, c! all fcantjjk.
"kepi (oi tfcTan
ouUced, bv
R.MOFnTT e Co.
51' May \*fk, i7oBr
the EDITORS
C/th'S Paper Jeet a pattttaU'r |/«.
fur< m ■.niivateJftnr the nery liberal
ememi ahteh tie CtttZOIt of
Ttty kji-ejien-n /ef tflabhJJJog iketr
Prt*bB%Ojf,tt in lbs plate: ,
Tfft <$*red, tk&t trerv txtmo* Jhalt
b* cade to render the Paper ttj'ftuead
eatert&im nr, a*4 to eeiieli
a txaeaer, as JkaU continue **d in
treafetL:! I, me left
K'{'j[cn jcr e;ir tuMtaefi i
tkanjat eut rtfeeil-:
hut J, V rvtr yeai u
mvma\ that c Meats-Paper u repaleda
}ifl miirer.Jreitt n
tke manners and imptaunaentt cj
tkeptjpU amoag a ham it u pnMfis3t
amd i > ,• i~*mu';r - , ; , . ,M j a uzitrip* ky
akkh to Arm mux tk'i' ta.Qr. , A.,
therefore, the ttpmtetttm ef Iku eitT*
' ■ ll, tr ft,*/
aVB/arT, cttnwtltj to tkeNon.1 It LK.M
Bl- hc it. tk< LMtort oilt en/t*tuns ,
(-Lrf fi>r Prrfsj
totA j jit
TO THE PVBT.IC-
; andcvciy fivxHU d'-ly
tdSU
Ltj>«"t>-a»tl/ .a-L^iyi-
■ 1- . frv
r^r.r-al. ih.ii 1;» ct t.'io-
li^rd i Fr.KKV. ai ibt lowtnj.i' l*aoV|
opponre i» thu '.f Mr '■ U1' I
--T.tr; fit h» -red fitt Bo.-.. ttrv<tnca1
Funnxiii sad wUrrt r-omtint tiitaHaaca
. ■ Ai itui F»try it t.-i . I
Hub tbr olarr, and ai nml":^ ftlal bl 'lit-
lit or hi. pjrt la wrf iri iy nWiI'Mimll ibt
pabU. ht fimrri bim> r u o.rci uio tul
tccauia^tir.iri »bub it mt"r
MAHLON TAYLOR
Troy. Mn n, I7gl. »l
iVc/rn pr Strayed.
FKOM ibt nlfam ef Trov. lant : tri
Uit arwS:, » dait hro^o JJOK^F.. *.
brat itn Jt:.*i nH ; ite *uir bu f*-n arV*!
off tbe 10C1I* ol Lu bind left, tod (roo i J
tvi L:-i| I, Li nue< binrt oe fc-;h G-« af
bit nctfc i ind, afiii ii tar ptt-jlwl. W
ijtaiji boUt op cr.e or bt> ttct tabo b- •■
V. t -..h paw. Wlncan an . |
HorO, to ir* PiisiirjCSct 1 | ;
tSe SuMcribtr, (hillht racctaulij mwJadf
^J all a^ifft-r tUtrn r; I
t. j;:t:l
Trr/, May IJ, ItjJ. Tt
ALL JV><*i r»v.-x Ai
I** Smtjcrit**, art rtfUrtiJ |j |" t*"-r|
itr~l
k, ' . ..- s. "a
ftinment. - litem
iai-.*;.*/ u *.■«, son aaiiaai -..•;■
*'. -a.lf/i £.ita::i tr 0' Trail ruta*
li.tme da*, ar- r/Kt/ftJ :i 3 -tr t*auJ&ti
r ijBLir.- 1 *7oa> «>.' » ■
rj?*^ rta*/r^4raf.--', tvriJjf .
MAHLOS TAYLOR.
Troj, Mit.'Ji >7»«- >|
f3* Those Gotkatv a
aTa^fn*r«Bi Cotert jtrtti '• Hiftvi al IM
b* ladun Nn.ot. ," afr rrftsfoJ ll t*W*
■J l**m. ar * /.(if Iff JVbm I
. it It- t ■ PMMd
<xdi mxii tHt£t Ltrrnui praix
---^ Postscript*
Atf.fcrt. May
Yeflerdav arrived her.- i ■ I
C^farxaVe. Alarr.fon, in ^4 days
from liriilol. havinr, paned iom*oy
in a -*!e ten days alttr he failed.
A Cork paper, by itiii Uuji. of
the tilt ol Match, eotifinn: *':e cap-
ture, hySir J. B. Wancn. of fcvcral
Frcneh fiipaiei, and GxtT Ifanfpoto,
from DunLirk. brfand lo UieQ.
Verbal accounts date, that on the
t-tb Marcb, [Si, Pairick'i day) a
general maflacie aru 10 ban taxen
place in Ireland : but a timely dif-
cover)", and the apprchenfion of part
icta, prevented thc-bomd
deed.
On Xfonday, in the Hotife of Re-
prefentatives. the Ripuhiicant fue-
ceeded in limiting thi.-pro|>ofcd I^ind
Tax to one yeait by a couCdcrabLe
Rujofiir^
Af^r 11.
rvHAFFY CATASTRJf-HE.
We heat ihat ihc dir^atc bctw**n
BrrxVholfiLavir.^ftofl. Ef<] and Mr
Jtmei Jonei, occafiohed b]
j Mr. L. in ihr ^rrai of
Monday.) I d < -Young
Men. was, oaf Wrdnefday, termina-
t'A at Hocbuck hv a n L' 1 l. in which
Mr. Jnnrt w»» rili in.
I BTbatb broke n-t la Wil.
BJngluO, N C. (memionetl »n oiir
Mijniiji ) proved very <kf-
trutlive Kt thai town, aj.i«i 55 or
6©dweHto»rMuft, jnJ flo-
fmall b«,: dtoafliea.
S. H A U.
A I MMBti ll
Good Shijd
(an file cteaf. br rabM, hv
rLMTWltKLS.
Trn, Hty if. i;tl. 1
<•> Ptopry. tevri, af pad
» of Ntw.YerU.
■ «
1 tMBta
fofl.pe* , enui ijr el Uaaaaaj - i
tan of pb-a.Yorfc dal b:(e;-i-rt, b; a,
tntLia tr^rt'iiired rt'.tw, bv «i, ' a; -.-
.-'. Jri rrii.nj JMf i;i> DialU
-,, r t 1 .Vi: lit, J, frttn t .ed-
it J if«d o-neiT t'jV, CrJl «rj t&M
HAl Motcn, ,( Tray, teui.'t c; girfa
itlaer aad Kn't alert'i d, all ihai ItHatS
<<'i\ af IjdJ, iirnr pari of lot ovr/a
tf, IB IRC lf**3 bi PcDIpt
ondir* »aJ a *li
at tba iwoib at cotter cf (**i 1ft, 1
run; irrr.
ijr iv.rrt li'Vi; ibrAtttrtn. 'tL-lt O
aad bzif ibrtt l-okt ; ibtnca (ev;i«,i. 1 Caj
Cbnat Ma f-an ibmKaiu ••)•*£.- ■
rrt iaui anJ i'ntt itne V ii. to iw f t.1
ol KtprB<n(, eentaipift>naeht,r
I 1 1'iuii'C ittptjro ri .( ere httmlira aA9
V ;«-IdI nvjatj ef ib» Ail* at
f.(».Vv.k. viibibt ii^r-i inmaiaf tba
fur*, accard'.'g 10 ibt teednkx-
fconJ, btmaj rttii dttr »iiti \\ •
ta*(t ArJ wtaifit 1 lit UJirJ.
ittir, ao<aa« albft IBanp. CJ ■
Met. arbcrtti), ia nit a( It 'ml ia \\r (uf ,
r.^i td ibt t.U tarn cl ovntf "» aa* *irt
tbtrtof. Mtiatia*t H-atad 1 t \i ptyaWBlM
Ibt faaat, thi (i-S J.-iu Mx;» a ta>aaW>
rrto to erani, bne»"'- f,"> rtl.ift thl eoe»
try ibt ft*) ptmaafca, «.'N ihr mv-'uit-
• t ,.- itflica et tiAdeti Ma| adj
hxfc bit, ieir»lt irdntrtoa >u t*t f jfri^.
frr or ranta't.l, >.il ar lbtt| at
featjbfer rttt( (*ad, aaialt aad ItSkuM
oWdtefft-itn-waibrU* A •
ibt uJfjtidtMUf '>rj t-lfj , ™^>at,
••f>^. »ull iV ia'"
•awfc bar- becaa* •'•«. bat m bt a fiaM
aKardtai *o ibt >t*at
oi rtlawBt and aba baytd ifatriabf p^fVmwm
''-r. Ii rr, I . L. trlt |itt«, la*i. .
tbt ein.tt.ra l*cb tatt «■*.!» trd p»e-*t>d.
rftdMaUaJrl ;<*-*'
*• r*>blrt ae/ipaa at *aad*t. »t •>-
haaft aaaa ettararJ b| Mil J
< ' at i •■ i^
iBMianh dit pi N.«.
Ct«tb a* ibt fartfa'
>!-t ■! Mt). era ibawfaad, ftrta **aa.tt)
. Oft--.
>tl;«tU
H0R3AK,
-pi- C ,'.'»,l,v(«rM"»»if
1 . Fotc»TI » lit.'
■ . tamlM A'i p*ii_at ind*t»td M f-d
tl) aaa4, a* •• . r. aaaa At
^•fd daaaaal
■•i»^t. bJm ■• tut> ''ll 1
. aaaAdtbt. art baw»f
■
ml ya>
*<»a biat a.T-irt *
otd pt.tetta*r a.. ,r ■
•«b/m acttd««l; ■ • > v
tHBOtaa. &/Ja rr*>(#*a*aa.
' afaat /stjaW-
Vk!'
■■t r "F THIRP r »«.f OF Tin PI rHEI15 BrDOCT PL'BLtSHBD 15 TROT.
• RK
C^. c\L , /?rv, c^cz C&r~/H. L
TIIK PRESS— BOOKS AND AITIIOKS
149
into (Ih-iii with all the ability and zeal it could command.
The discussions were long and sharp, often bitter, but the
bitterness of feeling passed away with the disposition of the
Questions in controversy.
" In December, 1834, a call fora public meeting appeared
in the Budget, for the purpose of considering the expedi-
ency of organizing in tins city a Young Men's Association
fur Mutual Improvement. The meeting was held and
largely attended, and a committee appointed to report a
plan and constitution, consisting of Thomas Coleman,
Ralph Ilawlev, M. I. Townsend, T. I!. Bigelow, and my-
self. The committee reported at a subsequent meeting,
the constitution was adopted after considerable debate, and
the association, now grown to be one of our most im-
portant public institutions, was organized. From the outset
Mr. Kemble opposed the scheme, and was only induced to
withhold his opposition in the paper, and let the Budget
take the course it did, by the consoling reflection that it
was a boy's experiment and would not last six months.
'• There are persons here who remember distinctly and
will never forget the condition of the city and the state of
the public feeling during the cholera seasons, especially
when the plague first visited the city in 1835,— the alarm
of the public mind, the panic that prevailed, the stagnation
of business, the sudden deaths, and the gloom that over-
shadowed the whole community. The Budget was then
published twice a week, but the people were not satisfied
without more frequent information as to the state of the
public health. Bulletins were usually issued from the
office, under the authority of the board of health, two or
three times a day, giving the names of the persons who
died each day, and of the physicians by whom they were
attended."
In 1836 the Budget passed to the control of Hooper &
Cook, and was the organ of the Jackson-Van Buren party,
known by the name of the Locofoco party. In 1837,
Kellogg & Strong ; 1838, Kellogg, Strong & Cook ; Octo-
ber 1, Kellogg & Cook; 184(1, Daily Budget, Carroll &
Cook; 1840, in May, Francis & Brownell ; 1847, in Au-
gust, Francis & MacArthur; 1S40, W. \V. Whitman ; edi-
tor, C. L. MacArthur; 1851, C. L. Mac-Arthur; 1852,
W. W. Whitman; 1S54, C. L. MacArthur; 1859, Jan-
uary 3, William Hagadorn ; Hagadorn & Merriam ; 1861,
changed to Troy Union and Budget, Van Arnum & Brow-
nell ; then Troy Daily Budget, Brownell & Jones. In
1802 it suspended publication.
Subsequently the Troy Northern Budget was re-estab-
lished by C. L. MacArthur as a Sunday paper. It is now
of the size of the New York Times, is published by C. L.
MacArthur & Son, has a very large circulation, aud is one
of the most prosperous journals in the State.
W. L. Marcy, afterwards Governor of the State, Secretary
of War and State, was once an editor of the original
Budget.
CHARLES L. MACARTHUR,
senior editor and proprietor of the Troy Northern Budget,
Troy, N. Y., was born at Claremont, N. H., Jan. 24, 1824,
of Scotch parentage on the father's side, and New England
on the mother's He learned the trade of a printer in the
North American office at Watertown, N. Y. After a par-
tial education in district and select schools, he pursued a
higher i ree of studies, and was graduated at the Black
River Institute at Watertown. Sub equcntly, for a shoii
time, be was editor and proprietor of the Carthaginian, al
Carthage, N. V. Thai proving unremunerativo, he 'went
West." He was nexl a local reporter on the Detroit /
Press. From thence be went to Milwaukee, Wis., aboal
1842 or 1843. Milwaukee then bail a population of ten
thousand, and was the rival of Chicago, whose population
was only twelve thousand. Wisconsin and Iowa were Ti i
ritories, and vast regions oul of which States have been
since carved were then uninhabited by any white settlers,
unsurveyed, and unexplored. He went with a government
party, as secretary to the expedition, to make a treaty with
the Sioux Indians on the upper regions of the Platte River.
Returning with the expedition, he became the senior editor
of the Milwaukee Sentinel, writing its first and leading
article on its first appearance as a daily paper. It was the
first daily paper published in Wisconsin. He remained
there until the spring of 184(5, when he went to New York
City, and subsequently became the city editor of the New
York Sun, then owned by Moses Y. Beach, and edited by
the celebrated Mordecai M. Noah.
In September, 1S47, he joined John M. Francis in the
purchase of the Troy Daily Budget. He went to Europe
in 1851, and wrote a series of letters, some of which were
widely copied into the newspapers. In 1850 he visited
Cuba, under a secret government commission, to look into
certain matters mainly connected with the Havana con-
sulate, and made an elaborate report to the State Depart-
ment. From Cuba he visited the Southern States, and
wrote a series of letters to the Budget, which attracted
wide attention. He continued with the Budget until Jan.
1, 1859. On Oct. 18, 1859, he established the Troy
Daily Arena, but sold it in the spring of 1801 to go to
the war. Taking a prominent part in the organization of
the 2d New York Volunteers, he was appointed regimental
quartermaster, with the rank of first lieutenant, embarking
with the regiment for Fortress Monroe early in the spring
of 1801. This regiment was the first to cross into Vir-
ginia from Fortress Monroe. He was at the battle of
Great Bethel ; witnessed the " Merrimac" and " Monitor"'
fight in Hampton Roads; went with the regiment, after
the capture of Norfolk, to Portsmouth, and participated
with it until appointed by President Lincoln and Secretary
Stanton as captain and assistant quartermaster in the regu-
lar army. Subsequently he served as brigade and division
quartermaster; was at the battle of Fredericksburg; through
all the battles from Fair Oaks to McClellan's seven d.iys'
fights in the " change of base" to the James River.
On quitting the army he received two brevet promotions
from Governor Fenton "for faithful and meritorious services
iu the late war."
In the fall of 1S04 he established the Troy News, the
first Sunday paper in Troy, and in the State outside of
New York. It was almost the first Sunday paper in the
country that was a live neics paper. It proved a great
success, was taken by all classes, and lifted Sunday journal-
ism from the average flashy region of sentimental storv-
writing to the higher plane of disseminating the latest aud
150
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
fullest reliable intelligence, both locally and generally. Mr.
MacArthur sold the Nercs at a handsome figure in 1SUG,
having become one of the editors and proprietors of the
Troy Daily Win',/. The Troy Daily Budget having died
during the war of " too much copperbeadism," and the
Sunday News failing to meet the public wants in Sunday jour-
nalism, on Marco 21. 1869j Mr. Mai-Arthur re-established
the Troy Northern Budget as a Sunday journal, and it
bi c tme i great success from the start. It is now a paper
of the size of the New York Times, has a large circulation,
and is one of the best paying pieces of newspaper property
in the State.
In its publication Arthur MacArthur is associated with his
father, under the firm-name of C. L. MacArthur & Son. Mr.
MacArthur has been an active and influential politician;
was a Free-Soiler in 1S4S. and remained a Democrat up to
the advent of Lincoln. lie was for several years a member
of the Democratic State Central Committee, a delegate in the
National Convention of 1S56, and a frequent delegate to
State Conventions. lie was an alderman from the Second
Ward in 1S52 and 1S53, and for a number of years, under
Democratic rule, the collector of the port of Troy. Since
Lincoln's first election Mr. MacArthur has been an un-
wavering Republican. For a number of years he hold,
under the Republican administration, the office of collector
of the port, until that office was abolished. He has also
been an extensive traveler to all parts of this country and
the West Indies, the Pacific coast, etc., and his various travel
letters published in the Budget, fromjlorida, the South, the
Bahamas, Pacific coast, etc., have been read with a relish
by many thousands who have personally expressed to him
their admiration of the vivid and graphic descriptive pic-
tures which they afford the reader. In newspaper contro-
versy be writes with a directness and iucisive force that
usually makes his opponent desire to "stand from under."
II i- regarded as one of the most vigorous, forcible, inde-
pendent, and courageous newspaper editors in this section
of the State, and that he is endowed richly with the
"second sight" of true journalism the great success of the
Budget abundantly testifies.
Till'. TROY Wit Id.
The first daily newspaper printed in Troy was the Troy
Daily Sentinel, whose primal Dumber appeared May 1,
1830. When this well-conducted daily, which was an even-
ing paper, was discontinued, a paper known as the Tiny
Daily J'ress succeeded it in September, 1 -:'•'_'. In the latter
part of June, 1834, the printing establishment of the Troy
DaUy Preti was purchased by James M. Stevenson, a gen-
tleman of refinement and education, who changed the name
of the paper, and on July 1. 1834, tin' first number of i(a
--or. the Troy DaUy Whig, appeared. On the Ti
day following the appearance of tin' initial number of the
daih i)i Weekly Whig, which, like tho daily,
had a continuous life for more than fori-, five years, and
ill published. After the establishment of the Whig
ih. | ., :il partisanship of the citizens of
Troy were divided between that paper and the Troy Budget,
pet which i in the spring of L862. The
Whig WU the representative of the political organization
then newly denominated the Whig party, which was com-
posed of all the elements that were adverse to the Jackson
party, and also of that small portion of the Jackson party
which began, at this period, to revive its former modes of
thought and to refuse to be turned over to the advocacy of
the claims of Martin Van Burcn for the presidency in 183G.
With supporters of this nature, and with the constant op-
portunity afforded of attacking and exposing the weakness
of the opposing party, the Whig rapidly gained in favor,
and came to be regarded not only as the exponent of the
opinions of those whom it represented, but also as the
political guide of thousands in the counties of Rensselaer,
Washington, and Saratoga.
With Mr. Stevenson was associated Alexander McCall,
both in editorial and business management. These gentle-
men, of Scotch abstraction, were well adapted to conduct
the business in whose prosecution they were engaged. Mr.
Stevenson was exceedingly affable and courteous in his
manners, while Mr. McCall attended with great assiduity
and patience to all the details of matters which demanded
his attention. The new aspirant for favor was well received,
and its affairs were prosperous. The merchants, the business
men, and the citizens generally were anxious to have a per-
manent daily paper, and contributed liberally to render its
circulation wide-spread, and to increase its advertising pa-
tronage. While affairs were in this condition, the Troy
Morning Mail was established by Tuttle, Belcher & Burton,
about the year 1838. This was a daily paper issued in the
morning, and, being of the same politics as the Whig, was
its rival for party support and party influence. But this
rivalry did not long continue. Two Whig papers could not
then be supported in the city. The Mail was merged in
the Whig in 1840, and from that time forward down to the
present time the latter has been the only morning daily in
the city of Troy. On July 1, 1S39, Mr. McCall sold his
one-half interest in the Whig to Mr. Stevenson, who there-
upon became the sole owner and proprietor of the paper,
and in his charge it remained until his death, which oc-
curred at his home at Cambridge, in Washington County, on
Aug. 22, 1S50, in the forty-third year of his age.
From IStl'i to" 1848 the editorial management of the
Whig was in the care of the late Joseph Barber, known in
literature as "The Disbanded Volunteer." when it passed
into the hands of J. N.T. Tucker, where it remained during
the presidential campaign of the latter year. Mr. Tucker
was succeeded by Charles 1>. Brigham in the early part of
1849, and during the fall and winter of 1S49-50. John
M. Francis was employed by Mr. Stevenson to organize and
maintain a local department for the paper, a duty which he
performed in an acceptable manner, making that depart-
ment a special feature of the journal. In the spring of
1850, Franklin B. Hubbcll became the local editor. After
the death of Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Bingham succeeded to the
proprietorship of the paper on Oct. 1. 1850. At the fame
time Mr. Hubbell retired, and his place was taken by Abra-
ham Fonda, who had for many years been foreman of the
Whig, and'who now assumed editorial labors with case, and
became known aa the wielder of a trenchant and effective
pen.
\loiii this period the political parties of the country wers
THE PRESS— BOOKS AND AUTHORS.
151
in a transition state, and during the latter part of the period
in which the Whig was under the proprietorship of Mr.
Bingham it was conducted as an organ of what was known
as the American, or, more popularly, as the Know-Nothing
party. Meantime, Mr. Fonda had left the Whig and Mr.
Huhhell had resumed his editorial labors. In the latter
part of IS.")."), George Abbott, who had long been connected
with the Whig establishment, first as a compositor, and sub-
sequently and for several years previous to the last-named
year as its business manager, became its owner. From that
time until 1803 the paper was in the editorial charge of
Mr. Hubbell. In 185!), James S. Thorn became assistant
editor, and so continued until about 18(32, when he was
succeeded by Thomas Hurley, who served in that capacity
for fifteen or twenty months. In accordance with the views
of those interested in the management of the Whiff, it ad-
vocated the principles of the Democratic party during the
latter years of Mr. Abbott's proprietorship.
In 1863, Mr. Abbott sold the Whig to an association
represented by two Massachusetts gentlemen, — Hugh \V.
Greene and George C. Hill, whose firm-name was Hugh
W. Greene & Co., and under their direction it was edited
in the interests of the Republican party, whose principles
it has since then maintained. Mr. Greene was the business
manager, and Mr. Hill the editor. On Nov. 10, 1SG4, the
paper passed into new hands, and for a little more than a
year its business was managed for its owners by George
Evans, Alexander G. Johnson serving as editor, Charles E.
File, and, subsequently, Capt. Howell being assistants.
During a part of the year 18(50 the affairs of the Whig
were in charge of C. L. MacArthur. On April 1, 1807,
Wm. D. Davis and Robert II. MeClellan became the pro-
prietors of the Whig, under the firm-name of Wm. D.
Davis & Co., Mr. Davis being the business manager, as-
sisted by Le Grand Benedict. Charles L. MacArthur was
for a short time editor, but was succeeded by Isaac M.
Gregory, the local department being in the care of Thomas
Hurley. At this period in its history the form of the paper
was changed to that of a large quarto of eight pages.
About Sept, 1, 1808, the Whig passed into the hands of
Alexander Kirkpatriek, who had for some time previous
been the proprietor of the Lansinffburffli Gazette, and on
the 14th of that month it was again issued, and since then
has continued to be issued in its original folio form. Alex-
ander G. Johnson became the editor of the paper, in which
position he continued until his retirement, on April 18, 1878.
From July 9, 1872, to May 3, 1S73, W. A. Linn was
associated with Mr. Kirkpatriek in the management of the
paper, the firm being Kirkpatriek & Linn. From the
latter date until Nov. 19, 1873, the ownership was in Mr.
Kirkpatriek. At this time the Whig was organized as a
stock corporation, under the name of the Troy Whig Pub-
lishing Company, which is its present form. Mr. Kirk-
patriek was chosen president, and held that position until
his interest in the company ceased on April 18, 1878.
During a portion of this period its business affairs were iu
charge of Charles E. Davenport. Among those who, in
later years, have been engaged on the Whig in the per-
formance of editorial duties, whose names have not been
before mentioned, were the late George W. Demers and
Do Witt Van Duron, also (',,1. Latham C. Strong, E. H. C.
Clark, John Johnson, now of the S<inii<,:i<i Eagle, B.C.
.Maine, now connected with the Rochester Democrat "«</
Chronicle, L. 11. Sexton, A. J. Weise, and James H.
Potts. The business management of the job ami news
department is now in i he charge of George W. Conn, one
of the most experienced printers in the State, who for more
than twenty-three years has, in different capacities, been
connected with the Whig. Among those engaged on the
editorial stall' of the paper are Stanton P. Allen, Philip
II. Sullivan, M. F. Hemingway, M. L. Furry, and George
B. Van Santvoord.
THE TtlOY TIMES.
There is not in the State, outside of New York City,
a more brilliant instance of newspaper success than that
of the Troy DhUij Times. Established June 25, 1851,
by John M. Francis and R. D. Thompson (the latter re-
tiring in 1853), with little or no capital but brains, indus-
try, and determination, the Times has become one of the
leading journals of the country, and wields a wide and salu-
tary influence in the thousands of homes to which it is a
welcome daily visitor. Little by little it crept into public
favor. At first it was printed upon a small sheet, about
one-half its present size (forty-six by twenty-nine inches),
and its circulation of only a few hundred was mainly con-
fined to the city of Troy. Now it daily prints ten thou-
sand papers, which are distributed over a wide extent of
territory, embracing all of Northern and Eastern New York
to the Canadian line, Western Vermont and Massachu-
setts, and extending in a considerable distance on the line
of the Central Railroad in the interior of the State. No
daily journal published in New York (with of course such
exceptions as the leading metropolitan newspapers) can
boast of a circulation approaching these figures, nor is
there one that exercises a more commanding influence over
the minds of its readers.
The Times was begun as an independent journal, though
it expressed clear and positive views upon political subjects
generally in harmony with the more liberal Democratic
thought and policy of the day. In the struggle to keep
slavery out of the free territory of Kansas and Nebraska
it took open and decided ground against the extension of
the barbarous institution, and when the Republican party
was formed the paper was already prepared to advocate the
principles which breathed the breath of life into that or-
ganization. In all the presidential struggles since 1S60 it
has been a conspicuous and faithful supporter of the Re-
publican candidates ; and when Mr. Lincoln was elected and
the Rebellion was inaugurated it distinguished itself by
the zeal with which it advocated the national cause, and
urged the most earnest prosecution of the war, that slavery
and treason might be overthrown and the Government be
perpetuated for all time. It supported Mr. Lincoln's ad-
ministration in all the measures adopted to maintain the
national authority, and having made itself obnoxious to the
secret friends of the South in the city of Troy, by the per-
sistency with which it urged the enforcement of the draft
to recruit the shattered armies of the North, its office was
attacked by a mob and destroyed in the month of July,
152
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
18G3. In less ilia le week the issue of the paper was
resumed, and from that time, if possible, the ZYroes became
in, re earnest in ii- support of the administration, and more
Bsive and defiant towards the enemies of the Govern-
ment
In ilir spring of 1871 ground was broken for a new and
splendid publication-office ti>r the 7Ymes. The site selected
ma on thi corner of Third Street and Broadway, and em-
braced a plot of ground fifty by one hundred and thirty
secured at a cost of forty thousand dollars. An iron
building lour stories high was erected thereon at a cost of
one hundred and ten thousand dollars, and in the following
M . 1872 the office was occupied and the paper issued
therefrom. In the month of February, 1877, the building
was partially destroyed bj fire, and the effects and material
of tlu> office nearly all burned. Thereupon the edifice was
rebuilt upon improved plans, and for light, convenience,
mmodation, and elegance, it constitutes one of
the most complete newspaper publication houses iu the coun-
try.
Mr. Francis conducted the Times as sole proprietor from
the retirement "I Mr. Thompson until 1S64, when Henry
O'R. Tinker was admitted to partnership. Mr. Tinker
devotes his entire attention to the care and management of
the business affairs of the office.
Mr. Francis still retains the editorial control of the
Timet, and though he has been for more thirty years a
laborious and indefatigable journalist, he may yet be found
at the post of duty, supervising the daily issue of the paper
and devising new plans to improve its character and pro-
mote its usefulness.
When the Times was founded it employed lass than a
dozen men and hoys; now its editors alone reach nearly
thai number. Nearly two hundred persons find permanent
or j artial employment in connection with the establishment.
Correspondents are located in all the villages and towns
within its parish, and for more than fifty communities the
Timet i> the vehicle through which the local news of each
day is transmitted to them.
JOHN U. FRANCIS.
The life of John M. Francis, the founder, editor-in-chief,
and senior proprietor of the Troy Daily Times, affords a
tuple of how much one, with no especial ex-
traneous advantagi - ma] accomplish in this country
through the exercise of talents industriously applied. Elis
father was by birth a Welshman, and came to America in
1798. When a young man he served as midshipman in
the British navy, and was on the flagship with Admiral
Rodney "Inn he achieved his celebrated victory over the
Him nided by the Count de Orasse. Subse-
atly Midshipman Francis resigned from the British
navv, mainly bccau I the sympathy 1 ntertained for
cause of the colonies, ami upon the first opportunity
ht a home in America. After having resided in this
- he married a Com ticul lady, ami the
young couple removed to £ I '• Y., where they set-
. on a -mall farm that required I lomy and si
r of the hind- to furiii-h a livelihood for the family.
Tie ir son, John M . was horn at Prattsburgh, in that
county. March 7, 1S23. He had only the limited advan-
tages of early education which the sons of farmers in pio-
neer settlements enjoyed, attending school winters and
working on the farm in summer.
In 1 S:iS, at the age of fifteen, he left home with fifty
cents in his pocket to seek his fortune. He went to Canan-
daigua, Ontario Co., and entered the office of the Ontario
Messengt r, where he learned to set type. During the Pres-
idential campaign of 1844 he was employed as editorial
writer on the Wayne S ntint I. published at Palmyra. Wayne
Co., which, owned and edited by the late Pomeroy Tucker,
was, at the time, one of the most influential journals in the
State. In 1845. Mr. Francis had further editorial experi-
ence in connection with the Rochester Daily Advertiser.
About this time ho studied law with the late Judge Theron
R. Strong, and the Hon. Oliver II. Palmer, now of New
York City, but finally abandoned the law for the more
congenial profession of journalism. In January, 1846. Mr.
Francis moved to Troy, and became editor of the Troy
Daily Budget, of which the Hon. Thomas R. Carroll and
Col. Alanson Cook were proprietors. In the spring of that
year, with the late Edwin Brownell, he purchased the liuJ-
;/rt. In 1S47, C. E. MacArthur bought the interest of
Mr. Brownell, and the latter withdrew from the paper. It
was during this period in Mr. Francis' journalistic career
that he first distinguished himself. The Democratic party
in New York was split into factions known as Hunkers and
Barnburners, and in the exciting contest between them he
espoused the cause of the latter, and gave utterance to those
fearless expressions in favor of liberty and the rights of
man. which have since characterized his published writings.
He sustained the Free-Soil branch of the party through the
Presidential campaign of 1848, with Martin Van Buren
and Charles Francis Adams as its candidates for President
and Vice-President. The Budget was generally recognized
as one of the most powerful of the journalistic advocates of
Free-Soil principles in that day. It was while connected
with the Jim/get, from which he withdrew in 1S4!>. that
Mr. Francis established the local department, which has
since grown into such prominence as one of the most im-
portant features of newspaper enterprise, and also introduo 0
the system of summarizing news, now so popular with (he
journals of the country. For a brief season he was cm-
ployed on the Troy Whig, and also on the Troy Pott)
but in is ."ill be left journalism to engage in the O'Reilly
telegraph enterprise, and resided for a little time in New
York City.
In 1851, Mr. Francis returned to Troy and established
the Troy Daily Times, issuing the first number of that
journal June Joth. K. I >. Thompson, late of the Pittsburgh
t bmnu rcial, was associated « ith Mr. Francis for the period
of nearly two years, and after that time until the accession
of Mr. II O'Reilly Tucker, Mr. Francis conducted botB
the editorial and bu-ine— departments of the paper. Under
his management the Timet has enjoyed a growth and
prosperity unexampled in the history of journalism in this
• ii. and but i'\\- papers in the country rival it in circu-
lation, influei and character. Such as it is Mr. Francil
hi- made it. His was the brain to conceive the journal, and
so it has been his proud achievement to solve the problem
X^-j.
C-^-j
/ /
TUT. I'KH.SS HOOKS AND Ain'IJOUS
l.v:
of its success. No American citizen need covel a finer
monument to commemorate personal talent, enterprise, and
good fortune than the Troy Daily Times constitutes for
its founder ami editor-in chief.
Mr. Francis began life as a Democrat in politics, but
Bcvered Ins connection with that party when it surrendered,
as he thought, its principles at the behest of slavery. In
185(1 lie was mil' of the representative iiii'm who assisted in
the convention at Syracuse in effecting the union of the
Free-Soil Democrats with the Free-Soil Whigs, am] so form-
ing the Republican party in this State. With this politi-
cal organization he has since been closely identified, giving
it the service of his able pen and mature counsel through
the columns of his paper. lie was elected a member of
the State Constitutional Convention in 1867—68, Serving
on the committee having jurisdiction of the subjects rc-
lating to the government of cities. Some delicate and
intricate questions were referred to this committee, among
them the powers and duties of police organizations, and
the source from whence such organizations should derive
their authority.
Mr. Francis was an advocate of the principle of State
sovereignty in all matters pertaining to police government,
and wanted it engrafted on the constitution. The Hon.
Ira Harris, who was a member of the committee, opposed
this view, and. representing a majority of the committee,
presented a report placing the police government of cities
solely in the hands of the people thereof. Mr. Francis
made a minority report sustaining his position. A lengthy
debate ensued, in which Mr. Harris and Mr. Francis made
long and exhaustive speeches. On the third day of the
debate the vote was taken, and Mr. Francis had the satis-
faction of carrying the convention with him by a small
majority, though the principle for which he contended was
subsequently lost with nearly the whole of the work of the
convention. In this contest Mr. Francis proved his ability
to cope intellectually with the foremost men of the State.
In 1871, President Grant appointed Mr. Francis United
States Minister to Greece, and for two years he represented
the government at the court of Athens, resigning in 1S73.
In 1875-7(5 he made the tour of the world, visiting all the
principal places on the line of travel, and making extensive
journeys into the interior of China and other Eastern coun-
tries. He has never aspired to political honors, declining
many tenders of official position made to him by the repre-
sentative men of his party, and has preferred to pursue the
more quiet profession of journalism, believing it to be one
of the grandest as well as the most powerful means of edu-
cating the masses and enlightening the world.
In 1846, Mr. Francis married Harriet E. Tucker,
daughter of Pomeroy Tucker, of Palmyra. They have
two children, — Alice A. (wife of John C. Havemeyer, of
New York City), and Charles S. Francis, the present city
editor of the Troy Daily Times.
TUE TROY PRESS.
A newspaper of this name was published in Troy some
forty years ago, and another during a part of the period
embraced by the civil war. That paper failed, and the
Press was again started in 1867, by Hawley Brothers. In
20
I 368 a half intcresl in the paper wa I i B
Parmenter, of Troy. A few months later the other half-
interest was bought by Charles C. Clark, of Hudson, and
the paper was then conducted by Parmenter & Clarl
proprietors and editors. Mr. Clark died Feb. 12, LE
since which time the paper has been owned and i ducted by
Mr. Parmenter alum-, he hu\ ing purchased M r. < 'lark's inter-
est of the count} of Columbia, to whom it was assigned.
The daily issue of the Press is a large thirty two column
paper, and the Weekly Press has latclj been enlarged to
thirty six columns. The daily has a circulati iqualed
l'\ only one paper in the city, and the weekly has double
the circulation of all other weekly (not Sunday) papers in
the county < ihinrd. In politics the paper is I lonsei \ ative-
Democratic. It supported Mr, Seymour for President in
1868, Mr. Greeley in 1872, and Mr. Tilden in 1876. It
has now existed more than twice as long as any Democratic
paper previously published in Rensselaer County, and is well
established. For the first eleven years of its existence it
was published at 208 and 210 River Street. In May,
1879, it was removed to more spacious ami elegant quarters
at 225 River Street, opposite the Troy House.
Mr. Parmenter, the proprietor, was burn in Pittstown,
near Johnsonville ; graduated at Union College, Schenec-
tady, in 1S57 ; studied law in the office of bis brothers,
Roswell A. and Franklin J. Parmenter, at 47 First Street;
wasadmitted to the bar in 1859 ; was a captain in the 169th
Regiment New York Volunteers ; was discharged on account
of physical disability contracted in the service in December,
1863, from hospital at Beaufort, S. C. ; resumed the prac-
tice of law in Troy in 1864, and was a member of the law-
firm of Parmenter Brothers until 1867, when be became
editor of the Press. In 1S76-77, and part of 1878, he
was State printer.
THE EVENING STANDARD
was established Oct. 17, 1S77. It was received with favor
from the first, as the circumstances under which it was pro-
jected attracted the sympathy of a part of the community
whose interests are always prominent in a manufacturing
centre of the size and character of the city of Troy. Like
the San Francisco Call, the Boston Herald, and several
other popular newspapers, the Standard was born of one
of the occasional conflicts of capital with labor. Its pro-
prietors had been up to within two weeks of the first pub-
lication of the paper employees of Mr. Parmenter, of the
Press. It was the demand of this gentleman that his com-
positors should sever their connection with Troy Typo-
graphical Union, No. 52, or leave his employment. This
demand could be construed in no other way than as an in-
terference with civil rights that was not only unjust but
tyrannical, and within ten minutes after it was made the
men withdrew from the office. The depressed condition of
the printing business at that time seemed to offer no pros-
pect of employment unless those who bad thus been driven
from their situations could create employment for them-
selves. Having a small capital, the accumulated savings of
several years, they determined to use it in the issue of a
new daily paper. Their plans were quickly matured, and,
assisted by a contribution of one hundred dollars from the
1 5-1
HIHToilY OF i;r.\.— i:i,Ai:i; COUNTY, NEW STORK.
Typographical Union, the type and other necessary material
were purchased, and rooms leased in the Hall building,
from which the new daily made its Bret appearance. Those
who composed the Evening Standard Publishing Company
:ii thai time, as now with the exception of Mr. Collins .
were Timothy Corcoran, Michael P. Collins, Sidney W.
Giles, Cornelius Mackey, Joseph McLaughlin, George II.
McNamara, Charles G. Sherman, and William J. Tyner,
constituting th<- majority of those who had defied Mr. Par-
mentcr's action two weeks before. Tlic community had
already become conversant with the origin of the new paper,
ami it sprang into popularity :it its birth. Its independent
and fearless character lias largely increased its circulation,
and it is now generally admitted to possess the largest city
circulation of any daily published in Troy.
From the first it has been the aim of the publishers to
keep their establishment free from debt, and they have
■ ell that, while its capital has been materially
increased, the paper is without incumbrances, and maintains
a solid business standing.
The Standard removed from its first location in the Hall
building, on the 1st of May. to more commodious quarters
at it.- present place of publication, and signalized the event
by the purchase of one of Hoe's fast presses. Since that
time it has given every evidence of prosperity, and is cvi-
dently destined to a long and successful career.
III.- BOOKS AMI AUTHORS.*
The following are the title-pages of books published in
Troy, and of those published by Troy authors, since 17'.»7.
It will be seen by the magnitude of this list that Troy is
the birthplace of an extensive literature:
A II i-ti.ry of a Voyage t" I li •- Coast "f Africa, and Travels into the
[ntcrior of tbat Country ntaining Particular Descriptions of
the Climate and Inhabitants, and Interesting Particulars con-
cerning the Slave Trade. By Joseph Hawkins, of New York,
who has -it become blind, and for whose benefit ii is now pnb-
! by hi? friends. Copyright secured as the act directs. The
ad Edition. Troy : Printed for tin- author by Luther Prntt,
1797. (Small 12mo, pp. 180, sheep.) I'
rmon Delivered before the Military, Officers of Apollo Lodge, and
n laiy. and respectable number "t the oitizens of Troy, January
I'Jtli. 1800, in consequence <>f tin- death "i Licutenant-Oeneral
ibington. By Jonas Coo, A.M.. Minister of the Pros-
erin Church in Troy. (Published at tin- request of the
h..-u<r-.i Troy : Printed at the Budget office bj K. Moffitl i Co.,
,ll it... pp. In. paper.
Kit - • ' Ubcrl V-. ii Qallor. Translated from
the Third Latin Edition. To which is added n Translation "I the
In-I' ' linburgh Edition, printed under the
William Cullon. I'ir-t American Edition, Troy :
Printi liah Ponniman A Co. Sold by thorn at thoii
• i it. and I'. A S. Whiting, Al-
bany; Thomas A Andr I Wcst.fl P. i L.
HlnK- iam, and Mannin nil P.
Hyrcrc, Philadelphia, I
The Medical Pockct-P.'.-.k. Containing a Short hut Plain Account of
, u. I Methods ol Core <>( the Diseases In-
■ to tli- Human Body; [noluding ineh a* require So
Treatment: Together wi'h the Virtue!
Compositions and Simple", cvlrn.-tc'l from the best authors,
and d order. By Sir John Blliot, M.D.
rth Ancrieai i from the lal . Bdi-
i by A. I Weise from memoranda
... II "i
tinn. with Additions. Improvements, and Corrections. Troy:
Printed by 0. Penniman A Co., and sold hy them at the Troy
bookstore, isu:;. (24mo, pp. 1 50, sheep.)
The Federal Calculator, or American Schoolmaster's Assistant nnd
Toung Men's Companion. Being a Compendium of Federal
Arithmetic, both Practical and Theoretical. In Five Parts.
Originally compiled by Thomas Dilworth, author of the Now
Guide t" the English Tongue, etc. Revised, improved, nnd
adapted to the currency of the I'nitcd States by Daniel Iliunlcy.
Published according to Act of Congress. Troy: Printed by
Obadiuh Penniman .1 Co. (Proprietors of the work). Sold by
them at their store, River Street*; by C. R. & .1. Webster, nnd
Whiting. Leavenworth A Whiting, Albany; Gains A Ten Eyck,
New York : Thomas .t Andrews. West A (Ireenlcnf, .1. West, W.
P. A I.. Blake, <'. Bingham, nnd Manning & Loring, Boston;
Hudson A Goodwin, Hartford ; W. Wilkinson, Providence : W.
Treadwell <fc Co., Portsmouth; and Huntington A Fitch, Middle-
bury. 1803. i 12mo, pp. 204, sheep.)
A Catechism and Confession of Faith, approved of and agreed unto
by the General Assembly of the Patriarchs. Prophets, nnd Apos-
i|.-. c'hri-t Himself, Chief Spcnker, in nnd among them. Wliicli
containcth a true and faithful account of the Principles and Doc-
trines which are most surely believed by the Churches of Christ
in Great Britain and Ireland, who are reproachfully called by
the name of Quakers : yet arc found in the one Faith with tbe
Primitive Church and Saint-, as is most clearly demonstrated by
.-.inie plain Scriptural testimonies (without Consequences orCom-
mentries), which are here collected, and inserted by way of Ane.
to a few weighty yet easy and familiar Ques. fitted as well for the
wisest and largest as for the weakest and lowest localities. To
which is added an Expostulation with, nnd Appeal to, nil othor
Professors, by Robert Barclay. "Search the Scriptures (or ye
search the Scriptures) ; for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life:
and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come
unto me, that ye might have life." — fahn i: 39, 40. Troy V.
Y.): Printed by Thomas Collier, in River Street, 1803. (12mo,
pp. 1.MI. hoards. i
The Ancient Testimony of the People called Quakers. Revised by the
order and approbation of the Yearly Meeting, held for the Prov-
ince of Pennsylvania and Xcw Jersey, 1722. Troy (N. Y.)i
Printed by Thomas Collier, River Street, 1803. (12mo, pp. 34,
boards.)
Observations on the Medical nnd Domestic Management of the Con-
sumptive, on the powers of Digitalis Purpurea, and on the Cure
of Schrophuln. By Thomas Beddoc-. M.D., Troy. Printed bj 0,
Penniman A Co.; sold by them at the Troy bookstore, and by
Richards .1 Bliss, Utica, Isu::. (12mo, pp. 162, sheep.)
Primitive Christianity Revived; Visible Ordinances, Sects, and De-
nominations done away, and the Spiritual, Narrow, Cross-Bear-
ing Way of Life, or Paul'.- Gospel of Jesus Cliri.-t brought to
view, showing the Insufficiency of all Things thai Perish with
the using. Pointing all men to the Spirit of Jesus Chrisl within
them, as their Leader, and not to any arm of flesh. By Benja-
min Gorton. "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom
the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth, and shall
destroy with tbe brightness of hi- coming." — Si. Paul, 2:1 T /.••».,
,. g, ■■ \s troops "I robbors wait for n man. -" the companj Oi
priests murder in the way by consent." — // r, ri. 9. Troys
Print, d by Moffll .v Lyon, for the nullior, ISO 1. (12 pp.
Hone Lyrical Poems, chiefly of the Lyric kind, in three h....k-,
snored— 1. To devotion and piety j 2. To virtue, honor, and
friendship ; 3. To tbe memory of the dead. By I. AVatls, D.D.—
"Si Don Uranic Lyram ' o h itim cohil.it, nee Polyhymnia llu-
iniiniiin refugit lendcrc Harbiton." Ilor., <i,l. I. Imiial. Troy
Printed and sold bj O. Penniman A •'••.: sold by M. Hnrrison,
ingburgh : <t. Richards, I tica; and Pomcroj A Williams,
Middlebnry, 1804. I Don... pp. 208, sheep.)
Goldsmith's Roman History. Abridged by Himself for the 1
.1". Third American Edition. Troy: Printed bj ". Penni-
man A i .... for Bernard Dornin, No. ISO Pearl Street, New York,
1804. ' l2mo, she.p. pp. 21
I ctioal Phil phj "I Social Life, or The Art ol Conversing wl*
M.u aior the German "f Baron Kniggs. By P. Will, Minister d
the Reformed German Congregation in the Savoy. First Vmarr
TI1K PRESS HOOKS AND AUTIIORS
155
c;iu Bdition. Lansingburgh: Published by Penniman <S Bliss, and
sold hy them al the Lansingburgh bookstore, o. Penniman A
Co., printers, Troy, 1805. (8vo, pp. 368, sheep.)
A Complete Treatise <>o ilir Mensuration "I Timber. Containing, '»■
sides nil the rules usually given on the subject some Now ami
Interesting [mprovements, particularly the new Expeditions, and
veiy Accurate Method "f Calculating (he Contents of Sqi and
It., ii ml Tim Iter. With the description of the sliding rule and Gun
ter's scale] bo far as they relate to this art. The whole bein ■ il
lustrated with examples al lull length, and is well adapted to the
practical timber measure. By James Thompson. Troy (N. V.) :
Printed by Wright Wilbur A Stockwell, for themselves and the
author, 1805, (16mo, pp. 87, lull sheep.)
The History of North America. Containing a lie view of the Customs
ami Manners of the Original Inhabitants; the First Settlement
of the British Colonies, ami their Rise and Progress from the
earliest period to the time of their becoming United, Free, ond
Independent States. By the Rev. Mr. Cooper. To which is now
added an Appendix containing the Constitution of the United
Status and the Declaration of Independenee. Printed for Samuel
Shaw, bookbinder, Lansingburgh, by Charles II. & George Web
ster, Albany, 1805.
Hudibrus. In three parts. Written in the time of the late wars. By
Samuel Butler, Ksq. With Annotations and a Complete Index.
First American Edition. Troy, N. Y. : Printed and sold at the
Rensselaer bookstore, by Wright, Goodenow & Stockwell, ISO*;.
( [2mo, pp. 286, sheep.)
Gospel Sonnets; or, Spiritual Songs. In six parts. By the late Rev.
Mr. Ralph Brskine, minister of the gospel at Dunfermline. Pub-
lished by Penniman A Bliss. Lansingburgh : 0. Pen ni in an & Co.,
printers, 1806. (12mo, pp. 324, sheep.)
Letters to a Young Lady. The duties and character of women are
considered, chiefly with a reference to prevailing opinions. By
Mrs. (Jane) West. Published by 0. Penniman & Co., Troy, and
K. I. Kiley & Co., New York, 1806. (8vo, pp. 503, sheep.)
A Collection of Spiritual Hymns, suitable to be sung by the true
followers of Christ in all the world. Being corrected and re-
vised, with additions, by B. Gorton. Printed by Oliver Lyon for
the compiler, 18(17. (4Smo, pp. 208, boards.)
An Astronomical and Geographical Catechism for the Use of Chil-
dren. By Caleb Bingham, A.M. First Troy Edition. The
Earth, the Heavens, are Fraught with Instruction. Troy: Printed
by Parker & Bliss, and sold by them at the Troy bookstore,
and by O. Penniman, Albany. 1807.
Letters of the Late Lord Lytleton, only Son of the Venerable George
Lord Lytleton, and Chief-Justice in Eyre, etc. Complete in one
volume. The First American Edition. To which is now added a
Memoir Concerning the Author, including an Account of some
Extraordinary Circumstances attending his Death. Troy, N. Y.:
Printed and sold by Wright, Goodenow &■ Stockwell, at the Rens-
selaer bookstore, 1S07. (8vo, pp. 296, sheep.)
A View of Spiritual or Anti-Typical Babylon, with its Downfall Ex-
hibited by a Vision of Elisha Peck, as well as by Sundry Scrip-
tural Prophecies and Revelations. Interpreted and Explained
to open to View, for a Warning to Mankind, the Certainty of the
near Approach of the Great and Terrible Day of tho Lord. By
• Benjamin Gorton. "Mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of
harlots and abominations of the earth.'* — Reo. xvii. 5. '' Now go
write it before them on a table, and note it in a book, that it may
be for the time to come forever and ever, that this is a rebellious
people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the
Lord, which saith to the seers, see not; and to the prophets,
prophesy not unto us right things; prophesy deceits." — Ittat'a A,
xxx. 8, 0, 10. Troy: Printed by Oliver Lyon for the author,
1808. (16mo, pp. 179, sheep.)
Travels in the Y'ear 1S06 from Italy to England, through the Tyrol,
Styria, Bohemia, Gallicia, Poland, and Livonia. Containing the
Particulars of the Liberation of Mrs. Spencer Smith from tho
hands of the French Police, and her subsequent flight through
the Countries above mentioned. Effected and written by the
Marquis De Salvo, Member of the Academy of Sciences and Lit-
erature of Turin, etc. *' Quod honeste factum in se putavent faciet
Stiamut laboriosunt etiamitt penculosum faciet," Cic.,de V-irtute.
Troy, N. Y. : Published by Wright, Goodenow & Stockwell, at
the Rensselaer bookstore, for themselves. For sale by Goodenow
A Co , Bo ton, an I Thom i I i ■ F ■ j ■ in, P I h, K n
i l.,i rgo 1 2 , pp. 2.16, b in i I
A V low ol i he N orvouc Temp ra I Being a Praol lI In
the Increasing Pro* ah a so, Prevent ion
hi ec u . ommonlj co lied Nori ou . Biliou , E tomach, and Liver
Complaints; [ndigestion, Low Spirits, Gout, etc. By Thomas
Trotton, M.D., late Physician to hit Majesty's Floei and
- iinand ol \d. Earl Howe, K. G., and to the Squadrons c
ma mled by Admi ral Lord Bridport, K. C, Id. Burl St. \ inccnt,
K. 1!., and the Hon I le A.d. I orn rulli ; Member ol the Royal
Medical Society of Edinburgh, and Honorary Member of the
Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, and of the Mod
of Aberdeen, and formerly Phj ician to the Royal Mospi
II. i lar, etc., ote. " Boundli intemperance in Katun
tyranny; it. hath been* the untimely emptying of the bappy
Throne, and fall ol manv Kings/' — Shitke. Troy, \. V.; Pub
lished by Wright, Goodenow & Stockwell, end for Bale at the
Rensselaer bookstore and ;it their store in Boston, 1808.
The Rudiments of Latin Grammar. By Alexander Ldam, LL.D.,
Rector of the High School of Edinburgh. Secon I Troy Edition.
Abridged from the Third Edinburgh Edition. Recommended by
the President and Trustees of William' College to be used by
those who are intended for that Seminary. Published according
to Act of Congress. Troy : Printed by Parker .t Bliss, for them-
selves and for Obad'uih Penniman, Albany, 1S09. (12mo, pp.
2o2, boards.)
The American Preceptor. Being a new Selection of Lessons for lt« ^'\
ing and Speaking, designed for the use of schools. By Caleb
Bingham, A.M., author of the Columbian Orator. Child' Com-
panion, etc. "Train up a child in the way he should go."
Fifth Troy Edition. Published according to Act of Congress.
Troy : Printed by Parker & Bliss for themselves and for Obadiah
Penniman, Albany, 1809. (12mo, pp. 22S, boards.)
An Oration on the Three Hundred and Eighteenth Anniversary of
the Discovery of America. Delivered before the Tammany So-
ciety. With a Traditional Account of the Life of Tammany, an
Indian Chief. Troy, 1809. (Svo, pp. 71. paper.)
Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States.
Published for the Washington Benevolent Society. Troy, N. Y. :
Printed at the press of Parker & BlUs. By David Carlisle, 1SI0.
(l2mo, pp. 36, boards.)
An Account of the People called Shakers, their Faith, Doctrines, and
Practice, Exemplified in the Life, Conversations, and Experience
of the author during the time he belonged to the Society. To which
is affixed a History of their Rise and Progress to the present day.
By Thomas Brown, of Cornwall, Orange County, Sta'e of New
York. " Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good.'* —
A pontic Paul. " An historian should not dare to tell a false-
hood, or leave a truth untold." — Cicero. Troy: Printed by Par-
ker & Bliss. Sold at the Troy bookstore; by Webster & Skin-
ners, Albany j and by S. Wood, New York, 1812. (12mo, pp.
372, boards.)
A Complaint; or, Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality.
To which is prefixed the Life of the Author. "Sunt lacrymse
reruni, et mentum mortalia tangant." — Virgil. Troy: Printed
by Parker &, Bliss, and sold by them at tho Troy bookstore, sign
of the Bible, 1812. (12mo, pp. 274, boards, i
A New History of the Grecian States, from their earliest Period to
their Extinction by the Ottomans. Containing an account of
their most Memorable Sieges and Battles, and the Character and
Exploits of their most Celebrated Heroes, Orators, and Philoso-
phers. London printed. Lansingburgh, N. Y. : Reprinted by
Silvester Tiffany for and sold by Thomas Spencer, at his book-
store, Market Street, Albany, 1814. (lGmo, pp. 240, sheep.)
Geography Made Easy. Being an Abridgement of the American Uni-
versal Geography. To which are prefixed Elements of Geography.
For the use of schools and academies in the Unite 1 States of
America. By Jediah Morse, D.D., author of the American Uni-
versal Geography and American Gazetteer. "There is not a sun
or daughter of Adam but has some concern both in geography
and astronomy." — Dr. Watts. II lustrated with a map of the world
and a map of North America. From the sixteenth Boston edition.
Troy : Printed by Parker ABliss, 1814. ( 12mu, pp. 360, boards, i
The Columbian Orator. Containing a Variety of I Original and Selected
Pieces, together with Rules Calculated to Improve Youth aud
13C
HISTORY OF KKXSSKLAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
rs in tin- Ornamental and Useful Art of Eloquence. By Caleb
Bingham, A.M., Author of the American Prew | Lady's
a .-. " i Into ouliivatcd eloquence ns a necessary means
for defending the rights of the people and for enforcing good
scls." — Kotin. Sixth Troy Edition. Published according i«>
Troy: Printed and sold by Parker A Bliss al
the Troj booktl ■ 1 h. Bible," IS15. 12mof pp. 300,
Taplin Improved; "r, A Complete Treatise on the Art of Farriery.
Wherein are fully explained the Nature and Structure of that
eature, a none, with the Diseases and Accidents he is
linble (•>. and the Methods of Cure, exemplified by ten elegant
Cuts, each the full figure of a Horse, describing all the various
of that nob!o animal. Likewise, Rules for Breeding and
Training of Colts; Practical Receipts for tbe cure of common
Distempers incident to Oxen, < ows, Calves, Sheep, Lambs, [fogs,
<i.'.: to which is prefixed Ton Minutes' Advice to the Purchasers
ol l! I ken, M.D. Troy: Printed and Bold
by Francis Adancourt, at the Columbian bookstore; and al
Whiting A Powers in Troy, by II. C. Southwick in Albnny, \V.
E. Norman in Hudson, and Samuel Wood in New York, 1S15.
l2mo, pp. 204, Buecp ; frontispiece : illustrated )
The American Ac* iptant. Being b plain, practical, and systematic
I leral Arithmetic, in three parts. Designed
for the use - ind S| ly calculated for the Com mi
Meridian of tho United Stal — t Vm erica. By Chnuncj Lee, A.M.
Lansingburgh : Printed by William W. Wands. 1317. Pub-
lished L2mo, pp. 300, full
Amo? Eaton, Botanical Dictionary. Now Haven, Conn., Howe <fc
Spalding, 1S19. 12mo, 191 pp.
Am oi logy. Published in Troy by Wm. S. Parker. 200
pp., 12mo, 1820.
An Index to thi of (ho Northern States, with Transverse
ns Extending from Susquehanna River to the Atlantic,
ssing Catskill Mountains. T" which is prefixed a Geological
Grammar. By Amos Eaton, A.M., Lecturer on Natural History
ami Chemistry in the Troy Lyceum. Prof tany in Cas-
i Medical Academy, member of the American Geological
Society, ami Corresponding Member of the New York Lyceumof
Natural History. Second Edition, wholly written over anew,
■nd published under the direction of the I euro. "Sys-
tfnturnl History, however voluminous, are but indexes
to thi Nature." Troy, N. Y.: Published by Wm.
S Parker, Bold by him; by Webster A Skinners, Albany; T. A
.J. Swords, Now iork ; Howe A Spaulding, New Haven j G Good
win & • II trtford; Cummings A Milliard, Boston; S. Butler,
ampton; and M. Carey A Son, Philadelphia, 1820. (]2mo,
pp. :
Old and New l
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for thi l in ii i. in- in general, and particularly for tl
boots, and for tbo imprc youth. By Exra Samp-
El i Dictionary. '* These words which
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thy ohildron." — J/o#< *. Lansing
burgh: Puhli*bed bj f the copy.
D i •'. Bro !mo, pp. 282,
h Grammar Simplified. to Facilitate the
[lisfa Languago. Comprehending the Principles
and ! Oi am mar, [llusti ated by App
• miun-
By Allen 1 nuthor
mplifii I- •• The principles of knon i
os w hen tin
■ lion."
. V V. Publish* I an I rold bj /. Clark. Sold
also I Printed by K. Adan-
COn
Lett- o| i,.. Sundry Pci
wh"*f names they bear. In whicl tnter
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/,- phaniah Clarl
[Dist uracil's Stereotype Edition.] Johnson's Dictionary of the Eng-
lish Language in Miniature. To which arc added an Alphabeti-
cal Vccounl of the Heathen Deities and a Copious Chronological
Table of Remarkable Events, Discoveries, and Inventions in
Europe. By tbe Rev. Joseph Hamilton. M.D. With a continua-
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from ili-' Discovery of the Now World to this Time. First Now
3 ork, from the last English Edition. Published by Wm. Dis-
II, Lnnsingburgh, nnd John Disturnell, bookseller, Troy,
1824. I !6mo, pp. 295, full sheep.)
Tin- Spiritual Mu-innl Pot. Containing a Demonstration of the
Existence of God, Answers to Three Objections to the Divine
Origin of the Scripture-, ami an Essay on the Origin of Religion,
By John Cogitans (Amos Morey). ''To the Christian philoso-
pher all things arc consistent and clear." — Soiithey. Printed at
Troy, X. Y., 1824. (12mo, pp. 204, boards.)
The School Hoy's Introduction to tho Geography and Statistics of
the Stale of New York. Designed for the use of Common
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Gates Sp afford, LL.D., Author of the Gazetteer Canal Guide,
etc. Troy : Published by E. Piatt A Co., at the Franklin book-
store, River Street. F. Adancourt, printer, 1S25. (lGino, pp.
46, paper.)
Four Sermons on the Doctrine of the Atonement. I. Tbe Necessity
of the Atonement. II. lis Nature. 111. Its Nature. IV. Its
Extent. By Nathan S. S. Bern an, Pastor of the Presbyterian
Church in Troy. Troy: Published by William S. Parker.
Tuttle A Richards, printers, January, IS25. (12mo, pp. L29j
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Sacred Lyrics, or Select Hymns. Particularly adapted t«> Revivals
of Religion, and intended as a Supplement to Watts. By Nathan
S. S. Beman. " Praise thy God, 0 Zion V'—Paalmivt. Troy : X.
Tuttle, printer, 225 River Street, 1S32. (24mo, pp. 311, sheep,
Hymns 330, Doxologies. |
Journal and LcttciS from France nnd Great Britain. By Emma Wil-
lard. Troy, X. Y. : X. Tuttle. printer, 225 River Street. 1833.
(12mo, pp. 391, cloth.)
Manual of Botany tor North America. Containing Generic and
tic Descriptions of the Indigenous Plants and Common Cul-
tivated Exotics gr w ng N irth ol the Gulf of Mexico. By Profi
A mos Baton. " Thai existence ia surely contemptible which re-
gards only the gratification of instinctive wants and the pn serva-
ol a body made to perish." — Lihiicub. Sixth Edition. With
the addition of the most approved Natural Arrangement ofGefr
era; also their Etyi nnd Accentuation. Albnny: Pub-
lished by Oliver Steele, and for sate by Grigg & Elliott, Careyj
Lea A Blanehard, Destlver & Thomas, Hogan A Thompson, M.
Hunt, and Perkins a Marvin, Philadelphia ; Collins & 11 an nay ,
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; Carter, Hi ndce A Co., Lilly, Wait A Co., Stimson a ( lappi
and Crocket ter, Boston; P. Adancourt, W. S. Parker a
Son, and Z. Clark, Troy. F. Adancourt, Troy, 1833. J:' ,
pp. 101, shi i
Tho Psalms of David Imitated in the E.ingungo of the New I-
By I. Watts. D.D. Troy, X. Y. : Published by Kcmble
a Bill, 1833. C24mo, pp. 260, sheep.)
M- n i ol the Rev. Ammi Rogers, A.M., n clergyman of the
Episcopal Church, educated at Yale College, in Connecticut;
ordained in Trinity Church in the city <.f New York ; pel
in the State "i Connecticut on nccouni of religion nnd j
for almost twenty year?; and finally falsclj 1 im-
prisoned in Norwich jail, for two years, on the charge of crimes
to have been committed in tho town of Griswold, in tho
j of New London, when ho was nol within aboul one hun-
drod mil-- of the place, and of which he »:i- absolutely aa inno*
- who pronounced tho sentence, oi as any other
n in the world. Also a concise view of the authority, I
trine, and worship in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a
very valuable index to the Holy Bible. C posed, com]
nnd written by the said Vmmi Rogers, late rector of St. Pi tor1!
Church in Ucbron, Tolland Co., C : nothing W
you, all y»- thai pusi by I Behold and sec if there be any sorrow
liko unto mj sorrow, which is done unto m "Quli
tnlen pnn-l lacrymis?" — Virgil, (i.e. "Who ■
troy's poet laureate. '
?0L. Latham Cornell Strong, son of Hon. Henry Wright Strong, one
the most eminent lawyers and statesmen the State of New York has
>r produced, was horn in Troy, June 12, 1S45. He inherited the talents
his father and of his paternal ancestors, who for successive generations
re men of ability, character, and integrity, and won for themselves a
ice in tho history of their country. He was graduated with the highest
aurs at Union College in 1S6S, having received two first-class prizes, an
lor which probably no member of a graduating class ever before re-
ved. The brilliant poem which he read on that occasion has by request
eral times been recited by him before large audiences, and greeted with
11-merited applause. The year following he pursued a course of studies
philosophy and literature in the famous University of Heidelberg, Ger-
ny. and made the tour of Europe, developing and maturing those elegant
tes for poetry and the arts which he so eminently possesses. After his
urn from Europe he accepted the position of associate editor of the
y Daily Whig, which he filled for three years. He was an active
niber of the Young Men's Association, of which he was correspond-
; secretary for a number of years, and subsequently was elected its
■sident.
lie was married, Jan. 26, 1871, to Miss Mary Eddy Fowler, the beautiful
i accomplished daughter of Dr. Harvey W. Fowler, of Hoosick Falls,
In 1874 he was appointed aide-de-camp, with rank of colonel, on Gov-
lor Tilden's staff. Mr. Strong is an honorable, capable, and earnest man,
gentleman of commanding presence, of superior education, and would
»rn any position where culture and refinement are demanded.
He accepted an invitation to deliver a poem at the thirtieth annual con-
ation of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity at Williamstown, Mass.,
t. 5, 1876, entitled " Looking Backward Through the Gates." Ho also
aplied with the request of Abraham Lincoln Post No. 13, G. A. R.,
w York City, to write a poem for the great celebration which occurred on
coration Day, May 30, 187.8. It was entitled, " Lilies and Roses." Both
>rts were a success, and both were received with unbounded applause.
Mr. Strong has been an occasional or constant contributor, both in prose
i verse, to various newspapers and magazines; as his delightful letters
m Europe, published in the Troy Press ; his " Sleepy Hollow Sketches,"
the Troy Northern liudyet ; and poems in the Troy Daily Tinas.
aphic, Independent, etc., bear witness.
His first writings made their appearance in book form in 1S76 under the
e of "Castle Windows," published by H. B. Niins & Co., Troy, N. Y.
re, as well as in New York and elsewhere, it received the attention of
.ie admirable critics, who pronounced it to be the best work of its kind
it had been given to American literature for several years. The Troy
rtfiem Budget says, " On reading the poems we were utterly surprised
their strength, no less than delicacy and unvarying excellence ; we had
conception that Mr. Strong could write a poem like 'The Herdsman of
W,' or the 'Mystery of Heidelberg Castle.' The latter contains fifty-
B stanzas of Spenserian verse, almost as musical and dainty as the best
the ' Faerie Queen,' and in vividness of description comparing not un-
orably with portions of ' Childe Harold.' The ' Herdsman of Baiav is a
trical tale as striking, vigorous, and as artistic as ' The Prisoner of
; illon.' "
But earnestness and plaintiveness are Mr. Strong's usual directions of
'sc, and in theso he has few superiors among even the great familiar
mes bannered high above Parnassus. Witness these three lines written
V hen Baby Died,"—
"Why Batiy was the playmate of the birds—
They missed him ere the second day was gone,
And twittered 'round the porch with pleading words."
A still better poem in point — at least of art and finish — is the one called
" After the Rain." Longfellow might be proud to (dace it among his fairest
jewels. In the " Singer's Place" is another gem, shining, as it were, from
away back in Persia, and suggesting the thought and method of Hafiz.
The Boston Literary World says, " ' Castle Windows' contains some of the
finest verses of the day, — strong, graphic, refined, polished."
The Troy Daily Whig says, " We recognize in Mr. Strong a true poet.
The creations of his imagination are beautiful. The poems in this volume
are each and all beautiful." The New York Evening Post says, "Nearly
every poem in Mr. Strong's volume is worth both reading and studying.
In all that pertains to the mechanism of verse he is thoroughly skilled.
His lines are musical, his metres well chosen."
The able litterateur who presides over the columns of book reviews in
the New York Tribune says of Mr. Strong and his work, "'Castle Win-
dows' is by a new author, but one who comes into the lists armed cap-a-pie,
with a scarf of many colors floating from his shoulder, and a sword of
good clang in his hand. He rides up and down right gallantly : and if the
old war-worn knights cannot quite guess at the toughness and strength of
the muscles under that blazoned coat of mail, tbey cannot at least deny
him his tilt with the rest. To drop the figure, Latham Cornell Strong
makes an excellent first appearance, — very much such a one in lyric as
the author of ' Deirdre' in epic poetry."
The Troy Daily Times says, " In looking from ' Castle Windows' some-
thing new — a fresh, original style not <t la Tennyson, nor Swinburne, nor
Jean Ingelow — is seen. In these days, when all the beautiful flowers of
poesy are supposed to have been culled, something new under the sun is as
gratifying as the first breath of the violets in the early spring-time. It is
mil alone the sweet cadence, unfaltering metre, and beauty of expression
which please the reader : underlying all is a stratum of deep thought. The
very essence of musical rhythm is condensed in the ' Rhyme of Thula.'
It is like the rippling of a mountain brook."
A critic says, " ' Castle Windows' is a success. It has in it the poetic
ring, and is rife with true poetic thought."
From Harper's Monthly Magazine: "'Castle Windows.' by Latham
Cornell Strong, is by a poet new to us. His verse is well-nigh perfect in
its finish, and in more than one stanza each line constitutes almost a sep-
arate picture. The experiences portrayed are somewhat mystical. We can
think of nothing with which to compare his work so apt as one of those
veiled statues which at once suggest and obscure an exquisitely lovely
face."
The second effort is "Poke O'Moonshine." a poem founded on the ro-
mantic legend of the La Moille Valley, on the shores of Lake Champlain.
published in 1S78. This book was received by the public with similar
favor to the first. It was ably reviewed in a late number of the Evolution
by Edgar Fawcett, the well-known poet, critic, and author. He says.
"It is not hard to perceive that .Mr. Latham Cornell Strong, in his recent
poem ' Poke O'Moonshine,' has proved himself possessed of the true
poetic faculty. Mr. Strong's taste is never at. fault. He has an unerring
perception of fitness. He never offends us with a dissonance either in
phrase or rhythm."
Mr. Strong's third, and perhaps best, boob has been recently published,
— "Midsummer Dreams," by G. P. Putnam's Sons. All the critics who
have thus far noticed it award it unequivocal praise.
THE l'RKSS- BOOKS AND AUTHORS.
157
fniin from tears a( the relati f snch things?") Sixth editii n,
with additions, omissions, and alterations. Troy, N.Y.: Printed
for author, lv:i. ( [2mo, pp. 284, boards.)
Evidence from Scripture and History of the Second Coming of
Christ, about the year 1843, exhibited in a course of lectures by
William Miller. Troy: Printed for the publishers by Kimble
.1 Hooper, 1836. (8vo, pp. 226, boards.)
North American Botany. Comprising the Native and Common Culti-
vated Plants North of Mexico. Gmcia arranged according to
the Artificial and Natural Methods. By Amos Eaton, A.M.,
Senior Professor K< nssclaer Institute. etc. In the present edition
the author is assoi iated with John Wright, M.D., Professor Vege-
table and Animal Physiology in Rensselaer institute, etc.
Eighth edition. Troy, N. Y.: Published by Elias Gates, 1810.
(Svo, pp. 625, full sheep.)
The Rudiments of Latin Grammar. By Alexander Adam, LL.D.,
Rector of the High School of Edinburgh. Revised unil abridged
by Ebenezcr Fitch, 1».1>., President of Williams College. Rec-
ommended by the trustees of said college to be used by those
who are intended for that seminary. Fourth edition. Troy :
Printed by Parker & Bliss. Sold at the Troy bookstore, sign of
" The Bible," and by the principal booksellers, 1S40. (12rao, pp.
352, boards.)
A Brief Explanation of the Book of Revelation in Chronological
Order. By Rev. A. 1.. Crandell. West Troy, X. V.: Pub-
lished by James M. Stevenson, MDCCCXLI. (16mo, pp. 106,
paper.)
Sacred Lyrics: or, Psalms and Hymns adapted to Public Worship.
Selected by Nathan S. S. Beman. Troy, N. Y. : Published by A.
Kidder, 1841. (16mo, pp. 048, sheep.)
Meditations and Contemplations. In two volumes. Containing Vol.
i. : Meditations among the Tombs; Reflections on a Flower
Harden; and A Descant upon Creation. Vol. ii. : Contempla-
tions on the Night; Contemplations on the Starry Heavens; and
A Winter Piece. By James Hervey, A.M., late Rector of Weston
Farrell, Northamptonshire; to which is now added, for the first
time, a particular Account of his Life and Writings. Vol. i.,
Troy, N. Y. : published by Solomon Wilbur, and Francis Adin-
court, printer, 1843. (12mo. vol. i., pp. 212; vol. ii., pp. 177,
sheep.)
Wild Flowers of Poesy, being a collection of Poems. By Joseph II.
Butler; with an Introduction by A. Potter, D.D. Troy, N. Y. :
From the press of N. Tuttle, 225 River Street, 1843. (!2mo, pp.
108, cloth.)
Infant Baptism Weighed in the Balances and Found Wanting. Being
an Examination and Refutation of the Rev. Dr. Brownlee on the
Mode and Subjects of Baptism. By C. II. Hoskin, Pastor id' the
Baptist Church, West Troy. Troy, N. Y. : Bardwell & Knee-
land's press, 1843. (ll'uno, pp. 196, cloth.)
Discourses on the Apostolic Succession. By W. D. Snodgrass, D.D.,
Pastor of the Second Street Presbyterian Church, Troy. Troy,
N. Y. : Stedman ,t Redfield, 225 River Street. N. Tuttle, printer,
1844. (12ino, pp. 283, boards.)
Sabbath Evening Lectures; or, The Refuge of Lies and the Covert
from the Storm. Being a series of Thirteen Lectures on the
Doctrine of Future Punishment. " He preached the joys of
heaven and pains of hell, and warned the sinner with becoming
zeal. But on eternal mercy loved to dwell." — Dryden'e " Char-
acter of a Good Parson." By the Rev. Benjamin I. Lane. Troy.
N. Y. : Young ,1 Halt, 216 River Street. From the press of V
Tuttle, 225 Kiver .Street. 1844. (12mo, pp. 331, boards.)
A Treatise on International Law, and a Short Explanation of the
Jurisdiction and Duty of the Government of the Republic of the
United States. By Daniel Gardner, Esq., Counselor-at-Law.
Troy, N. Y. : From the press of N. Tuttle, 225 River Street, 1S44.
(12mo, pp. 315, boards. I
The Wonders of Art. Containing an Account of Celebrated Ancient
Ruins, Fortifications, Public Edifices, Monuments, and some of
the most Curious and Useful Inventions in Modern Times. De-
signed for the Instruction of Young Persons. By the Rev. J. L.
Blake, D.D. Troy, X. Y. : Published by Young & Hart, 1845.
(16mo, pp. 252, clolh.)
The Trojan Sketch-Book. Edited by Miss Abba A. Goddard. Troy,
N. Y. : Young & Hart. From the press of J. C. Knecland & Co.,
1816. (16mo, pp. 180, cloth. I
Inthems. [Seal ol the Mary Warren Free Institute, 1846.) Young
a Ben ii. Ti oy, N. Y. (1 6mo, pp ■>; . b
Hamilton's Campaign with Moon ind Wellington during tb< Pi
sula War. Original and Compiled. Published tor the Author.
Troy, N.Y.: Press of Prescotl a Wiluon, 225 B . 1847.
i i:' , pp. ii'.::. cloth.)
Vnib'Ni foi the Christian Year, for the f tho Church of the Holy
Cross. Troy : \ oung A Hunt. 216 Rivet Stn et, I • 19. l6mo,
pp. 39, boardt
Christmas in the Olden Time: It- Carols and Customs. Together
with the Celebrated B " Head Song and other 1 hi istmas Carols.
Troy, N. Y.: A. W. Scribncr, Hook and .lot. Printer, Cannon
Place, 18C6. (8VO, pp. 58, board-. Nathan Ii. Wain d
Amusement a lone in Christian Training. Four Discourses by
the Rev. Marvin It. Vincent, Pastor of th' IV | Pn byterian
Church; Troy. Troy, N. Y.: VVm. H.Young, 8 and 9 First Street,
1867. (12mo, pp. Ml), cloth.)
A Brief Directory of the Plain Song used in tin- Morning and Even-
ing Prayer, Litany, and Holy Communion (with Accompanying
Harmonies). By the Rev. Thomas Helmore, M.A. Troy, N. Y. :
Win. II. Young A Blak.-, Sand 9 First Street; New fork, 1' it
& Ainery. Cooper Union, 1871. (I2nio, pp. '.Hi, paper. Nathan
B. Warren.)
The Bride of the Broken Vow: A Poem in Four Parts. By Tracy
Gould. Troy. X. Y. : William II. Young k Blake, 1S74. (ICino,
pp. 01), paper.)
The Lady of Lawford, and other Christmas Stories. By the Author of
"The Holidays" (with Illustrations by F. O. C. Darley). Troy,
N. Y'.: H. B. Nims & Co., 1S74. (12ino, pp. .".10. morocco.)
Helps over Hard Places, for Boys. Second Series. By Lynde Palmer.
With Illustrations. Troy. X. Y. : II. B. Nims A Co., 1874. (16mo,
pp. 27H. cloth.)
Divine Pictures of the Christian Centuries. By Rei . Ezra I>. Simons.
Troy, X. Y. : Win. 11. Young, 214 River Street, 1875. I 12mo, pp.
32S, cloth.)
Castle Windows. By Latham Cornell Strong. Troy, N. Y. : H. B.
Nims & Co., 1876. (12mo, pp. 220, cloth.)
History of the City of Troy, from the Expulsion of the Mohegan
Indians to the present Centenuial Year of the Independence of
the United States of America, 1S76. By A. J. Weise, A.M. With
Map. and Statistical Tables by A. G. Burdin, C.E. Troy, X. Y. :
William II. Young. 8 and 0 First Street, 1870. (Svo, pp. 141,
cloth.)
A Vision of the Arch of Truth: an Allegory. And additional Poems
by Joseph Foster Knickerbocker. Troy, X. Y". : Wiu. H. Y'oung,
S and 9 First and 219 River Streets, 1S70. (Svo. pp. 144, cloth.)
Historical Sketches of Northern Xew York and the Adirondack Wil-
derness, including Traditions of the Indians, Early Explorers,
Pioneer Settlers, Hermits, Hunters, etc. By Nathaniel Bartlett
Sylvester, of the Troy Bar. Troy, N. Y. : William II. Y'oung,
ls77. (Svo, pp. 316, cloth.)
History of Lansingburgh, N. Y'., from the Year 1670 to 1877. By A.
J. Weise, A.M. Troy, N. \\ : William H. Young, 8 and 9 First
Street, 1S77. (Svo. pp. 44, eloth.l
All About Edith. By Mrs. James Mason, Troy. X. Y. : II. B. Nims .t
Co., 1878. (12mo, pp. 232, cloth.)
The following is a list of authors living in Troy whose
books wore published elsewhere :
A Geological aud Agricultural Survey of the District adjoining the
Erie Canal in the State of New Y'ork. Svo, 163 pp. With a
Geological Profile extending from the Atlantic to Lake Erie,
Albany, 1S24. Under the direction of Hon. Stephen Van Rens-
selaer.
Manual of Botany for North America. 536 pp., 12mo. Published in
Albany by Oliver Steele; printed in Troy by F. Adanconrt, 1S33.
Sixth edition. Fifth edition, 1829.
Benj. H. Hall, College Words and Customs. Boston, 1S51 and 1856.
John Bartlett. 500 pp.
Benj. II. Hall, History of Vermont. New Y'ork, 1S58.
Irving Browne, Humorous Phases of the Law. Published in San
Francisco; printed in Albany.
Rev. ti. C. Baldwin, Representative Men of the Bible; Representa-
tive Women of the Bible ; The Model Prayer.
L. C. Strung. Castle Windows, etc.
158
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Ilmrv B. Nason.
M. F. Commiogs, Architecture.
Loth, Stair-Building.
John Inland Tucker, Church Hymnal. Small quarto, GS2 pp., with
tune:?. F. J. Huntington, New York, 1872.
Rev. Geo. C. Baldwin, Model Prayer. 12mo, cloth, 400 pp. Repre-
tive Men of the Now Testament, 12mo, cloth, 33S pp.
Reprcsentative Women, from Eve, the Wife of the First, to Mary,
Mother of the Second Adam. 335 pp., 12 mo, cloth, Philadelphia.
N. B. Sylvester, History of Saratoga County, History of Rensselaer
County, etc
Mrs. Lincoln Phelps, the well-known authoress, was for
many years a resident of Rensselaer County, and was for a
considerable time connected with the Tiny Female Semi-
nary. While a resident of Troy she prepared and pub-
lished " Lincoln's Botany," in 1820, and a " l>iciiouary of
Chemistry." in lSilil. and afterwards published many other
books while living in Vermont and elsewhere.
The following is a list of Mrs. Willard's books and ad-
dresses in the order of their publication :
1819. — Plan for Improving Female Education.
1^:'.— Woodbridge's and Willard's Cniversal Geography, Wil-
lard's Ancient Geography, Woodbridge's and Willard's Smaller or
School Geography; Willard's Ancient Adas. Mrs. Willard after-
wards wrote a Geography for Beginners. The principle on which
these geographies are constructed is one pervading Mrs. Willard's
books and teaching. — namely, an appeal to the eye in aid of the
memory, and various devices associating facts or truths to he learnt
with something already familiar. This is 'lone through the ageney
of chart-, maps, symbol?, and classifications, according to a logical
arrnngenient and division.
1 328.— History of the United States or Republic of America, a large
octavo of nW pagt
1829. — An Abridgment of the Republic of America.
1830. — A Volume of Poems.
1 332. — Three Addresses iu One Pamphlet in Behalf of Female Ed-
ncation in Gi
-An Address read at Norwich, Conn., on the same subject.
L833. —Journal an 1 Letters from Europe.
1 9 -'■'. — Universal History in Perspective. Divided into Three Parts,
Ancient, Middle, and Modern, Illustrated by a Scries of Maps and
i- ings, a i hronological Table and Map of Time. A volume of
183S.— Address to the Willard Association for the Mutual Tm-
ment of Female Teachers, formed at the Troy Female Seminary.
July, i^;::.
1841. — Mr-. Willard rearranged and published her editions of her
tw itaro histories w ndnpraiinns to school use-.
1843.'— A new abridgment of the American History. Mrs. Willard
employed the leisure of this year in carefully rewriting this abridg-
ment with -pecial reference I ition, in which .-he succeeded
remarkably.
1843-44-45. — The Temple of Time, or Chronngraphcr of Ancient
chart, on which events are represented in perspec-
tive, .-he a]-., published a ohronographcr <>f English and one of An-
cj.-nt History on the game prin iple. For the originality and correct*
t h<-r method of delineating time by perspective chart, Mrs,
Willard received a medal from the World's Fair, in London, 1851.
. a Small OCtaVO, to accompany the per-
irt.
IMo.— A Trcnti-o on the Motive Powers which Produce the Cir-
cular of over two bund i
1849*— v pamphlet <<( a hnndn I n Respiration and its
■Marly a« r- ■ • , Cholera.
1849.— L American History, embracing a history of
tb^ Mexican War and California.
l-'-i.-- Astronomy (the fir.st title, now relinquished, was Lstrono-
grapi-. rhis work embodies improve-
in the Inftrnctlon of astronomy, which form one <>f her most
valuable contribution* to the cause of education, nnd in which, to
the language of prof. Uamilton Collage, "sh<
aebiered a remarkable iuoc*» in making the elements of a- difficult
review easy of comprehension.'' The theory of tides presented in
this volume is original.
1857. — florals for the Young: or, Good Principles Instilling AVis-
doui.
This book, of about three hundred pages, the last work of Mrs.
Willard, is the first of her mature Christian life given forth fur the
best good of the young. The profits of the work she appropriated to
a charitable purpose.
Mrs. Willard made various contributions to books and periodicals
both iu poetry and prose. For Mr. Everest's " Connecticut Poets."'
she contributed " Bride-Stealing." a tale of New England's middle
age, an amusing sketch, read on the evening of a centennial celebra-
tion at Farmington, Conn. In 1S20 she contributed to the Albany
Statesman a poem embodying the idea of a confederacy of nations,
whose seat should be Jerusalem, as foreshadowed by the wonderful
inventions and political movements of the age, by the model confed-
eracy of the American Union, nnd by that contived for Europe by
Henry IV., of France, and also as predicted by the prophet Isaiah. In
1S2I an article was published in The Literary Magazine, New York,
in answer to the question " Whether a scientific education would not
lead woman to lose her sense of dependence upon man ?" In 1S32,
Mrs. Willard wrote for Tin Amrrivan Junrnn! >•/ Srieuce and ,-lrt»a
treatise on " Uuiversal Terms." This is the only article published by
her in the department of pure metaphysics. In IS4S, a pamphlet on
"The Political Position of Women," first published in the America*
Literary Magazine, Albany.
Mrs. Willard also wrote elaborate articles for medical journals, in
defense of her theory of the circulation of the blood. Two addn -
to the Western Literary Institute, Cincinnati ; one to the pupils of
the Washington, Pennsylvania. Female Seminary, 1S44; one read to
the Convention of Town aud County Superintendents of Common
Schools, at Syracuse, 1S45 ; one to the Educational Society of Wash-
ington, D. C, 1S50; one to the Annual Convention of State Teachers'
Association, held at Rochester, N". Y., 1S53 ; one on the " Time and
Teaching of Little Children," for the Rensselaer County Institute,
published in tfeio York Teacher, 1S54 ; and in 1S57 the series of able
articles in The Trot/ Whig, on the public examinations in female
schools.
In IS 3 4 the convention of associated teachers of New York common
schools appointed Mrs. Willard one of the editors of their journal. In
1855 she wrote for it, under the head of the "Schoolmistress," among
other things, a geographical sketch of her late tour in Great Britain
and on the Continent.
WILLIAM II. YOUNG.
The subject of this sketch was born in the city of Troy,
N. Y., on the 3d day of November, 1817. His father,
James Young, was born in Norwich, Conn.. Jan. 7, 1782,
and came to Troy in October, 1796, when he was fourteen
years of a<*e, ami was apprenticed to his cousin, Col. Na-
thaniel Adams, who was the leading gold- and silversmith
of the village at that time.
In 1804 he revisited his native place, and for one year
he worked at his trade with Abel Brewster, returning bo
Troy in April. ISO"), and serving as journeyman with Col
Adams until the year 1S09.
In tint year, he, together with a fellow-apprentice, pur-
chased the establishment and continued the business under
the firm-name of Young & Bell, which was successful for
a time, when Mr. Bell, who proved to be an unprofitable
partner, left after ;> brief career. From that time until the
year 1837, Mr. Young carried on the business in his own
n .inn', interrupted only by the great fire of 1820, when his
stock and tools were entirely destroyed, but was soon again
established in business at No. 165 River Street, in a wooden
building erected by Mr. Samuel Gule for two tenants, for
Z J lianiah Filer, in the tailoring business, on the south,
the north pari being occupied by Mr. Young, silversmith.
In L837, Mr. Young was obliged to relinquish his business
'•**
COUNTY SOCIETIES.
150
from impaired eyesight, and died at Troy, in the eighty-
fourth year of his age, Oct. 2ti, 1865. His mother, Mary
Gardiner, was the daughter of Job li. Gardiner, was bom
April 7, 17H7, at Rensselaerville, Albany Co., and was mar-
ried to Mr. Young on the 1st day of February, 1817, by
the Rev. Elijah Chichester, of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. At the time of the death of Mrs. Young, which
occurred on the 19th day of April, 1874, she was the
oldest member of the State Street Methodist Church of
this city, her name appearing upon the records as such on
the 10th of July, 1810, when in her nineteenth year.
At the age of fourteen, Wm. II. Young, having received
only such education as the high-school of that day afforded,
entered the employment of Robert Wasson, a retail dry-
goods house at No. 253 River Street (now the north part
of Bondett, Smith & Co.'s store), where he remained until
the spring of 1833, when he was offered a position as
under-clerk in the wholesale dry-goods house of G. & C.
Dauchey, No. 255 River Street, which he accepted, and
on the 28th of April, of that year, he entered upon the
duties of his clerkship. In the winter of 1834 his em-
ployers permitted him to attend school, and he entered the
"Troy Practical School," Charles H. Anthony principal,
located at the time on the southeast corner of State and
Fourth Streets, known as the Yellow School-House, where
he remained two quarters, and at the same time was re-
quired to attend the opening and closing of the store, and
such errands as were required of him between school-hours.
In the spring of 1842, after nine years' clerkship with G.
& C. Dauchy, an opportunity offered of entering the book
and stationery business, whose proprietor (Zephaniah Clark)
wished to relinquish, on account of ill health, and he, to-
gether with an old schoolmate, — Charles P. Hartt, — pur-
chased the stock and fixtures of L. Clark, at the store No.
216 River Street, and entered upon mercantile life as one
of the principals of the firm of Young & Hartt.
In the spring of 1851 his partner, Charles P. Hartt, re-
ceived the appointment of cashier of the Commercial Bank
of Burlington, Vt., which office he accepted, and entered
upon his duties in the month of April of that year, Mr.
Young purchasing his interest in the bookstore, and con-
tinuing it in his own name until the spring of 1860, when
he admitted into partnership Benj. D. Benson, who had
been in his employ for nearly nine years, under the firm-
name of Young & Benson. In the spring of 1866 the
firm dissolved, B. D. Benson retiring.
From 1806, Mr. Young continued the business alone,
until the month of March, 1869, when he associated with
him Frederick Blake, who had been in his employ as con-
fidential clerk for a time, under the firm-name of Win. H.
Young & Rlake. In the month of March, 1875, Mr.
Blake withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Young again as-
sumed the management of the business, and at the present
writing (November, 1879) is actively engaged in its details.
Mr. Young has been honored with a number of important
positions, one of which was that of president of the Troy
Young Men's Association, to which he was elected at the
election of officers in the month of December, 1853, after
having served a term each, as third, second, and first vice-
president, successively.
In 1848 he was elected a member of the old board of
school commissioners, and on the formation of the new
board by a special law, enacted by the State in 1849, was
elected by the common council commissioner to represent
the Second Waul i with John T. McCouu as associate com-
missioner), which position be filled for eleven years, re] n
senting the Second ten years, and one year the Eighth Ward
in that body.
In February, 1850, he was elected t n i-urer of the Rens-
selaer Polytechnic Institute, which position be has held liir
nearly thirty years, and still retains; he lias seen the Insti-
tution in its various phases of want and prosperity, until it
has reached its present eminent position, Second to none in
this country.
In January, 1868, he was elected a director of the Mu-
tual National Bank of this city, and is at this time one of
its officers. Ho is also a director in the Troy and Albia
Horse Railroad Company, which position he has maintained
since the year 1871.
In the year 1S64, Mr. Young erected the brownstone-
front building in which is the store now occupied by him
at Nos. 8 and 9 First Street, the time occupied in its erec-
tion being precisely six months from the demolition of the
old buildings to the day it was opened for business.
In the spring of 1871 the building No. 214 River Street
was erected by him, and the two buildings — now virtually
one on the main floor, fronting on both First and River
Streets — are devoted to the business for which they were
designed; and in the latter building, occupied as it is by
an extensive printing-office and bindery, he is enabled to
publish and issue books from and under one roof. The most
important of those which have been issued by him are the
" History of Troy," an octavo volume of four hundred
pages, compiled by A. J. Weise, and "Northern New York
and the Adirondack Wilderness," an octavo volume of three
hundred and sixteen pages, by Nathaniel Bartlett Sylvester,
compiler of this, the " History of Rensselaer County."
In the erection of the two buildings referred to, Mr. Young
caused two leaden boxes to be placed in the corner-stones
in the walls designated for the purpose, in which were placed
articles and papers of the day, of which he has preserved
itemized descriptions for future reference.
It will be seen that Wm. H. Young has occupied the
premises now in his possession for the past thirty-seven
years, although not a vestige of the buildings as originally
tenanted by him are standing, having been replaced by the
new and elegant structures now covering the old landmarks.
CHAPTER XX.
COUNTY SOCIETIES.
I.— RENSSELAER COUNTY AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETY.*
On Thursday, the 3d day of June. 1819, a number of
" respectable freemen" met at the court-house in the city of
Troy, for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society
for the county of Rensselaer. George Tibbits was chosen
Furnished by Mr. Lewie Gurley.
160
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
chairman, ami Herman Knickerbocker secretary. A con-
stitution was adopted, and the following officers elected :
George Tibbits. President ; Herman Knickerbocker, First
Vice-President : Simon Newcorab, Second Vice-President ;
Edninnd C. Genet, Third Vice-President; Philip lleartt,
Treasurer; George 1!. Davis, Corres] ling Secretary;
Henry 1 1"\ le, Recording Secretary.
At a subsequent meeting, held July 1 Ith, the following-
named persons were selected as managers of the society:
Thomas Clowes. Stephen V. I\. Schuyler, .John P. Cush-
nian. Stephen Ross. Thomas Turner. Hugh Peebles, Troy;
Jacob C. Lansing, Wooster Brookius, Smith (ieriiioml. Lan-
singburgh ; Bethel Mather, Schaghticoke ; Noses Warren,
John Carpenter, .Jr.. Hoosick ; Burton Bammond, Berlin;
Henry Piatt, Stephentown ; Fenner Calmer. Nassau; Asa
Gardner, Samuel J. McChesney, Martin Springer, Bruns-
wick; Michael S. Vandercook, Pittstown; Joseph Case,
Petersburgh ; Ziba Hewitt, Grafton ; William Carmichael,
Sand Lake ; Cornelius Sehermerhorn, Schudack ; John
Briere, Greenbush.
The first annual fair was held on the 12th and 13th days
of October, 1819, on the grounds in the city of Troy, south
of Hoosick Street ; each day being, as the chronicler says,
" ushered in by- the ringing of bells and the discharge of
cannon."
On the first day the members of the society formed a
procession at the court-bouse, and moved to the grounds
arranged for exhibition. At ten the constitution was pre-
-i lit. d for signature, and a large number of names obtained,
the fee of membership being one dollar annually. At
twelve the committees proceeded to their examination of
articles exhibited, followed by a crowd of owners, friends,
etc. At four P.M. the plowing-match took place, and
for novelty and effect proved itself most interesting. The
crowd, large as it was in the morning, had now increased
to three or four thousand, occupying the adjacent emi-
nences, and pressing on up to the ground designed for
this interesting strife. In aboul an hour the ground was
marked out, a silence ensued, and then the contestants
started. In thirty minutes the quick-moving team of Mr.
Filkin completed its quarter-acre of uncommonly tough
sward, amidst the Bhouts of the spectators. A minute more
brought in the cattle of Mr. Herrington, who secured the
premium, having turned up tin- sward deeper or better than
his swifter competitor. Tl 'her three candidates, though
las) in by some minut.s, secured general applause for un-
usually good plowing.
On the Becond day the society again assembled at the
accompanied by the clergy of the citj and neigh-
boring towns. Escorted by the fine company from the
United States Arsenal, preceded by the excellent band,
the procession moved down River and 1-" i r.-t Streets to
tin- Presbyterian i ting house, where was assembled a
large audience of females, from the city and < ntry. The
services at the church wei,- commenced by an appropriate
ode. suit": by the large choir, under the direction of Mr.
1 1 tings, in a style of unrivaled excellence. The throne of
then addressed by the Rev. Dr. ( Joe, in a peculiarly
impi ■ oner \ - cond ode was followed by a very-
able and interesting address by the president The pre-
miums which had been awarded by the committees were then
announced, and alter a closing prayer the members of the
society left the church and proceeded to Barney's Hotel, on
River Street, where they partook of an excellent farmers'
dinner.
Tims closed an exhibition which, as the chronicler avers,
was distinguished by its order and decorum, unmarred by
riots of intemperance or groups of gamblers, and furnishing
by its festivities a delightful, innocent, and rational amuse-
ment to all our citizens, without distinction of party.
The society, thus happily organized, continued to receive
the encouragement of the best citizens of the county, many
of whom were active and prominent in its official boards.
Its fairs were held from year to year, generally in Troy,
either in the meadows on the south, or on the bank of the
Hudson, between Troy and Lansingburgh ; sometimes also
in the south part of the latter village, the grounds being
leased for the purpose. In 1S57 the grounds at the inter-
section of Canal and Market Streets, to the east of Lansing-
burgh, were purchased of George Vail and others, and there
the exhibitions were held for several years. In lSu'O it was
determined to purchase grounds nearer the city and more
suited to the exhibition of horses, etc., and accordingly
land was secured on Vail Avenue, just out of the city limits,
and in the south part of the village of Lansingburgh.
Here the society erected extensive buildings, laid out a
driving-track, and made other extensive improvements, by
which quite a lar^e indebtedness accrued. The exhibitions
were made increasingly attractive, and were very largely at-
tended, but were not generally profitable in a pecuniary
sense.
In 1SG-1 the society, on application from the United
States Government, leased their buildings and grounds for
occupancy by the medical department as a Convalescent
Hospital. The rent paid was three hundred dollars per
month, and they were thus retained until the end of 1863
When the government relinquished the buildings and
grounds the society resumed possession, improved the
grounds, purchased some of the buildings, and again held
the annual fair upon their own premises October, 1866.
The society continued its exhibitions, making extensive
improvements in its buildings and grounds, by which large
expenditures were incurred. Though the fairs were very
largely attended, the indebtedness of the society continually
increased, until in October. 1 S 7 4 , its grounds and buildings
were sold under foreclosure of mortg
The society has been of incalculable benefit in promoting
the interest of agricultural and mechanic arts. During its
long and useful career it enlisted the support of the most
enlightened and public-spirited citizens of the county.
Among its presidents were George Tibbits, Herman Knick-
erbocker. George Vail, L. Chandler Ball, Gen. J. J. Yiele.
.Jason i' Osg 1, George Tibbits (2d), L. E. Hurley, II.
\Y. Knickerbocker, Button A. Thomas, James R. Fonda,
and otler-. of whom no available' record remains.
IT— Til K l; I NSSELAERCOl vn SUNDAY-SCHOOL
I \|i.\
The Sunday-School Union was established in 1*:!2, and
an auxiliary of the American Sunday School I nion.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS— RIVER N \\ rIG \TIOX.
161
The organization was composed of representative's of vari-
ous evangelical churches, and its objects, as stated in the
constitution, are declared to be " to concentrate the efforts
of friends of Sunday-schools; to disseminate useful infor-
mation on the subject; to circulate mural and religious
publications; and to establish Sunday-schools wherever ii
may be deemed practicable and expedient." In respect to
membership, it is ruled that "any person contributing to
the funds of this society shall be a member, and all Sunday-
schools in the county ' that express a desire to do so,' may
become members of the Union by annually reporting to the
corresponding secretary and sending a delegation to the an-
nual meeting." Funds were early contributed for the es-
tablishment of a depository, which is still in existence,
being located at the store of Messrs. H. B. Nims & Co.,
in Cannon Place. Troy. Missionary work has been prose-
cuted by the society, at times with considerable vigor and
success, and a plan is now being developed to secure its
continuance, perhaps in connection with Bible distribution,
for a term of several years. Teachers' meetings or " insti-
tutes" for the instruction of workers in the Sunday-schools,
have frequently been held in various parts of the county, and
many large and successful meetings of a general character,
designed to increase popular interest in the cause. Several
of the towns are already thoroughly organized with suffi-
cient local arrangements for the advancement of the work,
and each town has a secretary in correspondence with the
board of managers at Troy. The society is in regular
correspondence through its secretary with the State Sun-
day-School Association, and in sympathy with its works.
What is greatly needed by this, as by many similar or-
ganizations, is a liberal fund for the supply of a regular
income, with which to establish and equip schools, and
permanently sustain an efficient missionary work. The
shifting nature of the population in the large manufac-
turing city of Troy and several of the towns renders a
very large amount of missionary work imperatively neces-
sary. Perhaps no institution affords a better opportunity
for the investment of a portion of the large wealth of the
community than this organization. Sunday-school work,
as a pioneer of church erection, and as a conservator of
good morals and a sound Christian education, holds no sec-
ondary place. And the opportunities of this time-honored
association are such as to invite the heartiest eo-operation
of the religious public. Many of the leading Christian
men of the county have filled the various offices of the so-
ciety during the period of its operations. The chair is at
present filled by Mr. Lewis E. Gurley, the corresponding
secretaryship by Mr. James H. Kellogg, and the treasured
ship by Mr. J. S. Garnsey, all of the city of Troy.
III.— RENSSELAER COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY
was organized at a meeting of citizens from different towns
in the county at the court-house in Troy, on the 11th day
of July, 1815, at which the following officers were elected:
President, Rev. Jonas Coe ; First Vice-President, Rev.
Ralph Westervelt; Second Vice-President, Rev. Samuel
Blatchford ; Corresponding Secretary, David Buel, Jr. ;
Recording Secretary, Rev. Francis Wayland; Treasurer^
Derick Lane ; Board of Managers, Rev. Parker Adams,
21
Tobias Spicer, Rev. John STounglove, Jr., Rev. Ju
Hull, Dr. Ely Burritt, Hon. Josiah Mastei Jacob \ !
Hon. Hosea Moffitt, ami .fames L. Hogeboom.
('II A PTE I! X \ 1
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS-RIVER NAV-
IGATION, RAILROADS, Etc.
I.— EARLY NAVIGATION.
Previous to the Revolution the waters of the upper
Hudson were seldom cleft by sailing-vessels, tie- head of
navigation being at what is now Waterford. After the war
there was a considerable exodus towards this region, carry-
ing with the settlement of the emigrants the building of
dwellings and stores and the establishment of commercial
relations with other places by means of sailing craft.
The inception of Troy's shipping interests proper was in
1787, when Casper Fratts and Yalles Mandeville adver-
tised in the Northern Centinel (September 10th) that "the
schooner ' Flora,' of sixty tons' burthen (late from New
London), will in future ply between New York and Mr.
Vanderheydeu's ferry, from which place she will freight
for New York or elsewhere, on the same terms they freight
from Albany. Those gentlemen who have any commands
must apply to Abraham Van Arnam, near Benjamin Thur-
ber's* store," etc. This bid for freight "on the same
terms" as paid at Albany was a great inducement for
shippers living above that place. About that time the
Lansingburgh merchants became uneasy for fear the shal-
lowness of the river at that point would make Vanderhey-
den's ferry the " head of navigation." While this state of
the channel of the river was a serious drawback to the
rapid growth of Lansingburgh, it was favorable to the
interests of Troy.f
In those early days, too, when water was so low that
sailing-vessels could not get above Albany, wheat was
loaded on " lighters," or open barges, propelled by long
poles known as "setting-poles," and thus taken to Albany
and transferred to schooners.
In 1795 the Duke de la Rochefoueault-Liancourt trav-
eled the upper Hudson, and thus alludes to the shipping
interests of Lansingburgh and of Troy :
" These two towns, which have rapidly raised themselves to a con-
siderable degree of importance, and are but three or four miles dis-
tant from each other, carry on the same trade as Albany, with about
twenty-five or thirty vessels which belong to them, draw from the
back country the production of these fruitful provinces, transmit
them to New York, take in return European goods, and supply with
them those parts which were formerly supplied from Albany. The
great distance, however, and less depth of water, are circumstances
unfavorable to these new towns. The freight thence to Albany is two
pence per barrel ; their largest ships are only of sixty tons" burthen,
and generally cannot take on board more than half their cargo, the
remainder of which they receive from lighters, which attend them for
that purpose in the vicinity of Albany. Yet they continue their
* Benjamin Thurber was Troy's first storekeeper.
f The people of Lansingburgh did not give up the idea that they
were as favorably situated as were the settlers at Troy ; efforts were
made from time to time to improve the river channel, in order that
boats might ascend as high as that point during the entire season.
102
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
trade, increase daily, and will probably animate Albany to greater
boldness and activity. New City contains about sixty or seventy
stores or sbops, nnd Troy fifty or sixty. These new-settled mer-
chants all prosper, and their number is daily increasing. The mer-
chant? of Albany, it is reported, view this growing prosperity of Ihei'r
neighbors with an evil eye, and consider it as an encroachment upon
their native rights."
CAPT. HUDSON.
Among the early sloop captains who navigated tlie river
in the days when Troy was still a small village was Capt.
John Hudson. He came to Troy from Peekskill about
the year 1790. He was a very eccentric man, and a very
boisterous talker. It was a common remark that the people
of Troy could always tell when his sloop was coming, for
they could hear the captain's voice as sunn as his vessel
had passed Albany. Capt. Hudson carried a large quantity
of freight for merchants in the country. One of these
country merchants, it is related, one day came to Troy and
began searching for the captain, whom he did not know
personally. Meeting an acquaintance, a Quaker, he in-
quired of him of the whereabouts of Capt. Hudson. His
facetious friend told him, " Thee will know him readily
by the whispering way he has when he talks." Capt. John
Hudson resided in a wooden building next south of Benja-
min Covell's, on the west side of River Street, between
Ferry and Division Streets, in Troy.
TROY SLOOPS PLYING ON THE R.IVFR.
Iii the early part of the spring, previous to the breaking
up of the ice in the river, advertisements of the sailing of
sloops from Troy appeared in the papers. The following is
one found in the Northern Budget, Jan. 13, 1807 :
"RnoDE Island and Boston Packet. — The fist-sailing and well-
built sloop ' Manhattan.' Nathaniel Negus, master, with excellent
accommodations for p:i ■'■ ill he a regular trader from Troy to
Rhode Island and Boston, and will sail as soon as the spring opens.
For freight or passage, apply to either Joseph S. Brainard, Ralph M.
Pomcroy, in River Street, or to the captain on board."
A VOYAGE DOWN THE RIVER.
A visit to New York from Troy in the early days of
sloop transportation was an event of no little importance to
the person bo traveling. Tt was not a matter of expense,
bat of time, that commonly was considered by the person
going thither. 'Wind and weather often lengthened out
the jonrnej into weeks. A north wind for sailing south-
wardlv. and a south wind for sailing northwardly, were
favoring breezes, ensuring speedy passage in those directions.
With contrary winds and calm weather little progress was
made, and it was at such timi - thai passengers found it ex-
tremely irksome to while away pleasantly the lime of their
detention. Frequently, if th any women on board,
short excursions were made bj the party into the adjacent
country bordering that part of the river where the-.
lay at anchor. Fishing was also a favorite pastime to all
on hoard. When favored by the wind, a voyage could be
le in fourteen hours, and a trip up and down could be
accomplished in four days. But such events were rather
occasional than common. When there was a lead-wind
and the tide against the vessel, the -loop was compelled to
la_\ • r, she went with the tide Bis hours
and then anchored six hours. Sailing with "a whil
breeze" was a river phrase, signifying the use of long,
white-ash oars, or "sweeps," as they were called, in calms.
These sweeps were about twenty feet long, and when used
in connection with the tide about fourteen miles a day could
be traveled. Oftentimes the large anchor of the sloop was
let go, and a boat sent ahead to a bar, with a line and a
small anchor called a kedge. The kedge being dropped on
the bar, the large anchor was taken up, and the sloop, by
means of the line attached, was towed forward. The ope-
ration of moving a vessel in this way was called kedging.
It was a very tiresome and slow process, — slower, in fact, than
the movement of a canal boat. A sloop had accommoda-
tions for conveying from ten to fourteen passengers, having
as high as sixteen berths in the cabin. The voyage through
the highlands was often opposed by storms and contrary
winds, and frequently vessels had to lay-to for more than a
week before they could pass through these mountain passes.
Freshets and winds blowing down the river were frequent
hindrances to vessels coming up. An old sloop captain said
that he was at one time detained for two weeks at New
Baltimore, twelve miles below Albany, by high water and
stormy weather.
The following list of sloops owned by Troy merchants
was published in the Troy Fast, Feb. 27, 1S21 :
Id
Nil mes of Sloops. Owners.
Atlas Townscnd McCoun.
Shepherdess D. Merritt & Son.
Wasp "
Venus Jacob Merritt.
Canton E. Warren & Co.
Minerva Isaac Merritt & Son.
Thames J. & E. Pattison.
Industry K. P. Hart & Co.
Maria Ann " " "
China Kelloggs & Bishop.
Fox
Sally Ann Dauchy & Smith.
Ganges Richards, Truesdoll & Co.
Arctic
Statesman F. Bradley & Co.
Rensselaer Thomas Skclding.
President "
Free Trader Win. W. Whipple.
Admiral
Armina Stephen Eldredge.
Brutus Tames 0. Ladue.
Hornet 0. * A. Arnold.
Remittance Stephen Kellogg, Jr.
Ann Eliza Allien Richards a Co.
Patty Harriet N. Gilbert.
Frances Win. Thompson.
Toleration Armstrong & White.
Vermont Nathaniel Farnham.
Lark Richard T. Deuel.
Packet Waters W. Whipple.
Merchant G. Bell.
1 pnrd Isabel Gilbert.
n Weed .1 Haight
lor Silliman i Brant.
i .nun ion loi Ford.
Contractor Christopher Bliss.
Randolph Amos Salisbury.
Mentor Gilbert Reilly A Co.
n William William-.
Masters.
Richard II. Fitch.
Clark Gilbert.
it a
-T. Merritt.
Phincas Truesdell.
John Silliman.
Gideon Bailey.
David Taylor.
B. Busbnell.
"Win. Hcartr.
Stephen Potter.
Lyman Taylor.
u 1 1
William Peck.
William II. Wolf.
Win. Whipple.
Marvil Hawkins.
Paul Wetherbee.
S. Kellogg. Jr.
Nicholas Weal or.
>'. «: ill.crt.
Nehemiah Finch.
James Morrel.
\. Farnhnm.
Richard T. Deuel.
James Dcgroff.
Henry Smallcy.
Shcld'on Bucl.
Thos. Ford. Jr.
Christophei Bliss,
|i. <;. Boers.
\. I oderhill.
William Yt illiams.
sloops owned is i.ASsixcm mill.
Olive Branch Elijah Janes.
Royal Bark Levi Colcy.
Hope " "
Jiiliann Dai id Hole.
i ra lor Thomas Hazard.
Madison Abraham Biker.
Philander Gibson Willard.
William Gilmore.
Richard Hnnford.
Wni. Hanford.
1'. Hole.
T. Hazard.
A. Baker.
G. Willard.
In l-'_' I the "Troy and Erie Line" embraced the ful-
lowing si,,,,,,, : Thames, Senator, Eliza Wright, Gange^
Rensselaer, Randolph, Wasp, aud Industry. "The Troy
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS— ItIV Kit NAVIGATION.
103
Lino" comprised the sloops Clinton, Toleration, Emperor,
Canton, Centurion, Reaper, Amazon, Mattewan, and
Hornet.
THE FIRST STEAMBOAT TO TROY.
The first navigation of the river between Troy and Albany
by one of Fulton's steamboats began in 1812 by the " Fire-
Fly," built that year, of one hundred and eighteen tons' ca-
pacity. The following advertisement of her trip was inserted
in the Albany Gazette, Sept. 28, 1812 :
" The steamboat ' Fire-Fly' has commenced running as a passage-
boat between Albany and Troy, and will sail as follows, viz. : She will
leave Troy at seven o'clock in the morning and one o'clock in the
alternoon. She will leave Albany at ten o'clock in the morning and
four o'clock in the afternoon. Sundays, Wednesdays, and Friday
evenings she will perform two more passages, in order to accommo-
date those arriving in the large boats from New York, bound north-
wardly. Parties of pleasure can be accommodated in Albany from
eight to ten o'clock in the morning, and from two to four o'clock in
the afternoon. They can also be accommodated in Troy from eleven
in the morning to one in the afternoon, and in both places of evenings
by timely application.
" Job Fish, Master on Board.
"Sept. 25, 1S12."
In 1811 the " Trial" was advertised in the Albany papers
to ply between that city and Troy, but it would seem, from
the description, that she was not driven by steam :
" ' The Trial,' moving by machinery invented by Abraham Randal,
of the town of Colonic, will again begin her course on Tuesday, the
14th instant, and will confine her passages to the city of Albany and
Troy only, making two passages to Troy and two in return every
day during the summer season. She will start from the most con-
venient place along the dock, touch at the upper market, to take in
passengers in waiting, and land them on the dock in front of Pierce's
Inn at Troy. Will start again from Troy from the dock in front of
Thomas Davis' store, anil land the passengers at some convenient
place on the dock at Albany. The hours of starting will be from
Albany at seven o'clock in the morning, and at two in the afternoon.
From Troy at ten o'clock in the morning, and at half-past four in the
afternoon.
" N. B. — Fare to Troy, as also in return, two shillings the passage.
"Phillip Miller, Master.
"Albany, 9th May, 1811."
In 1813 the " Richmond" was built, of three hundred
and seventy tons' burthen, the largest steamboat that had
been constructed up to that time. The first appearance of
this boat is referred to by the Troy Post, in the description
of the celebration of the Fourth of July, in 1817, at Troy:
" In the afternoon the steamboat ' Richmond' arrived here
from Albany, being her first trip to this place, with a
numerous pleasure-party."
THE NORTH RIVER STEAMBOAT COMPANY.
The exclusive right granted by the State of New York
to Robert R. Livingston and Robert Fulton to navigate all
the waters within its jurisdiction, with boats moved by fire
or steam, so far as that right comprehended the navigation
of the Hudson between the cities of New York and Troy,
I was by an act of Legislature, passed March 10, 1820, vested
in " The North River Steamboat Company," and extended
, such privileges until the 11th of April, 1838. The capital
of this company consisted of one thousand shares of stock
of six hundred dollars each. The persons composing the
company at the time of its incorporation were Robert R.
Livingston, John Townsend, Henry Eckford, Joseph Rod-
man Drake, William James, and Cadwallader D. Colden.
OPENING OF THE CANALS.
The opening of the Krie and the Champlain Canals in
1825 added greatly to the business and commercial interests
of Rensselaer County. Those two great arteries of inland
navigation may be summarized as follows:
The Krie Canal, connecting the Hudson at Troy with
Lake Erie and Buffalo, was authorized in 1S17, was com-
menced in 1817, and completed in 1825, costing §7,143,-
789.8(5.
The Champlain Canal, extending from its junction with
the Erie Canal north of West Troy to Lake Champlain,
was authorized in 1817 ; work was ripiniiionred in 1818 and
completed in 1S23, at an original cost of eight hundred
and seventy-five thousand dollars, exclusive of the feeder
at Glen's Falls.
The part taken by Troy in celebrating the opening of
the Erie Canal, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1823, is thus de-
scribed in the Troy Sentinel:
" When the procession of boats from the junction of the western and
the northern canal had passed on to Albany, according to tbe order
of arrangements previously made, the 'Trojan Trader,' a western
freight-boat, came down to the bridge, near the Gibbonsville (West
Troy) basin, opposite this city, and took on board the firtt /■■ad of
merchandise sent from the Hudson west on the Erie Canal. The goods
had been purchased several days, and were only waiting for naviga-
tion to be opened. As the occasion was new and interesting to us
here, our merchants took some little pains to manifest their gratifica-
tion. As the side-cut into the river opposite to Troy was not yet done,
and as the junction canal, though completed and filled with water,
could not yet be opened so as to permit the 'Trojan Trader' to come
around by Waterford down the Hudson to be loaded at the wharf, it
became necessary to transport the goods on wheels across the river to
the place of embarkation on the main trunk of the canal. Accord-
ingly, in the morning, this necessity being intimated to the carmen of
Troy, with an alacrity highly honorable to their public spirit, they
volunteered their services with one accord to take the goods over.
After loading their teams they proceeded in two divisions to the two
ferries, and being, through the liberality of Mr. Vanderheyden, the
proprietor of the two ferries, taken across in his horse-boats toll free,
they had the goods all on the banks of the canal by twelve o'clock.
Several of our citizens lent their assistance to load the boat, and at
two o'clock the ' Trader,' having on board upwards of twenty-five tons
of merchandise, with her flag flying, and amid the cheers of assembled
Trojans, started for tbe West. The ' Trojan Trader' is commanded by
Captain Brace ; she is bound for Rochester, and on her flag are painted
the following words : ' From Troy; the first Western Boat loaded
at Hudson's River.' "
This bold undertaking of the people of Troy in sending
the first boat westward on the Erie Canal, and not partici-
pating in the general celebration on that day at Albany,
was sharply criticised by the press of that city. Another
editor, of more liberal mind, thus speaks of the enterprise
of the merchants of Troy in connection with this event :
"The enterprise of the Trojans is worthy' of all imitation. We
believe, without exception, they are the most enterprising people in
the United States. There is among them a noble spirit of rivalship.
untinctured by jealousy of each other. No man appears to envy, but
every man to emulate tbe genius, talent, and industry of his neighbor.
They are determined, if they do fall in the scales of commercial, man-
ufacturing, and mechanical competition, that they will fall honorably
in a firm and persevering struggle for pre-eminence. May they never
fall, but may they continue to rise; aDd may all her sister cities pur-
sue the same generous career, aud rise by the same honorable and
noble spirit of ambition."
THE TROY STEAMBOAT COMPANY
was organized late in 1S04, and incorporated March 31,
1825. It was managed by thirteen directors, and its capi-
HISTOBT OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW STORK.
tal stock was divided into eight thousand shares of twenty-
five dollars each. Tin- first steamboat of this line, the
"Chief-Justice Marshall," was launched in New York,
21, 1824, and arrived in Troy, on her first trip,
March 12, 1825. One of the peculiarities of this steamer
- a large fly-wheel, which equalized the movements of
her machinery.
Tin- firs) experiment with »•< -;i 1 for ilic generation of
•a was made by the steamboat "Novelty," built in
1830. The Rev. Dr. Eliphalet Nott, of Union College,
had the honor of originating the first method of burning
I .in this boat
A REMARKABLE COINCIDENCE
din.' of the mosl remarkable events in t lie history of
steamboat navigation between Troy and Albany is round in
tin- associative facts relating to the captaincies of the linos
of day-boats plying between the two places in the years
I-::' and 1879.
In April. 1829, tin' low pressure steamboat "Matilda"
began running between Troy and Albany, Capt. John
Bitch cock being in command of" the limit. Shortly after-
wards the " Caroline.'' commanded by Capt. Abraham
Hitchcock, was j .11 1 on thr route, the two boats making
nine trips a day, going ami returning, the fare being twelve
and a half cents.
In 1879 the line of day-boats between Troy and Albany
f the two steamboats, the i; William M. Whitney''
and the " J. G. Sanders," the former being commanded by
Cnpt. John I. Hitchcock, and the latter by Capt. Frank
Hitchcock. Tims, after an interval of a half-century, are
oats on this line commanded by two members of the
Hitchcock fami'v, the descendants of the two captains who
had command of the two boats in 1829. Capt. John I.
Hitchcock, of the "Whitney," is the nephew of Capt.
Abraham, wh< mmanded the " Caroline," and Joseph,
the mute of the " Whitney," is the son of Abraham.. The
latter was the son of Capt. John, who hud charge of the
Matilda." David II. Hitchcock, who is now captain of
the •■ Chauncey Vibbard," plying between Albany and New
fork, is the .-"ii of Capt. John Hitchcock, commanding
the " Matilda" in 1829. Frank Hitchcock, captain of the
"J. C. Sanders," is brother to Capt John of the " Whit-
i I AM I BERT,
The firel steam ferry-boat began plying at the upper
ferry betv I and West Troy, in July, 1826. Wil-
liam Squires commanded tin- bout, which was owned lv
John C. Vanderbeyden. Ti I uccecded the hone
ferry-boat which had plied between the tWO places since
M L819.
In l-il the Dumber of vessels engaged in the carrying
trade of I one hundred and nineteen, with a ton-
of twenty thousand three hundred and twelve tons,
embi -• r and ten towing steambo
twenty-four freight I □ masted ^ 1-.
— all owned in Troy.
• Mowing is ;i li-t of steamboats plying on the Hud-
between Troj and New York, and Trov and Albany,
since I her with •late when built, toni
Clermont, lso7. 160 tons; changed to the North River.
North River, [808, I6S tens; broken up.
' ai "i Neptune, 1 Sll'.i, 295 tons; broken up.
Hope, 1811, 280 t"ii<; broken up.
Persovorance, 1811, 280 tons; broken up.
jon, 1811, 331 tons; funk in 1825.
I ire Fly, Islj, lis ions; broken up.
Richmond, 1813, 370 tons : broki a up.
a, 1814, 327 lonfl ; broken up.
('live- Hr.oi.li. 1815, 29S tons; broken np.
Chancellor Livingston, 1M<'>, 195 tons; broken up.
Stoudingor, hi;.
Henry Bckford, 1819; broken up.
James Rent, 1823,364 tons; broken up.
Hudson, 1824, IT" tons; broken up.
i hief-Justiee Marshall, 1824, 300 tons; lost on Long Island Sound.
Constitution, 1825, 275 tons; broken up.
Sandusky, 1825, 289 tone : broken up.
C icrce, 1825: tugboat Ontario.
Constellation, 1825, 276 tons; broken up.
Saratoga, 1S25, 250 tons; sunk.
S\\ ili-ui .'. 1825; broken up.
Bristol, 1825.
Chief-Justice Marshall, 1825,300 Ions: arrived at Troy on her first
trip. March 12th.
New London, 1825; first trip August 19th.
Sun, 1826, 280 tons: burned in 1831.
New Philadelphia, 1826, 300 tons; broken up.
Champion, 1S2G; broken up.
Niagara, 1826.
Nimrod, 1S27: broken up.
Albany, 1S27, 298 tons; broken up.
Independence, 1827, 36S tons: tugboat.
North America, 1S27, 497 Ions: destroyed by iee in 1839.
Victory, 1827, 290 tons; Mink in 1815.
Star,* 1827: broken up.
Do Witt Clinton, 1S28, 571 tons; broken up.
Matilda, 1828; broken up.
Ohio, 1829, 112 tons; broken up.
Caroline. 1829; over Niagara Falls.
Novelty. 1830, 177 tons; broken up.
George Washington, 1830, 289 tons: towing.
John Jay,* 1831 : broken up.
Chaniplain, ls:;2. 171 ton-; broken up.
Erie, 1832, 172 tons; broken up.
Helon.f 1S33; destroyed in 1834.
John Mu.-on. 1-:;:'.: broken up.
Robert L. Stovi ns, tons; broken up.
Westchester, 1835; tugboat Hudson.
Belle, 1835, 433 tons : towing.
ester, 1836, 491 tons; broken up.
lino raid. 1 B36 : broken up.
Swallow, 1836, 126 tons; irreoked April 7, 1845; II lives lost.
Jonas C. Heartt, 1836 ; brokon up.
Dlica, 1837, 8*6 tons . broken up.
Karlic. ls:'.7 : brokon up.
United States, 1837; broken up.
i.l 338, 398 tons : broken up.
Illinois, 1833; broken np.
Balloon, 1839, 204 tons; on the Dolawan
North America, ls:;o, ig] tons; broken up.
South Araorii tons ; broken up.
. 1840, 720 tons ; broken np.
Columbia, 1811, 391 torn ; but
Rainbow, 1841, 230 tons; broken up.
Stephen Warren, im l : broken up.
Col. Jowctt, 1841.
Curtis Peek, 1842; destroyed on James River.
Kmpin i"ii«: broken np.
Knickerbocker, 1843, B58 tons; lost on Chesapeake Boy.
Trojan. 1843, 280 t"n?: broken up.
. 1- 13, 288 tons; won! South.
I TOJ and Albany.
t Henry Burden's "cigar" boat.
INTEKNAL IM PRO V KM ENTS— R] V ER N A V rI( I ATM )N.
L65
Alida, 18-14, 900 tons ; towbont.
Niagara, 1845, 730 tons; towbont.
Oregon, isir,, [050 tons; lost on tho Sound.
Kij» Van Winkle, 1845, 510 tons; broken up.
Hendriok Hudson, 1845, I1T" tons; broken up.
Thomas Powell, 1845, 7.35 tons; tender to Citizens' line.
Hudson, Is l.i, L'70 tons; towing.
Belle, 1845, 130 Ions.
Isaac Newton, 1846, I 100 tons; burned.
Mctaninra, 1846, 304 Inns; excursion boat.
('. Vnnilerbilt, 1SI0, 0S9 tons; towing.
Sarali. 1846; bi oken up.
Arm* nia. IS 17, 528 inns; All. any and New York.
Telegraph, 1847; Troy to Newburgh.
Ilonrj Clay. IMS; burned.
Honnooticut, [848, 723 tons; towing.
American Eagle,' 1848; broken up.
\r» World, 1850; broken up.
Reindeer, 1851, [000 tons; burned.
Solden Gate, 1852, 201 tons; tender.
America, 1852, 407 Inns; Inning.
Hern. 1854, 575 Inns; South America.
Francis Skiddy, 1854; wrecked on river.
Commodore, 1S54; lost on the Sound.
Rodman,* 1859; broken up.
Daniel Drew, 1S60, 930 tons; New York and Albany.
John S. Ide, 1861, 19 tons: tugboat.
Laura, 1861, S tons; rebuilt into ferryboat W. C. Winne.
Citj of Hudson, 1S02. 634 tons; Catskill to Albany.
George Marks, 1S62, 1S8 tons; ferryboat at Albany.
John A. Griswold, 1S62, 34 tons; towboat.
Mary Powell. Is(i2; New Y'ork and Rondout.
Ghauncey Vibbard, 1864, 1066 tons; Albany and New Y'ork.
St. John, 1S64, 2645 tons; Albany and New Y'ork.
Abraui Dyer, 1864,60 tons; ferryboat to West Troy; burnt up at
Albany in 1S76.
Dean Richmond, 1865, 2525 tons; Albany and New Y'ork; sunk Sept.
19, 1867.
Drew, 1S66, 2902 tons; Albany and New York.
Sunnyside, I860; sunk in 1S75.
Hattie M. Belts, 1S66, 21 tons; tugboat.
Carrie. 1S67, S4 tons; towboat.
L. M. Ncwlin, 1868, 17 tons; towboat.
George Vail, 1870, 24 tons; towboat.
S. R. Noyes, 1870, 19 tons; towboat.
Charles P. Grout, 1872, 30 tons; towboat.
Maggie S. Robinson, 1872, 16 tons; towboat.
Jennie Gardner, 1S72, 15 tons; towboat.
Twilight, 1S73. 636 tons; runs on river.
John T. Christie, 1873, 9 tons; towboat.
Thomas Rath, 1S75, 39 tons; ferryboat to West Troy.
City of Troy, 1876, 1650 tons; Troy and New Y'ork.
Cinderella, 1876, 131 tons; excursion boat.
W. H. Frear, 1876, 16 tons; ferryboat to West Troy.
W. C. Winne, 1876, 10 tons; ferryboat to West Troy.
W. M. Whitney,* 1877, 193 tons; Troy and Albany.
Saratoga, 1S77, 1550 tons; Troy and New York.
Henry Lobdcll, 1877, IS tons; ferryboat to West Troy.
J. G. Sanders,* 1878, 207 tons.
THE CITIZENS' STEAMBOAT COMPANY, OF TROY.
In 1872 the old Troy line was succeeded by the Citizens'
Steamboat Company, who that year put on the " Thomas
Powell," Capt. K. D. Beach, and the " Sunnyside," Capt.
H. O. Nichols. Capts. Beach and Nichols were re-
spectively followed by Capts. Frank Teson and T. D.
Abrams, in the command of these boats.f Dec. 1, 1875,
the "Sunnyside" was sunk by ice near Poughkeepsie,
* Ran between Troy nnd Albany.
t The "Commodore Vanderbilt" and the "Connecticut," which
had been on the route since 1859 and 1866, respectively, were sold
and converted into towing-boats.
and eleven persona drowned. The following year the
"Twilight," Capt. C. D. Bancock.and the"Citj oi Troy,"
Capt. I;. D. Deming, were added to the line. In 1877 the
strainers "Saratoga" and " W. M. Whitney" were added,
the latter plying between Troy and Albany, Since 1878,
up to the present time, have run as night boats the " City
of Troy" and " Saratoga," with the -.1 Or. Sanders" and
" W. M. Whitney" between Albany and Troj
.(an. 2, 1872, the stockholders elected tin; following
board of directors : Norman B, Squires, Charles Eddy C.
W. Farnham, Robert Robinson, Robert Green, II. II. Dar-
ling, C. K. MacArthur, 10. I>. Beach, James K. Fonda,
William Kemp, Thomas l>. Abrams, George W. Borton,
Joseph Cornell.
The new hoard afterwards met, and elected Capt. Charles
W. Farnham president of the company, Joseph Cornell
vice-president, and T. D. Abrams secretary and treasurer.
The capital stock was fixed at two hundred and fifty thou-
sand dollars, being divided into twenty-five hundred Bhares,
of one hundred dollars each. The " City of Troy" and the
" Saratoga" are two very handsome and large steamers, of
about equal size (three hundred feet long and seventy feet
wide), each having two hundred and fifty cabin-berths and
a carrying capacity of sixteen hundred tons.
The present officers of the Citizens' Steamboat Company
are: President, Capt. C. W. Farnham; Vice-President,
Joseph Cornell ; Secretary and Treasurer, Thomas D.
Abrams ; General Agent, Capt. George W. Horton ; Gen-
eral Passenger Agent, G. W. Gibson ; General Ticket
Agent, G. M. Lewis.
The offices of the company are at the wharf at the foot
of Broadway, Troy, and at the dock, Pier 49, foot of Le
Roy Street, New York.
The officers of the " City of Troy" are : Captain, G. D.
Wolcott; Purser, J. H. Talmadge ; First Pilot, B. II.
Whittaker; Second Pilot, D. Person; First Engineer, H.
G. Teson ; Second Engineer, J. Deyo ; Steward, W. Schoon-
maker ; Mate, Jacob Burhans ; Freight Clerk, J. E. Byder ;
Baggage-Master, Theron More.
The officers of the " Saratoga" are : Captain, T. D.
Abrams; Purser, D. G. Boss; First Pilot, Fred. Bell;
Second Pilot, Watson Dutcher ; First Engineer, Abraham
Parcell ; Second Engineer, David Parcell ; Steward, H. S.
Keator; Mate, Joel H. Benedict; Freight Clerk, Charles
E. Grossman ; Baggage-Master, James Fiero.
The company also owns the " Golden Gate," under the
command of Capt. Frank Teson, and the "Thomas Powell."
These boats are very popular ones during the summer
season as excursion boats for Sunday-school and other as-
sociations. The leading officers of the company and of
the two boats, by their urbanity and attention to the wants
of the passengers and the demands of the shippers, have
made the Citizens' line very popular with the people and
business men of the upper Hudson. The boats, with their
elegant appointments, attentive waiters, and experienced
officers, commend themselves to all who take passage on
them to and from Troy, and the line is an honor to the
enterprise of the stockholders. J
| The historian acknowledges his indebtedness to the Troy Daily
Times, for many valuable facts and figures contained in this chapter.
166
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
IT.— RAILBOA D LINES.
T1IK RENSSELAER AND SARATOGA RAILROAD,
the first steam rail line constructed in the county, was
completed Oct 6. lS:i.">. trains crossing the bridge at Troy
for the first time on that day. It was incorporated April
14, 1S32, and its charter provided for the building of a
single or double railroad from some point in Troy through
the village of Waterford to Ballston Spa. The commis-
sioners appointed by the charter were John Knickerbocker,
John House, Stephen Warren, William Pierce, James
Cook, William P. Haight, and Joel Lee. In 1S33, Richard
P. Hart was chosen president, and Elisha Tibbits, George
Griswold, John Cramer, John Knickerbocker, Richard P.
Hart. Townsend McCoun, Nathan Warren, Stephen War-
ren, George Vail, Le Grand Cannon, Moses Williams,
John P. Cushman, and John Paine, directors of the com-
pany.
THE TROY AND QREENBDSH RAILROAD
was incorporated May 11, 1845. The first trains began
running June 12th of the same year. According to the
charter, the road extended from Washington Street in Troy,
where it intersected the track of the Schenectady and Troy
Railroad, to Greenbush, where it connected with the track
of the Albany and West Stockbridge Railroad. On its
completion trains were drawn by locomotives up through
River Street to the intersection of King and River Streets,
Troy, where the depot was situated, where the Manufac-
turers' Bank is now located.
June 1, 1S51, this road was leased to the New York
and Troy Railroad Company, reserving only the local busi-
ness between Troy and Albany.
TI1E NEW YORK AND ALBANY' RAILROAD COMPANY".
A bill was passed by the Legislature of the State April
17, 1832, incorporating the above-named company, aiming
to construct a railroad " from the junction of Fourth Ave-
nue and the Harlem Piiver, New York, to a point opposite
or near the city of Albany, with power to continue the
same to Troy.'' For some unknown cause the building of
the road was delayed for several years. The extension from
Albany to Troy was not constructed until 1S40-41.
In February. HH, the following persons were chosen
directors of the northern extension of the road: Stephen
W. Dana, Le Grand Cannon, Jonas C. Hcartt, Thaddeus
B Bigelow, Horatio Avcrill, John L. Thompson, and Alsop
Weed, of Troy; Win. 1'. Van Rensselaer, Greenbush;
with four others, resident- of Boston. S. W. Dana was
elected President, J. C. Eeartt, Vice-Presidenl ; and T. B.
Bigelow, £ lary. This association was organized under
(-•■ from the New York and Albany Railroad Company,
bearing date of Feb. 7. 1-1 I.
TIIF BCHKNEGTADf AND TROY RAILROAD
i rrato 1 Maj 21, 1837. The stork was divided
into five hundred thousand Bhares, at one hundred dollars
The commissioners Darned were Samuel W. Jo
_-.■ McQueen, Henry C Ye.- Archibald 1.. Linn.
Harvey Davis, and Edward II Walton, ol - tndy;
Daniel Campbell, of Rotterdam; and I - i.i ■ McConihc,
Geo. R. Davis, Elias Pattison, John V. Fassett, David
Buel, Jr., Abraham Van Tuyl, and Anson Arnold, of
Troy.
The building of this road began in 1S40, and trains be-
gan running to Troy in the fall of 1S41. It was con-
structed by the city of Troy, the corporation issuing its
bonds to the amount of six hundred and forty-nine thou-
sand one hundred and forty-two dollars therefor.
THE TROY AND BOSTON RAILROAD COMPANY
obtained a charter April 4, 1848, previous to which
a corps of engineers, in the employ of a committee of
citizens, had made preliminary surveys of the route.
The first directors of the road were John E. Wool, Geo.
M. Tibbits, D. T. Vail, Daniel Robinson, C. H. Merritt,
J. C. Heartt, E. T. Gale, Elias Johnson, I. B. Hart, and
Stephen E. Warren, of Troy ; Amos Briggs, Schaghticoke;
D. S. McNamara, North Hoosick, and L. C. Ball, of Hoo-
sick Falls. At a subsequent meeting Amos Briggs was
chosen President ; D. T. Vail, Vice-President ; and D. 0.
Kellogg, Secretary and Treasurer. Work on the road was
begun June 6, 1850, at the " Bull's Head" farm, near
Troy. The project of tunneling the Hoosac Mountain for
a distance of five miles was, when first proposed, deemed
a visionary scheme. Nevertheless, its bold projectors went
to work, assured of its ultimate success and inestimable
value to the trade and traffic of the country.
June 28, 1S52, the formal opening of the Rutland and
Washington Railroad, and the Troy and Boston Railroad
took place, with a celebration and a banquet.
The Johnsonville and Union Village Railroad connects
Johnsonville in Pittstowu with Union Village, Washington
County.
The Boston, Hoosac Tunnel and Western Railroad is
in process of construction across the county from the Hoo-
sac Tunnel, and crosses the Hudson in Schaghticoke.
The Harlem Extension Railroad traverses the valley of
the Kinderhook Creek and the Little Hoosac, and is a con-
necting link in a route between New York and Canada.
The Albany Nortltern Railroad isdiscontinued in Rensse-
laer County.
THE TROY AND STOCKBRIDGE RAILROAD
was incorporated by an act of the State Legislature, passed
May HI. 1836. The capital stock was placed at six thou-
sand shares of fifty dollars each. The commissioners named
in the bill were Daniel Gardner, John E. Wool, Elam Til-
den, Chas. S. J. Goodrich, James Van Schoonhoven, J
('. Heartt, Ebenezer C. Barton, Henry W. Strong, Arthur
Milliken, John 1>. Willard, and Philander Wells.
THE LANSINGBURQH AND TROY RAILROAD
was chartered May ID, 1836. The capital stock was fixed
at two million dollars, embodied in forty thousand shares
of fifty dollars each.
Mil. 'TRuY CNION RAILROAD COMPANT"
was organized in 1 851 . with tin' following as its first direc-
tors: J. C. Heartt, J. L. Thompson, Edmund Schryver,
J. S. Weed, L. R. Sargent. .las. Forsyth, M. I. Townsend,
STATISTICAL TABLES.
167
Uri Gilbert. Russell Sage, L. G. B. Cannon, Eliaa Plum,
D. T. Vail, and Alex. G. Halsted. Subsequently the ('•>!-
lowing officers were chosen: I». T. Vail, President; Uri
Gilbert, Vice-President; and Jas. Forsyth, Secretary and
Treasurer. Tn 1854 the company erected a passenger
depot on Sixth Street. July 19th of that _\iar the
of the " Centra] Kailroad" arrived at and departed from
the Union depot. ■
IIoR.SE RAILROAD LINES.
The Troy and Cohoes Horse Railroad < 'ompany was or-
ganized Feb. 11, 1SG2, with John A. Griswold president.
The first car ran over its track Oct. 10, 1863.
The articles of association of the Troy and LansingLurgh
Horse Railroad were filed in the office of tl. - tary of
State in September, I860. The following were therein
named as directors: Thomas Symonds. John A. Griswold,
Arba Read, -J. S. Osgood, Jared 8, Weed E. 0. Bal
Wm. Barl ird Smith, and Miles Beach, of Troy ;
and Peter A. Burden, M. S. Van Buskirk, Geo. A. Lally,
and F. B. Leonard, of Lansingburgh. Right of way was
granted by the city of Troy, and ground was broken, in
the summer of 1861. The road was opened to the public
in 1862.
The Troy and AH, in //, , Railway Company, organ-
ized Jan. III. 1>i;i;. had as its tir.->t officers: Edw. 0
Eaton, President; J. S. Knowlson, Vice- President ; Geo.
B. Warren, Secretary ; and J. J. Tillinghast, Treasurer.
CHAPTER XXII.
STATISTICAL TABLES.
The following statistical tables are given as affording a large amount of valuable information in a condensed form :
I. — Aggregate Population of Rensselaer County by Towns at each Census from 1790 to 1S75.
170O.
1820. 1823. 1830.
1835. 1840.
Berlin
Brunswick
Greenbush
Gmtton
i UBh
11 sick 3,033 3,141
lADSingburgh
.Vi-- ill
Vortb 'it eon bush
3,012
2,302
2,233
1,980 1,989 2,019
- -
1,757
1,794
3,051
1855. 1800. 180:.
1,845
3,140
Petersburg)]
riiisi.wii
Poestrnkill
BUld Lake
Scha^hlicoke
Selioilack
Sl'-plifiitown
Tru)
Totals .
2,447
4,412
3,483
1.410
4 158
3,117
-
3,092
2.:W0
. !
2,747
'i',761
3,1(18
1,011
2,704
:
1,593
2,914
3,481
2,9.15
2,248
rn
3,746
1,681
3,216
3,584
2,663
3,345
3,325
2,268
3,227
1,950
3,919
2.019
3,701
-
4 1-2
:;.;.:o
3,104
--
1,833
2,335
3.688
6,795*
i 126
22,428
2,492
3,100
-.-■ :
3,895
3,29.1
2.-47
3,128
4.S41
3,:ilr2 3,426 3,650
. .. 2.S24 3,002
3,49:( 3,506 3,794
. . 2.703 2,710
112551
3,840
3,243
■
16,959
4.1 -25
19,334
4.291
3,091
3.740
- i-
- I
3,724
3,201
. .
3,200
-
2,167
2.223
2,149
_ ■■
22250
3,101
3,110
3,175
3,128
3,2)6
1,606
1JSUI
1,848
.
1,888
1,8 .7
1,873
4.779
■ I .
7,006
4.44'i
--■
o,7no
b 6 . .
■ - 1
6,9 4
3,000
3,039
.
1,812
2.17"
-
l,0:o
1.732
1,715
3.0O2
32
4,1 .93
3,956
1,878
1,952
1,769
1,727
_ ••
2,5i fl
-
2,633
2,929
3,125
3,;71
• '
3,993
4,<rl5
4.442
4.4.V1
2,311
2,026
2,133
2,i H7
33,209
39,29;
48,531
36,309 36,833 40,153 44,005 49,424 55,515 60,259 62,338 73,363 79,234 86,328 88,210 99,549 104,554
II. — Census of 1875 — Statistics of Population — Where Born.
Bobx is the United States.
Born in the State.
Bobn i>- Foeeigs Countries.
0
<
=
«
.=
K =
as
□
—
T
J2
■
■E
1
>>
--
'-
= "-£
r
H -
"x
X
■>
: /- rr X
Berlin 2,250 1,973
Brunswick 3,236 2,784
■ enbush... 2,1 I ; 1,617
Grafton 1,624 ],51n
Biwnl.UBh 7. 5,457
Hoosick 62325 4,951
Laii-nigl.urgh 6,924
Nassau 2,657 2.443
North Greenbush.. 3,936 - -
Petersburg 1,715 1,625
Pliutown 3,950 3,386
kill 1.727 1,485
Saml U.k.. 2,572 2.167
Bchagliticoke 3.271
Scli.nlack 414
Btephentowu 2,' 47 1.901
T">>' 48,5 ;l 33,014
Totals 104,554 79,254
1 B27
1,558
1 188
4,262
4,934
2,:21
1,481
3,252
1,460
2,1 I I
2,424
1,733
o — £
~ - -
H - S Z >
1,087
2,388
1.171
1,463
3,316
•j
4,135
I • J
J
1 .72
2,906
1.7'.
1.774
1,929
2,655
1,379
24,698
73
138
239
19
1,087
47"
473
345
692
58
232
4u
134
362
743
95
2,857
07
133
148
i
1 H
636 32
210 2
324 6
144 2
344 8
51 1
114
47
156
--
59
2,811 52
39
39
8
10
46
403
94
6
40
69
76
4
14
63
7
11
617
21
4 4
133 15
162 15
81 8
58
50
42
28
5
48
51
23
115
693
11 6 3 1
17 4 5 ..
0 0 1 10
1 3
46 50 21 54
43 9 3 34
41 22 29 60
18 6 2
19 13 1
7 4 14
9 3 3 11
2 1 1 11
12 3 4 19
14 8 26
14 9 12 "
13 3 2 13
2o7 181 129 576
OHO
« x
277
446
114
1,6"9
1,574
214
90
570
242
403
668
0T1
140
15,517
21
26
10
7
143
94
14',
15
39
11
50
12
18
51
28
15
1,222
44
91
190
1 -
37
189
7
41
13
31
47
■■
-
1,615
204
126
170
2'IC
47
247
144
15
64
193
30"
34
305
32
12514
25 11
181 11 19
199 8 9
15 1
1,020 23 27
9 10
7 116
50 3 3
219 S8 19
55
363 30 22
19 1 4
.' 13 16
"4 10
197 15 08
78 2 11
10,316 432 41S
73,621 59,893 8,059 5,669 108 184 1,546 1,624 130 530 324 237 950 25,300 1,905 2,818 3,713 15,332 766 706
* Eastern District of Rensselaer Manor.
!■■-
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
111. -Number
• and their Size
, Ren**elaer
County — Ceiling of 1875.
Toms-.
Of nil #i<'«.
Dnilor :l
under 10.
10 and
under 20.
20 and
under 50.
id
under 1U0.
100 and
under 5oo.
|
500 ami
under IOO0.
125
352
172
284
6
71
19
53
26
139
42
L09
B9
102
Ml
74
*
:;
6
13
27
15
IS
20
10
17
287 2
II l
335 r
13
4
23
2
19
II
12
6
13
LM
7
1
IS
4
15
13
10
24
1 1
13
9
29
15
4
:'.l
l
7H
21
22
65
.'.7
54
16
32
«
4
I'm!
11
II 1
72
47
103
re.
98
50
136
84
2
153
23
106
43
85
184
66
91
137
17M
127
9
1
151
is:
39 1
■>
4
2
231
263
228
6
1
:;
432 -11
286 5
i
13
3,794 94
19S
215
572
1,175
1,532
B
IV. — Stati*tic* of Farm*, I{cu*«elacr County — Ceiiana if 1875.
Area ">■ Lamp in Farms.
Present Cash Vai.i e.
Vniinj
[mprored.
Woodland. Other.
.1 n
Berlin 16,023
Brunswick
Lit i . r . -■ ip !■ ush 12,153
Grafton 19,828
Uoosiek 31,334
Lansingbargh 1. 108
20,956
North Qrecnbush 11,087
burgh II
Pittstown 33,887
Pocslcnkill 1 1,243
Band Lake 17,331
ticokc
Schudaok 32,931
Stepheotown 21,710
Tr..y 189
Totals 299,786
Acre*.
2,185
1,603
3,614
.,6f
491
1,575
1,916
3,004
1,251
2,984
3,271
6,917
50
55,370
Of Farms.
Acrf*.
8,198
l.::70
i. -■:■;
3,523
425
I'll
2,435
77
1,158
1,245
437
563
721
15
27,569
Dollar*.
681,409
3,376,925
2,1 18,585
536,775
2,411,030
494,200
1,334,575
779,029
2,945,000
!~77.:i7l
1,305,800
2,067,885
3,131,145
601,505
187,800
S'R™ Of Tools
Budding! 0fSlock. „nd
o'lierlhnn Implements.
Dwellings. *
24,772,337
96,410
454,975
218,150
97,325
336,995
renin
180,085
240,200
106,185
319,795
1 18,560
160,030
280,260
506,725
90,280
23,700
Co«t of Amount of
Fertilizers Gross Salt*
Ik.u^IpI In from Farms
1875. in 1874.
3,335,775
Dollar*.
103,370
241,613
163,276
,929
278,161
36,495
157,479
133,164
II 1,759
251,827
78,715
126,391
204,038
241, 7-1
119,513
10,900
2,362,411
Dollar*.
29,795
115,619
70,825
35,005
9, 1 1 .'•
33,604
60,201
82,796
22,334
116,945
38,905
17,491
82,048
160,319
28,897
1.4 15
l.nl'.i.:.!!
Dollan.
427
3,048
3,591
6,983
559
542
2,272
62
2,898
797
72
2,047
1.21 I
27
100
27,669
Italian.
71,731
331,771
249,738
39,01 I
211,438
60,821
222,866
71.712
251,198
72,907
104,178
212,048
81,981
24,300
2,495,421
Ann Plowed.
En 1874. Iip 1875.
■
Berlin 1,531
Brunswick
QratnbniD
1,440
k
;li 1,428
Nassau I. "12
North Qresnbash
'ir^-h
• n.
p. kill
I .k-
! iiroke I
Stephcntr.wn 2.193
Tr.,j IM
tali
V. — Cennu of 1875 — Statittict of Farm*.
Grass Lands.
Area in Pasture.
In 1-71. Ii. 1878.
A' re*.
5,057
4,275
9,978
1 . 1 89
. il
11,285
6.073
158
73,174 107,619 108,609 94,781
.t.-p',.
A era.
5,241
2,406
1,682
11,763
11,844
II. 7--
12,149
1,467
1,024
2,572
11.771
6,816
5.741
5,104
7,818
Acres Mown.
May.
In 1*71
In 1875.
1,956
B.697
1,168
1,166
6,21 I
10,304
1,150
11,406
6,680
111
Produced
Ton*.
10,663
6,204
5,304
1,674
7.117
5,646
5,628
11,644
1,422
C.2II
ln'.i.r.i:.
Grass.
8ee.l Prpv
■ I 'I iip
1>74.
/.'„. >..:..
II
Hari.et.
Area.
In
1874.
Acre*.
11
59
28
In
1876.
9
13
:;i
II
6
12
I
13
17
106
111
121
Products
2111
1,280
17
60
32
"977"
1.394
STATISTICAL TABLES.
1G9
VI. — Census of 1875 — Farm Statistic*.— { Continued.)
Towns.
Berlin
Brunswick
East Greenbush
Grafton
Hoosiok
Ciansingburgh
Niissau
North Grcenbush..
Petersburgh
Pitt-toMI]
Poestenkill
Sand Lake
Bchaghticokc
Bchodack
Btephuntown
Trov
Totals..
Buckwheat.
Area.
187*.
Acres.
177
164
35
138
375
40
-in;,
2li
355
139
75
1>7
361
210
268
3,256
1870.
Acres.
1
232
II
223
288
558
17
178
490
94
I in
16 t
1..S
2,911
Produced
in 1.-74.
Bushels
2,421
1,607
308
1,524
5,109
171
4,210
293
4,077
5,251
69 ;
1,793
3,316
1,562
I. II.,
37,ii:,::
tNOl > ■
,,,,.
Area.
1874.
Acre*
287
633
383
SI
1,430
101
714
300
i 12
1,322
305
314
1,279
1,575
47;>
5
9,049
i .
Acres.
3111
649
Hll
II I
1,624
127
699
270
oil
1,321
j si;
288
1,314
1,632
450
4
Prod [
in 1874.
Bushels.
8,067
16,761
7,453
1,071
2, 1 OS
11,419
6,162
10,153
24,975
5,251
6,338
28, 130
26, 137
12.025
175
Acres.
546
2,407
1,024
207
2,017
406
1 9
066
S77
2,843
969
1,164
2,746
3,436
639
Prodni i
Acres.
.,70
3,015
1 , 1 s I
361
2,198
isi
1.7S7
1,068
926
3,420
1.
1.397
2,988
3,694
899
5
Bushels.
i i,9
5 I
5,808
i6, 141
13,299
36,604
27,012
23,264
7.,. I., I
20,465
26,199
74,037
18,521
no
\r. :,
Acres.
27
3. 1 I S
1,317
1.3-::
III
I. 93
1,146
I-:,
2,196
785
1,006
.i. 163
313
28
1-71
10,000 204,401 21,874 24,902 573,831 21,020 1S.332 251,797
Acres.
7
1.7-7
1,138
3.,
867
368
l.on
1,U98
, j
703
1.097
4,365
13.,
26
Produced
In 1W74.
Bushels.
-•I ■
26,346
172
16,053
17. I.,n
1 i,743
1.009
13,647
(59
VII. — Census of 1875 — Farm Statistics. — (Continued.)
Tow vs.
Spuing Wheat.
Winter Wheat.
Beans.
Peas.
Area.
•3
O
IS
Area.
e
is
Corn Sown for
Fudder.
Area.
0
Is
i.
A rea.
r;
S
-
1.-74.
1875.
1873.
1S74.
1S74.
1875.
1874.
1875.
1S74.
1875.
Berlin
Acres.
Acres.
Bush.
A cres.
Acres.
Bush.
A cres.
10
80
70
5
2
1
311
54
11
10
44
20
25
18
18
6
Acres.
3
04
23
1
2
A cres.
32
1
3
3
449
Acres.
22
2
Bush.
293
12
18
00
5, HIS
Acres.
Acres.
Bush.
1
3
1
S
1
1
1
15
15
1
11
428
31 23
3311
13
6
4
153
13
44
5
29
38
15
3
20
23
6
2
1
76
48
1
S
9
2
1
1
2
75
10
21
20
1,184
403
1
32
65
9
19
5
8
1
3
1
5
85
93
2
10
1
'
15
2
20
25
252
17
2
2
12
1
4
12
1
0
1
177
13
23
33
3 40
2
4
35
Totals
51
33
558
49
35
G2S
440
2S9
636
570
7,314
26
38
391
VIII. — Census of 1S75 — Farm Statistics.— ( Continued.)
Towns.
Berlin
Brunswick
East Greenbush...,
Grafton
Hoosick
Lansingburgh
Nassau
North Greenbush.
Petersburgh ,
Pittstown
Poestcnkill
Sand Lake
Schaghticoke
Sehodack
Btephentown
Troy
Hops.
views.
Potatoes.
Apple Orchards.
Produced
in 1S74.
1.-74.
Pounds.
1,154
Totals
19
31
;,.:: I ii
37
Acres.
100
3.S64
1.177
696
1.1 13
460
1.119
1,213
515
3,009
1,033
1,167
1,9119
2, 1 1 0
488
109
Acres.
478
4,008
1,390
73.9
1,570
510
1,408
1,332
560
3,251
1,151
1,359
2.U02
2,899
632
99
Produced
in K-74.
Bushels.
35.104
343,930
99,984
30,:l 13
II!'. .Hll
44.400
87,560
106,742
37,756
233.S40
07.4'.MI
85,197
152,163
194,388
43.239
11,280
Fruit.
1S74.
0,101 21,132 23,448 1,702,613 25S,70ii
Ifumbcr.
73.I3H
28,251
IS. 341
3.373
20.03 4
5,017
17,039
13.399
I i,9l7
2H.2II I
10,228
1 1,656
2::. 171
44,540
16,692
205
Bushels.
7.0H7
33.202
21.092
2,439
32,653
6,899
3.>. 178
17.040
1 1,535
24,238
7,362
15,091
21,255
49,181
l.i.- 15
600
Cider
made.
1874.
Barrels.
246
630
494
SI
916
130
843
390
41S
536
300
620
1.1-0
344
10
8,021
22
170
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
IX. — ' ' »«"" o/"lS75 — Farm Statistic*. — (Continued.)
Gupcs.
Mu 1 1 Sram.
Produced
in 1S74.
Berlin
Branswiok
• Iroenbush...
Uranon
M i k
I.an-iugburgh
ta
North QrcenboBD.
Peterabnrgh
Pittstown
nk ill
Band I. like
Schaghticoka
Sohodaok
Stcphentown
Troy
founds. Gallant.
Win-
ntnde.
1-71,
Sugar
mndo.
Iff!
1,715
S'10
30
Totals.
344
2.S60
6,450
290
400
50
1,673
7,850
400
000
ft
11
3
10
10(1
2fi
11
26.953
231
Pounds.
31,844
Syrop
made.
1871
Honey
collected.
1.-74.
HiinsEs ox Finns. June 1,
1875.
3Iiiles
POULTRY.
2.901
200
00.,
5,538
133
125
10
4,103
1.1..-.79
Gallons. Pounds.
700
785
172
10
.,»
510
13
28
29
7
584
2.109
755
2,430
100
1 1
40
850
550
355
574
1,765
1.096
1,795
IL'.n.-.l-
Farms.
Colt- of Coll» of Two years J„,„. 1.
1875. 1674.
No.
21
23
'J
27
43
7
21
8
20
52
6
16
41
27
12
1
334
old mid
over.
So.
11
38
17
16
56
9
31
19
21
57
7
20
38
41
19
1
407
So.
349
1.11 I
622
387
903
149
080
509
;:sn
1,039
405
;,.v.i
no
1,225
534
43
1875.
9.704
Vttlne
owned.
1S75.
An.
2
4
1
6
3
2
17
11
2
4
69
Dollan.
1,201
0.846
3,135
2,070
5,667
NT 7
4,827
2.5(1.-!
1.726
6,779
2.007
3.337
5,253
B.691
2.02 ;
83
Valuo
sold.
1874.
58,315
Dollars.
1,334
2.3S.-.
1,039
1,390
4,505
274
2.SS3
1,033
2.713
6,349
1.SS5
1.024
5,818
1.20S
2,331
75
39,966
Value of
Ejrgs sold.
1S74.
Dollars.
1,003
5,S52
1.945
1,657
4.201
301
3,691
1,018
1.115
3,335
2,214
2,728
2,845
7,015
2,505
50
41,569
X. — Ontiu o/lS75 — Farm Statistics. — (Continued.)
Towss.
N«AT CiTTI.E ox F.IRMS June 1, 1876.
fitilcb Cows.
Average Number
kept.
-3
c
fs
- SO
** S
c —
1
DilKT Prodccts.
Heifers.
iiuiis
of all
Ages.
Working
Oxen and
Steers.
Cows whose Milk
wns sent to Factory.
Butter
nimle in
Families.
1874.
Cheese
made in
Families.
1874.
Milk wold
in 1S74.
Two Tears
old.
Yearlings.
Calves.
1874.
1875.
1874.
1875.
.Vo.
119
119
33
136
226
68
121
45
178
188
142
145
122
115
134
1
Xb.
151
141
54
203
2S1
73
175
57
178
218
182
17::
145
127
190
2
Ko.
203
203
87
203
342
67
261
80
238
281
194
227
202
192
271
2
So.
113
97
31
84
240
31
94
34
189
121
33
79
129
72
70
1
A'o.
46
69
8
241
199
83
109
32
124
334
33
26
173
50
54
-Vo.
1,225
I.oos
1.212
833
1.20..
172
1.0S4
1.15S
938
1,374
860
1.012
1.004
1,366
1,316
73
Ko.
1.141
1,628
1,221
828
1,284
169
1.072
1,100
933
1,455
825
I.OIIS
1.1,39
1. hi.:
1,205
75
AV>.
151
110
19
36
147
13
35
17
95
114
64
39
73
58
14
1
A'o.
427
2
-Vo.
163
PowioV
44,209
105.355
40.090
S2..SS2
117.017
18,130
11S.358
38,1 si
62,630
146.045
75,7S0
117.092
100,540
130,085
112,185
1,020
Pouuds.
4S,204
Gallons.
125.191
340.516
622,308
2,912
41,352
9.000
."..(ISO
460,600
2,150
3,965
30.750
.,. i
8,428
53,766
86,710
3,38!
2.109
14,610
540
44
5 '
112
13
44,855
7,105
60
20.170
-
9
Total*
1,892
2,350
3,153
1,426
1,581
16,470
16,446
986
485
297
1,311,972
146,834
1,799,057
XI. — Census of 1875 — Farm Statistic*. — (Continued.)
Town.
Mllil.
I Shorn.
Weight of Clip.
Lambs Raised.
1874.
1-71.
So. M>.
Berlin
Brnntwiok 178
,i-li -7
(irafton 1.7
llo.i.iek
LamJngbargh i -
910
North Qrecobaah 7- 80
Pctanbargh
PltUtown. 5.052 6,404
•kill 113 l-l
I .ke 313
ke 3,871 2.11-
i«ck 1,11
•n'own 2,072 2.112
Troy
1,988
. -I
1.7-0
104,418
664
16,168
179
1.1 10
8,150
1875.
PwrnV
1.279
2,272
4 17
2. 1 26
102,851
204
4,042
II-
770
10,768
6,618
9.101
1-71.
.V...
.1
300
0.9 10
1 66
179
63
,
36
173
2,493
S7I
1875.
So.
434
42 1
>3
1 23
517
BS I
3,121
107
107
2,690
911
Blangh-
I n I Id
1-71.
V
155
42
II
20
1,878
1,010
98
19
100
29 I
21
01
114
134
151
Killed by
Dogs.
l-7(.
AV>.
1
12
13
If,
178
2
32
1
32
59
15
8
6
lo
18
Swish
On Farms Junol,
1876.
I-,. -.f
Ao.
279
914
302
189
6S4
144
770
209
252
999
315
530
1,148
1
Pics of
1.-71 or
older.
So.
201
770
306
199
666
196
358
117
281
256
002
BUT
1
278
2
Slaugh-
tered ■-,,
Funn-.
1S74.
A'o.
299
1,005
313
383
SNS
119
808
201
111
1,344
475
509
I.. -.70
1,333
191
2
Pork mado
on Karuis.
1874.
Pounds.
7 1 ,666
20 ,.1132
65,81?
92,041
208,222
27,205
172.299
39,320
os, son
292.300
100,966
113,636
246,398
270.7O6
125,312
Totals ■ 191. ooo 190,718 17.19(1 17, 14 133 B.392 0.243
STATISTICAL TABLES.
171
XII. — Census o/1875 — Farm Statistics. — (Continued.)
Towns.
NUXIIKR OF DWKLMNOfl.
Value or DWBLIIN08.
Numbir or I)w ixi.i »o» Vaixid at
•J
i
SS*
o
a
0
a
"3
>
*
m
c
s
00
o
Total.
Fnme.
Brick.
Stone.
Log.
1
I
! .
&
jjl
a
IS
1
" = " c
II 11
V* Si
■ojf
I
I?
No. No.
440 4(17
012 001
369 860
327 321
1,140 1,034
1,118 1,113
1,238 1,039
644 641
750 Til!
341 338
No.
Ab.
Ml
33
Dollars.
350,910
866,250
775,450
141,675
2,181,900
2,058,540
4,082,900
637,638
1,481,935
258,550
906,680
273,550
524,625
910,460
1,270,710
261,680
20,894,138
Dollars.
349,185
641,360
,.. ,.i ,.i
141,425
1^04,400
1,755,940
2,882.100
833,888
1,314,986
258,37 i
852,980
273,425
614,925
766,150
988,010
.'.'.1,1 10
9,487,538
Dollars.
Dolls.
DolU.
1,726
No.
a
v
41
4
6
8
\„
122
II
31
100
42
76
3
Ms
10
70
105
4.-,
45
34
58
66
12
No.
139
200
88
180
172
418
58
281
196
156
339
101
265
241
324
277
431
77 4S
177 137
93 112
311 3
428 4111
287 Z87
314 an
No.
8
22
28
No.
8
19
3
21,000 2.900
2
12
90,000
6
1
3
3
1
1
8
280
e
Hooslclt
106
81
199
2
46
4
1
377,500
224,600
1,200,800
3,61 Kl
16 i,
50
59
172
11
33
,3
57
1
6
]
1
3
1
2
1
2
1
20
78,000
1
6
150
5
18
North Greenbush ....
PoterBburgh.
1.000
221
69
191
83
lis
163
235
74
36
145
24
58
147
218
6
175
2
7
0
2
21
53,700
16
4
:i47
520
012
88(1
442
6,062
344
512
563
SI 17
434
3,201
125
100
KMI
1
1
6
47
72
2
1
1
7,800
141,700
281,200
1,800
2,500
1,600
12
24
24
1
1,244
1
2
4
1
703
1
12
7
5
4
163
Stephen town
230
0
2,751
20
19,886,1 'i,
16,079
13,2S4
3,307
32
56
40,876,581
23,811,076
2,855
27
117
991
3,962
1,703
872
204
XIII. — Census of 1875 — Statistics of Churches — Rensselaer Count}/.
Denominations.
African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Baptist
Campbellites
Christian Connection
Evangelical Association
Evangelical Lutheran
Free-Will Baptist
Friends
Jewish
Methodist Episcopal
Presbyterian
Protestant Episcopal
Reformed Church in the United States..
Reformed Dutch
Roman Catholic
Second Advcntists
Seventh-Day Baptists
Uuion
Unitarian
United Methodist Free Church..
United Presbyterian
Universal ists
Totals
Organi-
sations.
1
18
4
3
3
10
4
1
1
44
22
10
1
9
19
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
158
Number.
1
18
4
3
3
10
4
1
1
44
21
10
1
9
19
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
157
Sittings.
Number.
300
7,375
1,600
800
1,250
4,000
800
300
300
15,180
9,300
7,300
250
3,515
12,470
150
450
250
600
100
400
400
67,090
Membership.
Number.
119
2,777
421
219
324
1,394
293
20
42
5,025
3,704
2,355
73
1,128
12,264
25
128
125
33
75
80
30,629
Property.
Church Edi-
fices and Lots.
Dollars.
15,000
176,000
38,500
10,300
29,500
77,200
10,000
1,500
19,000
494,600
384,000
480,000
10,000
65,500
462,600
1,500
7,600
2,500
50,000
1,500
10,000
1.S00
2,364,S00
Other Real
Estate.
9,200
500
2,700
s::,i5o
26,000
105/500
4,000
33,000
117,300
600
5,000
401,590
Annual
Amount paid
for Salaries of
Clergymen.
Dollars.
900
16,450
3,240
1,300
1.700
i;,ii.,n
900
2,600
31,800
31,850
15,150
800
7. miii
12,S68
300
600
2,500
1.000
2,500
140,308
XIV. — Statement of Debts from the Census of 1875.
Towns.
1875.
Assessed
Valuation.
Indebtedness.
Sinking
Fund.
Indebtedness
less Sinking
Fund.
Purposes for which Created.
Other Pur-
poses.
Aid of Rail-
roads.
War and
Bounties.
Bridges,
Roads, etc.
School
Buildings.
Dollars.
28,075,074
216,084
1,070,002
760,240
105,855
1,070,350
1,701,456
1,813,562
450,430
842,351
224,620
1,166,411
170,094
312,182
1,039,509
1,704,825
275,775
15,151,328
Dollars.
364,000
69,220
Dollars.
Dollars.
364.000
69,220
Dollars.
Dollars.
361,000
9,000
Dollars.
Dollars.
Dollars.
60,220
27,977
15,264
4,643
5,366
27,977
15,204
4,643
5,366
27,977
15,264
4.643
5,366
37,324
37,324
20,000
13.324
3.500
Poestenkill
11.243
11,243
11. 243
9.207
21,804
35,900
1,201,000
4,000
63.000
34,199
9,207
21. Mil
35,000
772,550
4,000
63,000
34,199
7,122
19.904
4,500
l.'is.
2,085
1,700
200
31,400
218,000
Troy
128,450
20.000
505,000
4,000
511.000
15,849
13,000
Totals
18,350
1,904,147
i28,450
1.175,697
329,620
940,S43
45,635
69.849
518,200
172
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
X V. — Tax /.cry <•/ RtHuelaer t 'aunty for the year 1S7S.*
I'.iinly.
. < it* .
Count; interest f
House of Industry
Lunatic and other asylums
County Treasurer';" salary
Count; Judge's salary
District Attorney's salary
Assistant District Atl irnej '.- salary
Count; bnildingt
Court expenses
( '"imt v Clerk
City .1 u- ti.es
County.'
Coroneri
Printing
Sheriff
\ ill Assembly distriot
I tbles — South Assombl; district
Constables— Cit; .'
Cit; anil village police
Refunding
Cit; an-1 town audits, roads ami bridgl
bounty
Cm J> a i'l (ayes
Contract for printing Journal nnil Minutes "1
1878
Dalian.
I7.n'.n.5.'i .
17,159.29
00.00 .
3,500.00 .
3 ii. tin .
1,800.00 .
3,821.72 .
1-. .no .
11,200.53 .
263.25 .
5,2 0
16.86 .
17.'.' I
."...V
1,778.21 .
7,810.14
3,243.92 .
Jwl/.iri.
12,806.39
21,285.29
N I'ir-
Comity.
City.
1,280.00
29.65
!i 85
65.52
1.10.00 4. 153. 75
Cr. 155.01
1,163.10
Brought forward
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
Military Coin mil tee
Surrogate's salnr;
Surrogate's Clerk's salar;
Supervisors. Doorkeeper, and Pages' salaries...
Kent of count; offices
Contingent fund
Keeper of Court -House and Jail Physicians'
salary
County Judgo, Surrogate and District Attor-
ney's accounts
Law claims
Count; Treasurer's Clerk's salary
I i' ;i-iini-' notes and interest
Salary of Counsel of the Board
Salary of Sealer of Weights and Measures
Salary of Stenographer and Armorer
Salaries of Coroners
Interchangeable del its
Slate tax apportioned to city and towns
County ta\ apportioned to city and towns
Deficiency in tax levy of 1S77. as per tallies on
pages 2)9 and 250 of Journal of 1ST"
Dollar*.
157,392.21
600.00
1,317.94
3,500.00
1,600.00
10.500.00
sun. tin
5,000.00
700.00
973.18
2,376.05
1,300.00
21,749.67
1. nun. mi
i .on
1,700.00
2,2nu.0O
SI. HO
Dollars.
40,593.71
208.00
07.377.17
117,553.60
4,755.28
Carried forward 157,392.21 10,593.71 Totals 212,990.05 230,177.74]
XV T. — 7".ij- levy ../" Renstelaer I 'aunty for the year 1S7S. — (Continued.)
s tun.
Berlin. Brunswick. Ka*^™n" Grafton. Grcenbnsh,
ant;
County interest^
il Commissioners
BOUSO of I n 'lu. try
Lunatic and other asylums
.:r ".
tnd village police
Railroad sinking fund
Refunding
1 ■ town audits, roads and bridges, town bounty
1 taxes
p&te, and Districl Attorney's oc
cunt-
Interchangeable credits
• ix apportioned to I ' Ml I I iwnf
County tax apportioned t ■ cit; and towns
Unpaid bigbwa; assessments
I I tax
iX
ne; in tax levy perl on pages
" of Journal of 1*77
Dollars.
I. .1 0
.'.02.7a
10.82
209.13
Dollars.
64.1 I
221.71'.
231.54
3.00
192.24
1,122.11 I.
282.91
Dollars.
500.00
22 4. f.o
1 7. If.
326.94
Uoosick.
i'.. II
217.00
1,926.01
C7.SI'.
442.25
3,710.32
68.00
Dollars.
1,175.97
866.95
113.77
374.48
1,722.71
12.00
Lansing- x-„«.-«
l.iirgl,. N'iSsau'
Italian.
323 62 .
1 1 I 26
19 i 91
5,993.61
30.00 .
65.00 .
27.no
108.20
4.25
1,024.40 1,359.97
Cr. 20.90 Cr. 163.86
2o. 23
3,685.74
Cr. 75.73
Cr. SI. mi
711.03
1,241.57
311.00
1S7.77
83.00
4,540.32
7,921.51
2:;. 2..
;,.nn
10.00
18.96
0,311.43
599.67
5.00
Totals 5,831.08 14,783.58 12,015.18 2,756.96 23.5S2.98 32,412.80 36,777.64 9,183,
3,346.35
5,83S.39
64.50
■17.21
84
174.0S
i' 1.08
704.93
75.37
94.00
21.51
4,814.42 7,483.29
8,399.73 13,056.13
39.24 2.50
7.S7-.:;:, 3,352.84
558.21 Cr. 140.15
30.00
10.00
210.27.
202.90
32.15
212.00
397
7,514.61
13,110 80
40.13
02.12
128.00
393.73
1,915.70
3,342.88
31. -7
27.1.'.
111.50
98.81
XVII. — Taj- Lecy nf Rensselaer Cunnlyfor the year 1878. — (Continued.)
North i
"di liurgh.
c-ointy biounf;
County inter. >l I
missioners
II e of Indii-lry
Lunaf asylums
Sheriff
nog
City and town audits, roads and bridges, town 1 i.ty.
State lux apportions I to city and town*
to cil; and town*
'iienlS
lteturr \
<
I n tax leiy ■
Dollar*. Dollars.
ritutown. P tenklll.
Dollars.
54.17
184.00
1 in. mi
0.71.0.21
909.88
1 1 67
240.00
70.72
318.25
10.03
119.20
Sand Like
18.42
84.90
SscliaKhtl-
enko.
Schodack. StenW
Italian.
1. .00
355 08
219.11
1,056.88
65.00
Dalian.
■:. ,00
1,088.95
99.04
846.92
.on
ll.il
119.39
2,941.01
50
3,089.82
6,048 34
989.95 1,490.24
29.77 Cr. 17.19
711 57 I
1,241.50
-■■'"
2,428.40 1,602.78
234 09 Cr. 18.60
1,382.24 7,090.58
3 "II
1.01
S.516.H
610.71
1,424.46
7.o|
201.21'
179.00
80.00
151.00
224.49
129.00
lllll. Illl
' 60 25,457.10 '
• Tl." Stall tax »•-
«i amount paid on principal bj towns, «fi,r.'..'.'7.
STATISTICAL T.MJLKS.
it:;
XVIII. A ttatement nf the names of the several incorporated companies liable to taxation rii the county of Reneeelaert the amount of real and
per eon al estate belonging (<> each, as the tame is set down in the assessment rolh which have been sanctioned by tht Board >•/' Supen
of aaid county, and the amount of tax assessed upon each for tk* yeai I S78.
CiTixs AND Towns.
Berlin
Bmbi Greoubush
Bnenbueb
» ::::::::::::::::::::
Booelok
" ".'.'".'.'.".'"". .........
Lunsingburgh
••
Nassau
north GreenbuBh
Petershurgh
Pittstowu
Bbbaghticoke
ti
Schoilack
ii
Stephen town
Troy
NAMES of ConronATiMNd.
Hnrlem Extension Railroad Company
Boston imil Albany Railroad Corporation
Hudson River Railroad Corporation
Trustee* Refi I Clinrch
Boston and Albany Railroad Corporation ■.
Hudson River Railroad Corporation
Greenbush ami Albany Bridge Company..
II ti 1 1 sun River Bridge Company (North)
lluilsini River Bridge Company (Creek B Edges)
Hudson River Bridge Company (South)
Troj and Greenbush Railroad Corporation
Albany County Hank
Boston, Hoosuc Tunnel ami Western Railroad Company
Harlem Extension Railroad ' loropany
Malleable Iron Company
Troy ami Boston Railroad Company
Rutland ami Washington Railroad ( lompuny
I Inn- irk falls ( las Company
Walter A. Wood Reapiug-Machine Company
Troy and Bennington Railroad Company
Ludlow Valve- Winks
Citizens' Gas Company
St. Augustine Society
Troy ami Lansingburgh Horse Railroad Company
Troy ami Boston Raili nail Company
Trustees of Methodist Episcopal Church
Trustees of Methodist Episcopal Church, Speigietown
Trustees of Trinity Church
Union Bridge Company
Sans Souci Boat Club
Harlem Extension Railroad Company
Harlem River Bridge Corporation (North)
Troy ami Greenbusb Railroad Corporation
Manufacturers1 Bank of Troy
Albany County Savings-Bank
Troy ami Boston Railroad Company
Harlem Extension Railroad Company
Troy ami Bostou Railroad Company
Johnson ville Axe-Man ufaetui ing Company
Johnsonville ami Onion Village Railroad Company
Albany anil Northern Railroad
Johnsonville and Union Village Railroad Company
Troy ami Boston Railroad Company
Boston, Hoosac Tunnel ami Western Railroad Company
Corporation of Village of Castieton
Boston ami Albany Railroad Corporation
II ml son River Railroad Corporation
National Bank, Castieton
Knickerbocker Ice Company
Harlem Extension Railroad Company..
Central National Bank of Troy
First National Rank of Troy
Mutual National Bank of Troy
Manufacturers1 National Bank of Troy
VI.'i. hi mis' ami Mechanii B' Rank of Tiny
National State Bank of Troy ,
Truv Citv Nat il Rink
Troy Savings-Bank
United National Bank of Troy
Union National Rank v( Troy
Hudson River Railroad Col po ration
Laureate Boat Club
Ionic Club
National Express Company
Rensselaer Iron- Works .
Rensselaer ami Saratoga Railroad Company
Troy Union Railroad Company
Troy and Boston Railroad Company
Troy and Lansingburgh Horse Railroad Company
Troy and Allan II. use Railroad Company
Tmy i ili/.i-ns' Steamboat Company
Troy Gaslight Company
Troy Co-operative Foundry Company
Troy Hosiery Manufacturing Company
Troy Club
Trustees of Vail Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church
Trustees of Revings' Chapel
Trustees of Trov Methodist Episcopal Church
Trustees of Father Mathew T. A. R. Society
Trustees of United Presbyterian Congregation
Trustees of Christ Church
Trustees of Woodside Presbyterian chinch
Trustees of St. Paul's Church
Trustees of St. Mary's Church
Trustees of St. Peter's Church
Trustees of St. Jean's Church
Trustees of St. John's Church...
Trustees of St. Patrick's Church
Trustees of the Universalis! Church
Trustees of the North Sec 1 stit.it Meihodi-d Episcopal Church..
Troy ami West Troy Bridgo Company
Capita] Rime ami Cement Company
Trustees of First Presbyterian Church
Tiny Citizens' Gaslight Company
Trustees of St. Francis Church
Trustees of Pawling Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church
Inst I nivii salist Si riily
VII. ill
i i bill M deduct.
I 111... ing Real
I
Dollar*.
I ! n
7,000
87,000
Mm
120,200
l,
41,200
20,000
In".
7,428
Mil I
.r,,b(l(>
2.S75
I '.,
112,700
3,200
1,
36,410
32,000
Ii.,
8,000
5,760
42,00(1
37,5110
1,300
'.■(ill
1,600
60
l.doi.
loo
l'ii...
01,000
nun
.urn
26,460
I.J -'.
To. on. i
In, inn
2,000
5,
6,190
61,600
30,000
,,i.o
225,000
190,000
1,'ju.i
211,11(111
4,(11.0
O.ul.ll
9,01.(1
25,000
9,000
0,(1(1(1
14,(1111)
0,111.11
2011,(1(10
'.'.iiiio
9,000
119,300
1,500
7,000
:. "hi
377,21.(1
30,
30,000
122,600
2.1,1 n n I
12,500
155,200
1.1,1 mo
40.000
9,500
1,100
00(1
1,(1110
1.20(1
1,700
1,80(1
1,(11 10
5,500
1,500
1,600
1,21.0
4, .100
.1. ii i
COO
2,000
411.(10(1
3,800
4,000
63,450
in » >
.Mill
500
4,111.0
II
60,000
180,000
232,600
167,165
141,0(10
201,000
175,000
201,01.0
1S4.200
232,500
211
ltll.OOO
Total
Valuation.
i ...
7,000
son
129,200
1,
41,200
21 i.l .(HI
7,426
500
:.,
2,876
I. "..in in
112,700
8,200
'I'd, II..
82,000
22,300
8,000
6,760
■12,
37,500
1,300
200
1,5(10
50
1,1
100
60,000
91,000
coo
500
2G,4:".0
4,250
70,000
(0,000
2,(11.1.
5,000
.1,190
61,500
110,1100
500
225,000
1 91 1,1 « ill
01,21 II
20,000
4,1.00
189,1
241,500
192,165
l".o,
210,000
189,000
210,000
200,000
193,200
241,500
119,300
1,500
7,000
3,500
377,200
30,1
80,000
122,000
25,000
12,500
•jo,
2.1.1.2HII
l.i,
40,000
9,500
1,100
900
1,
1.2IIO
1,700
1, SI III
1,
5, ,11. 1 1
1,500
I,,;, in
1,200
4, .11 in
500
600
2,1.1.0
40,000
3,800
4,imi(.
63,450
600
600
Amount
..I 'las.
II.S.7K
u 1 :
:'..744.K2
' .
■ . . I '
168.42
"1 60
246.70
J, I 10.03
60 Is
',H .I
3,806.74
... i .,,
i. , j i
171 22
80.26
898 92
802.01
27. K2
4.28
32.10
1 OS
21 10
2.07
1,048.20
1,589.77
1049
K.74
1 "". ...
161 J.'
1 . .'..'.
:;l 18
77.95
92.17
914.1.4
5:;2.so
7 85
■j;,- ; no
960 -1
314.00
140.40
2,853 :."
3,646.65
2.91.1 09
2,265.00
3,1 71. CO
2,853.90
3,171.00
.,,020 00
2.917.32
3,040.65
1,801.43
22.05
1O.1.70
52.85
5,695.72
453.00
4.1:; no
1,851 20
877.50
188.75
802.00
3,85(1 SO
cm. i io
143.45
10.61
I . .a
l.l.lo
|s 12
2.1 1.7
27.18
l.l.lo
83 I.l
22.65
24.16
18.12
i : 95
T
9 ml
30.20
604.00
. -
6(1 in
9. is 111
7. .1.1
7 .
1
.01604
,'IIH'I
.021338
.0177(1
.(.1770
"l , . •
01 • i
ols:1
.03794
.0312
.01.11
.ni.il
.1.1.11
.02 1
.021403
.0207
.01747
.1.1717
.1.1747
.01747
.0189
.0189
.(.'Jib'':
.021403
.021 in:
.021403
.021403
.021403
.02141.:;
.1.1.17
.(.157
...1.17
.(.1.17
.0157
.01)66
.0151
.0151
.0151
.0151
.01.11
.0151
.(.Ml
.0151
.0151
.0151
.01.11
.01.11
.01.11
.0151
.1.151
.0161
.01.11
.0151
.. Ml
.0151
.0151
.0151
.olll
.0151
.0151
.0151
..'111
.olll
.0151
.01.11
.0151
.01.11
.0151
.0151
.0151
olll
.0161
.0151
.0151
.0151
ni.il
.0151
.0151
.0151
0189
.0189
.0189
174
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
XIX. — Atmetted Valuation and Percentage of Taxation of lien»»elacr County for 1S78.
UTS Iiistricts.
T Ml Value
..I Ileal VMMe
Troy— First District-
i - i District
Troy— Third District
Totals
Berlin
Brunswick
ocnbusfa
Grafton
gbnrgfa
Nassau
North Graenbush
Pittsto* n
Poestraklll
8 ind Lake
SchasliUcokc
Stephcotown
Totals
XX. — Extract from the Treaturer't Ueport to the Supervisor*, Dec. 2,
1 578, thowing the stare of the bonded debt of Jlcntuclacr County.
bondk.d iikbt ok Rensselaer coonty.
1 also present report of the bomlcil debt of Rensselaer County,
together with the balances of the debt of towns which tho county
holds responsible.
Bosns nor. in 1879.
10 of 1-71. per resolution passed Dec. 15, 1S7S
seven per cent $40,000.00
BONDS DUB IN 1SS0.
DO -if 1872, per resolution passed Dec. 22, 1871,
seven per cent 25,000.00
BONDS die in 1SS1.
Reissue .if 1873, per resolution passed Doc. 12, 1872,
seven per cent 90,000.00
BONDS DDE IN I SS2.
Reissue of 1-71. per resolution passed Dec. 11. 1878,
seven per cent 79,000.00
bonds DDE is 1883.
, per resolution passed Deo. 12, 1874,
seven per cent 011,900.00
bonds doe is 1 -- i.
Rail . pat resolution pasted I 17. M75,
six poi oent 85,000.00
Eddy itibaUliite bonds, issue of 1876, por resolution
passed Dec. It, 1876, seven per con) 1,500.00
n.ivin in i: is 1885.
Reissue *if 1-77. |" r rasolttl I Dee. 11. 1876,
six per cent 50.'
BONDS DUE IN 18S6.
Reissue of 1878, per resolution pnssed Dec. II, 1S77,
six per cent 30,000.00
Grand total $4011,500.00
Tho balance of the town debts to the county, per report of each in
items, vis. :
Lnnsingburgh $4,696.81
Greenlmsh 27,987.6]
Hoosick 13,175.9!
Ens! Qroenbusb 3.l'i;::.75
Poestonkill 4,191.91
Schodack 16,798.91
Stephentbwn 3,809.91
Berlin 7,305.74
Petersburgb 13,221.81
Schaghticoke 5.1. ill. S2
Total $99. HI 2.03
"Which, deducted from tho grand total, leaves balance
as county debt independent of the towns $360,887.37,
Tho county bonds all fall duo on the 1st day of February eaeh year
consecutively. The intorcBI coupons Bcini-annually, 1st of February
and August, oneb year:
Total Boven per cent, bonds $295,500.0J
Total .-ix per cent, bonds 105,000.00
INTBRBST.
One year interosl mi $165,000, six percent $9,900.01
One year interest on $295,500, Beven per cent. 20,685.00
Less, one per oent. on $40,000 i" be reissued
at six per 'tmi. por resolution Nov, 28,
1878, six months 200.00 20.4S5.00
Total intorcsl on county bonds to be provided in the
present tax levy, less amount of principal and in-
i providod by eaeh of the above towns $30,385.00
Respectfully submitted,
Edhdkd I'lTzci.iiAi.n,
County Treasurer.
I i i i i ' s ii, i I, , . Tuov, Dec. 2, ls7s.
POESTENKILL FALLS , TROY, N . Y.
HISTORY OK THE CITY OF TROY.
I.— NATURAL FEATURES.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION.
The city of Troy is situate at the head of tide- water on
the Hudson River. From Troy to the ocean, a distance
of one hundred and fifty miles, the Hudson is virtually
an estuary, or arm of the sea, in which the tide ebbs and
flows. The remarkable downward fold or depression in
the earth's surface, through which this arm of the sea
flows up to Troy, seems to have been formed during some
tremendous convulsion of nature when, in the " makin" of
the world," the mountain ranges of the Atlantic slope of
the continent were folded together. This depression fi»m
Troy to the ocean breaks entirely through the great Ap-
palachian mountain system, and seems to rend it from
top to bottom, admitting virtually the sea to flow up to the
foot of Troy. Nowhere else, from Nova Scotia to Florida,
through the whole extent of the Appalachian chain, does
another such depression occur.
It may truthfully be said that the Hudson flows into the
head of this estuary at Troy. The Hudson is a child of the
Laurentian Adirondacks. It takes its rise in springs in the
Indian Pass, on the shaggy sides of Mounts Mclntyre and
Marcy, and in the lakelet called by the old guides " Sum-
mit Water," and by Verplanck Colvin " Tear of the Clouds,"
which lies on the side of Mount Marcy four thousand
three hundred and twenty-six feet above tide-water at Troy.
The Hudson, fed by numerous forest branches, breaks
through all its Adirondack mountain barriers above Glen's
Falls, but is still in many places a rapid stream until its
waters strike the level of the sea at Troy. From thence to
the ocean it is navigable by the largest river-steamers and
capable of floating on its bosom all the navies of the
world.
Directly opposite the city of Troy the Mohawk River
reaches the Hudson from the west. The Mohawk flows
through another great valley, stretching east and west,
which is quite as remarkable as the northern valley.
Through this valley of the Mohawk the vast products of
the West flow into the lap of Troy, on their way to the
sea and to the great markets of the world.
Nature has done much for Troy.
The city of Troy is bounded on the north by the town
of Lansingburgh ; on the east by the town of Brunswick ;
on the south by the town of North Greenbush ; and on
the west by the centre of the Hudson River, which divides
it from Albany County.
The Polytechnic Institute in Troy is situate in latitude
42° 43' 50" N., in longitude east from Washington 3° 21'
52", or 0 hours 13 minutes 27.5 seconds, and west from
Greenwich 73° 41' 8", or 4 hours 54 minutes and 44.5
seconds.
The city of Troy is divided into thirteen wards. Its
population at the last census, taken in 1875, was 48,253.
TOPOGRAPH v.
The city of Troy is built mostly upon a narrow strip of
level land which borders the river-bank, and terminates
easterly in a high range of hills. Between this range of
hills and the river the city of Troy extends for four miles or
more in length, and not over one-half a mile in width.
The city has of late, however, stretched up on to the bills
to the eastward, especially the part known as Albia.
WATER-COURSES.
From these hills to the eastward three or four consider-
able streams of water, taking their rise in the Pctersburgh
mountain range, flow through Troy to the Hudson. The
larger of these streams are the Wynants Kill and the Poes-
tenkill.
Farther north are the Meadow Brook and the Piseawen
Kill.
The Wynantskill was so called in honor of Wynant
Gerritse Vanderpoel, an early settler.* On it are now
situated the Burden Iron-Works.
The Poesten Kill is the next considerable stream. Its
name,f " Poesten," in Dutch signified " foaming water"
in allusion to the falls, a representation of which accom-
panies this history.
Between these two kills was located the bouwerie of the
first white settler of Troy as early as 1G4G, as will appear
farther on in these pages.
" MOUNTAINS."
Two considerable elevations within the city of Troy have
received the local appellation of mountain, in classical allu-
sion to Troy's namesake, — Ulium of old. These are
Mount Olympus and Mount Ida. Mount Olympus is a
bold upheaval of bare rugged rock projecting from the
plain in the upper part of the city, near the Hudson, to
the height of near a hundred feet. The northern part of
it is composed of the primordial calciferous sand-rock for-
mation, while the southern slope is made up of the softer
rocks of the Hudson River group of shales. It would
seem that Mount Olympus is a survival of the glacial
period. When the vast, slowly-moving ice-mountains of
that period swept down from the north through the Hud-
son Valley, the projection of hard sand-rock at the north
end of Mount Olympus resisted the erosion and protected
the softer shale on its southern slope. The sand-rock on the
upper side was formerly much higher, but was taken down
« History of the City of Troy, by A. J. Wcisc, p. II.
"f" Munsell's Annals of Albany.
175
176
uistoky of i:i:\ — i:i.ai:i; county, NEW STORK.
to be used in the construction of the Suite dam across the
Hudson, near by.
Mount [da is a bold hill rising to the south of the centre
of the city, and is the summer home of the Warren family.
A view of the Warren cottage on Mount Ida is presented
farther on in these pages.
On an earlj map, made by Gillis Van Schondel, in l(i,5i>,
the site of the present city of Troy was laid down as
l'.W B IBTS l'AKL.*
II.— INDIAN OCCB I'AXt'Y.
The Indian name for the narrow plai i which the city
of Troy now is situate, it is said, was Pa-an-pa-paack, or
Paan-paak, sometimes interpreted " the field of standing
corn.'' The Indian termination baitg, j"inij, or pane/:, as the
Dutch wrote it, in the Algonquin tongue means a level
plain, or a pond, or a place of still water. f
In Broadhead's History of New York is given the fol-
lowing account of its purchase of the Indians on the 13th
of March. 1652:
"But V:m Slcohtcnhocst was not disposed to submit. Ho bod just
pnrcbaso t for his patroon two large additional tracts on the cast side
of the river, one called ' Paanpaack,1 ineluding the site of the pres-
ent city of Troy, and another further north, called ' I'anhosic.' "J
Yet it appears that an earlier purchase of this region was
made of an Indian named Na-ioa-ne-mit, who claimed to be
the owner. This purchase was made by Gillis Hossett,
agent for the first patroon, Kilaeu Van Rensselaer, on the
:27th of July, in the year 1630. Broadhead .-ays, —
■• The land on the east side of the North River, extending north-
war lly Groin Castle Island to the Mohawk, was the private property
of the sachem .Vawanemit. From him Van Rensselaer's agents also
purchased the territory calk I ack, lying on the east side of
the aforesaid river, opposite the Fort Orange, as well above as below,
and from the Pootanock (tho Mill Creek) northwards to Negagoncc,
ibout twelve miles large measure. "j
It would seem that this purchase included the site of
Troy, 'flu- tract, however, extended hut eight miles hack
from the river. Was not Paanpack as well as Pun:.
Situate to tie- eastward of this earlier purchase? This
would place Paanpaack eight miles to the eastward and in
tie- valley of the Little Hoosac, and not on the Hudson as
stated by Broadhead.
On Gillis Van Schcndcl's ma], of 16: in, above alluded to,
the Indian castle of Uil-U-wat is laid down on the hank of
the Hudson just north of the mouth of the Pocsten Kill.
Opposite I'n u-wat'i castle, in what is now West Troy, is
a little forest, laid down as "Greynen Hush." lint whether
th.- nun'' of Troy w,,- /'., m-paack or Senses- seeck, the old
"field of standing corn" has long since become a splendid
city.
Ill KAK1.V SKTTI.I WENT.
THOU \s OB 1MBEB8.
I i. lirM white mm who attempted to make a settlement
on land now included within tho corporate limits of the city
of Troy, of whom we haw any authentic account, was
1 and occupied a " bouwerie"
"■'• w Netherlands, rol. i.. map I
p. I
* History of New York, rol. 1. p. \ Ibi.l . p. 201.
in Troy as early as the year 1646, and who in after-years
became the first white settler at Esopus, Ulster Co., in
1652, and still later, in 167-. the proprietor of the Manor
of I'oxhall.
In Broadhead's History of New York, on page 536, vol.
i., is the following, under date of 1652 :
" Between Katskill and Manhattan there were as yet few European
inhabitants, and Thomas Chambers, who had occupied a farm near
what is now the city of Troy, removing, with some of his neighbors,
to 'Atkarkorton,' or Esopus, an ' exceedingly beautiful land,' began
the actual settlement of the County of Ulster."
The farm occupied by Thomas Chambers, near Troy, was
the tract lying between the Poestenkill and the Wynants-
kill, and was opposite the farm called the "Flatt," — de
"Vlachte" — leased to A rend t van Curler in 1647, and
which was afterwards known as the Schuyler farm, near
Fori Schuyler, at West Troy. A copy of this lease to Van
Curler is given in Chapter VII. of this volume, page 30.
As this lease to Thomas Chambers throws much light on
the early history of Troy and the customs of the time, we
here insert a copy of it intact. The lease reads as follows,
viz. :
'•In Tin: Name of the Loud. Amen*.
" Tins DAY, 7th September, anno 1C1C, the presiding officers of the
Colonic Rensselaerswyck on one side, and Thomas Chamber on tbo
oilier, have agreed and consented about a certain parcel of land, lying
right opposite the Bouwcric called the Flatt [de Vlachte], on the casl
bank of (he river, between the two kills, which land he, Thomas afore-
said, shall occupy as a bouwcric for the term of five successive years,
commencing the 15th November, anno 1017, on tho following con-
ditions:
"Thomas Chamber shall build free of all cost and Charges, and
without claiming a doit in return from the Lord Patroon, at his own
expense, a farm-house sixty feet long, twenty feet wide in the ■
the projection and all in proportion, as occasion may require, all faith-
ful and linn work, without further specifying the same; but in all ill
pans and members similar to the barn of I'ocnje. A dwclling-houat
apart and separate rrom tho barn, thirty-two feet long, eighteen feet
will', with a projection [uytlactingh] on one side, the posts above tho
beams projecting i« 1 feel and a half, honest work, without specifica-
tion, and without any expense to the l'atroon as aforesaid. Further,
the hnggarts, palisades, and in line everything free of charge to
the l'atroon,
" On condition of receiving in hand two marcs and two studs, and
moreover, two milch cows, the increase being on halves; but herein
he shall enjoy the privilege of the bouweries which shall be leased on
the arrival of i he Director; the ri-k is also half and half, except such
In lians may kill, which shall be at the -olc risk of the l'otn
umcionl prool being brought thereof. In case any opportunity
shall offer to erect a mill near the aforesaid bouwcric, the said Thomas
shall be preferred before all others, on the same condition
or a- shall then be agreed upon. From the summer sowing of the
year Hi 17 shall be given tenths, and therewith be quit. The lull
i which he shall plant in the bouwcric he is at liberty to thresh
withoul payment
tenths of tin rs remain, as on the other bou
The risk of the houses and barns and fences remain at tho ehai
Thomas Chamber. The said Thomas shall preserve the said
and bam" above and around, nn I within, in firm and fast repair,
without allowing any damage to befall them, and the land all around,
as far as is ncn ■ -- not over two years old. de-
livering up and transporting t" tho Lord l'atroon, or bis resident
agent here, free it tho expiration of his lease.
And the said houses, barns, and fences shall bo the Patroon'l ont
for the aforesaid live years.
"In case it should happen, which < J ■ > ■ i forbid, that war -hould
hi I tlo Indian . and Thomas be obliged to fly
from the bouwcric, thi li that he -hall be absent shall be allowed
him, nod his time begin again from the date of his return.
('[TV OF TROY.
it;
"And whereas XI as Chambers de Is assurance thai those
conditions shall be rntified by the Lords Masters without <liiiuiiiiii<>n,
addition, or annulniont, therefore do we, in tlie namo of tin- Lord
aforesaid, promise ami guranty to the said It ias that tit hall
be no failure or ncgloct in whatever is mentioned and agreed upon
hero, hut, "it tin- oontrury, all shall Ik- maintained even as if our
Lords aforesaid themselves drew them up.
"Thomas Chambers shall yearly pay, as an acknowledgment, live
anil twenty pounds of butter during his lease. Ho shall make use <>t'
his pasture above ant below his bouwerie will t let or hinder le.
"Their worships, the presiding officers aforesaid, agree that he,
Thomas, at the expiration of the above !i\'' successive years, shall
cultivate tin1 saiil bouwrie still three further years, provided ho pay
in addition to the truths five hundred guilders yearly from tin- produce
of the said bouwrio, at a valuation according to the rale that grain
shall sell fur at that time, and in additiun t.> tin- aforesaid horses,
one inure and ono stud shall be delivered tu him, i ording t<> agree-
ment.
"'I'., all which the said Thomas Chauihers hath agreed under his
signature, in the same manner as their worships the presiding officei a
have promised that on their part there -hall be no failure in the per-
formance of these conditions, and punctually to observe the same
under confiscation of all his goods, having ami to have present and
future, how much soever they may he, under the obligation of renoun-
cing, according to law, all [other] lords, couits, judges, and rulers.
Promising, moreover, to he in all obedience subject to all his (the l'a-
troon's) magistrates; to be true and faithful to them as occasion may
deiiKiiol, as a good subject is bound to he.
"In acknowledgment hereof hath Thomas Chambers signed this
with his own hand, Actum Rensselaerswyck, as above dated.
"Thomas Cm \m iters.
" In presence of me, the secretary, in the name of their honors the
Board aforesaid.
" Antonio de Hooges."*
Thomas Chambers occupied his bouwrie between the two
kills only during the first term of the lease, — five years. —
for it seems that in 1052 he went with some of his neigh-
bors to Esopus. Chambers, it seems, was a farmer of the
first class, who came over at his own expense, and was a
man of property and influence. He seems to have been
one of those restless, ambitious spirits who, like William
Gilliland and Philip Skene, more than a century after, at-
tempted to found manors on Lake Champlain.
JAN BARENTSEN WE.MP.
The second white man, of whom we have any account, who
took up his abode at or near the ancient castle of the Indian
On-u-wat, now the site of the city of Troy, and attempted to
subdue the old wilderness, was Jan Barentsen Werup.
Wemp settled at or near what is now Troy in the year
1659. | He removed to Schenectady with Van Curler
in 1UU1- (52, died soon after, and his widow, Maritie Myn-
derse, married Sweer Theunissen Van Velsoen, or Velde, who
had the title of Wemp's land confirmed to him by Governor
Nichols, by patent dated April 13, 1067. Van Velsoen
built a saw-mill on the Poesten Kill, and, also removing to
Schenectady, sold his Poesten Mill, with the kill whereon it
stood, to Jan Cornelise Vyselaer and Lucas Pieterse Koye-
nians, together with three morgans (four acres) of arable
land, opposite Steene-hoeck (Stone-hook, now West Troy),
in June, 1675. Finally, in 1679, Van Velsoen disposed of
the remainder of the Wemp property to Pieter Pietersen
van Woggelum, who, it seems, was living there as early as
11 tli of February, 1669.
* From the Rensselaerswyck MSS., O'Callnghnn's Hist, of New
Netherlands, vol. i. p. 473.
t History of Troy, by A. J. Weisc, p. 10.
PIETEB I'll II BSEN \ AN WOGOELUAI
was tin' noxl prominent earbj settlei in Troj after Wemp.
In LG69 lo' I lii b lot, a pari of a gardi a, and ■■> number
of IVuii trees bordering the th fence of tin- four-acre lo(
owned by Koycmans above described.
In 1674, Geerteuy Pieterse van Woggelum sold her in
terest in a saw mill on the nil tu tin- south of Poesten Kill
tn W'yiiant Gerritse van der Poel, ami that stream has
since borne tin' name of Wynants Kill. On the 6th day
of November, L676, Captain Philip Pietersen Schuyler,
the founder of thai family in America, became tin' owner of
the bouwrie between the two kills formerly leased to Thomas
Chambers \
DERICK VAN DER HEYJJEN.
We now approach a new era in the history of Troy, —
the settlement of a family whose possessions reach up fur
more than a century and end only in the founding of the
city of Troy, — the Van der Heyden family.
On the 2d of June. 17H7, Derick van der Heyden bought
of Van Woggelum all his interest in the land bordering on
the Hudson, lying between the Poesten Kill on the south
and the Piseawen on the north. This tract was eon-
firmed to him by an indenture of lease from the patroon,
bearing date the 15th day of December, 1720. In the
mean time this tract had been surveyed by Philip Ver-
planck, and was bounded and described as follows, to wit:
"Beginning on the north side of n certain creek, called Poesten Creek,
where there formerly was a saw-mill ( which said mill st Ions straight
Hue fifty-eight chains from the said river), and runs from the place
where the said mill formerly did stand down along the said creek to
the said river; thence up along the said river on five courses one
hundred chains to a small crick called the Meadow Creek; thence
into the woods seventy degrees easterly forty chains; thence south
twenty-three degrees thirty minutes westerly along the west side of
the land of Albeit Bratt one hundred and six chains to the place
where it first began, contain'.ng in all four hundred and ninety-seven
acres and one rood."
The annual rent required by the patroon of Derick van
der Heyden for this tract of four hundred and ninety-seven
and a quarter acres was three bushels and three pecks of
wheat and three fat hens or capons.
FIRST DIVISION OF THE VAN DER HEYDEN PROPERTY.
Derick van der Heyden had three sons, named Jacob,
David, and Mattys. In the year 1731 he divided his land
by deed between them, giving to each a third part thereof.
To Mattys he gave the south division, which extended
from the Poesten Kill to what is now Division Street, in
the city of Troy. To David he gave the middle division,
which lay between what are now Division Street and Grand
Division Street. To Jacob he gave the north division,
which lay between Grand Division Street and the Meadow
Brook, afterwards the Lansingburgh line.
The mansion-house of Derick van der Heyden, the orig-
inal proprietor, was situate near the centre of the middle
division, where he lived until he died. The three farms
above described remained in the possession of his three
sons and their heirs and descendants until the village of
Troy was laid out.
] History of the City of Troy, by A. J. Weisc. pp. 11-13.
178
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
THE COMING OF THE NEW ENGLAND TEOPLE.
At the close of (lie Revolutionary war, in 1783, the
three Y;ui der Heyden farms which the city of Troy has
since been bnilded, were owned and occupied by descendants
of the original proprietor respectively, as follows, viz.:
The siinili division was owned and occupied 1>\ Matthias
van der Heyden, who was called the " South Patroon." He
lived ;it the time in the old brick bouse still standing at
the southeast corner of Division and River Streets, which
is now the oldest building standing in Troy, having been
built in the year 17.">2. of brick brought from Holland.
The middle division was owned and occupied by Jacob
P. van der Beyden, railed the ".Middle Patroon." He
lived in the original Van der Heyden house, somewhere in
the neighborhood of what are now Congress and Ferry
Stn el -.
The north division was owned and occupied by Jacob I.
van der Heyden, known as the "North Patroon." His
residence was then a little north of the junction of Hoosac
and River Streets.
it this time the first of the New England settlers
began to seek new homes in the valley of the Upper Hud-
son. Coming up the river as far as Troy, they saw the
eligibility of its site for founding a village, but were at first
unable to purchase land of the Van der Heydens. The New
Englanders, therefore, who first came went past what is now
Troy, and settled in "New City." now Lansingburgh,
which had been laid out as a city by Jacob Lansim:. as
early as the year 1771, at "Stone Arabia," as Lansing-
burgh was then called. Upon the earnest solicitation of
tin- new-comers and the advice of their friends the Van der
II yden patroons yielded, and in the years 17S6 and 17^7
>n to sell lots to the New England people, and laid out
the city.
The story of the early days of the city of Troy is so well
told in a letter written by .Mrs. Eunice Pawling, who, in
the year 1792, came to settle at Troy with her first hus-
band, John Bird* an early lawyer of Troy, to her friend,
Judge McConihe, bearing date Oct. hi, ls47. that we
her narrative entire.
MRS. EUNICE PAWLING's NAUKATIYE.f
■■ From wh.it I I, arned, when I first went to Troy, T have
o to believe that the Bite now mpied by that city
the hunting-ground of the Mohawk Indians until
tie- year 1720, when lour hundred and ninety acres were
conveyed by the proprietors of Rensselaerville to Dirck run
II ../,„. for the animal amount of three bushels am]
three pecks of wheal ami three fat fowls.
•John Bird built the home which |j ,,n the DOrtheaM
pit .1 muilly
a.« law-oOi
t Mr-. Eunice Pawling wn> tlir dan I, Joshua Porter, <>f
Baliabnry, I . r ..f G< n. Pelor B. Porter mel
. alra lifter "f I >r. Jo
She »:,. «if.. of Col. Albert Puw-
"»Ji • hoiband wai John Bird, ■ ■
'".'" "f l.itchfirl.l. r.,nn. I!v dim •hi> n«« Ilio mother '.f tfal
nd of John Barman Bird, an
f, who waa killed on tbi lit," in the
«ilh thr I'.rilijh ihip
"The grant ranged from Poestenlcill; on the Hudson
River, to Meadow Creek, taking in the flats and the first
range of hills. Mr. Van der Heyden built a respectable-
looking Dutch house nearly in the centre of bis farm,
which was about where old .Mr. Prince's tavern afterwards
stood, and where he lived until his death, when himself and
wife were buried in the back part of the garden. They oc-
cupied the premises until the First Presbyterian church was
erected, when T saw their remains deposited in a vault con-
structed for the purpose under the meeting-house.
" Mr. Van der Heyden had three sons and as many
daughters. Two of the daughters married Lansings of
Lansingburgh, but he divided his estate between bis sons,
Matthias, Dirck, and Jacob.
" To Matthias he gave the south division, reaching from
Poestenkill to South Division Street ; from South Division
Street to North Division Street he gave to Dirck, taking in
the mansion-house where the mother resided ; and to Jacob
he gave from North Division Street to the boundary of Lan-
singburgh at Meadow Creek.
" Very little improvement appears to have been made on
the farms, even, until we went to Troy. On the middle sec-
tion, which was considered the best, there was no improve-
ment.— not even the scrub-oaks cut down, — east of First
Street, escept a few acres on a flat at the foot of the hill,
which was inclosed for a meadow, and a few scatterin"
apple-trees (put out, probably, by the first settler) around
the mansion.
"Soon after the Revolutionary war a few enterprising
men came to the Hudson River to look out a location for
mercantile business, and when crossing the ferry at Troy
found that it was about the bead of navigation, and a proper
place for their purpose, and proposed settling there. But
old Mr. Van der Heyden, who was then living, objected,
and they went to Lansingburgh, where they made a pur-
chase, and commenced building the ' New City,' as it was
then called. Previous to this, however, a Mr. Stephen
Ashley had come from Salisbury, in Connecticut, taken the
ferry, and kepi a small tavern at Troy (or ' Van der Hey-
den,' as it was then called) ; and after the 'new city' got
well started, old .)//•. Van der Her/den and some of Mr.
D. van der Heydens Dutch friends, among whom were Col.
Pawling and Col. Ten Eyck, his brother-in-law. advised
him to lay out his farm into city lots, and they would i
the five first, which was done, and they built houses, and
moved down from Lansinsbursh.
" lii August, L787, Dr. Gale, of Guilford. Conn., left
that place for the ' new city,' but having occasion to stop
at Troy, saw the peculiar advantages of that place, and it
being about the time that Mr. Van der Heyden had con-
cluded to lay out his farm into lots, he t""k two, and built
a brick house and store on the corner of Ferry ami River
' ts.
" Tli.' same fall 1 7^7 Benjamin Cowcll took a lot. the
nexl below Dr. Gale, after which people came on from dif-
ferent directions, so thai one of the most intelligent citizens
of th< place told me that, when he went there in 1792, it
had increased to about twenty respectable st..rr~. several of
them of three ami four Btories, built for storing grain.
Among them was Ten Eyck .V Pawling's, now (1847) tha
CITY OF TROY.
179
forwarding-store, where the post-office was then kept. On
the smith corner, opposite, was Benjamin Gorton's, and t lie
next south was a silversmith's store of Mr. Bayram ; ad-
joining him was Kinkaid, then the two Messrs. Burt, from
New York, and the next south were two Messrs. Wright,
Quakers, from New York, and a brick house and store, built
by a Mr. llae, of Hudson, which filled the block to
the ferry.
" Farther north of Ten Eyck & Pawling's store were
two more large owners, the two Merritts and two Fultons,
besides several smaller ones, and on the east side of River
Street most of those who had families had their dwelling-
houses.
"On the corner of River and Washington Streets, and
opposite his store, stood Mr. Ten Evek's dwelling-house.
Opposite where George Vail now (1S47) lives, was the
largest house in town, built by Capt. Rathbone, from Ston-
ington, Conn. Where Mr. Vail's house stands the ground
was covered with scrub-oaks and a few scattering pine-trees.
The only house on that side of Front Street was built by a
Mr. Outhout for renting, and was opposite Dr. Robbins,
where a house was then building.
" The Outhout house we hired the first year of our resi-
dence. There were no inclosures, and we dried our clothes
on the scrub oaks near the back door.
" Mr. Bird, myself, and a little son, then about three
years old, went to Troy in November, 1702, and stayed
at Mr. Rathbone's, where Mr. Rird had been previously
and engaged rooms and board. The Rathboncs were an
amiable and agreeable couple, with a large family of chil-
dren, composed of three sets, both of them having been
previously married, and each of them had three children,
and they had three more children between them. Several
of the older ones were grown, and were agreeable people.
" There were several other boarders, among whom was
Benjamin Gordon, then one of the greatest beaux in town,
always in full dress, with hair powdered, and a bunch of
ribbon at each knee, and since the most pious of all.
" We arrived at Troy at an interesting period. The
county of Rensselaer had been recently set off from that of
Albany, and a location was to be determined by the next
Legislature, to convene at New York the ensuing winter,
where the court-house should be located ; and the citizens
of the county, to avoid being suspected of partiality and
expense to the county, gave it to be understood that the
town which would give the most liberally towards its build-
ings should have them. Troy, to the astonishment of Lan-
singburgh, subscribed one thousand (hilars, of course get-
ting it.
" This, although it embarrassed the people a little, in-
creased the prosperity of the place. People came in from
the country, and many from Lansingburgh ' slipped away'
before their neighbors knew it. The two Messrs.
came down one ' moonshiny night,' and Col. Pawling
went with them and selected sites for their houses and
stores, where they built and lived, and the town prospered
greatly, which I have always imputed to their having set
out right. They did not neglect ' the one thing need-
ful.' They had public worship on the Sabbath, when they
had but one man who could make a prayer.
"The meetings, 1 am told, were first held in Ashley's
ball-room, afterwards in the small Dutch seho >1 house, wh to
they were held when I wenl there, and were, a- they had
been from the fust, called together by blowing the conch-
shell used for calling the ferry-boat. To distinguish the
calls, that, for the meeting was the longer. When they
first commenced worship Mr. Fraser made a prayer, Mr.
Van der Ileydeu set tin' psalm, and the New England
women could all follow. Then Dr. Gale or Col. Pawling
would read a sermon.
" About the time we went to Troy the Rev. .lames Coe
had been hired by the people of Lansingburgh to preach
alternately at Troy and Lansingburgh. A subscription bad
been made to build a Presbyterian meeting-house. The
building was set up the same fall, and covered the ensuing
winter. The next summer the floor was laid, a temporary
stage put up, and seats made by placing hoards on logs, and
our excellent Mr. Coe was ordained over our church, — a for-
tunate day for Troy, as he did much in establishing the
morality of the youthful city, which will long be felt." *
The following communication from her son by her first
husband John Bird is also of great interest :
COMMUNICATED BY COL. WILLIAM A. Binj>, OF BUFFALO.
'• Bfffalo, N. Y., Feb. 1, 1S66.
"Editor of Troy Times:
" Sib, — Some kind friend lias sent to my daughter your paper of
24th January, for the reason, as I suppose, that in the article relative
to the Historical Society mention is made of my father and Col.
Pawling.
"My object in this note is to answer an inquiry which he makes.
and which probably no man in Troy at this day can answer better
than myself. It is: ' How old i» (he building on the corner of Bit
and Congress Str><t*, .,- fmai i,*< tidied by Col. Hooker V
"I think that building was erected by Ten Eyck and Pawling in
1786 or 17S7. (Mr. Too Eyok was brother-in-law of Col. Pawling.)
"In 1720 1 he proprietors of Rensselaerwyck conveyed to Dirck
van dry Heyden 49U acres of land, bounded south by Poestenkill,
and north by Meadow Creeks, for an annual rent of ' 3j bushels of
Ill/rut ami V, fill fuwls.'
" Mr. Van der Heyden ere.-to 1 a house between what are now Ferry
and Congress Streets. When he died he was buried in the garden
back of the house, and, after the First Presbyterian church was built,
he was, with the remains of his wife, removed to the vault beneath
that church.
"After his death, his sons, Matthias, Dirck, and Jacob, were per-
suaded to lay out the farm into village-lots, and they promised Ten
Eyck and Pawling (who had located at Lansingburgh) the selection
of the two first lots, as soon as the survey should be made, if they
would come from Lansingburgh and occupy them.
" They chose the lots on each side of River Street and north side
of Congress Street, and soon after put up a warehouse to receive
grain ; and, I have little doubt, the same building, so far as the frame
is concerned, is the same now standing, and for a long time occupied
by Gurdon and Pattison, The Troy and Erie Line, Griffith, and Col.
Stanton.
11 Troy and its vicinity has the materials for many papers of great
interest, and, unless soon collected, as your older inhabitants will
soon pass away, will be lost or forgotten. I have the means of fur-
nishing some recollections of Troy in its beginning, which I will take
pleasure in contributing.
" Respectfully yours,
" William A. Bird.
"My father, John Bird, died in February, 1S0G, when I was a
child, and I knew little of him, except what I learned from my mother
* Henry P. Andrews, Esq., of Xew York City, a relative of Mrs.
Pawling, kindly furnishes us this copy.
1HI
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and Col. Albert Pawling, with whom I was in intimate relationship
for many years.*
. . . - My fntber, John Ttir.l, was the son of Dr. Scth Bird, of Litch-
field, Conn. II.- graduated at Vale College, studied law. ami married
my mother, , daughter of Col. Juehna Porter, of Salis-
bury, Litchfield County, Conn. She was sistor of General PeterUnell
Augtttttu Porter, of Niagara Falls, and of Doctor
M«a Porter, of Saratoga Springs.
•• My fnther came to Troy in 1792. fie was a membor of Assembly
in 1790 and 1707, and in 179S,— the first year of its session in Albany.
In 1800 he v^a- membor of Congress, and died February, IS06.
"Col. l'.urr was an officer with Col. Pawling in the army of tho
lulion, as well also Major Luther Stoddard, wli" married tho
ol mj mother, l'.urr rosided mucb of tho time— in 1821 and
1822- with Col. Pawling, when 1. being an inmate of the house, bo-
i well acquainted with liim.
"Although on very friendly terms, Col. Pawling wa
and honest in his political faith i ray d by personal friendship
t"r Burr, and was much displeased with him for his want of g 1
faith, mi'l used all his influonce against him when he (Burr) ran for
Governor."
. OL.
ALBERT l'AVl.INc;.
1 Pawling was a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y., and
a .-..u of i '"1. Levi Pawling, an officer of the American
army. Col. Albert Pawling also joined tlio army as second
lieutenant in a regiment commanded by Col. James Clinton
and went to Canada, where he served under Montgomery
in tlii- t'.iial expedition of 1776. In L776 he was appointed
a brigade major under (ion. George Clinton. As such he
! i ill 1777. when lie was made a major in one of the
sixteen additional regiments under Col. William Malcolm.
Under a mistaken view of the situation in 177'.l he sent in
his resignation, which the following letter from Washington
could not induce him to recall. The original is in the
library of the Young Men's Association of Troy:
" Headquarters, Uiddlebrook,
•■'J.I March. 1779.
"Sir, — In your letter of the 25th ult., you seem to have miscoi I
the intention of Congress, upon which is founded your application for
ign. It i- not their purpose to reduce Col. Malcolm's regi-
ment. Thi^ will l.<> i rporatcd with CI. Spencer's, ami as you aro
tli ly major in tin- two regiments, "t course you will be continued.
Ariel _• the jusl claims which the country has on good
officers, I am persuaded you will Buspend y ■ application.
'• I am Sir,
" V'.ui' most h'blc sorv't,
■■ iii.ii. W wins, .r. iv.
" M MOD PAWLI
Col. Pawling afterwards served a- colonel of a regiment
of S ■ | the X'-w York frontier.
Pawling Avenue perpetuates bis memory in the city of
hi- adoption.
l:l N.i \MI\ COVEL
another prominent pioneer of Troy. The following
extracts from his letters written to hi- former home in
Providen
0 I. 24, 1788.
Nowpori th< ir lav nlghl was such a
night - saw before, fur the wind l.lcw ... thai the
bed Now Y"rk Sunday
afternoon atn.ni ihc 24th, fur Albany.
1 "i ipor was the best article thai I could
carry np the rivrr."
Pawline. baring married the motber ••! Col. Bird, •
dot'' i BU1.
band.]
•• Ferry Hook, Nov. 16, 17SB.
" Irrived here llie 2d. This country is the best for business I ever
saw . I will go into my store the ISth of Nov. : hired it for six months
I J law fnl money. Done more business in one day than in one
w.ik in Providence. '1'hc night of the lath, after sundown, took in
tw< niv dollars. Got his goods first from Albany, but in the spring
will go tu New York. I am one mile from Benjamin Thurber's, down
the river. They are all well. 1 hoard at Stephen Ashley's, the same
man that I hire of. lie appears to be a clever man. and keeps a large
tavern, which is a great advantage to mc.
•' Bonj. Covell to Silas Covell, in Providence."
"Rensselaerwvck, May 3, 1787.
■■ 1 leu,' I,, :i ' feet long ami 22 wide, and have to move
il 2uii fool from whence it now stands. I am drawing tile brick for
the chimney this day. I will move it as sunn as I get tho wheat out.
I am going In liiaki- 1 wo stores for drygoods. It is two stories. We
intend to make it a dwelling-house."
" Renssei.aerwyck, June 20. 17S7.
■ " I hired a lot, for which I pay $10 a year.
"July 10, 1787.
•■ Moved his store to his lot. Took two days with 20 hands. I sent
by Capt. Bcnj. Allen 12 pounds ami lu ices Beavcrnnd 16 rnckoon-
skins, which 1 want you to send writing proper for."
"Van der Heyden, Sept. 26, 17S7.
" Benj. Timber and family aro well. Send ine ns many sheeps'
skins as you are a mind to. Two of them will make a man a pair of
breeches. 20 shillings per dozen N. Y. money. 2 or .'I doz. long leather
gloves. I want spelling-books and paper. I will advertise iu the
New City paper. Don't sell your paper to anybody that belongs to
New I'm.
'• To Silas Covell, at Provideuce. in favor of Mr. Sheldon."
CHRISTOPHER AND TIMOTHY" I1UTTON,
brothers and partners in business, were among the leading
shippers ol' grain and produce in Troy who came at an
early day. Their original warehouse is still standing as
No. 457 River Street, opposite King Street. Christopher
Hutton was an officer under Washington. Timothy Hut-
ton was noted for his polished manners.
OAPT. HOWARD SIOTJLTON
was a noted early settler in Troy. He was extensively en.
gaged in trade, and built a large wooden building on the
site of which is now the Female Seminary. It was fitted
up as a tavern, and known for many years as ('apt. Moul-
tou's Coffee-House |
THE WARREN FAMILY. J
Eliakim Warren, who was the founder of one of the
first commercial houses in this city, removed with his fam-
ily from Xorwalk. Conn., to Troy, X. Y.. in 1T!»s. His
forefathers were among the earliest settlers of New England ;
the Warcings or Warrens being among those sturdy Eng-
lish colonists who stubbornly disputed with the Dutch for
die possession of Long Island, the eastern part of which
was then a part of Coiineel ieiit .
Richard Waring, or Warren, the ancestor of Eli.ikim,
was on.- of the original proprictorsof Brookhavcn in 1655.
In a deed still in existence, he conveyed i" his son Edmund,
tie grandfather of Eliakim, two pieces of land in the town
of Huntington, I,. I. Said land, etc., "shall notbcsold to
any furner [foreigner] or stranger by ye said Edmond be-
fore a tender made to sum of ye said Edmond's brothers."
.
, -i.iry ,.f the iiiy ..i Troy, by \. .1. Wiese, p. 16.
; Kindly contributed by Dr. Nathan B. Warren.
CITY OK TROY.
1-1
Edmond married, in 1698, Elizabeth BoutOD, whose
grandfather, John Boutou, had emigrated to New EDgland
in 1635.
The name of Edmond Warren appears very often in the
ancient records of Norwalk, and is there variously spelled .
first as Wareing at his marriage in 1698, and Waren on
his removal to Norwalk in 1705 ; finally, on his tombstone,*
in 1749, it is spelled Warin.
The syllable ('//-/was the patronymic termination in early
English, or rather the Teutonic languages generally. A
few modern surnames, such as Harding, Hastings, Frecling,
Willing, etc., still preserve the memory of this ancient
tribal organization.
There is also considerable variety in the spelling of the
maiden name of Pjdmond's wife. Wc find it spelled, in the
ancient records, Bowton, Bowtcn, Bowtin, Boughton, Bou-
tin, and Bouton. In " Hotten's list of passengers," it is
spelled Bowtcn. Matthew, the son of John Bouton, of
Norwalk, settled in Danbury, Conn., and he and his de-
scendants have spelled the name Boughton. This last is in
conformity with the spelling of the Boughtons of War-
wickshire, England, although the founder of that family
(lii)>j>. Henry VI.) first appears in England as Sir William
de Bouton, but after his marriage with the heiress of Law-
ford the spelling of it was changed.
Such varied spelling of surnames was by no means un-
common in old colony times. Even in England, as late as
the early part of the last century, the spelling of surnames
was equally uncertain. Halliwell says that Shakspeare
changed his mind thirty times as to the letters and the
sequences of the letters composing his illustrious patro-
nymic, and there exists a MS. of Sir William Dugdale in
* There appears to be a doubt about the proper spelling of the
names. It seems to have been taken for granted by the antiquaries
and genealogists of New England that Waring was a misspelling of
the name of Warren. The same mistake seems also to have been
made in England. According to NichoPs "Herald and Genealogist,"
Mr. Watson, the antiquarian, in his ''History of the Earls of War-
ren and Surrey,'' made Sir George AVarren, of Cheshire, and Admiral
Sir John Borlasc Warren, K.B., of Staplcl'ord, Nottinghamshire, de-
scendants of a common ancestor, who lived three centuries before
their time, and died in the Twenty-third, Henry VII.
There are, however, very reasonable grounds for believing that the
Warrens of Stapleford, Co. Nottingham, of which Sir John was the
representative, wero not at all descended from the ancient family of
Warren. They were descended from Sir Arnold Waring, who was
knighted 4th of March, 1632-33.
Burke, in his " Landed Gentry," says that the Warings are de-
scended from Miles He Guarin, who came to England with William
the Conqueror. At the Reformation temp. Queen Mary, the ancestor
of the Warings of Lancashire, fled to Ireland to avoid persecution.
The Warings of Waringstown, County Down, are of this stock.
Allibone mentions twenty-two authors of this name in England and
America who have distinguished themselves in science and literature.
It appears, then, from the above, that the names of Waring and
Warren are not identical, although both are equally ancient and
probably of tribal origin. Richard Waring, of Brookhaven, does not
appear to bo related to the Warrens of Plymouth, Watertown, or Bos-
ton. Savage says he cannot find any evidence that these Massachu-
setts families are related to each other.
The name was very common in tho eastern, western, and southern
counties of England, from which the New England immigrants came.
The writer has been thus particular on the subject of names, because
the numerous and widely-scattered descendants of Richard Waring,
of Brookhaven, still continue to differ as to the spelling and pronun-
ciation of their patronymic.
which one hundred and thirty-one different modes of spell-
ing the name Mainwaring is given, while Fuller, in bis
"Worthies of England,' observes "thai the honorable
name of Villiers is written fourteen several ways in their
nun evidences." " Will Honeycomb," Bays Addison's Spec-
tator, •■ never liked pedantry in spelling, for when some
errors were detected in the letters he writ in his youth to a
coquette lady, he protested thai he spelt like a gentleman
and not like a scholar. "
Among the ancestors of Eliakim Warren, besides the
Boutons, were the MarvinS, the (iregnries. and the Keeil-,
all of whom immigrated to ibis country in the early part
of the seventeenth century. His mother, Ann Beed, was ;i
granddaughter of John Beed, an officer in Cromwell's
army, who, at the Restoration, took refuge in New Eng-
land, where he lived to the extraordinary age of ninety-
eight years. The Boutons are said to have come from
France,f being probably among those Huguenots who,
fleeing from persecution in their own country, took refuge
in England.
Arriving in Boston, he probably went with the Connec-
ticut colony the same year to Hartford; thence to Norwalk,
and there settled as one of the original proprietors of the
town in 1651. He was chosen selectman of the town, and
for thirteen years was a deputy in the colonial Legisla-
ture. If this tradition be well founded, John Bouton was
doubtless of the Burgundian stock and a fruitful vine, —
for, transplanted from the soil of his native country, he has
branched forth on every side in the land of his adoption.
Moreover, these prolific Boutons have also been remarkable
for longevity, several of them having attained the patriarchal
age of ninety years.
The Warrens and Boutons have frequently intermarried
since their first union in 1698.
Edmond Waring (or Warren) removed from Huntington,
L. I., to Norwalk, Conn., in 1703. From the fact of his
having built a pier in the harbor of Norwalk, it is inferred
that he must have been engaged in some mercantile busi-
ness,— probably that of exporting lumber, for he had pur-
chased from time to time pieces of land extending all the
way from South Norwalk to Five-Mile River, in extent far
beyond the needs of farming as then practiced in New
England. He died aged seventy-six, and to the wife and
twelve children who survived him (eight sons and " four
loving daughters") he bequeathed a considerable landed
estate.
The following inscriptions were copied from ancient
tombstones discovered at Norwalk, in 1S62, by Mr. Jona-
than Camp :
"f The Rev. Dr. Bouton, in his autobiography, says, " The French
stock can be traced back authentically as far as L350, to Jean Bouton,
seigneur de Guintiguie, son of N. Bouton, seigneur de Savigny. Many
of the name appear in the French military and court records of the
fifteenth, sixteenth, and later centuries. Nicolas Bouton, born in
159S, bore the' titles of Count de Cbamilly, Baron de Montague, and
de Nanton. His son, Noel Bouton, born in 1636, advanced the honors
of his house, and was created .Marquis of Cliamilly and (in 1703)
Marshal of France. There are many of the same name still living
in France and England. John Bouton, said to be the common an-
cestor of all of the family name in this country, came from England
in L635."
]--
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
•■ Dare lioa j o bo ly of Mr. Edmond Wnrin,* who died August ye 5,
I7J'.'. in ye 76 year of his ngc."
■■ Hen- lies vu body of Mb. Elisabeth Waring, wife of M*. Edmond
Waring.f »li" died Nov" 7. 1760, in the 80" yenr of ber ago."
Tradition savs that Eliakim Warren i tin- ur.in.l-. 111 ill'
Edmond), while still a resident of Norwalk, built a vessel
which he named "The Three Brothers," in honor of his
three sons, who were all under age at the time. Esaias,
the eldest, although not yet twenty, was, however, intrusted
with this vessel, and as supercargo made several trips to the
West Indies.
It was .'ii one of ilie return trips, after the cargo had
1.. en sold at Albany, that the idea of settling in Troy first
1 itself to them. There they heard of the thriving
little village farther up the river. On personal inspection,
they were satisfied that Troy would become a flourishing
town,! it being in reality at the head of navigation.
With characteristic promptness. Mr. Warren purchased
a desirable lot and determined at once to remove with his
family to Troy. His wife, who was a daughter of Esaias
B 'in .hi. of Xorwalk, on hearing of what he had done, ex-
pressed her astonishment by asking him if he had taken
leave of his senses. The good lady had afterwards abundant
n to be satisfied with the excellence of her husband's
ii n! "ii this matter, for they lived happily together in
their new home for many years, seeing their children and
their children's children grow up around them.
II. r regret at leaving the home of her forefathers, where
her family had lived, honored and respected, for nearly a
century and a half, must have been considerably lessened
by the fact that one of her sisters and two of the brothers,
Nathan and Stephen, also removed to Troy about the same
time. The liouton homestead, to which they were all so
much attached, picturesquely situated at the head of a
little hay, protected from cold winds by surrounding hills,
was quite a model of a New England farm-house of the
better class.§ In old colony times the custom of burning
"They »>r.' very cnrcful to give no titles where they wire not
due. to a li-i .if one bondi ■ you »ill not Bud above four
..r ti\" distinguished by ' .Mr..' although they were men of some sub-
m ii in i ■ ' ■ I i i>' wero tho common appellations. —
refit.
r li i- eurion i thai there i the lame variation of spell-
ing in the l»'t will and to*tiimenl ol Peter Warrin, the ancestor of tho
Bunker Kill. Ii is thora apclled both Warrin and
Warring. Tin* ion, ha II ithoi ol the general), spelled
lied hi Boston and Troy. In Iced, tho ' g* in pronunci-
ation -."iiiii i" li.iv>' been sofle 1 -»r altogether dropped by those be-
lirring it to be ft prorineialism. Mr. Bliakim Warren elaii I t" bo
thi genonl, and this relationship was acknowledged
mm to Dr. Warren, of Boston.
J [nil inty clerk's offico th< led ;i deed, dated lv,|l
etwees Thomas Norton, ..f the Villnse of Troy.of the tir.-t
part,and Bsalas Warren, Natiian Warren, and Bliakim Warreo,Mor-
r a piece of property nn River
ni, '• in consideration of two thou -and and
liars, lawful .fsix
hun.lv>' I and fifty .no dollars nn>l twenl ilbort Pawl-
later, we Bnd the same
thousand -oven hun.lrc.l nn I thirty
$ Mr. William Vnn Renmelaer, who inherited fr..in the old pabroon
that pftrt .if the man. >r lyni£ in Rensselaer ' "iintv. r>'-i'le>l with hi«
family for many year* in a boose built .-n <.n»> of the headlands funn-
ing the b IJ.
the yule-log or Christmas-block was religiously kept up at
this house. A log of unusual size having been selected in
the summer was. on Christmas-eve, drawn from the woods,
and with handspikes rolled into the kitchen, where it was
solemnly placed in the huge fireplace which occupied one
end of the apartment : and so long as this log burned, which
was, usually, three or four days, all work was suspended on
the farm, the household giving itself up to the hilarious
observance of a merry Christmas. The house was burnt
some time after the death of the proprietor. The substan-
tial chimney, however (protected doubtless by the good St.
Nicholas), has, up to the present time, stubbornly resisted
the power of the elements, for, towering aloft, it continues
to be, as it has been for more than a hundred years, a land-
mark to vessels coming into the neighboring harbor of
Norwalk.
Esaias Bouton,thc father-in-law of Mr. Eliakiin Warren,
lived to be ninety-one. At his funeral, the Rev. Dr. Sher-
wood, of the Episcopal Church, preached from the text
Psalm ex. 7, "lie shall drink of the brook in the way;
therefore shall he lift up his head." This text might have
been appropriately applied to the six children who survived
him, who also lived to a good old age, — averaging fourscore.
This digression is believed to be necessary in giving a
sketch of the Warrens, for the two families have been so
long connected that it would be difficult to give a history
of the one without some notice of the other.
Eliakim Warren married l'hivbe, daughter of Esaias
Buuton, in 1771. From their earliest youth both of them
bad been devotedly attached to the Church of England.
They found no Episcopal Church in Troy. Indeed, there
was hut one place of public worship in the village, built by
the inhabitants, for the use of all denominations. Reliev-
ing that they had providentially found a true missionary
field for their exertions, they at once set about what seemed
then the almost hopeless task of founding a church. Meet-
ings were first held in the court-house ; then a church (St.
Paul's) was incorporated. By the way, it was the same
name as that of their old parish church in Norwalk. The
Rev. David Butler was called to its pastoral care. At first
there were hut three communicants, — Mr. Warren, his
wife, and Lemuel Ilawley, — and now there are, in what
was then within the limits of St. Paul's parish. — Troy and
West Troy, — three times three churches, "a little one hav-
ing become a thousand. "||
With Mr. Eliakim Warren, religion was something monj
than a mere decent conformity required of respectable
] pie by public opinion.
Iii his youth there had been a great awakening in ihc
Church of England originating, doubtless, in the preaching
of the Wcsleys, and many dissenters, even in New England,
in In turn their thoughts towards the Church, and Mr.
Warren was among those who, after serious thought and
reading, came back to the Church of their forefathers.
Tradition says that in those days he walked five miles every
Sunday to attend the service of the nearest church.
i..v.ini brethren, in tbi long under his [Dr. Be*
lrr'"l charge, you will Bnd nearlj n icorc ol churrbi i 1 . and
schools, while organisations and gifts of Christ like charity have mul-
tiplied n thonsan I fold." !>■ . Pol* i '• So i.
CITY OK TKOY.
i- ;
Dr. Potter, President of Union College, in an anniversary
senium5 preached in St. Paul's Church, in 1872, says of
him : " He who was destined to be the honored founder of
the [Episcopal] Church in Troy had but recently removed
to this place. Nevertheless, he resolved, in Words that are
still remembered, that Episcopalians, Pew though they were,
must have a church of their own."
The brick church on the corner of Third and Congress
Streets, the corner-stone of which had been laid in 1804,
■was consecrated by the lit. llev. Bishop Moore, of New
York, in 1806. Mr. Warren had two years previously been
chosen senior warden, which office he held at the time of
bis death in 1824. His had been a long life of usefulness ;
indeed, few men of his time were more generally beloved
and respected. Of him it might truly be said, '' Blessed
are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." He often
said in his old age that he never had a lawsuit ; and in
those days, when disputes between Episcopalians and Pres-
byterians ran high, be avoided polemical controversy. The
recent wars with England doubtless added much to the
bitterness of those disputes, for Episcopalians were sus-
pected of a reactionary leaning towards monarchical institu-
tions. When a lady, who chanced to see him at an evening
party, in pleasant conversation with the late Rev. Dr. Coe,
the then pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, asked
him how it was that he and the doctor got on so well to-
gether, be replied at once, " By avoiding controversial sub-
jects, for they could easily find common ground of agree-
ment."
Another anecdote, illustrative of Mr. Warren's meekness
and humility, has fortunately been preserved. When the
old brick church was enlarged, by the addition of thirty-five
feet to the chancel end of the building, it was suggested to
him that he might have a family vault constructed under
the church, such as the Van der Heydens had built under the
Presbyterian Church. It was a tempting offer to one who
had always been so devout in his attendance on the services
of the sanctuary, for in those days it was thought a dis-
tinguished honor to be buried under a church, but, after a
brief consideration, he declined the offer, saying that the
common burying-ground was good enough for him and his
family.
At the time when the Oakwood Cemetery was planned
this half-forgotten anecdote was brought to mind, susrsrestinsr
to his descendants the idea of a mortuary chapel. Indeed,
public opinion then required that the family should erect
some suitable memorial, which at the same time should be
an ornament to the cemetery. A chapel was therefore
decided upon, and is that which now occupies a conspicuous
position near the centre of the cemetery. It is a cruciform
building, early English in character, of stone from quarries
at the aqueduct, combined with granite. The more highly-
i wrought portions of the building are of Aubigny and Caen
stone, imported from Normandy. The graves of the senior
members of the family are covered with plain slabs of mar-
ble, containing appropriate inscriptions ; upon these rests an
altar-tomb of Caen stone, supporting a sculptured represen-
tation of the Last Supper, over which is a triple window
* A discourse on parochial progress, delivered in St. Paul's Church,
10 Troy, N. Y., on the Sunday following St. Paul's day.
of painted glass, the subject being the Ascension of our
Lord. In a word, this picturesque building, in the lan-
guage of architecture, might be con sidered a hymn of pi
as well as a confession of that faith in which those who
rest beneath have lived and died.
In concluding this notice of one of Troy's worthiest <-iii
zens, we cannot do better than quote the following from his
funeral sermon, preached by Dr. Butler: "Our departed
friend was the first that moved the organization of our
congregation; and to bis prudence, perseverance, and lib-
erality we are greatly indebted, under God, for our present
prosperity. He spared neither labor, pains, nor expense in
rearing this fabric, and in supporting the holy ordinances
administered in it. Nor is it we alone that have occasion
to deplore this sad event. The Church at large is deeply
afflicted. One of the most copious streams of its liberality
is dried up."f
But the good example of those who departed this life in
the faith and fear of God bad its usual good effect. Soon
after a new church was resolved upon, and the spacious
stone edifice which now stands on the comer of State and
Third Streets was the result. Foremost in this good work
were the three sons of Eliakim Warren, his second son,
Nathan, being on the building committee; indeed, the archi-
tectural success of the work was said to be greatly due to
his good taste and untiring zeal.
Among the institutions of religion and learning that
those brothers assisted in founding was one in their own
native State of Connecticut. Washington College, now
known as Trinity College, Hartford. The portrait of Mr.
Nathan Warren has been placed in the library, among the
benefactors of that institution. The college, then compar-
atively poor, has since become wealthy, and the trustees are
now erecting stately buildings which will compare with
those in the English Universities of Oxford and Cam-
bridge.
The Warren brothers were also promoters of other be-
neficent institutions at home as well as abroad.
They cheerfully responded to every call of their fellow-
citizens to assist in those good works that bad for their ob-
ject the building up of Troy.
With such men 'as George Tibbits, Richard P. Hart,
George and Henry Vail, Judge Cushman, Judge Buel,
John Payne, Le Grand Cannon, and others that might be
named, they devoted much of their time and energy to the
interests of the city. The Troy Female Seminary ; the
Polytechnic Institute;}; the Savings-Bank, and other
banks of discount and deposit; turnpikes opening to Troy
the surrounding country ; the water-works, and the Hy-
draulic Company utilizing the water at the State dam ; the
Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad, one of the first railroads
constructed in the United States, — all these and similar
works they and their associates labored to advance.
In those days before our railroad system was completed,
•f He was the founder of the AVarren scholarship in the General
Theological Seminary, and he had also donated to the church a fifty-
foot lot, upon which the parsonage then stood, the life-long home of
the preacher.
£ The ground upon which this institution st:ui 1- was donated hy
the children of the late Stephen Warren, Esq.
184
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
when a bridge at Albany would have been fatal t ■ • the
growth of Troy, they successfully resisted by representa-
tion in the Legislature the granting of a charter to bridge
the Hudson at Albany. When first-class steamboats were
to !"■ built, to compete with those running to Albany, the}'
liberally advanced capital, without stopping t.> consider
whether it would ever be to them a money-paying invest-
ment; and in later times, when it began to be manifest
thai Troy must be a manufacturing rather than a mercan-
tile town, they were equally ready, according to their
ability, to forward all Buch industrial enterprise.
Their fellow-citizens frequently bestowed marks of con-
fidence on them. Three of the family have been mayors of
the city. The first. Mr. Bsaias Warren, succeeded Col.
Pawling, and, after Berving several tonus, declined any
further re-election, having filled (lie office louder than an\
other mayor either before or since. Joseph M. and George
B. Warren, dr.. a grandson and great-grandson of Eliakiin
Warren, held the same honorable office. Four of the fam-
ily have 1 n presidents of hanks and other incorporated
institutions in which large amounts of capital have been
invested. These different trusts they have discharged with
credit to themselves and advantage to the Stockholders.
Ever since their removal to Troy, and even from an
earlier period, some of the family have heen engaged in
mercantile pursuits. Two of the largest commercial and
manufacturing houses in the city at present include several
of the family among their partners; and it is believed that
from the time " The Three Brothers" made its first voyage
to the West Indie-: to the present day, a period of nearly
ninety years, their credit has been good, and never, even in
the iii' •-! trying times that Troy has ever seen, have they
failed to n t their commercial engagements.
"The late George Boutou Warren was at the time of his
death 1 379 the oldest native resident of the city of Troy,
where he was horn mi Sept. 1\">, 17l>7. While yet a young
man, he became a partner in the firm of Southwick, Can-
non & Warren, dry-g Is merchants. On the incorpora-
tion of tin- Troy City Hank, in 1833, he was chosen a di-
r. and '.n retiring from business became president wf
the bank, a position he held for many years. He was
rman of the Third Ward from 1835 to 1842, and rep-
resentative in the Assembly in 18W. [n 1846 he was the
Whig candidate for representative in Congress, but was de-
i by Gideon Reynolds, the candidate of the Anti-
renter-. Ar the time of his death he was president of the
Troy Union Railroad Company. Mr. Warren was an ar-
denl student of nature, and particularly in ornithology.
II- house was full of specimens of the rarest and most
itiful birds. Part of the collection, we believe, has been
presented to the Polytechnic Institute. Very few, if any,
ornithologists in this country have either tl retically or
e.i'lv 1 n bo well versed in the life, habits, and
peculiarities of bird-. A true 1 . . \- « • r of nature, he wa- never
ier than when in his holiday- he Sought the solitude
of fa md iii company with o few discipli
I i Walton as enthusiastic as himself drew the coy fi-h
from their hidden ret I }■'■ ■ n,.
tomi d to « i-i' the habitat of the di nisens of the water- thai
cire! ■■ Thousand Islands of the river St. Lawrence,
Later on he penetrated the then almost unbroken solitudes
of the Adiron lacks, and went where before him the foot of
civilized man had never trod. One of bis most respected
companions on these excursions was the late Rev. Dr.
Bethune, who was styled Chaplain of the Piseco Club, a
sporting organization founded by Mr. Warren, and named
from Lake Piseco. in Hamilton County, a favorite resort
for fishing."
In politics the Warrens have always been conservative,
having a sincere distrust of novelties and dangerous experi-
ments.
In old Revolutionary times, the family, or rather the
Bouton half of it, were suspected of a leaning to Toryism,
although it was only in matters of opinion, for, like other
Connecticut Churchmen, they were apprehensive that a
separation from the slate meant also a separation from the
Church of England. The fact that the brother of Ksaios
Bouton held a commission in the army that captured
Quebec may have had some influence, but such inclination
did not prevent Kliakim Warren from joining the patriots
in defense of Norwalk, when the town was attacked by the
British in 1770. Although at that time the British were
compelled to retreat, it was not until they had burned the
greater part of the town. Among the few houses of South
Xoi walk that escaped was the one belonging to Mr. Warren.
Some said that these were spared because the owners were
believed to be at heart friendly to King George. In mure
modern times they were Federalists. Since the downfall of
that party they have been very moderate in their expres-
sion of political preferences; nevertheless, some of them
have occasionally been candidates for office. Mr. Stephen
Warren was once in the Assembly, and had the honor to be
a presidential elector. His son, Mr. Joseph M. Warren,
has been in Congress, and is now warden of St. Paul's
Church, having succeeded his father, uncle, and grand-
father in that honorable office.
On the completion, in 182S, of the new church edifice,
on the corner of Third and State Streets, a tablet contain-
ing the following inscription was erected :
"This tablet is erected by tic vestry in memory of Kliakim
Warren, Sonior Warden of tin- church from its organization, in I-
until his death. To his zeal and munificence the congregation is in*
dobtcd, under Hod. for il- origin and prosperity, lie died Soptetn-
bor-lth, 1824, aged 77 o-ar-. ' Mark (lie perfect man. and l-eliold the
upright, for the end of that man is peace.'"
A i'rw years later, another tablet was placed on the side
of the chancel :
''This tablet i tin- vestry in memory of Phchc, Keliel
• •I Kliakim Warren. She died January 17. lS:ta, aged 80 year*. A
mother in I-rael for 20 yen-, she supported and conducted .« Satar-
d for the children of the poor. ' The blessing of him
thai «a- r.adv I., perish .one upon her, and she caused tbc widow's
heart to sing tor joy.' "
'I'he following extract, clipped from the Xorwal/c G
of Old. 7. 1879, wa- received afler the above hail been writ-
ten. It i.- from a centennial sermon preached by the U
i' \| 9 Heck, at St Paul's Church, Norwalk, September
_'-ib. and refers to Eliakim Warren and his sons:
" Shortly after Tryon's ships bad finally rcerosscd the Atlantic,*
piritunlly nurture I here, loile I out "I thil port
(MTV OK TIM >Y
1 35
anil took 11 1 > reaidenoe, in thai day, remote from this place. Vmi maj
sit their names, you inny n-nd that of your town, inscriln'il logiblj Oil
sovi'tal monuments and tablets which testify to their worth and use-
fulness in their adopted home.
'• Prom a secular history, published two years ago, we gather the
following -interesting stateraont referring t<> the same family. On
Jim. 16, 1804, a few persons met in a court-house in Northern NYw
York to organize ecclesiastically. The first warden chosen was an
; old vestryman of this parish. Bishop Moore gave them a rector, who
commenced his ministry with three communicants. The first two—
we are in doubt as to the third Kelon^ed here in the days of the
burning. That parish, now queenly mother of seven right prosperous
daughters, ranks to-day, in point of influence and wealth, I Dg
the first parishes in the Union ; and old St. Paul's, Norwalk, has no
reason to hide her head when she remembers the Warrens and the
Boutons and the Cannons ami the Kelloggs whom she gavo it.
" Oil the east hank of the Hudson, and overlooking it and the beau-
tiful city at its base and around it, is reared a massive temple, free
for all time to come for the worship of Almighty God. Daily prayer
ascends from its altars, the voice of daily praise is heard within.
I "An institution for the instruction of the young — without money
and without price, and now and for several years past presided ovor
(by one of the noblest sons of the Church— belongs to and adjoins it.
Many rise and call Mary Warren blessed. She rests in Paradise, but
her works survive and her memory is precious : and it is an act of but
'simple justice to it that we pronounce her name, with profound grati-
'tude to-day, in this home and parish of her nativity."
fresh and ever blossed in thi oo mm unity, continued lino her death,
and gradually enlarged as ;t day school, and with raor< amplt p
leges and instruction, baa suggested the good desire, foi
cherished, and the pioue de ign i hit day begun, of i aeeting with
■this Selu. id of industry,' in be provided for iii blessed perpetuity, :■
mission church, which shall be always free, 'a bou i of prayer for
all people.' This is the fifth instance in thi dioct e in which a
church has been erected bj the liberality of an individual, nrhili i
as we iieiie\ e, i hr ji , at \ m;i\ it be followed peedirj by many more !
which has been projected and devoted as ' a free or mission ohurob/"
It was continued by Mrs. Nathan Warren for five years.
In the year 1839 she converted ii Into an every-day school
for reading, writing, sewing, knitting, marking, quilting,
Sunday-school lessons, catechism, and church music. The
number of scholars is sixty-six. The teachers, Misses
Pierce; music teacher, William Hopkins, 1842.
St. Mark's day had been selected by the founder for the
laying of the corner-stone because, among other reasons, it
happened to be the birthday of her eldest sun, with whom
had originated the idea of adapting to the American Book
of Common Prayer the English cathedral or choral service,
which was designed to be, together with the principle of
free-sitting, a distinguishing feature in the enterprise.
CHURCH OF THK HOLY CKUSS.
The little school mentioned in the tablet was continued by
her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Nathan Warren. From a Satur-
day sewing-school it was, not long after, converted into a
day-school by its new patroness. This pious lady, with the
approbation of the proper ecclesiastical authorities, soon
determined upon another and still more important step, which
was the founding of the Mission Church of the Holy Cross.
The corner-stone of this edifice was laid on St. Mark's day,
April 25, 1844. The choral parts of the service were per-
formed by the children of the school, — in number about 80,
— who for nearly two years had officiated as choristers in St.
Paul's Church on saints' days and other week-day services.
From an address delivered on the occasion by Dr. Van
Kleeck, Rector of St. Paul's, we take the following:
" Tho simple Saturday sewing-school, established twenty-nine
years ago, by one* whose labors, influence, and memory will ever be
* The following history of this school i;
worked by one of the girls two years since :
24
taken from a sampler
In 1840 the church and school was incorporated. The
church, though opened for the celebration of divine seivice
on Christmas-day, 1844, was not consecrated until the com-
pletion of the chancel, Dec. (J, 1848. The Right Rev.
Bishop Whittingham, of Maryland, officiated on the occa-
sion. On the next day, in the newly-consecrated church,
the bishop admitted to the priesthood the Rev. John Ire-
land Tucker,"!" under whose pastoral care the church has con-
tinued to the present day, — a period of thirty-one years.
The altar-piece, "The taking down from the Cross," was
painted and presented to the church by Prof. R. W. Weir,
of West Point. The land upon which the buildings are
erected, the organ, the chimes, and the stained-glass win-
dows, are the gift of the children of the founder. During
"School of Industry of St. Paul's Church, Troy, Founded bj .Mrs.
Phebe Warren, in the year 1815, as a Saturday Sewing-school, and
maintained by her until her death.**
j" Dr. Tucker had previously charge of the church while in deuem's
ordors.
1-.:
HTSTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the war the clock was presented to the church by Maj.-Ceu.
Schriver, the son-in-law of Mrs. Warren. After the death
nf the Pounder, in 1859, the church was greatly enlarged
and beautified, the parsonage, on the north side, having
been built two years previously.
There axe several monuments in the church. One to the
memory of the founder, on which is the following inscrip-
tion :
Tins Church,
.ill pi Oplo,
was founded by M.uy. widou of Nathan Warn n.
A. H. MlMVrXUY.
I'll. lute-Chapel,
contemplated by the founder,
w.i- buill t-> her children
i- :i memorial of their venerated mothor,
who, "ii the VIII. .l»y of February, A.D. MDCCCLIX.,
in tin- I. XX. year of her age,
entered unto thai rest
which rcmainoth to tin- people of God.
Another to her parents, whilst a third is to her daughter,
the wife of Gen. Schriver.
h i- a curious coincidence that the church should have
lieeu consecrated on St. Nicholas' day (the tith of Deceru-
lier i. Indeed, im mure appropriate day could have been
selected, considering that St. Nicholas has always been re-
garded as the patron saint of schools and scholars. Cer-
tainly no saint in the calendar is more popular with chil-
dren.
For forty years the time-honored festival of Christmas
has been celebrated with great solemnity by the children of
this school. It was at the residence of the founder (31
Third Street) that the Christmas-tree was first set up in
Troy. Dr. Telkampf, a Prussian, and a professor in Union
College,")" came over from Schenectady on purpose to give
the needful instruction.
From that time to the present the celebration has been
annually repeated, although of late years it has been held
at the Institute. Here in the main school-room, decorated
and arranged for the occasion, in the style of an old Eng-
lish manor-house, with the blazing yule-log on one side of
the room, while the Christmas-tree is beiug prepared in an
MiH NT IHA.
There is, besides, a lectum of brass, presented by Mrs.
« ;.-..r^.- 1 1 . - 1 1 r v Warren, in memory of Mrs, Philip Phoenix,
daughter of the late Stephen Whitney,of New Fork. This
beautiful work of art is a fac-simile of the one in Exeter
Cathedral, and was exhibited at the Centennial Exhibition.
i the beginning, the choral or cathedral Bervice has
.1 specialty in this church. It tool, some years to tot
tli«' practicability of the experiment, and to overt the
prejudice against it. [t is now, howevei established
that tl sample has been followed far and near, bo thai
there is hardly a city in the United States thai has not its
choral service.*
I old Van del Beyden mansion, nearly opposil
been for many years used as ■ school li until it was
burnt ilnwn in the great lire of 1862. Then the handsome
building on the south side of the church was erected for
school-house purposes.
* For to'T" than twenty year- I hoir wen ondet the
mmiMl direction of Prof. William Hopkins,
adjoining apartment, the choir aud children sing appropri-
ate carols.
There is connected with this Christmas-tree celebration
an open-air festival which should be here noticed. It if
that of St. John the Baptist's day, which, indeed, in the esti-
mation of the children, has come to rival that of Christmas
itself On this occasion (June 24th i. divine service having
been said in the morning, the children of the school have
been accustomed to go in procession, their banners hnriie
before them to Mount Tda, for many years the country resi-
lience of the rounders of the school, Flitting about in the
twilight, in their while dresses anil straw hats, anion"; shrubs
and flowers, they suggest ideas of fairy-land.
On these occasions, vocal ami instrumental music have,
in a great measure, taken the place of the ruder May-
L'aiue- nf the land of our forefathers.
f Thr doctor wm Afterwards recalled t" hi* native country, and ■&*
■. the Kin;: "t I'm- -li to high employment, being member 01
Parliament that mot at Frankfort, and director of education in the
province of Po«cn.
THE »RX
XlJ_i BATiONS I
T
CITY OP TROY.
1-7
The Festivals of the Christmas-tree and the strawberry fes-
tival of the good St. John have become very popular, and
so widely has the example set been followed that few,
perhaps, of those who now participate in them know their
history.
In the foregoing sketch little has been said, for obvious
reasons, of the liberality of those of the Warren family now
living, although the aggregate, if computed in dollars and
cents, would doubtless reach no inconsiderable amount. It
may, however, be proper here to add that the noble organ
in St. Paul's Church was the gift of an aged lady of the
family, now living, and that one-half the cost of the hand-
some parish bouse and chapel on State Street was defrayed
by one of her sons.
It was the prediction of that servant of God, Eliakim
Warren, when his sons were yet young men, and had the
world before them, that if they would give liberally of their
worldly goods as God should prosper them, they should
never come to want.
" Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may he meat
I in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if
T will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a bless-
ing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." — Malachi, chap.
3, vcr. 10.
RICHARD P. HART
was born Feb. 11, 1780, at Hartsville, in Dutchess County,
in this State. His father was Philip Hart, who was born
at Little Compton, R. I., Jan. 12, 1749, and his mother
was Susanna Akins, who was born Nov. 7, 1759. They
were married Dec. 18, 1774, and of their twelve children
the subject of this sketch was the second. As his par-
ents were members of the Society of Friends, he was
early instructed in the forms of that belief, and obtained
a portion of his early education at the Friends' Academy,
at Nine Partners, in Dutchess County, and, subsequently,
at Esopus. He went from home to the city of Albany
in the year 1800, where he remained about one year.
Thence he came to Troy, at that time a village of but a
few years' growth. Here he found occupation in the count-
ing-room of Daniel and Isaac Merritt, of whom the former
was his uncle. Both of these pioneer merchants had emi-
grated from Dutchess County a few years before, and bad
established one of the earliest commercial houses in the
village of Troy. It was not long before Mr. Hart gave
very satisfactory evidence of his superior capacity for man-
aging the details of business. In the year 1803 he ac-
cepted an offer to connect himself, in a country store, with
Benjamin Merritt, a brother of Daniel and Isaac Merritt,
at White Creek, in Washington County. After remaining
there three years, Mr. Hart had acquired an amount of
property which, in those days of moderation, was regarded
as a sound basis for the commencement of a business career.
By this time, however, he had become convinced that his
mercantile aspirations could not be limited by the possibili-
ties of the trade of an inland village. Hence it was that
he desired to return to Troy, where he had served his clerk-
ship, in order that he might take his place among the mer-
chants who were there engaged in business, and be allowed
to give full exercise to his spirit of enterprise. An oppor-
tunity to gratify this was soon afforded, aud in 1806 he
became connected with a prosperous mercantile firm, then
doing business in Troy. By the retirement or death of his
partners he soon became the head of this house, Hi- sue
cess as a merchant, which was almost secured at the begin-
ning, became more and more pronounced as the years passed
on. During the last war with Great Britain he received
the contract I'm- providing the Northern department of our
army and the naval force on Lake Champlain with supplies,
and " the officers of the army and navy who served in the
campaigns in the North bore ample testimony to his fidelity
and punctuality" in conducting the very important and re-
sponsible business which he had undertaken.
From a well-drawn sketch of the life of Mr. Hart by an
old and trusted friend, the late lion. David Buel, Jr., and
which appeared soon after Mr. Hart's death, the following
concise estimate of his character and conduct is taken :
" During a period of almost forty years he was actively en-
gaged in those pursuits to which the city owes its prosperity.
From year to year the sphere of his activity and usefulness
had been continually enlarging. His extensive and various
business concerns brought him into continual intercourse
with great numbers, both of our own citizens and those from
the regions far around who frequented the city for commer-
cial purposes. His sagacity and skill in conducting various
and extensive commercial and manufacturing establish-
ments were equaled only by his extraordinary industry
and devotion to the details of every concern in which he
engaged. Such qualities, which he possessed in a remark-
able degree, insured success in all his pursuits, and rendered
him a safe guide for our business men.
" He succeeded in all his enterprises, for the reason that
he fully comprehended whatever business he undertook, and
thoroughly superintended the details of its execution. He
was encumbered by no fanciful theories, but he practically
illustrated the most important maxim of political economy,
— that industry, skillfully directed, is sure to produce wealth.
He did not confine his attention or limit his efforts to the
concerns of his own counting-room, or the care of his own
establishments. He was equally active and efficient in the
management of our public institutions connected with the
commerce and business of the city. The multiplicity of his
engagements produced no distraction in his mind. Punctual
in fulfilling appointments of business, and methodical in the
arrangement of his affairs, he found time, and had the dis-
position, to devote himself with energy to everything in
which the interests of the business community or the wel-
fare of the city was concerned.
" Numerous as were the demands upon him, he continued
to find time to gratify his taste aud improve his mind by
reading, and by frequenting the lectures of scientific and
literary men.
" Mr. Hart was self-educated, yet but few men could be
found his equal in those pursuits to which he devoted the
energy of his mind. As an accountant and financier he was
highly gifted. He did not, like most men who have passed
the meridian of life, relax his efforts in his pursuits, or spare
himself from attending to the details of business. Down to
the time when he was arrested by disease, no man among
us attended more constantly to the various concerns in which
he had been long engaged. The influence which a man so
188
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
gifted has exercised, during the long period of his active
life, over this busi n. — community, can hardly he appre-
ciated. Younger meu resorted to him for advice in the
pursuits of business. The city authorities often profited hy
his counsels, and the entire community looked to him in
periods of difficulty as one of the most sagacious advisers.
In his manners and intercourse with others he was unaffected
and unpretending. His education among the Friends prob-
ably influenced his taste for plainness and simplicity in
dress and appearance, and his ample fortune never pro-
duced in him anything like ostentation."
Owing to his energy, public spirit, intelligence, and ex-
ecutive ability, the services of Mr. Hart were sought in
connection with almost every important enterprise in this
vicinity, the object of which was the development of the
resources of the community or the welfare of those who
Composed it. The Bank of Troy was incorporated in 1811,
with seventeen directors, of whom seven were from Troy,
five from Lansingbnrgh, and five from Waterford. Mr.
Hart was one of the representatives from the first-named
locality. When the Rensselaer and Saratoga Insurance
Company was incorporated, in 1S14. he was chosen a mem-
ber of its first board of directors. He was one of the cor-
porators of the Troy Lyceum of Natural History, which
was organized in the year 1818. From the time of the
establishment of the Troy Female Seminary, under the
supervision of Mrs. Emma Willard, in 1821, Mr. Hart
was a member of its board of trustees. This institu-
tion was held by him in the highest estimation, and he
was always punctual and thorough in the performance of
his official duties in connection with it, — as he was, in fact,
with all the organizations in which he was interested.
The Troy Savings-Bank was incorporated in 1823. Mr.
Hart was a member of its first board of managers; and, at
their meeting for organization, held Aug. 1, 1S23, he was
made first vice-president of the bank, Townsend McCoun
being chosen president on that occasion. The Rensselaer
Scl 1. now known as the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
was established iii 1S24. Mr. Hart was interested in this
institution from the beginning; and having been named as
one of its trustees in the act of incorporation passed in
1826, he held that positi lontinuously down to the time
of his death, and was also an honored and valuable mem-
ber of its prudential committee. By an act of the Legis-
lature, passed April It. L832, corporate existence was given
to the Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad Company. Under
this act an organization was effected in the following year,
on which occasion Mr. Hart was selected as the first presi-
dent of the new enterprise, oi f il arliesl of this nature
in the United States. The Troy City Hank was incor-
porated in 1833, and Fuly 10th, of the same year, Mr.
Han. after having been chosen a director, was made presi-
dent of the new bank, and held the position, by annual
election, from thai time forward to his death.
Be '■'• ; tb" founders of the Tmy Orphan A-\
lam, of which institution he was also a trustee, always active
and efficient, and a supporter liberal and sympathetic, The
act of the Legislature authorising the construction of a
railroad from Schenectady to Troy was pi May 21,
1836. The building of the road thus authorized, known
as the Troy and Schenectady Railroad, was begun in 1840,
and about Nov. 1, 1S42, the first trains were run thereon.
Of the company that constructed this road Mr. Hart was
a director. The feeling between the rival cities of Albany
and Troy at this period was not of the most amicable
nature. A majority of the stock of the company whose
railroad connected Saratoga and Schenectady, and which
was known as the Schenectady and Saratoga Railroad, was
held in the interest of Albany. On the completion of that
portion of the Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad which
connects Troy and Ballston, the managers of the Schenec-
tady and Saratoga Railroad Company refused to allow the
former company to send through freight over their road to
Saratoga from Ballston, and would make no arrangement
for the acceptance, on their road, (5f through passenger
tickets issued by the Rensselaer and Saratoga Company.
The manner in which these obstacles were surmounted is
stated by Mr. Weise in his " History of the City of Troy,"
at page 179, as follows : " Fortunately, at this time a quan-
tity of the stock of the Schenectady and Saratoga Railroad,
which had always been non-paying, came into the posses-
sion of a New York broker. A knowledge of this tact
was given to Richard P. Hart, who immediately', with other
Troy merchants, purchased this stock and became con-
trollers of the road. When a meeting was called, the
Albany stockholders were in dismay at this unimagined
position of affairs, which dispossessed them of the leading
representation in the board of officers of the Schenectady
and Saratoga Railroad."
Though almost constantly occupied with business cares
and responsibilities, and in the discharge of the duties of
the various positions which he held in different corporations,
he was not regardless of the welfare of the State or of the
nation, although he shrank from holding office. Twice,
however, he served in a public capacity, once as a represen-
tative in the Assembly of the State from Rensselaer County.
in the year 1S21, and again as mayor of the city of Troy,
from 1836 to 1838. While holding this latter position.
the riots of March 17, 1S37, occurred in Troy, and on this
occasion, as chief executive officer of the city, he manifested
discretion, courage, and common sense. Mr. Hart was not
a mere plodding business man. He did not take serious
cares into his family circle. He delighted in music aud
pleasing conversation, and found time for their enjoyment
He was fond of dispensing hospitality, and did it grace-
fully. Tn attention to his own affairs and to any matter
which lie had agreed to guard he was indefatigable, and
his zeal, although always on the alert, did not outrun his
discretion.
Mr. Hart was thrice married. His first wife was l'hebc
Bloom, daughter of .ludge l!l n, of Bloomvale, Dutchess
Co., by whom he had one child, who died at an earl)
His second wife was Delia Maria Dole, of Troy, who here
him no children. His last wife was Betsey Amelia How-
ard, of the city of New York, by whom he had fourteen
children, most of whom are yet surviving. He had en-
joyed uninterru] I health for many years previous to the
latter part of 1843. Early in the winter of that year he
contracted a severe cold, which greatly reduced his health
aud strength. While taking a vapor-bath as a part of his
//" // /C %1(Xj
CITY OF TROY.
l-:i
medical treatment, an accident occurred by which lie was
severely burned. He survived the injuries and the shock
to his system only for a lew days. His death occurred at
Ids residence, on Second Street, on Dec. 27, 1843. On
(lie following day resolutions of a complimentary nature
respecting his life and career were adopted by the govern-
ment of the city, by the directors of the Troy City Bank,
and by the trustees of the Troy Female Seminary. On
Dec. 29, 1843, resolutions of a like character were adopted
by the Troy and Schenectady Railroad Company, and on
the following day the trustees of the Troy Orphan Asylum
made similar honorable mention of his excellencies and vir-
tues. His funeral was attended, on Dec. 30, 1843, from
his late dwelling not only by his immediate family, but by
representatives of the various institutions in whose man-
agement he had been concerned and by other citizens of
Troy.
THE LANE FAMILY.
Derick Lane, the founder of the Lane family hi Troy,
was the son of Matthias Lane, and was born at Bedminster,
in Somerset Co., N. J., on April 30, 1755. Of his early
youth but little is known. On the breaking out of the war
of the Revolution, he enlisted as a private before he had
reached the age of twenty-one. On July 5, 177(5, he was
appointed and commissioned by the provincial congress of
New Jersey as a second lieutenant in Capt. Stiles' company,
which was a part of a five-months' regiment, commanded
by Col. Stephen Hunt. On October 25, of the same year,
he was engaged in the battle of White Plains, on which
occasion the British,-uuder Gen. Howe, attacked the Amer-
icans in camp, Washington being present. The loss was
generally supposed to have been about equal on both sides.
His first term of enlistment having expired, Lieut. Lane
again entered the service, and on Jan 1, 1777, was com-
missioned as second lieutenant of a company in the Second
New Jersey Regiment, of which Israel Shreve was colonel,
receiving his commission on this occasion from his excel-
lency John Hancock, the President of the Congress of the
United States. In the battle at the head of the Elk, in
Pennsylvania, which was fought Sept. 3, 1777, Lieut. Lane
acted in the light infantry. He was engaged in the battle
of Brandywine, which took place on the eleventh of the last-
named mouth, and was also a participant in the battle of
Monmouth, on Sunday, June 28, 1778, when the American
forces were commanded by Maj.-Gen. Charles Lee and the
Marquis de Lafayette, and were supervised by Geu. Wash-
ington in person.
The labors of Lieut. Lane were increased by his accept-
ance, in 1779, of the additional duty of regimental quarter-
master in the Second New Jersey Regiment. He was made
first lieutenant on March 12th of the same year, receiv-
ing his commission from his excellency John Jay, the Presi-
dent of the Congress of the United States, but still con-
tinued his quartermaster duties. A conflict between the
Americans under General Sullivan and the Indians and
Tories under Brant and Sir John Johnson took place at
Newtown, near the present city of Elmira, on Aug. 29,
1779. In the exploits of this occasion, and in the raid
through the fertile valleys of Western New York which fol-
lowed, Lieut. Lane participated. He was also engaged in
thr battles of Long [sland, Ash Swamp, or Short Hills,
Scotch Plains, Springfield, Iron Hill, or Couch's Mills,
Brandywine, lladdlesfield, Chemung, and fork town, and in
a number of skirmishes and conflicts of less notoriety, On
June '.',, 1783, he was promoted to a captaincy, with rank
from Feb. II, I7S3. Thenceforward lie continued doing
duty in his regiment until it was reduced t" a battalion,
when he became a supernumerary captain, and retired, hav-
ing served fur more than seven years in the armies of his
country, during which time, though often under fire and
exposed in other ways, he never received a wound. Amid
all the temptations of camp life his conduct was without
reproach, and the sufferings and hardships he endured
seemed only to fit him more completely to meet with and
overcome difficulty, in whatever form it might arise before
him. His career in behalf of the establishment of the
United States was regarded by him as a patriotic episode
of his life, and the memory of it was strengthened by his
connection with the Society of the Cincinnati, of which he
became a member on May 5, 1784.
Soon after leaving the army he removed to Lansingburgh,
where he became engaged in mercantile business, and with
his brother Aaron composed the firm of A. & D. Lane.
Although prosperity attended their efforts in this village,
yet the importance of Troy as a commercial centre began
during the latter part of the last century to attract atten-
tion. The brothers Lane remained for many years true to
the interests of the place in which they had at first cast
their lot, but they at length yielded to the enticing influence
of the increasing importance of the neighboring settlement,
and on Nov. 3, 1798, became the owners, by a conveyance
from Albert Pawling, of a prominent piece of land situated
at the junction of Front and River Streets, in the village of
Troy, and extending northerly from the point of intersec-
tion about one hundred and fifty-five feet on Front Street,
and about two hundred feet on River Street. Here they
erected a number of buildings for mercantile purposes, one
of which they occupied in prosecuting their business as
merchants. In speaking of their advent a writer has com-
mented as follows :
"Among the last of the oldest firms of Lansingburgh to remove to
Troy was that of Aaron and Derick Lane, in 1799. As were all the
others, so were they also, compelled to acknowledge that the site of
Troy possessed local advantages which the former village could never
secure, and that all the past predictions relative to the business suc-
cess of the latter, made by observant travelers and by other unbiased
and discriminating persons, had been gradually, and at the same time
rapidly, verified. The members of this notable firm, immediately on
their arrival, enlisted themselves in an active participation with all
the other enterprising merchants for the furtherance of Troy's polit-
ical and commercial interests, and for many years they were honored
with public trusts, which they never debased."*
The old town of Troy included within its limits the
village of Lansingburgh. On April 4, 1791, a town-meet-
ing was held, and the first town officers were elected. Of
the five assessors then chosen, Derick Lane was the first
named on the list. From this time forward his name
occurs frequently in connection with enterprises of varied
character. His life in the army had rendered him an able
soldier, and by reason of his proficiency in the military art
* Weise's History of Troy, p. 56.
liw
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
he was made colonel of the regiment furme<l in this section
of the State. When, on April 9, 1804, a bill was passed
by the Legislature authorizing the building of a bridge
across the Hudson River at Troy, from the toot of Ferry
Street, he was constituted one of the directors of the com-
pany upon whom the honor of constructing ii was conferred.
Being a Federalist in politics, he was mainly instrumental
in organising in Troj the Washington Benevolent Society.
which was instituted there on dune :'. 1810. and was chosen
as its first president Be was interested in supplying the
village of Troy with wholesome water, and in the acl passed
by the Legislature dime 16, 1812. he was named as one
of the trustees of the "Earthen Conduit Companj of
f : .." Although, a~ lias 1 n seen, he was named as a cor-
porator in a company authorized to construct a bridge at
Troy i which bridge was never built |, yet when, ten years
later. Albany gave notice that the Legislature would be
i to grant to that city the privilege of bridging the
Hudson at Albany, Col. Lane, at a meeting of the citizens
of Troy, held dan. 11, 181 I. was designated as chairman
of a committee appointed to prepare a remonstrance to the
Legislature, stating the objections of Troy to the erection
of the proposed hridge. He was one of the original di-
rectors of the Rensselaer and Saratoga Insurance Company.
incorporated in April, 1S14; was the first treasurer of the
Bible Society of the county of Rensselaer, organized July
11,1815; and was second on the list in the board designated
by the Legislature, in the act of incorporation passed April
23, 1823, as managers of the Troy Savings-Bank.
Col. Lane had served with Hen. La Fayette at Monmouth,
Brandy wine, and Yorktown. Nothing could be more proper
then, than that he should be prominent on the occasion of
the visit of the renowned general to Troy, on Sept. 18,
1*24. Having been designated by the common council of
the city as one of the committee of reception, Col. Lane
met Gen. La Fayette at King Street as he entered the city,
and rode with him in the procession formed in bis honor
and presented to him those who desired to show him respi cl
and attention. Though by no means an ambitious man.
and never seeking for office, yet Col. Lane did not refuse
to serve his fellow-citizens in any honorable capacity wherein
his services were desired. He was a fire-warden of the
village in L801, 1803-5,1807, 1809-11, and assessor in
1807; a representative in the Assembly in 1809; first as-
m engineer of the lire department from 1809 to 1S12;
president of the village in 1-1 I 15; an alderman of the
city in L822; and a loan commissioner for the county of
■laer.
c.l. Lane was a Hollander by extraction, and spoke
Dutch and English with equal fluency. In person If was
of the average height ; his manners were affable and cour-
I hi- whole bearing was dignified and gracious.
lb a II not I !'t hi- punctuality, and was rarely known to
fail either in keeping any appointment be had made, or in
beinL' present at the precise moment when he was exp
Hi- u Christian character, and the dovolopi.,
resulting therefrom were in full accordance with it. His
ph.- ■ ization was -turdy. and he rarely Suffered
from illness during his long life. Tl before his
death he was at work in his garden, and on that occasion
contracted a cold, which proved a mortal illness. He died
on Saturday. March 26, 1831.
lie married for his first wife Maria Lansing, who was
born June 27. 177:1. and died Dec. 12, 1S02. Their mar-
riage took place Jan. 20, 1780. Their children were
Elizabeth, born Feb. 16, 1790 ; Jacob Lansing, bom June
24, 1794 , Aaron D., born Jan. 29. 1797 ; Matthew, bom
April 17. 1799; Alida M., born April 4, 1802. For his
second wife he married Angelica Van Rensselaer, daughter
of Henry I. Van Rensselaer, who was born July 21, 1770,
and died March 2S, 1833. Their marriage took place
duly 14, 1805. Their children were Henry Van Renssel-
aer, born May 11, 1806. and died Oct. 18, 1807 ; Angelica
Rachel Douw, born Jan. 5, 1809; Henry Richard, born
July 5, 1812.
AARON LANE.
Aaron Lane, an elder brother of Col. Derick Lane, and
bis business partner for many years, was a man of the
highest . integrity, and enjoyed the confidence of all with
whom he came in contact. He was born April 17, 1753,
and. although married, died without issue. Nov. 12. 1823.
He was treasurer of the county of Rensselaer from the
organization of the county in 1791 to the year 1800; a
village assessor in 1800; a trustee of the village, 1802;
and was appointed on June 8, 1812, as one of the commis-
sioners to build a fire-proof office for the county clerk, at
the northeast corner of Congress and Seeoud Streets, in the
village. Of the old Troy Library, the first literary organ-
ization in Troy, Aaron Lane was chosen a trustee at its
organization on Jan. 10, 1800.
JACOB LANSING LANE.
Jacob Lansing Lane, the oldest son of Col. Derick Lane,
was born at Lansingburgh on June 24. 1794. After his
father had removed to Troy his education was such as the
village of Troy afforded, and by means of it be received a
preparation which enabled him to enter Union College at
a very early age. He was graduated from that seminar)
of learning in 1S13. and soon after commenced in this city
the Study of law, in the office of Dickinson \ Mitchell.
He subsequently pursued bis legal studies with the Hen.
John 1'. Cushman, and on June 2, 1S18, was admitted to
the bar and commenced the practice of his profession, being
iated with the late Hon. William L. Matey. At tliis
time Mr. Marey was much interested in political matters,
and not unfrequently wrote for the newspapers in support
of Democratic principles as they were then undersl
Mr. Lane, who belonged to the same school of politics,
was also an occasi d contributor to the newspapers. Bw
many years he was the secretary and actuary of the Troy
SovingS-Bank. and it Was owing in a great degree I" In-
prudence and good judgmeni that the affairs of that men.
tan institution were so managed as to win the confidence
Of the Community, and to place it in the front rank of
-imilar organizations in the I'nited Slates. At one time
the entire fund of the Savings-Bank, amounting then to
over three hundred thousand dollars, was under bis control .
and it is a remarkable fact, due to the confidence reposed
in him, that during the panic of 1S:!7 there was no run
on the bank and no alarm manifested by its depositors.
$UlOwL,
(TI'Y OK TROV.
191
In the practice of his profession Mr. Lane rarely appeared
in the courts, and for many years previous i" his death his
timi' was much occupied with the management of several
estates which were intrusted to his oare, lie excelled in
conveyancing ami in the drawing of wills, and as late as
two weeks before his death dictated from his bed a will,
in language as clear, concise, and legal as if lie had dialled
it in his own office surrounded by his books. For several
terms he was loan officer of the county of Rensselaer, and
while holding that position he discharged its duties with
the utmost fidelity and circumspection. For many years
he was a director in several of the monetary, business, and
benevolent institutions of the city, and was always noted
for the scrupulous care with which he discharged the duties
of every trust committed to his keeping. Although ener-
getic in conducting any business in which he was engaged,
he was very methodical and painstaking in his modes of
procedure, and was never an advocate, either in theory or
in practice, of that inattentive haste which is too often
likely to end in mistake or error.
In his domestic relations Mr. Lane was singularly happy.
On Oct. 6, 1818, he was married by the Rev. David But-
ler, D.D., to Miss Caroline Elizabeth Tibbits, the only
daughter of the late George Tibbits, and in her society se-
cured that refined and intelligent companionship which
filled his life with light and blessing. He was of a fine
but massive build, and when in perfect health and at his
best estate stood six feet and two inches in height, and
weighed about two hundred and twenty pounds. Marked
as was his personal beauty, he was also distinguished for
the amiability of his disposition and for his strong practical
common sense and sound judgment. He died on Satur-
day, March 26, 1859.
His wife was born in Troy, on June 25, 1S00, in the
dwelling which was formerly situated at the northeast cor-
ner of River and Congress Streets. While ye; a little girl
she lived in the house now known as No. 51 First Street,
and after the completion of the mansion at the head of old
Congress Street, now occupied by the Hay Home, moved
there with her father in the year 1814. She received such
educational advantages as the then village of Troy afforded,
and being possessed of a vigorous mind, acquired with ease
a knowledge of the studies she pursued. Her life, bright-
ened by many circumstances which are regarded as advan-
tageous, was never tinged, during its many years, with any
manifestations of ostentation or superiority. In her youth
the care of an invalid mother was her sweetest labor.
Later on, to the duties which inhered in wedded life were
added those which were connected with the requirements
of an almost helpless father, and so on, through life, the
ministry of consolation and relief was that to which her
strength and her heart were devoted.
Among the organizations of beneficence which graced
the early days of Troy was the ancient and honorable so
ciety known as " The Ladies' Benevolent Society of Troy,"
which was established Feb. 27, 1803, and of which the
wife of the Rev. Dr. Jonas Coe, the first settled minister
in Troy, was the first directress. Its object was to rescue
indigent woineu and children from poverty and ruin, and
among all its members, none, during its long history of
quiel and unostentatious usefu m i mon i fficienl than
was Mrs. Lane. As a member and officer of the Troy Or-
phan Asylum," and of the many benevolent organizi d
with which she was connected, the same statement is also
true, lint chiefly did her charitable nature find employ-
ment in visiting the sick and destitute, in ascertaining their
wants by actual inspection, and in relieving the diati
thus manifested by gifts offered by her own hand- Bi
sides the afflicted who were thus aided by and through her
care, she had on her lis! of beneficiaries certain kind
friends whom she had known for long years, and to wh on
regularly, as the years rolled on, she sent remembrances of
her bounty and her love.
Humility was another grace which, like an aureole of
luminous glory, surrounded her life and made it saintly and
beautiful. With a grand, heroic nature, firm always in the
cause of the truth, acknowledging the brotherhood of man,
and devoted to the care of humanity, she, in pure and
simple lowliness of mind, was always ready to esteem others
better than herself, and found her chief delight in that
alms-doing in which the left band is not permitted to know
what the right hand does.
But the charm of charms which subdued with its tender
power was her lovely nature, — the " sweet, and virtuous soul"
which pervaded her whole being, and which looked forth
always in graceful beauty from her lovely and expressive
face. It was this that retained for her, to the last, all the
friends of her younger days that still survived, and that
drew to her the respectful attentions of the youthful repre-
sentatives of later generations. The sight of a young face
always seemed to summon a benediction from her heart. It
was only a few days previous to her death, and when it
seemed as if consciousness had said farewell to the tenement
in which it had so long dwelt, that the entrance of a little
child into her room attracted her fast fading attention.
With a smile and a motion of pleasure she expressed her
delight at the presence of the little one, and as the latter
came near to her she bent forward and kissed it.
During the greater portion of her life she was a communi-
cant of St. Paul's Church in this city, and was an attendant
upon the ministrations of all the rectors who have bad the
charge of that parish since its inception.
The beautiful characteristics that emphasized the life of
Mrs. Lane were such as have their origin in a pure and
unselfish nature. From the period of early girlhood, on
through the life of youth, on through the days devoted to
the care of those who were dear to her, on through years of
gentle ministrations, on through later years when her name
was tenderly framed with kind words on the lips of hundreds
who loved her, on through the hours when she walked amid
the coming shadows, always and amid all circumstances her
hearty sympathy went out towards others, and the kind
word and the helping hand were ever united in beneficent
manifestations.
* Among the many benevolent institutions for which Troy is BO
deservedly famous, the Troy Orphan Asylum stands in the Brst
rank. Thousands of orphan children have here found a comfortable
home in their youth, and, upon arriving at a sufficient age, t een pro-
vided for by this beneficent institution, in which Mrs. I.ane and other
ladies have I □ co-workers. It was founded "et. 22, lS3o".
192
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
HENRY AND GEORGE VAIL.
The annals of Rensselaer County would be incomplete
without a sketch of the lives of Henry ami George Vail,
sons of Moses Vail, who, as early as 17S0, moved into
this county from Dutchess County, and represented it in
the Legislature, and in 1798 was elected for a term of four
years senator of the Eastern district of this State, and in
1SIMI appointed by the Governor and council of appointment
sheriff of the county of Rensselaer, — offices of distinction
that proves he was a man of high political standing, and
that he possessed a strong hold upon the popular heart of
tin- county.
Mis sons, Henry ami George, born in Dutchess County, in
this State, commenced business in Troy as retail dry-goods
merchants about the year 1S07, under the firm-name of
" II. lV G. Vail," and in 1S15 changed their establishment
into a wholesale dry-goods business, — the first one of the
kind in Troy, and among the first in this part of the State.
In 1830 they took into the concern Ebenezer Proudfit, and
so continued until 1832. when Henry Vail retired, with an
ample fortune, leaving the business with George Vail, Eben-
ezer Proudfit, and J. L. Van Sehoonhoven, who, under the
firm-name of " George Vail & Co.," continued until 1S35,
when George Vail, retiring, was succeeded by his son, D.
Thos. Vail, and the firm-name changed to Vail & Co. This
establishment, with various changes, is continued to this
time, and now under the firm-name of "Fisk, Cowee &
Co."
In 183G, Henry Vail, who in politics was a. Democrat;
was nominated and elected to Congress over Hiram P. Hunt,
Whig, and was, in 1838, renominated with the greatest
unanimity for re-election, but defeated in the canvass, this
being one of the tornado years in which the Whigs swept
the board of almost everything Democratic. Mr. Vail's
public services ran through the first half of Mr. Van Bu-
r.u's administration, which he cordially supported against
the apostasy ofTalmadge and others of the New York dele-
_ tion, and ever remained a warm personal friend of the
President. After this he did not at any time actively en-
gage in politics, although he always gave Democratic men
and principles a steady rapport. Shortly after the death of
Albert P. Heart t, he purchased of his estate the beauti-
fully -located farm in the city of Troy now known as River-
View, where he re-id. -d among his fruits and flowers until
hi- death, whioh occurred at his residence, on dune 25,
1853, in hU seventy -first year. He wa.» a gentleman of
popular and winning ma re, and possessed in a high de-
gree the confidence and respect of the people.
George Vail, the younger brother of Henry, was married
at the age of twenty-nine, in the year 1 B I .;. to Jane Thomas,
only child of Gen. David Thomas, who, during the latter
part of the last century, was member of Congress from
Washington County, a man of much ability and eminence
in his day. Be built, in 1818, the mansion at the north-
corner of first and ' Streets, Troy, and pre-
sented it to his daughter, in which she resided until her
death, in 1866, and which her husband continued to occupy
until his il ,'ise. which oeeurred on Aug. 7. ls72, in the
eighty-eighth year of his
On the retirement of Mr. George Vail from active busi-
ness he purchased a farm located between Lansingburgh
and Troy, and commeuced improving it. In 1838 he im-
ported from the celebrated herd of Thomas Bates, Esq., of
Yorkshire, England, whose breed, the celebrated short-horn
Duchess breed of Durhams, was considered the best in the
kingdom, a bull-calf called Wellington and a heifer called
Duchess. These were the first of this celebrated herd im-
ported into this country, and resulted in opening up a cor-
respondence and friendship between the two gentlemen,
which continued until Mr. Bates' death, and in his sending
other animals from his herd almost yearly to improve Mr.
Vail's stock. In 1S52 he had so increased his herd, by
importations and its natural increase, that he advertised a
sale at auction of about sixty head of various ages, which
drew to it the best cattle-breeders in the United States and
Canada. This sale gave such an impulse in the raising of
improved herds of cattle that the very next year Morris.
Thorn, and others imported largely of the same class of
stock, until now England purchases of us, at almost fabu-
lous prices, cattle of this breed which have been bred here
from importations.
Mr. Vail was the father of the Rensselaer County Agri
cultural Society, and one of the originators and earliest
presidents of the State Agricultural Society, before which
he frequently delivered addresses upon topics interesting
to the society, and which were always marked and instruc-
tive. He was personally acquainted with President Jack-
son and a warm advocate of his policy, and numbered
among bis warm personal friends such distinguished men
as Martin Van Buren, William L. Marcy, and Silas
Wright. One of the last acts of the latter gentleman's
life was the preparation of an address, at the request of
Mr. Vail, to be delivered before the State Agricultural
Society in Saratoga, Mr. Vail then being president of the
Society. The address was prepared as requested, but Mr.
Wright died before the time of its delivery, and it was
read by Gen. John A. Dix. his successor iu the United
States Senate, the occasion bringing to the annual exhi-
bition of the society the President of the United States,
the Governor of the State of New York, ex-President
Van Buret), and a large number of other distinguished
persons.
Mr. Vail was never connected with the politics of the
city as a matter of choice, preferring the more retired and
quieter walks of life, but was always found in the foremost
ranks with the leading spirits of the city in measures for
the promotion of its prosperity and the advancement of its
business interests. He was the first president of the
Merchants' and Mechanics' Bank of the City of Troy, the
charter of which he was mainly instrumental in obtaining
in 1828, and so continued until his resignation in the year
1851, and, at the time of his death, president of the Troy
Orphan Asylum, of which he was one of the original cor-
porators in 1835, and in which he and his wife took the
liveliest interest, and first vice-president of the Troy Sav
ings-Bank, in which he served as director from 1833; and
also a member of the session of the Second PrcsbytcriaB
Church of Troy from its organization, being one of it*
founders and most liberal and active supporters.
THE ;;p;
V
^4>^7^~
(MTV OK TROY.
i:un
GEORGE TIBBITS.
Tlic ancestor of George Tibbits came originally from
Warwickshire, in England, and was among the earliest
settlers on the western shore of Providence bay or river,
in the t lion province, now Stale, of Rhode Island, on a
parcel of land which for some time alter bore the tiatne of
Tibbits point or neck, and which was situated in the town
of Warwick. William, the great-grandfather of George
Tibbits, left to his two sons, William and Thomas, his
farm. The children of this latter William were -John,
William, and Caleb. John, who was the eldest, was born
at Warwick, 11. I., in 1739, and died at Lisbon, in the
county of St. Lawrence, in the State of New York, in
L817. His wife was Waite Brown, who was born at War-
wick in 1741, and who died at Lisbon in 1811. She was
a woman of great force of character, and by her example
and jj;ood judgment impressed upon her children the value
of industrious habits and an honorable life. Their chil-
dren were ten in number, of whom George, the eldest, the
subject of this sketch, was born at the old homestead in
Warwick, It. I., on Jan. 14, 1703.
When be was five years old his father removed to the
town of Cheshire, in Berkshire Co., Mass., and purchased
a farm of about three hundred and fifty acres near the head-
waters of the Hoosick river. Here his father remained
until about the year 1780, when be sold part of his farm,
and removed to the village of Lansingburgh with his wife
and eight children. At this time George Tibbits, a youth
of seventeen years of age, who had had no experience of
the world, but who possessed an energetic and determined
nature, resolved to obtain bis own living. His efforts for the
next four years were incessant and untiring, but the prog-
ress which he made was far from satisfactory to himself.
In the fall of 1784 he had the good fortune to make
the acquaintance of Francis Atkinson, an importer of dry
goods in New York City, and a man distinguished for the
kindness of his nature and the integrity of his character.
Without requiring of him any security, Mr. Atkinson fur-
nished to Mr. Tibbits goods charged at reasonable prices, to
the amount of about one thousand dollars, and agreed to
receive payment for them in pine and oak timber, to be de-
livered in New York City the ensuing spring. Mr. Tibbits
was enabled to fulfill bis promise at the appointed time, and
thus was laid the basis of bis succeeding prosperity.
In commenting upon the conduct of Mr. Atkinson, Mr.
Tibbits, many years after, wrote as follows : " This act of
kindness of Mr. Atkinson, in trusting me without any
security, made a deep impression upon my mind, which
never has been nor ever will bo erased. I was surprised
at the time at the confidence which he appeared to repose
in me. But so it was, and I have reason to bless God for
disposing the mind of Mr. Atkinson to this, I may say,
credulous act of kindness. I have always looked back
upon it as the first stepping-stone to my future progress in
life. In the long course of dealings which I afterwards
had with Mr. Atkinson, in every instance I found him to
be most accurate, honest, and accommodating."
From 1784 until 1787, Mr. Tibbits was alone in busi-
ness. In the latter year he took his brother Benjamin as
a partner, the firm being G. & B. Tibbits, and thus was it
24*
continued until the death of Benjamin, which took place
Sept. 11, 1802, al Fort Miller, al the house of his brother-
in-law, Garrcl Peebles. After this, bis brother, Elisha Til.
bits, was a partner in the linn, anil SO Continued until
George Tibbits retired from business, about the year 1804
On March 8, 178!), be was married at Lansingburgh, by
the Rev. 15. Lupton, to Sarah Noyes, who was born at
Charleston, S. C, Jan. 1 1, 17(17. She was the daughter
of Oliver Noyes, the collector of the king's customs at that
place, and her mother was Sarah Badger, who became the
wife of Mr. Noyes in 1700.
Mr. Tibbits removed from Lansingburgh to Troy in
1797, and purchased of Abraham Ten Eyck, for a resi-
dence for himself and family, the dwelling situated at the
northeast corner of River and Congress streets, and the
building which occupied the northwest corner of the same
streets, as a store for the linn of G. & 15. Tibbits. After
his retirement from active participation in business, Mr.
Tibbits' life, so far as mental and physical activity was
concerned, was occupied almost as completely as before, but
was measurably free from the cares and anxieties which
had accompanied his previous career.
In the year 18(10 be made a large purchase of land in
the Hoosick Patent, and from that time forward realized
one of the wishes of his life, — that of being the possessor
of many acres. His close study of men and trade was now
supplemented by attentive reading, and by earnest and active
participation in public affairs, and especially in the develop-
ment of the resources of all local and state interests. He
served in the village of Troy as fire-warden in 179S, 1801,
and 1808, as a trustee of the village in 1800, and as chief
engineer of the fire department in 1808. From 1830 to
1830 he was mayor of the city, and not only during that
period, but during the half-century of his life passed in
Troy, was instant in season and out of season in advan-
cing its prosperity and administering to its growth in ma-
terial, social, and moral directions. He was a member of
the assembly in the years 1800 and 1820, and was a State
senator from the eastern district in 1815, 1S1G, 1817, 1818.
He was a Federalist, in politics, and by that political
body was nominated in the year 181(1 for lieutenant-governor
of the State, Rufus King being on the same ticket with
him as candidate for governor. In the election which fol-
lowed they were defeated, and their opponents on the demo-
cratic ticket, Daniel D. Tompkins and John Tayler, were
elected respectively governor and lieutenant-governor. Mr.
Tibbits was also a representative in the eighth Congress,
from the tenth Congressional district, from 1803 to 1S05.
Early in the history of Troy the project of bridging the
Hudson at that point occupied the attention of the people,
and on April 9, 1804, an act was passed by the Legislature
authorizing the construction of a bridge, to begin at the
foot of Ferry street. The directors were named in the
bill, and first on the list was Mr. Tibbits. The project
was, however, abandoned, and it was not until many years
after that the Hudson was bridged at Troy. Ten years
later the citizens of Albany began to move in favor of a
bridge at that city. The result was an intense opposition
to the undertaking, in which Troy was joined by Lansing-
burgh and Waterford. This opposition was crystallised at
l'.'2r.
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
a town-meeting, held in Troy on January 11. 1814. on
which occasion resolutions condemning the contemplated
undertaking were adopted. Foremosl at this time and
thenceforward was Mr. Tibbita in his endeavors to main-
tain the navigation of the Hudson, at all tide-water points,
free from bridge obstructions, and these endeavors, united
with those of 1i is fellow-citizens, were successful, until,
owing to the change introduced in the carrying trade by
the construction of railroads, the question of a bridge lost
the importance which it had once maintained.
When in April, 181 I. the Rensselaer and Saratoga Tn-
surnncc Company was organized in Troy, Mr. Tibbits was
chosen as a director. He was a practical student of all
subjects pertaining to the cultivation of the soil, and was
instrumental in establishing ami was the first president of
the Rensselaer County Agricultural Society, which, begun
in 1818, was organized nn .June '.). ISI',1. lie was always
interested in the encouragement of the study of natural
history and the other sciences, and was one of the founders
of the Troy Lyceum of Natural History in lslS, whose
object was to promote the growth and extension of a knowl-
of animals, plants, and minerals. When this society
was chartered by the State, he was one of the corporators
named in the act of organization passed March 7, 1820.
By an act of the Legislature passed April 18, 1831, the
Troy Turnpike and Railroad Company was incorporated,
with power to construct a turnpike road from Troy to Ben-
nington or Pownal, or to both of said towns, in Vermont, and
also " to make and construct a single or double railroad, or
way. from some suitable place in said city to both or either
of said t.iwn>." The directors of the company were chosen
on May 23, 1831, and Mr. Tibbita was of the number.
<)n June l(|th following the directors opened the books of
the company for stork subscriptions, and in their announce-
ment of this fact stated that the surveys of the ground had
beet d; that the railroad would !»■ constructed
upon the route that would best answer the interests of the
company and of the public; and that the estimated expense
of the road and engines would be about four hundred and
fifty thousand dollars. In behalf of this railroad pi
Mr. Tibbits' sympathies were warmly enlisted ; but when
the question as to whether the proposed road should he a
macadamized road or a railroad was finally submitted to the
directors on Jan. 12, 1 >:'•■!. they decided in favor of the
i adamized road, Mr. Tibbits alone voting in the nega-
tive. Bui bo Btrongly had he be ne impressed with the
bility of a railroad to the cast that he pursued his
investigations stiil further, and in the following summer, or
in the Minmer of 1834, at hi- request Professor Amoa
\. ton, of the I i Institute, assisted by some of the
students, surveyed n route for a railroad up the valley of
the Hudson to the Hoosick River, and thence along the
latter stream to the mountains Bincc tunneled. In this
Mr. Tibbits, although Bevcnty years "I
mpanied the surveying-party on foot, sharing with them
the hardships xpedition. The road, who® con-
tion he bo much desired, was intended to be the
i main lini B tOU. It was about this
lime also thai he engaged in a newspaper discussion with
the ei I. .1111111 Baldwin, of M
on the subject of railroad construction. In the course of
this interchange of views Mr. Baldwin proposed to lay
timbers on stone supports, and on the timbers a strap-rail.
In commenting upon this proposition, Mr. Tibbits asserted
that the time would come when •• the whole longitudinal
Structure will be of iron," thus virtually announcing the
invention of the now universally adopted T rail.
He was for many years a prominent director in the
Fanners' Bank, the first hanking institution in Troy, and
his opinions on finance were always held ill high esteem.
I le was a Is imocted in one eapaeit y or another with most
of the organizations in Troy that had for their object the
prosperity of the community, He was one of the earliest
members of the congregation of St. Paul's church, and at
the time of his death was the oldest member of its vestry.
li should not he forgotten that he was a friend of the
colored race, and that he took an especial interest in aiding
its representatives in this city in organizing the religious
society known as the Liberty Street Presbyterian church.
While serving as mayor of the city, he was mainly in-
strumental in carrying through to a successful completion"
the plan for supplying the city with water from the l'isca-
wen creek. His report as chairman of the water-works
committee, which was prepared by himself, and which was
submitted to the common council on Jan. 2, 1S3-1, was a
most succinct and explicit relation, showing the progress
of the work, amount of moneys raised and expended, the
state of the water-works' fund, a schedule of water rents
recommended, au estimate as to the quantity of water
supplied by the Piscawen creek, as to the capacity of that
stream to furnish a still greater supply consequent upon
the growth of the city, and the extent of the area of water
use. In referring to his mayoralty, and to the eminent ser-
vice which he rendered the city, in the successful comple-
tion of the means by which an abundant supply of water
was secured lor its citizens, it was well said of him soon
after his death :
" II. • was also the chief magistrate of this city of his
choice and love for many years. His name will ever he
identified with its growth and prosperity. His practical
wisdom, his personal services, and his untiring energy were
always devoted to her interests; and if he has no other
monument, with those who shared the labor of the enter-
prise, the salutary waters (lowing through our sir©
which are. under Providence, to us a fountain of health
and our best protection from the ravages of lire, will mur-
mur still his epitaph, sweel emblem of the gentle flow of
his quiet, useful, peaceful life."
As a writer Mr. Tibbits was strong, forcible, and efti
While his statements were to the point, he did not disdain
the use of examples drawn from history or of comparison!
between the natural and moral world. At the lii-t atuii-
versary of the Rensselaer County Society for the Promotion
of Agrii alturc and Domestic Manufactures, held in Troy on
Oct. 13, 1819, Mr. Tibbits, as president, delivered the an-
nual address. The main topic which he discussed was thai
of the soil and i;- capabilities. In introducing this subj
to tli. attention of hi- auditors, he said :
■ 'I'h ■ soil, my friends, i> a subject with which wc afs
intimately connected. It i- the source from whence wc
CITY OF TROY.
19.'(
came; it is the granary from which we are sustained; it is
the grave where we are finally to repose, The earth which
we cultivate is the same li'iiin which we wen: animated.
To-day it is man; tomorrow it is dust. Hence, to us,
whom the Providence of God lias formed to be its oulti
tors, it is a subject, in every point, of view, highly interest-
ing. It is interesting in its original formation, and as acted
upon by man. In its inherent principles of revolution, and
in its apparent modifications by the operation of (hose prin-
ciples, in all iis varying aspects interesting, in none is it so
interesting as when considered as the garden of human
abode and human sustenance. Hence, to the intelligent
patriot, the most gladdening prospect is the extended field,
moulded by the labor of man, moistened by his sweat, and
teeming with that life-supporting seed which he has planted,
and to which God has given the principles of germination.
But, if the soil cultivated is an object gladdening to the
eye, the cultivation of the earth is a science addressed to
the understanding."
Further on, in referring to the position accorded to agri-
culture in the elder civilizations of the world, he said:
" When the glory of Home was real, the sword and the
pen were wielded by the same hands that directed the plow,
— by the hands of her heroes and statesmen. This single
fact in the history of that exalted republic accounts for
the extraordinary circumstance which characterized her
conquests of barbarous nations, and which abated much
from the miseries incident to her wars, that wherever she
established her eagle among them she carried the plow.
Wherever the Roman legion fixed its residence among them,
in those nations were to be found the monuments of her
glory, in the lasting improvements she introduced, and in
none so much as in that of agriculture. To them Gaul
and Britain were indebted for the first well-regulated sys-
tems of practical husbandry, and for a knowledge of the use
of calcareous earths and marls in meliorating their soils."
A suggestion, introduced near the close of his address,
was as striking as it was opportune and graceful :
" It is a maxim in the science of agriculture, that by dis-
placing a weed you make room for a useful plant. The
idea may be extended and applied to the habits of men.
By exterminating habits of idleness, intemperance, and liti-
gation, room is left for all those innocent and useful habits
which insure to the possessor independence and respectability
at home and abroad, and the fireside blessings of domestic
harmony and ease."
Early in the present century Mr. Tibbits was a strenuous
advocate of the doctrine in political economy that the home
market is the best market for a nation ; that it belongs of
right to the labor and capital of the country that such a
market should be maintained, and that it is the duty of the
government to protect the labor and capital of the country
in such maintenance. This doctrine had been for years
previous acted upon in England, but it is believed that Mr.
Tibbits was the first writer in this country who claimed
that it should be applied and adopted in the United States.
Under the signature of Cato, his essays appeared in the
Philadelphia Inquirer, and in these productions he ar-
gued for that protection from government which should
aid in the development and the patronage of American in-
dustries, lie u.i- ;, delegate from tie- State of New York
in the general convention of agriculturists, manufactui
and others friendly to the encouriigcn and upporl of
the domestic industry of the United States which met at
Harrisburg, Pa., in .Inly. 1827, ami was a member of the
committee then appointed which prepared a memorial ad-
dressed in Congress, favoring the adoption by thai body
of protective measures. When, on Nov. II. I-.;:; Henry
Clay, the great advocate of tie- principle of protection,
visited Troy, .Mr. Tibbits. as mayor, in a public address
bade him welc in the hospitalities of the city, and in
strong and glowing language eulogized the statesmanship
and the ability which Mr. Clay had displayed in supporting
the political measures which he believed to be of the great*
advantage to (be country.
By an act of the legislature of the State el' New York,
passed April 12, 1 S2T, Stephen Allen, Samuel M. Hopkins,
and George Tibbits were appointed commissi irs to visit
the State prisons at New York and Albany, and " to ex-
amine into all matters relating to the economy, government,
and discipline of the said prisons, and the comparative effi-
cacy of the different systems of punishment pursued in said
prisons, and to report to the legislature, at the next session
thereof, whether any, and if any, what improvements may-
be made in the government and economy of said establish-
ments, and in the manner of employing or punishing the
convicts ; and also to prepare and report such alterations
and amendments of the laws for the punishment of crimes
as they shall deem necessary." Auburn prison was begun
in 1816. Previous to this time the penitentiary system, as
it was called, prevailed in the prisons of the country, one of
the features of which was the congregation and intercourse
of convicts in their large night-rooms. To avoid the evils
resulting from this association, the legislature, in April,
1819, authorized a change in the original plan of Auburn
prison, by constructing a portion of it so that each prisoner
should have a separate cell.
In 1S21 solitary confinement, without labor, was tried
at Auburn, but with the most unhappy results. John D.
Cray was at that time deputy-keeper at Auburn, and to him
was given in charge the police management of the prison.
By his endeavors, seconded by the agent, Capt. Elam
Lynds, a modification in the discipline of the prison was
adopted in 1S23. The prisoners were confined in solitary
cells during the night, but employed in the common work-
shops during the day, and compelled to absolute silence.
When the commissioners already named visited Auburu
during the year 1824, they found this system in operation
and were pleased with it. Their report, bearing date Jan.
15, 1S25, was presented to the legislature. So important
was this report that it was not only regarded as of great
value in the State of New York, and in other States of the
Union, but attracted much attention in England. William
Roscoe, the English historian and the earnest advocate of
the abolition of the slave-trade, reviewed it in a pamphlet
written in the seventy-third year of bis age, in which he
spoke in complimentary terms of "(be extraordinary, and,
it may be said, unexampled labor and attention the com-
missioners have bestowed in the examination of the State-
prisons."
192d
HISTORY OF KENSSELAER COUNT*, NEW STORK.
Owing to the approval by the commissioners of the
" Auburn system" it was adopted bj the State, and their
r. )■• ■rt furnished the basis upon which the management of
tin- prisons, not only of this State but of manj other States
in the Union, has since been conducted. The tendency of
one portion of this report was to consider " the criminal,"
in tlio words M R scoe, "as divested of all natural
and political rights, and to sacrifice him to the idea of pub-
lic- security," and further to discourage all attempts for bis
reformation. Bui in a series ol letters to Mr. Roscoe, Mr
Allen disavowed these i<l<:i~. and Mr. Tibbits, with a view
to the reformation of the criminal, not long after favored
the establishment of a prison Sunday-school and the em-
ployment of a chaplain for the prison.
Soon alter the rendition of iliis report, and on March 7,
L825, the legislature by a special enactment designated
George Tihliits. Stephen Allen, and Samuel M. Hopkins as
commissioners to build "a new State-prison, to be located
either in the first or second senate district of this State as
they shall deem most expedient." They also empowered
the commissioners to purchase a site, procure necessary
material-, and to employ COD victs from Auburn to elect the
new prison. The commissioners immediately thereafter
took measures for sceuiiiiir a proper site for the intended
prison, and iii the month of April following selected and
purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land at Mount
Pleasant Sing Sing), and on May 14, 1S25, with one hun-
dred convicts from Auburn, commenced the erection of the
prison. Their elaborate reports, rendered to the legislature
in the war- lsjii. 1-27. and 1S2S, exhibit the progress of
the work, and exemplified the care, frugality, and good
judgment which always characterized any work with which
Mr. Tibbits was concerned.
While this work was in progress, complaints had arisen
respecting the management of the State-prison at Auburn.
After listening to these complaints, the legislature, by an
act [passed April 17. lS2t;. authorized Messrs. Tibbits, Allen,
and Ilopkin> to visit the State-prison at Auburn, for the
purpose of inquiring into the abuses at that place, and par-
ticularly respecting the circumstances connected with the
isc and death of Rachel Welch, a female convict. To
the performance of the duty thus intrusted to them Mr.
Tibbit- and Mr. Hopkins gave the closest attention, and
their report, submitted to the senate of the State of New
. on .Ian 13, 1827, bore abundant evidence of the
thoroughness of their investigation, and formed the basis
of prison reforms, whose influence was fell and acknowl-
edged for many years after. By an act of the legislature
1 April, 1--'-. further authority was given to the
included in which was power to pause to be
made a plan ami estimate of 1 1 • • • probable cost ol a prison
f..r female convicts, to !»■ erected al Mount Pleasant.
Under this act, tb nmissioncrs, on Jan, 11.1 829, re
■ 1 to the legislature what they had p| • in the
-nt n -ii t resolution of the legislature,
. , iii 17. 1829, this report was referred back to the
tnissioners, with instructions "to ascertain upon what
term >n be obtained, and a proper establishment
o tin- \ icinity of some one of ih1- populous vill
or cities of this Slate, which -hall combine suitable employ-
mi in with moral instruction, and the superintending care
of benevolent females."
Throughout his entire connection with the subjects which
were brought to his attention while engaged as a commis-
sioner in the erection of ilo- prison at Sing Sing, and in
examining into the prison discipline of the State institu-
tion-, he exhibited a thoroughness of research and an attention
to detail which proved of inestimable benefit to the State in
leading to the adoption of measures which combined reform
with punishment in the management of our prisons.
Respecting Mr. Tibbits' connection with the project of
constructing the Erie canal, we have not the opportunity
in these pages of presenting all the facts bearing upon this
subject. It must sufiice here to say that he was, from the
inception of the idea of connecting the waters of Lake Eric
with the Hudson river, a warm advocate of the measure.
After the determination had been reached that the canal
was to be constructed, a proposition was made, originating
with De Witt Clinton, that the necessary moneys for the
work should bo obtained by loans in Europe. But a bill
for this purpose propppsed by him proved uuacceptabli
the assembly of the State of New York. Then it was
that Mr. Tibbits. at that time a member of ihe State senate.
drew up and caused to be presented to the legislature a
system of finance designed to obtain the requisite funds.
The plan proposed by him was incorporated in the general
law of the State, which was passed by the legislature on
April 15, 1817, and to him belojigs the sole credit of origi-
nating the system by which the means were procured for
the prosecution of this great enterprise.
in commenting upon the important part taken by Mr.
Tibbits in the transaction just alluded tip. the Hon. Robert
Troup, in a letter which was published in 1S22, address
to Brockholst Livingston, one of the justices of the su-
preme court of the United States, makes use of these
words: " From the commencement of the sis-ion. the Hon.
George Tibbits, one of the members of the joint com-
mittee, a gentleman of sound judgment, well acquainted
with the resources of the State, and much distinguished
for his skill in practical finance, had bestowed much atten-
tion upon the subject of providing ways and means for tin-
construction of the canals. — a matter of great difficulty
and importance, on which the successful prosecution of the
contemplated improvements materially depended. I lc drew
up a plan of finance, establishing a disiinp-t and permanent
fund for the completion of both canals, and pointing out
various sources of revenue, which was substantially tttfl
: in witli that afterwards established by the legislature."
Subsequently, in the year 1S29, for the purpose of aiding
the State tp' reach a sound c elusion as to the bcsl moos
of disposing of the surplus fundsof the canal then in hand,
Mr. Tibbits addressed a letter concerning "the financi
tin- .anal fund of the State of New York, ami of iln-ir appli-
cation," to the Hon. Stephen Allen and (J. B. Tbroop, I
then members of the State senate, which letter was pub
lishcil. ami was al tin time received with great attention.
Among ppthcj- ideas suggested by him in this thoughtlul
document was the plan of establishing drawbacks in
tolls, upon salt carried beyond a certain distance from
the point pp! production on the line of the canal. Ihc
city OF Ti:<n
L92b
system thus proposed was initiated soon after, and the
result was a large increase in il ons prion (if sail manu-
factured at the springs in Onondaga, a gain to the revenues
received by the State, and an advance in the value of
property in the salt section, by reason of the increase in the
manufacture of .salt.
In IS.'!."), when (lie Frio canal was about to be enlarged,
an attempt was made by the city of Albany to have the
location of its eastern termination changed, so that from
Schoharie creek it would be carried south of Schenectady
and brought, with the surplus waters of the Mohawk river,
direct to the city of Albany. Of course a proposition like
this, which, if carried into effect, would result in the
abandonment of the termination of the canal at West
Troy, was bitterly opposed by the city of Troy, and on
Feb. 22, 181:50, a committee was appointed by the common
council of the latter place to propose a remonstrance to
the scheme. This committee consisted of George Tibbits,
John P. Cushman, George R. Davis, John Paine, and
Daniel Gardner; and the document was instinct with the
vitality and common sense of the chairman of the com-
mittee. A single extract will evince the force of its lan-
guage. Forecasting the results that would follow should
the route of the canal be changed, and its terminus at a
point opposite Troy be abandoned, the report said :
" What would be the consequences resulting to cither of
the cities, town, or villages, which have been built up or
greatly enlarged along the line of the canals, should the
route now be changed ? Can the extent of the ruin be
calculated? What would be the actual condition of such
deserted towns? Monuments, indeed, not of the folly of
those who built them, and who had ventured their all,
relying upon the canals and the faith of the State, but of
the1 instability and caprice of the government, of which
they had become the credulous victims."
The death of Mr. Tibbits occurred at eleven o'clock on
Thursday morning, July 19, 1849, at the age of eighty-six
years, six months, and five days. His desire was granted
to him, that he might be taken unconsciously away. For
twelve years antecedent to his death he had been a great
sufferer from a loss of power in one of the organs of the
body, but his frame remained almost to the last in vigorous
condition, — a state which had been reached not only by
reason of the possession of a strong natural constitution,
but also by the exercise of continued temperance and mod-
eration in all things. Having learned at an early age that
a great degree of contentment can be reached by a proper
use of a moderate competence, he lived ever afterwards in
the exercise of a wise frugality and unattended by extrava-
gant desires. He was a man of sufficient firmness to be
self-reliant, and to be ready to take responsibility and bear
it when the occasion demanded such a course.
To every project which either originated in his own mind,
or which was brought to his attention by others, he applied
the touchstone of common sense and good judgment, and
thus reached a decision as to whether it was worthy of
being encouraged and developed. His was a mind of great
natural power, and in whatever direction it was developed,
the result of 'its action commanded the attention and gen-
erally the acquiescence of men. In his affections he was
warm and tender, bul these wen- always controlled I", tbi
principles which recognizes sensible restraint as one of the
safeguards of life and action. A.s a political economist he
bad. during hi- whole career, bul lew equals in tl
and ii is doubtful whether there was anj who upi
rior. lb' del nol create a theorj and then press hi- facte
into the mould thus formed, but. being possessed "i certain
data, and being informed of the result which it was desired
to reach, his wisdom enabled liim to attain the result in a
manner which bore witness to the great capacity of his
reasoning powers, and of bis ability to adapt the conditions
by which In' was surrounded in such wise as to accomplish
the end proposed.
Looking upon the earth and water as the substance
from and out of which many things that inure to the
benefit of man are to come, his mind was continually en-
gaged in prosecuting inquiries as to the ways in which the
shape of each might be changed, or varied, or used, or
modified, either separately or in connection, so as to result in
developing their hidden resources for the benefit of man.
Investigations like these led him to the consideration of in-
ternal improvements, and rendered that topic, to him. one
of the most interesting of material subjects.
His reading was pursued with the greatest thoroughness
and care, and he never allowed himself to pass over any
statement or argument without a comprehension of its
meaning. A good natural memory was also an efficient aid,
and enabled him to retain for future use the stores of facts
and conclusions which were gathered from his books.
In the discharge of his duties as a legislator, and in the
various public positions which he filled, he spoke not unless
he had a message to convey, and the result was that when-
ever he did speak he was listened to with attention. As a
writer he was distinguished for great strength and force in
argument. Before composing, the subject upon which he
was to write was first examined with studious care, and his
productions always evinced a thorough knowledge of the
topic upon which he treated. In many instances he em-
ployed a beauty and felicity of language which would not
discredit writers whose fame is established as masters of
grace and expression.
His industry was untiring, and even when unable to
attend personally to many affairs which had long engaged
his attention, his mind was active in initiating plans to be
prosecuted by others.
The religious character of Mr. Tibbits may be regarded
as the crowning feature of his life. Influences of a spirit-
ual nature began to affect him in youth, and increased with
a steady and unchecked growth till they absorbed much of
his thoughts. Brought up where the views of the old
Roger Williams school prevailed, descended directly from
dissent in the line of his early forefathers, he came slowly
to a decision in the matter of his personal stake in conver-
sion. That decision did not take place until middle lib'.
and was undoubtedly largely influenced by his discovery of
a form of religion which he could consistently profess. He
could not submit to interference in matters that he held to
concern himself alone and his personal relation to deity.
The externals of religion be regarded as belonging to the
department of form. He could unite in a church on a
192f
HISTORY OF KE.NSSKLAKK COUNTY, XKW YORK.
form of worship, but he c ■uM not nccepl the dicta of other
men in matt - licnce. Abstaining himself from
judging others, be declined t" put himself in an organiza-
tion where the right of indiscriminate judgment was up-
held. He expended the full force of his condemnation
tir>t upon himself, and was not ready to go '>n to condemn
others till he was first purged of sin himself. The vitality
iif his religion shone "tit as liis mind grow more and m
into tho duty, of self-scrutiny. The Bible became then to
liim "the lamp," which ho took in hand, and with it
ted forth to find himself. In this search he found liis
Saviour. And from that hour his faith, like a stream,
poured joyously forth in the sight of all, — its source invis-
ible and its end inscrutable.
The funeral of Mr. Tibbits was attended from St Paul's
Church on tlir Sunday succeeding liis death, ami on this
-ion a sermon commemorative of liis life ami acts was
hed by the rector, the now venerable Rev. Robert B.
Van Kleeck, D.D.
QEOBQE UORTIMER TIBBITS
was born at Lansingburgh, Dec. ■ >. 1796, and died in Troy,
Friday, July 19, 1878, al five o'clock in tin' morning.
II.- was the eldest child of (ieorge ami Sarah Xoyes Tib-
hits. About the middle of the year ITi'T. ami when lie
was al t six months old. his parents removed to Troy.
Ho was taught the rudiments of learning at such schools as
the village of Troy then afforded, until sent to Lenox, in
Berkshire Co., Mass., where he received the instructions of
a Mr. Gleason, and by him was lined tor college. Having
admitted to Union college, he was graduated thence
in 1 — I T . Among his classmates were his cousin, Beujamin
Tibbits, of Albany, Joel B. Nott, of Guilderland, Charles
1". [ngalls, of Greenwich, and Daniel Gardner, of Troy.
All of these gentlemen are now dead.
From early childhood -Mr. Tibbits bad been in
health. For the purpose of gaining strength he had a
t d himself to pedestrianism. After graduating, with
the object in view of improving his constitution, he went
abroad, ami wa- absent a year. He confined hi- foreign
■I mainly to Scotland, which
:plorcd with much thoroughness, performing
most of his j foot. Ho came back in perfect
h. and. a- to the age of twenty-one he had
ly known a wall day. so onward from that age until in
hi- seventy-ninth year, he vcrj rarely experici 1 a .lay of
illncs.-. On Ins return he pursued the study of the law for
in tie- office of iho 1 - • i ■ - Hon. John I*. Cushman,
of Ti Bui I was mill.!.' to endure the confinement
' i i He h id found that health for him ••
much in the open air. and to pursuits of that nature he
ward- devoted hi- life
II .iter purchased the Poster farm, at Hoosick,
which farm had formerly belonged to a loyalist, and which
1 duriu_" the Revolutionary war. On M
31, 1-J t. he marri . Mis - -i- i: . . i.,-r. the ■
f Albany, and the
Blandina Dudley, who was the wife of Hon. Chas.
■inie a United 3 ilor IV. m
this Stall Vftcr bisi II osick, and
IDS
tue
or-
•y,
resided there in the old farm house, which is still standing,
until the brick dwelling, which he was then constructing;,
was completed. This latter building was remodeled in
Infill, and is now a freestone mansion, striking both in de-
sign and in appearance. His residence in this city was
built in the year 1847, and from the time of his marriage
until his death his time wa- passed partly in Hoosick and
partly in Troy.
In the summer of 1866, Mr. Tibbits went abroad for the
si nd time, with several members of his family, and was
absent for nearly two years. On this occasion he traveled
leisurely through Great -Britain. France. Germany, Italy,
and other countries of Europe, gratifying his taste for tin
beautiful in art by visiting the principal repositories o|
works of that character, and occasionally emphasizing th
taste by the purchase of a specimen of the genius of so
skilled master. It was on his return from this tour, l
1868, that he presented to the Troy Young Men's Associ-
ation the beautiful bronze statue of Lincoln which adori
their rooms. This was modeled and cast by F. Miller, J
at Munich, in 1868, and is a reduced copy of the statu
cast for the city of Chicago.
As the village of Troy grew to he the city of Troy,
did Mr. Tibbits from a youth grow to manhood. Tfl
village became a city in 1816. In the following year Mr.
Tibbits attained to his majority, and from that time fo:
ward, with a jealous regard for the good name of the cit
did he strive for its welfare and prosperity. He was in no
sense a public man. and ii i- believed that he never held aa
official position. But he was ever ready to aid in inaugu-
rating tiny good work and in aiding beneficent enterprises,
lb- i. ink a deep interest in the building of the present City
Hall, favoring its erection as a needed measure, and laid its
corner-stone on Nov. 15, 1875.
The town of Troy was established in 1791. Mr. Tibbits
was brought here as a young infant ill 1 7!»7. From the
establishment of the town to th,- present time is eightfl
eight year-. Of that period, eighty-one years were pa
by him iii the town, village, and city of Troy.
Mr. Tibbits in appearance was manly, erect, and .leant.
His bearing was always that of a man who. while he re-
spected others, respected also himself. He wa- very fond
of riding, and until within a few year- he would occasionally
-tan o|f on a Stretch of from ten to fifteen miles in the
early morniug, bestriding his horse with tie- ease and grace
id' a young and athletic man.
Always covetinu exercise in the open air. the personal
attention which he gave to his landed estate in HoosiB
afforded him ample opportunity for such exercise, ami lie
tin employed in various kinds of labor incident to
the protection and care of bis farms. He was also inter-
e-i.d in building, to an extent uncqualcd probably by any
other citizco of Troy, and during his long life many .-tores
and dwellings were erected under his care.
He carl) became interested in stock-raising, and
before tin- day- ol hci-il book-. I'.\nry breeding, and
county fair-, wa- engaged in the importation of a celebrated
•lb- known a- the 'fee-water Durham, especially
valuable for the dairy. Strain- of the bio.,. I of this stock
II i.. be found in the county. He wa- also a strong
CITY OK TROY.
192a
advocate of a protective tariff, the development of the
resources of the country, and the encouragi menl of home
manufactures. Influenced by these < siderations, about
the year is:;it he imported a number of Saxony sheep, and
: originated one of the largest flocks of slier], of thai breed
in the county. He was always interested in wool growing
and in the improvement of the fleece of sheep, and of its
fineness and strength.
Although inclined to gratify a taste- for pictures, statuary,
antique furniture, and old books, and to surround himself
with tlic evidences of refinement and culture, yet he could
not endure waste in any form. lie was a sincere advocate
for the proper use of everything, and nothing more
thoroughly aroused and angered him than wasteful and
ridiculous excess.
His patriotism was of the kind that trusts not to words
alone, but believes in the efficiency of deeds as well. When
the Rebellion burst like a whirlwind over the North, and
his son, William 1? Tibbits, expressed his determination to
give his aid in support of the Union as a volunteer, bis lather
not only gave his consent, but aided him pecuniarily and
otherwise in raising bis company. Later still, when the
Griswold Cavalry was organized, of which Gen. Tibbits was
the colonel, his father contributed most liberally in procuring
enlistments for that regiment in the most speedy and effi-
cient manner. His enthusiasm for the cause of the Union
knew no pause, and not until the Rebellion was subdued
did be cease his efforts for its suppression.
In giving he was guided by conclusions reached from ex-
aminations and observations made by himself. His bene-
factions were as unexpected as they were welcome. It was
thus, unheralded, that be once gave the sum of ten thou-
sand dollars to the Troy Orphan Asylum; and the present
of a dwelling and the appurtenant land to a most worthy
servant of Christ, who a few years ago passed to his reward,
is another instance of a worthy gift quietly yet generously be-
stowed. At bis country home, on one occasion, his kindness
to an old man, whom but few respected, on account of bis
bad habits, led to the reformation of this recipient of Mr.
Tibbits' bounty, and redeemed for a better service the close
and the hereafter of a life much of which had been ill-
spent.
If there was one characteristic more than another that
was prominent in Mr. Tibbits' life, it was his hatred of all
shams and pretense. Directness in any matter with which
he was connected was especially to his liking, and in the
presentation of any subject to him, he was always desirous
that his interlocutor should come to the point at once, lie
was a stern and an uncompromising foe to gossip, and to the
dissemination of scandal or of rumors affecting character or
life. He never took up an evil report against any one, and
was averse to listening to the details respecting the short-
comings of others.
To him the life of home was the only earthly life worth
living, and either with his family, or amid his books, were
, passed his happiest hours. He was particularly fond of the
French language, and until his mental faculties began to fail
him he read almost daily some of the literature of that nation.
He entered the communion of the Episcopal church when
a young man, and was always scrupulous in the observances
of religious worship. He maintained until his last illn
the order of family prayer in his household, and w
lar in his attendance thereon whenevci thi time appointed
for the 51 rvici had come. In the latter pari of bis life he
favored the movement known as the Refo id Episcopal
church, which was promulgated by the Rev, Dr. Cummins,
and, owing to his evangelical ideas, he readily found fellow-
ship and communion with any body of Christians who loved
and revered the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth.
His devotional nature found further expn ssion in the
stone church which he erected at Hoosick, and which i- in
the pastoral care of his son, the Re v. John I!, Tibbits.
In fact, so entirely was he penetrated with the importance
of public worship, that he often expressed a belief that
great good might, be accomplished if a building could be
provided devoted to the public ervici of < rod and the dif-
fusion of religions knowledge irrespective of any particular
Creed Or form of Worship, and open at all proper limes for
the attendance of the people.
His father, the lion. George Tibbits. died on Thursday,
July 19, 1849, at eleven o'clock in the morning. .Iu>t
twenty-nine years later, — on July L9, 1878, — and only a
few hours earlier, was terminated the earthly career of the
son. The morning was always to him the most beautiful
portion of the day. He not only spoke its praises, but
enjoyed the reality of its freshness and renewal in the
actual experience of a lifetime. In its quiet hours be
found a recreation and refreshment which he gathered from
no other part of the day. And so, as if in consonance
with this love of his nature, the divine messenger came to
him and announced bis release just as the glorious " rose of
dawn" was flushing behind the eastern bills, and on the
wings of the morning bis spirit floated away to its eternal
rest.
WILLIAM BADGER TIBBITS,
the youngest son of Geoigo M. Tibbits, was born at Hoo-
sick, in Rensselaer County, on March 31, 1837. His early
youth was passed partly in Troy and partly in the country,
and after having received elementary instruction at various
schools, he was graduated at Union college in 1859. He
was engaged in business at Troy when, on the morning of
April 15, 1801, the warning tones of the voice of the Re-
bellion starting at the South reached his ears as it did the
ears of millions of freemen. Heeding its appeal, he at
once left his office and obtained papers authorizing hint to
raise a company in a regiment which it was that day decided
should be formed in Troy. He never returned to the
business which he bad abandoned, and in consequence of
this abandonment the business proved to him a total loss.
His efforts as a soldier, from this point forward, were un-
wearied. He recruited more men for bis company than any
other person connected with it, and it was accepted, on
April 23, 1861, as a part of the 2d Regiment New York
.State Volunteers, with the following officers: Captain,
William B. Tibbits; 1st Lieutenant, James Savage; 2d
Lieutenant, William Sullivan. The company was known
as (I company, and Mr. Tibbits was mustered into the ser-
vice as captain on May 14, 1861. An idea of the nature
of bis services during the next seventeen months may be
gained from a perusal of the following recommendation:
192h
iiisTniiv til- ki:n»i:i.aku county, new york.
" Headqcartrrs Ca rii's Brig., Sickles' Div.
Camp w Fairfax Seminary, \ v.. Oct. 18, 1862.
"General, — I havo the honor to recommend tbo promotion of Cap-
tain William B. TiU.it-. Second N<" Vork State \ '■•inn ■
major, gcW.Wils resigned. Cnptnin Tibbils is the senior
01 f the "iilv two original oaptains led with the rcgimont.
lie has been with it on every piokct, mareh, and rooonnoissanco, and
in overy ikirmish and battle, at Mil' Bethel, Fair I lull -. Glcndale, Mai-
rem Hill. Bristow, and Mull Rnn, At Briston hi partioularl) dis*
linguished himself, nnd "as honorably montioncd for gallant and
meritoriou ndnol al Mull Run. Uis \..-t experience, undaunted
igc, and oxcollcnl judgment well qualify him ror the position f..r
which I hai a had tin' honor i" rccommeud him. I havo the h-ui-ir to be,
•■ \ our most obedient servant,
" Josi in B. Carr, Hi ig.-Qi u. V. S. I .
■• T.. Brio. Gem. Thomas UiixnofSK,
Now ^ .tU. Albany, N. i ."
This recommendation was duly honored by the State of
New Fork, and Capt. Tibbits was appointed major of the
regiment, his commission bearing date Oct. 13, 1862. The
term of the 2d Regiment expired in the following year, and
mi May 23, 1 — • ; : i _ Maj. Tibbits was mustered oui with the
regiment, at the city of Troy. .Juno 17. 1863, he procured
authorisation papers to raise :i cavalry regiment, to 1"' known
a- tlir Griswold Light Cavalry, to Berve for three years ui
r discharged. The regiment received its name from
tlir linn. John A. Griswold, then the representative in
from tin- district embracing the city of Troy.
About the time that the e jiletion of the regiment was
assured, a number of Maj. Tibbits' personal friends testified
their appreciation of his bravery and merit by the gilt of
a sword, which line the following inscriptions:
■ I. Wm. B. Tibbits — from a few of bis friends, as a token both
of their personal regard ami ot their admiration of his gallantry.
V V.. Nov. Is. i-
" Nor Market Bridge, Big Bethel, Fair Oaks, Glcndale, Malvern
Hill, I! : - nd Bull Kim. Fredericksburg, Chnncollorsville."
i >n Jan. I. 1864, Maj. Tibbits was mustered in as colonel
of tin- 21st New York (Griswold Light) Cavalry, with
rank as colonel from Nov. 20, 1863. The first engagement
in which the regiment took part was at New Market, Ya.,
mi Sunday, May 15. 1804. Bis services, performed early
in tin- succeeding June, were acknowledged as follows:
"B i.timork, Mi... August 29, 1864.
i frcl exceedingly that the suddenness with which
T left my command at Staunton, Vn., <.i. a nut ..t my wound, pre-
i from issuing tho order which I had in'- nded to, ami which
yon so justly deserved, con inding you for \>.iir gallant conduct
at the battle of Piedmont, June ... 1864, ami on which .lav it was
my i thank you an I your gallant i tho battlc-
for the brilllnnl su ■-- they had achieved. Iho faithful and
nt manner in which yi edyoun .. duty whilo un-
for you my hi rnd b
l..r your every undertaking : nnd a- merit i^ tho criterion for promo-
r army, I !■ ■ i that the promotion for brigadier-
general will rd for your ices.
" Vi ry -in icroly ami truly, i"our friend,
.ma , Maj. '
Tibbits, '-'1st New Y..rk Cavalry."
For the two months following the battle of Piedmont
his command was constantly employed. Labors performed
ami dangers undergo I a character so trying as were
those that filled up this period could not fail to be recog-
nised by those whose duty it was to know when work was
well done. That such recognition was not lacking appears
by the following communication :
■ir I 1st Catalrt Dn niox, lit i 'r ..t West Viroinia.
" II a new k. Mn
1 'Me '.:■. David D | Vir-
M
ml for galls a. ami
-
CBVal
, 'oh "f Jam
•. faithful, at>
mnndod the admiration of myself ami his command. I would re-
spoctfully recommend him as worthy of promotion to the rank of
Brigadier General l*. S. Volunteers. 1 would respectfully call your
■<u to especial moution made of this officer in my official report
..!' .Inly L'Tih. Isr.i. This reporl has been furwnrded to the head-
quarters of Itrevct Maior-licnera! t*i k. commanding forces in tho
Held, Dopnrtincnl of West Virginia.
"I am. Genoral, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
" \. .\. In i in:. Brig.-O'eil."
On th.' receipt of this communication it was indorsed in
these terms :
"Headquarters Department West Virginia.
" Harper's Ferry. Va., Aug. 7. 1801.
" Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General ..I the army,
approvod, nnd earnestly r amended. See enclosed i'..[.y ol General
Orders, No. 63, current series, from these headquarters.
" 1>. Hi \ri:it, .l/o/.. .--'/< ... ) nl Commanding."
The general order referred to was as follows :
"Headquarters Department of West Virginia.
"Harper's Ferry, Aug. 7, 1804.
" General Order No. 63.
"Colonel William B. Tibbits, 2lsl New York Cavalry, commanding
1st Brigade, l»l Cavalry Division, having been highly plimei
by his division commander for gallantry in artwii and euu-icney
under all circumstances in the field, and having been rccomuiei
a- a competent, faithful, and valiant officer, worthy of promotion to
the rank "f Brigadier-General United States Volunteers, the Major-
General commanding takes pleasure in commending to the command
the conduct of Colonel Tibbits, and in approving the recommen lation
for his promotion. " By order of
" Maj.-Gen. Hunter.
■• P. G. Bier, A. A. General.
"Official 1st Division : E. W. Clark, .1. .1. O."
This deserved recognition of the conduct of a soldier —
of whom it was said he begged the privilege of charging
the enemy when others would unwillingly obey orders that
involved any risk of personal safety — was made still mure
complimentary by being read on dress-parade to each com-
mand in Hunter's army. On Oct. 21. 18G4, the regiment
received from the Hon. John A. Griswold a stand of colors,
the regulation-flag and the regimental standard, both being
of heavy silk, and bearing appropriate devices and em-
bellishments beautifully embroidered upon them. On Nov.
17. 1864, Col. Tibbits received an official communication
from the War Department, conferring on him the well"
earned designation of brevet brigadier-general, with rank
from Oct. 21, 1864. Nut only did hi- services extend
through the war, but after its conclusion he was utibntl
west, en the plains, and it was nut until in September,
1865, that he received permission, whilo at Leavenworth,
Kan., to return In his home at Troy, and there await ord
II,- was made a full brigadier-general, and received the
rank of major-general 1'. S. X .. by brevet. The following
are the names of the places at which engagements lurrod
— all nf them in Virginia — in which Gen. Til. hit- partici-
pated while in the cavalry service: New Market, Piedmont,
Lynchburg, Hillsboro', Snicker's Gap. Ashby's Gap, Keari
town, Winchester, Mariinsburg, Charlcstown, Halltown,
Nin.veh. K I's llill. and Liberty Mill or Gordonsvillft
He was mustered oul under General Order No. 168, t"
■ late from -Ian. 15, I :
For several years pasl Gen. Tibbits has hem a greal siif
fcrer, resulting from injuries received while in the sen
Such is the tin r.st outline of the career of a man whose
Bound judgment when advici eded, whose bravorj
whi n fighting was to be done, and whose celerity in m
ltietit wh.ii action was required, wen for him, in the station
which h. filled, the reputati if being a skillful soldier, ami.
at the same lime, oi f the mosl intrepid spirits of the war.
I
CITY or TROY.
193
IHI. ALEXANDER AND IIKNKY ROUSSEAU.
Iii every community will be found individuals who,
though none the less concerned in its welfare and fully alive
to the best interests of its citizens, yet, avoiding public life
and its offices, are content to remain in the walks of private
life and by their quiet perseverance and industry exemplify
the true citizen. Our record, especially as it relates to the
cii\ of Troy, would be incomplete without reference in this
class of individuals, prominent among whom we recall tin'
nanus of the Itousseau brothers, and especially that of
Aebille J. Rousseau, whose lather was among tin' very
earliest settlers of Troy. Nicholas Rousseau, the grand-
fatlier of Mr. Rousseau, was born in Fiance, and came to
tins country in the year 17i>!i, landing at Baltimore, Md.
He soon after removed to Philadelphia, where he entered
into the dry-goods business, and where he died in the year
17!»v Nicholas Rousseau was the father of seven sons,
among whom was Alexander, the father of Acliille J. Rous-
scan. Alexander Rousseau was born in Bordeaux, France,
Bay 7, 17(i(>. fie was educated as a physician, and prac-
ticed in Paris. He emigrated to the United States in 17SU,
and landed at Philadelphia. About four years after, he
made his way up the Hudson River as far as Troy, which
was then only beginning to shape itself for a village, and
where, satisfied with the advantages of its location and the
prospects of its future growth and prosperity, he decided to
settle, and commenced the practice of his profession in the
year 1790. Here he formed the acquaintance of Mary
Frear, who was then living in an old Dutch dwelling, on
the corner of Third and Albany Streets, now Broadway,
and whom he married in 1793. He built for himself a
frame dwelling, on the east side of Third Street, between
the then Elbow and Albany Streets, now Fulton and Broad-
way, which, with the Frear dwelling on the corner below,
constituted all the dwellings on the block. Besides his vil-
lage practice, Dr. Rousseau attended to calls from the
country for a circuit of six or eight miles, making his visits
on horseback, with his saddle-bags carefully deposited on
the back of his faithful horse " Charlie,'' attended by his
little dog " Pink."
In those days it was the custom among the farmers to
pay their physician by donation-parties, making two general
visits each year, known as the Corn and Wood Bees. After
harvest, word would be passed from one to the other in the
country that the "doctor's dinner" would be ready on a
fixed day, and a general invitation was extended to all to
come and have a good time. About ten o'clock on the
appointed day the doctor's front and rear gates would be
thrown open, and soon the wagons would begin to arrive
loaded with a supply of corn, pumpkins, apples, aud herbs,
which were deposited in the yard. After a bountiful dinner
these farmers — among whom we recall the names of the
Coonradts, Coopers, Derricks, Van Alstines, McChesneys,
Devits, Hayners, Swartwouts, Yateses, Winnys, Garnwicks,
Fowlers, Van der Heydens, Adamses, and Deusenburys —
gathered in groups for converse and conviviality for an
hour or more, when all would start for home again as
happy as a good dinner and good liquor could make them.
This visit was repeated in whiter after the first good sleigh-
ing. Good and happy days, pleasant to be recalled. Dr.
25
Rousseau, like his father, was the father of - •• n on . the
first of whom died when Ion little more than a year old,
prominent among I lie remaining six of whom We may men-
tion Mr. Henry Rousseau, early identified with the manu
laclure of hats and caps in this City, and who enjoyed an
extended reputation on the subject aid study of conchology.
All of these sons were connected with il arly history of
Troy. Dr. Rousseau died March 2, 1812, after which the
oldest of the remaining sons, Achille .1 Rousseau, who was
then but sixteen years old, having been born Feb. '■'•■ !7!"i,
became the main support of his widowed mother and five
younger brothers. At this lime he was in tl mploy of
Dei'ick .1. it John (i. van der Hoyden, but left them soon
after the death of his father to enter the grocery-store of
Adam Keeling. Subsequently he became a clerk for
Francis Yvonnett, and afterwards was employed by Messrs.
E. Warren & Bros., in which linn he afterwards became a
partner in the wholesale grocery business, the firm chang-
ing to E. Warren, Bros. & Co. By the entrance of Albert
and Henry Richards into the business the linn afterwards
changed to Rousseau, Richards & Warren ; Rousseau, Rich-
ards & Co.; Rousseau & Warren; and finally, Mr. Henry
Nazro purchasing the others' interest, the firm became Rous-
seau & Nazro, carrying on a large business at No. 217
River Street. Mr. John P. Nazro also had an interest at
one time under the name of Rousseau, Nazro & Co.
Mr. Rousseau retired from active business about 1S50,
with a competenc}', to look after his timber lands in Canada,
and iron interests in Essex Co., N. Y., in which he was
very largely concerned. So thoroughly convinced was he
of the future value of the iron-ore property of Northern
New York that he did not hesitate to invest his means
liberally in the purchase of large ore tracts, and the result,
though he was not permitted to reap its benefits, more than
proved the wisdom and sagacity of his investments. Ever
kind to a fault, he was always ready to extend a helping
hand to those in trouble, and when the panic of 1S57 swept
with its wild destruction and general suspension through
the land, Mr. Rousseau was unexpectedly called upon to
raise large sums of money to meet obligations he had in-
curred for others. The sacrifice this necessitated resulted
finally and sadly in bis being obliged to part with his entire
estate, which but a few years afterwards became, and is still
worth to its owners, many millions of dollars.
In manner Mr. Rousseau was gentle, courteous, and un-
pretending, yet firm in carrying out his plans and purposes.
A successful career of over thirty years, unquestioned for
its integrity and fair dealing, marked his life as a merchant.
Though often urged to allow his name to be used for various
elective offices be always refused, having no ambition for
public life. He was, however, always ready to unite with
his fellow-citizens in the promotion of public enterprises,
and in co-operation for the aid of benevolent institutions.
His name was synonymous with charity, and it was his
rule, rigidly followed out, never to turn away from his door
an applicant for aid without giving some assistance, pre-
ferring that nine unworthy ones should receive his alms
rather than risk refusing one worthy ol his charity. He
was a lile-long member of the board of managers of the
Orphan Asylum, and his counsel very largely directed its
194
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
management. Be was an active member of the Episcopal
Church, contributing liberally for its support, and for other
church work. Be was a Freemason of extended reputa-
tion, having filled with great acceptance the offices of < rrand
Ili_-li Priest of the ( irand Chapter, as well as I rrand Mast r
of the Grand Lodge of the State of Now York.
llo was a devoted and indulgent husband and father, a
sympathizing and zealous friend and citizen.
Hi- financial embarrassments, with the loss of his wife a
few years before, united to break down his constitution, and
he passed away Mareh 26, 1858, universally mour I.
DANIEL BALL,
Lot Ball, who was the father of Daniel Ball, was de-
Bcended from John Ball, of Coventry, who landed at
CharlestOWO, Mass.. in lti.'itl. and was No. Ill on the roil of
the first church of Boston or Charlestown, which was organ-
ized in the last-named year. Lot Hall was born at Yar-
mouth, in Barnstable Co., Mass., on April 2, 17.">7. In
May, ITTi'i. entering the naval service of the United States
in the war with Great Britain when only nineteen years of
age, he enlisted twenty nine men and a boy, and in the
month following put to sea in the ■■ Eagle," commanded by
('apt. Elijah Freeman Payne, young Ball having been com-
missioned as a lieutenant. Success attended their efforts
at first, but as Lieut. Hall was bringing in a prize the pris-
oners overpowered him and his small crew, and he was
taken prisoner and conveyed to Scotland, where he remained
in confinement at Glasgow until April 5, 1777. when he was
released. After many vicissitudes, among which was his
second capture by tin- British, followed by a short confine-
ment, he reached Virginia early in January, 1778, and
having been aided by Patrick Henry, then Governor of that
. arrived at Philadelphia about the 2.M of the last-
named month, and on February 22d following was tit Barn-
Btable. Bere be subsequently studied law in the office of
Shearjashub Bourne, and. having been admitted to prac-
tice, removed to Vermont in the latter part of 17S2, going
first t" Bennington, whore ho remained only a short time,
and thence to Westminster in 17^!. which latter place be-
came his permanent residence.
( >n Feb. 1 '■'. 1 786, he was married in Boston, by the Rev.
John Clark, to Mary Bomcr, of that place. He held
various positions of honor and trust in the State of Ver-
mont, among which was that of judge of the Supreme
Court foi ire, from 17HI to L801. Re died May
17. 1809, in the fifty-third year of his age, beloved and
respected for his vino - as a man, and for his ability and
public -pirit as a citizi D,
Bi Daniel Hall, the subject of this Bketch, was bom
at Westminster, N't . on duly 17. 1787, and died at Troy,
N. ST., Dec 10 1 B68, in the ■ I year ol his age.
The broil I . one of whom subsequently became
bishop of Ohio and then of Illinois, and the other a United
were the instructors of his boyhood, and his
preparation foi m pie ted by II. .n. William ('.
Bradley, a citizen of his native town. In 1^'M he entered
Middlebui I at which institution he was gradus
in 1805. Choosing the profession of hi- father,— thai of
:.iw, — immediately after accomplishing his .
course lie entered the office of his uncle, Amasa Paints'
c iselor of experience, at Windsor, in Vermont. Cb
year later, in 1806, he removed to Troy, then a village, ;|
continued his legal studies under the guidance of NYillii
M. Bliss. His fellow students ill Mr. Bliss' office wire g
late lions. William L. Marcy and John 1'. Cushman.
On Oct '■'>, 1 Still, after a favorable report by his exn.
iners. Stephen Boss, Richard M. Livingston, and Dai
Buel, he was admitted to the practice of his proles-inn. .
an attorney and counselor at law. Immediately therenp
he formed a law partnership with his uncle, Amasa Pat,
who had also moved to Troy, which partnership cotitiml
until May 14, 1S14. Their business was varied, ex
and remunerative, — the reward of industry and prol
capacity. Alter dissolving with his relative, Mr. Hall o.
tinned to practice his profession until about the year Is.
when he began gradually to withdraw from legal businc,
attending after that period only to such matters as wn
connected with private trusts and charges.
During his long and busy life he occupied many positki
of responsibility, in all of which he conducted himself «
impartiality and honor. He was a justice of the peace fru
1813 to 1821. About the year 1823 lie succeeded Al.
son Douglas as secretary of the Rensselaer and Sarati
Insurance Company, which office lie held until til
pany surrendered its charter, and at different times he \i
a director in the Bank of Troy, the Farmers' Bank, a
the Merchants' and Mechanics' Bank.
On April 19, 1819. he was married by the Rev. I
Whelpley, at the city of Now York, to Anjinetti
the eldest daughter of Edward and Mary E. Fitch, S
was born in the city of New York on June 21, 18l
who still lives in the city of Troy, on the same spot
she has passed more than sixty years of her life, duri
which time she has been in the enjoyment of those hlessin
which spring from a devotion to duly and a recognition
the obligations of the life of the household and tin
Though of late years her health has been enfeebled, yd -
still finds enjoyment in books, and derives pleasure, refill'
and elevating, in the cultivation of flowers. Her ]
who were first cousins, were grandchildren of the II
Thomas Fitch, colonial governor of Connecticut. At tl
time of his death, Mr. Hall was the ohh si graduate of h
mater, Middlebury College, and his was the nidi
name borne on the mils of the Rensselaer County bn
Bis memory, until within a i\-w week- of his departw
was exceedingly vivid and accurate, even to the rem
tails of events that happened seventy years ago. 'I
for the four years previous to his death he was deprived
sight, he still kept up his interest in all about hit
was accurately informed as to the news which evet
brought forth. As his infirmities increased, he l>ccan
cheei ful and contented, and no rcpinitigs fell fn
lips amid his Buffering and pain.
The ambition of Mr. Hall was confined to the unt
sive and quiet walks of life. Although clear-sight
well-informed as to his political predilections, h(
sought nor held political office. He had in his I
make nothing of the demagogue, and no '<w » '
than be to that hollow and degrading 0
CITY OF TROY.
195
licli tn si) great an extent characterizes the conduct and
lofmany men, especially of those in public places. For
a reason he shrank from soliciting the favor of others,
posing rather the independence thai :iwaits individual
nt than the subservience that is too often the result of
i unlimited acceptance of extraneous aid. In the forma-
n of his opinions of men, tried and consistent conduct
Is of more weight with him than wordy and clamorous
ifessions. It may nut be too much to say of him that
i nature was of tin1 old, inflexible Roman .stamp. Com-
imise and prevarication lie disdained. His decisions
iv often curt ami rigid, still they were invariably founded
justice seen through an unpictured light. Integrity,
ict anil unfluctuating, was with him a virtue of virtues,
1 this characteristic he exemplified daily and constantly.
luoation he always regarded as the great safeguard of the
d, and the strong and mighty bulwark of liberty and
lit. Well-balanced and true, he sustained throughout
long career the character of a good citizen and a saga-
US and upright man.
FITZF.PWARD HALL,
well-known author and Orientalist, the eldest son of
Lie! Hall, was born at Troy, X. Y., March 21, 1S25.
ter passing through various schools at his native place,
h others at Walpole, N. II., and Poughkeepsie, be be-
ne a member of the Rensselaer Institute, conducted by
l celebrated Professor Amos Eaton, where he took the
;ree of civil engineer in 1812. The same year be cu-
ed Harvard College, with which he was connected till
16.
As a schoolboy and collegian, Mr. Hall divided bis atten-
ti pretty impartially among languages, mathematics, and
! natural sciences. His diligence in acquiring foreign
nines was shown by the fact that at the age of sixteen
had, in addition to the ordinary learning of well-taught
a of his years, acquainted himself thoroughly with
iiieli, and could both read and speak Spanish without
ficulty. While at college he employed many of his spare
ins on translations from the German, of which enough
re published — but anonymously — to fill three good-sized
uuies. In the spring of 1846, Mr. Hall sailed in a mer-
int-vessel from Boston for Calcutta, and after a long voy-
1 was shipwrecked, on the 16th of September, at some
tance below the mouth of the River Hooghly. Arrived
Calcutta, alter having gone through no slight perils, he
died himself of letters of introduction to Bishop Daniel
ilson and others, which had been voluntarily given to him
the Hon. Edward Everett, and he was consequently in
want of society.
His original purpose of almost immediately returning to
uerica was frustrated by the loss of his ship, and his en-
ced detention at Calcutta left considerable leisure at his
posal. Without the least thought of becoming an Orien-
ist, he was induced by a few lessons in Hindustani and
rsian to resolve on exploring at least those languages
h some thoroughness, and the pleasure which he found
them led to his postponing indefinitely his departure
stewards. At Calcutta he remained nearly three years,
iduously prosecuting his new studies, to which he soon
added Bengalee and Sanskrit. I'n fi rrinj; to bo tndi pi nd
mi ul' others, he supported himself in the mean ti
chiefly by writing for various local journals, in which he
contributed largely, not only original matter, bul trnn
lations in prose and verse, from French, Italian, ami modern
Greek.
His next plai P residence was Ghazeepore, on the Up-
per Ganges, from which place, after a sojourn ul' al oul live
months, he removed in Benares on the L6th of January,
1850. Only a month later he was appointed, wholly with-
out any solicitation of his own. In a post in the l!< i.
Government College, a posl which, in 1853, was converted
into a professorship. While al Benares he narrowly escaped
being killed by the explosion of a fleet of thirty boats laden
with one hundred and eighteen tons of gunpowder.
In July, 1855, he was transferred toAjmereas inspector
of .schools for Ajmere and Mairwara, together with the
superintendentship of the Ajmere Government School,
which charges he held for only little more than fifteen
n ths. Again promoted, his next and last appointment
in India was that of inspector of schools for the Saugor
and Nerbudda Territories, which he assumed at Saugor, in
December, 1856, and retained till the spring of 1*62.
Within this period occurred the Indian mutinies, dining
which he spent seven months besieged in the Saugor fori,
and underwent severe hardships, not to speak of constant
danger. In this interval, also, he was absent from India
about a year and a half, which he spent partly in England
and France, and partly in the United States. In 1860 he
was honored with the degree of Doctor of Civil Law by
the University of Oxford. From November, 1862, Mr.
Hall lived for several years in London, where he was pro-
fessor of the Sanskrit language and literature, and of Indian
jurisprudence, in King's College, and also filled other offices.
In 1869 he removed to Marlesford, Suffolk, his present
place of abode. He still holds, in connection with the
civil service commission, the examinerships in Hindu-
stani and Hinde to which he was appointed in 186-1, and
an examiuership in English has recently been added to
them.
He married in 1S54, at Delhi, a daughter of the late
Lieut.-Col. Arthur Shuldham, of a very ancient English
family. Of his five children two survive, — a daughter
and a son. Retiring in disposition, and a rigid husbander of
time, Mr. Hall holds himself aloof from all literary societies,
and has from the first persistently avoided all entanglement
with cliques and coteries. Indeed, of his own choice, his
acquaintance with men of letters is, and always has been,
extremely limited. These circumstances, coupled with the
unfamiliar character of his pursuits, go some way, without
doubt, towards accounting for the slight recognition which,
considering the abundant and multifarious fruits of his pen,
he has received in England and America, where he is less
known than at Paris, Berlin, Leipsic, St. Petersburg, and
Rome. Satisfied with nothing short of real excellence in
scholarship, uncompromising, and careless of popularity, he
is marked as a critic by bis severe economy of commenda-
tion, and he has frequently assailed current judgment with
a vigor corresponding to the strength of his argued convic-
tions. It is not, therefore, altogether surprising that his
l'.iG
HISTORY of uexss ki.aki; corxTY, new YORK.
writings have been to a large extent ignored among the Eng-
lish-speaking nations. The few who have noticed them are,
however, for the most part judges of the highest class, from
whose awards it would 1"- hazardous to appeal, Prof. Max
Midler, in his" History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature,"
Bpeaks of Mr. Hall as "a scholar of the most extensivi
acquaintance with Sanskrit literature." In 1SG0 he also
wrote :
•■ We hope to sec Mr. Hall continue Ins researches in Sanskrit litera-
tim-, which oven now ontitlo him t" take rank "itli tho besl who
of the day. No >ne since 1 1 ■ . - . i . ■ v of r,,]olirooke ami Wilson 1ms
done so muah to rokin Ho a .- j ■ i r i t of aeonrato scholarship nun, til: the
lover* of Sanskrit in India, and his oxtensiro acquaintance with
Brahnranio literature, acquired during man; years' residence in India,
is such as t-> rouse tho onvy and admiration of ovory Sanskrit scholar
in Europe"
Prof. Albrecht Weber pronounces that " his labors are,
throughout, characterized by fidelity as to details." The
R v Walter W. Skeat, one of the foremost of English
philologists, calls his " Modern English" "all but indispen-
sable to the student of the English language;" ami again,
in the pages nf The Academy, has warmly eulogized his
treatise entitled "On Adjectives in — able," etc., which
the learned Dr. Zupitza, writing in the Jenaer Lileratur
Z- itung, describes as " not only strictly scientific, but popu-
lar in the best sense of the term."
Similar compliments on Mr. Hall's works might be ex-
tracted to tediousness from the Journal des Savants, and
numerous other authoritative sources. Yet, as concerns
Americans, it may be asserted that they have scarcely any
knowledge of what he has written, or even of its character
and value, except through the misrepresentations of his en-
vious or imprudently-irritated detractors. As a fact of liis-
tory, it is worth noting that Mr. Hall, first among his coun-
trymen, edited a Sanskrit text. This was in 1852. It will
further be remembered of him, by Orientalists, that he was
the discoverer of several most interesting Sanskrit works,
supjiosed to be irrecoverably lost, as " Bharata's Natyasas-
tr.i" and the " Harshacbarita," and of a complete copy of
the very valuable " Brihaddevatft," of which only a small
fragment was previously known to exist. Once more, the
various Sanskrit inscriptions which he has deciphered
and translated throw much new light on the history of an-
ei.-iit India, and have entirely invalidated a whole host of
assertion- ami speculations ventured ill I'rof, I
" Iodische Alterthumskunde." Mr. Hall's principal ac-
kri' • ■ irks are the following: Sanskrit: | 1 | "The
Atmabodha," with its Commentary, and the '■ Tattvabodha."
Tbi S&nkbyapravachana," with its Commentary. 3)
" The Suryasiddhanta," with its Commentary. I "The
Mm," with its Commentary, i 6) " The S&nkhyas-
6 Tie Dasardpa," with its Commentary, and four
chapters of " Bharata's Lra." The first of these
works was published at Mirzaporo, the rest at Calcutta.
M ■ -• of them are n I by detailed English pn I
Hindi l " The Tarkasangraba," translated into HindS
from the Sanskrit and English. (2) "Tho Siddhttntasan-
L-r.ilri. translated into HindS from the Banskril and
HindS Header," with preface, notes, and
vocabulary. The last-named work of this section was
published at Hartford, in England; the other two at Alla-
babad and Agra, respectively. Philological: (1) "Recent
Exemplifications of False Philology": New Yrork, 1872.
(•_' "Modern English": New York and London, 1873.
:; i ■■ On English Adjectives in — able," with special refer-
ence to "Reliable": London, 1S77. Miscellaneous: (1)
"The Riijnniti," in the Braj Bhasha language, with pref-
ace, notes, and glossary : Allahabad, 1854. (2) " Classical
Selections": Agra, 1855. i.'Ji "A Contribution towards
an Index to the Bibliography of the Indian Philosophical
Systems": Calcutta, 1859. (4) " A Rational Refutation
of the Hindu Philosophical Systems," translated from the
Hindi and Sanskrit: Calcutta, 18(52. (5) "Benares, An-
cienl and Modern" ; a monograph : Hartford, IStiS. (6)
"The Yisbnupurana" ; annotated edition of Professor II,
11. Wilson's translation: Loudon, 1S64-1877. The second
part of the fifth and last volume of this work consists of an
index of 2G8 pages. Of the rest of this large work at least
a fifth part is taken up with the editor's notes, corrective,
corroboratory, and supplemental. Mr. Hall has. further,
edited, in old Scotch, a work by William Lander, which has
passed through two editions, and most of the writings of
Sir David Lyndesay. Other works to which he has served
as editor are specified at the end of his treatise, " On Ad-
jectives in — able," etc. To periodical and other publications
Mr. Hall has been a voluminous contributor. In India, to
7 'he Benares Magazine , Ledlies Miscellany, The Benares
Recorder, The Rnylishmnn, Tin Uurharu, and The Jour-
nal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal; in England, to The
Partlienon, The Reader, The Guardian, The Pall MaU
Gazette, Notes and Queries, Triibiier's Literary Record,
Chambers' Cyclopxdia, The Journal 'of the Royal Asiatic
Society, etc., etc.; and in America, to Scribncr's Monthly,
Lippincott's Magazine, The Xorth American Review, The
Nation, The Independent, The Tribune, The Journal of
llo American Oriental Society, etc., etc.
ROBERT DAVIS SIM.IMAN.
Ti is a pleasant task to write the biography of a man of
worth, whose days were long in the land, whose life was
amiable and useful, who rose to eminence in his profession
or business by force of his own talent and industry, and left
behind him a name embalmed in many a grateful heart, and
unsullied by a disreputable action ; and we feel all the
pleasure which such an undertaking is calculated to excite
in contemplating the leading traits in the character of this
gentleman, a brief outline of whose long and active life
propose lo narrate.
Hubert Davis Silliman was born in the town of Bal
N. Y., on the L'oth day of De-ember, 1790. His father,
Daniel Silliman. came from Connecticut, in which State
those bearing the name seem to have been settled for nearly
two centuries. The nam,' is of Italian origin, and Claude
Sillimandi, the first root of the family, was a native of Lucca,
in Italy.
'fie- subject of this skeieh was early thrown upon his own
resources, and net tie- struggle of life manfully and with a
determination that could end only in sui •<■■■»>. He obtain*)
at Waterford, N Y . where his early life was passed, thl
best education which the schools in that village in lho«C
CITY OF TROY.
197
days afforded, and then, still a lad, beonme cabin boy on his
father's sloop, which plied between New York ami Waler
(ford, then the only means of transit for passengers anil
merchandise to and from tin tropolis. At the close of
navigation, during each year, young Silliman would apply
himself to his books with the same zeal and energy that he
displayed on shipboard, and in this manner acquired a good,
substantial education in the English branches. But his
spirit was too ambitious and his manhood too strong to re-
main long in any subordinate position, and at the age of
twenty-one we find him master of his own vessel, and carrying
on a lucrative business between the city of New York and
'Troy. In this manner he became so familiar with every
■spot on either shore of the Hudson, between the two cities,
that afterwards, when connected with the great steam-
boat enterprises, and when the humble sloop which had
been the nucleus of his fortune bad vanished at the ap-
proach of steam, as be sat in the saloon of the steamboat
he could name each place the vessel passed without deigning
a glance. Amid the cares and stern realities of his life on
the Hudson, there flitted across the scene an incident of
I a romantic character, that afterwards resulted in his union
with one who lightened all his toils for sixteen years, and
left an enduring impress of her gentle influence upon him-
self and family.
On a fine July morning, in the year 1820, as Capt. Silli-
man was standing at the gang-plank, receiving his passen-
jgers for the voyage up the river, there tripped on board a
fair and sprightly girl of nineteen, who at once attracted
the eye of the bachelor captain, as she afterwards drew tbo
marked attention and became the general favorite of all her
companions on shipboard ; not only those of the opposite
sex, but, what is more remarkable, those of her own. She
had just completed her education at a female institute in
the city of New York, and was returning home. She re-
sided with her parents in the town of Verona, Oneida
Co., N. Y., and was known in that part of the State as the
" Belle of Verona." It must be remembered that in those
days the traveler did not come from New York to Albany
or Troy on one of Vanderbilt's fast trains. Two weeks,
instead of a few hours, were then required for the most
'expeditious passage. Mirth and gayety ruled the hour on
shipboard, and before many suns had risen and set those
who had met as strangers had become close friends. With
" Youth on the prow and Pleasure at the helm," the two
persons in whom we are chiefly interested appear to have
regarded the slow progress of the vessel with satisfaction ;
and when the lady reached her destination, and bade good-
by to the master and the passengers, the captain felt as if
he had lost his anchor. But he had not been idle during
the two weeks, and had obtained permission to correspond
with the fair one, a privilege whereof he availed himself
to such good purpose that he received the lady's hand in
marriage the following year. Her name was Lorenda
Covell. and she was the daughter of the late Ephraim Co-
vell, and sister of Lorenzo R. Covell, now residing upon
the old homestead in Verona. Her rare beauty and elegant
acquirements procured at once for her a cordial reception
in the first society in the new city of Troy, where the
young couple established themselves. Capt. Silliman had
been diligent and successful in his business upon the water,
and be dow resolved in puisne his mercantile pursuits upon
tin' land as well. If- therefon entered into a copartner-
ship with the late Deacon Gurdon Grant, who had recently
married his sister. The business was thai of genera] mer-
chandise, lumber, and forwarding, The firm continued
long, became very prosperous, and established such a repu-
tation for honesty, integrity, and business capacitj that the
name of Silliman & Grant was almost as familiar through-
out the State as a household Word; anil SO high Was the
standing, and so great the confidence of the business public
in the firm, that unlimited credit was always at its com-
mand.
A good story is told of Deacon Grant while he and his
partner, against most formidable competition, particularly
in the freighting line, were laying the foundation of their
splendid success. There is, of course, no truth in the storv,
which was the invention of a wag; hut it well illustrates
the diligence and industry of the firm. The deacon habit-
ually rose before dawn to begin the work of the day, and to
solicit freight from every person he met. One morning,
rising earlier than usual, and before the light began to render
objects distinct, the deacon saw a man, as he supposed,
standing near the wharf apparently waiting for something.
Our enterprising merchant at once scented a customer and
increased his pace. "Sir!" called he, approaching his man,
" have you any freight for us to-day ?" He soon found to
his intense disgust that he had been addressing a lamp-post.
Both lie and his partner, after they became old, gray-headed
men, used to laugh heartily whenever this joke was men-
tioned.
Mr. Silliman's attention was early directed to the subject
of banking, and in 1831 he aided in procuring a charter for
the "Troy City Bank," to the vice-presidency of which he
was elected, and served in that capacity until the year 1839,
when the " Commercial Bank of Troy" was organized, and
he became its first president. For years he was a promi-
nent actor in nearly all the great enterprises which were in-
tended to develop the resources and add to the prosperity
of the city. He was one of the original organizers of " The
Troy and New York Steamboat Company," and one of its
largest stockholders. He was also interested in the differ-
ent railway communications, and many of the manufacto-
ries of Troy and vicinity.
In 1838, Mr. Silliman, having, by his indomitable energy
and industry, aud by his talent and practical sagacity, accu-
mulated an ample fortuue, retired from active business,
though still retaining some of his official positions, such as
the presidency of the Commercial Bank, etc.
But the change was too great. He grew uneasy; he
missed the excitement of the mart ; he found he was not
born for inactivity; the spirit of enterprise would not down,
and the old-time energy goaded him back to the counting-
room. The time was not propitious, as bis keen aud watch-
ful observation must have whispered him; but he had
wrung fortune from a sterner grasp than then appeared to
hold the business interests of the country, and he would
tempt the fickle goddess once again. The business connec-
tion which he now formed (it was in the spring of 1841)
proved disastrous. The severe pressure of 1842-43 im-
19S
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
mediately fullowed, and the measure of relief, the famous
bankrupt act, then adopted by Congress, so crippled the
liooso with which he wad connected that it was forced to
Buspeud payment Thou the pride of the high-spirited
merchant was touched, and the traits ,,f character that had
marked his long and honorable career again became con-
spicuous. Without a moment's hesitation he applied nearly
all his private fortune t" the payment of the company's
debts, and stood once more before the world a poor man.
II ■ was at this time fifty-three years of age, and had a
family of :-ix children dependent upou him fur bread.
Such a sudden full from affluence to penury, under these
circumstances, would have discouraged and prostrated a less
lute man who had passed life's meridian; but it seemed
only to rouse in this strong man n latent strength that ad-
sity alone could develop. With perhaps too keen a
sense of his misfortunes, and fearful that hi- position in the
imercial Rank, in his altered circumstances, might im-
pair the credit of that flourishing institution, he at once
tendered his resignation as president. Rut to the honor of
the hoard of directors, they refused to accept it. and in-
sisted on his continuing as the official head. This must
have been balm to his wounded spirit. It was not many
years before he had accumulated even a larger fortune than
the one h.' had 1 Bt, and which he retained till his death,
and left to his children.
In 1836 he had the misfortune to lose his wife, the
beautiful and accomplished lady before mentioned. She
had borne him eight children, two of whom had preceded
her to the grave. She was a woman of rare excellence,
ami her virtues are still cherished by the few friends who
survive her. Her children were all too young to appreciate
her worth. In L838 Mr. Silliman married Mary Payn,
the daughter of Isaac R. Payn, of Northumberland, X. Y.
This estimable lady bo well supplied the place of mother to
this largo family of small children that they rise up to-day
and call her blessed. She died in 1851.
Mr. Silliman. as before mentioned, had enjoyed but lim-
ited facilities in early life for acquiring education, and this
perhaps is one reason why he always took Buch a deep in-
31 in our Bystems of education. He was for many
a trustee of the Troy Female Seminary, where his
daughter! wer lucatcd. His eldest bod, Samuel D., now
r of Union College, an excellent
it by reason of inflammati f the eyes, super-
induced by bard study, was compelled to leave before grad-
uating Mi- j luogesl -on. Charles A . now a prominent
business man in the city of V a STork, graduated at I
lurab I languished h rs, and is now one
of the trustees of that rcnowm d institution,- I dis-
tinction worthily bestowed. His eldest daughter, Lorcnda
married to Mr. II. J. Parmcnter, lawyer ami | t. a
b of whose life will be found in this volume. The
daughter now living, Cornelia Prancee
with her rial M - I" innenter,
Mr. Silliin.in's home was always that of a quiet, utl-
i- Christian gentleman, befitting the man and hi-
famil; I id and generous to all who approached
him or aid. He held many private tru-t- in-
voli i I the good old man was
never SO well pleased as when his careful investments proved
abundantly remunerative to the interested parlies. He was
a member of the Sec 1 Presbyterian Church of Troy, and
earnest in his advocacy and belief in those eternal princi-
ples of religion cemented by the blood of our Saviour. Ho
always held his mother in great reverence. Even when he
had outlived the days allotted to man, he had not forgotten
her instruction, and would often say. •■ M\ mother lirst in-
stilled into me the principles of that holy religion which I
piofss. and taught my infant lips to say, ■ < Mr Father,
which art in Heaven.'" The son throughout his long
t was well worthy of such a mother, and there can bo
no doubl thai his earnest prayer to be at last " reunited to
her in heaven" has been realized. Mr. Silliman died in
the city whose birth he had seen, and which had been his
residence for SO long a period, in lSGu'. He was buried ill
( takwood Cemetery.
IV.— NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS.
EARLY RECOLLECTIONS OF TROY, BY HENRY ROUSSEAU.
As early as 1S03_ there were but three houses on the
block on Third Street, cast side, between Elbow (now
Fulton i and Albany i now Broadway.' Streets: my grand-
father Frear's house on the corner — south corner; my
father's house in the centre of the block; and Mr. Abraham
Frear's. about one hundred feet north of ours. Next was
added a public house, on the north bounds of the lot. where
the American House now stands; the landlord's name
was Munn. In 1806 a house was built next south of
father's; I think by Mr. Itedfield. Esaias Warren bought
my grandfather's corner, demolished the old Dutch house,
and erected a three-Story brick edifice.
A Mr. Brainard built a house with a brick front on the
second lot south of the public-house, lie was a varnish-
maker. He did not live in his house long; his varnish
took fire, burned up his dwelling, and burned him so that
he died. Mr. Lewis Richards built a large frame house on
the same lot, and resided there for some yens : it was after-
wards owned and occupied by Stephen Schick.
In my early day.- there were many slaves owned in the
State of New York. " Pingster"* was the slave's great
holiday. The slaves of the four counties — Columbia. Al-
bany, Schenectady, and Iti nssclaer — united in its celebra-
tion. The patroon of Troy. Jacob D. van der I Icyden, gave
the use of two large fields. — from Fifth Street to the kill,
and from Kii.ow (Fulton) to Congress Streets. Shati
surrounded the three sides of these lots. The celebration
continued six days, commencing Monday and closing Sat-
urday afternoon. In many instances the owners with tin ir
families came with their slaves.
The most noted character among the slaves in those days
was " King Charlie," from Columbia County. He was the
commander-in-chief, and there were none t.. dispute his au-
thority, lie had a whippingpost, and woe to the colored
individual who became quarrelcsonic or L'ot drunk — bell
his chief got so. for the slightest offense lie was -naked up
to the whippingpost, and Charlie himself wielded the cat
to his own satisfaction. livery slave wl wned a fiddli
-. Dutch r.T Whitsunday.
Photos, by A. Cobden, Troy.
EBENEZER PRESCOTT
■u %%/uJ%
Ebenezer Prescott is of the sixth generation from John Prescott,
who emigrated from England in 1 640, and came to Boston and Water-
town.
His grandfather, Ebenezer Prescott, was a soldier of the Revolu-
tionary war, and died in the service. His father. Fortunatns, horn
at Warwick in 1761, married Phebe Bartlett, of Northampton, Jan.
30, 1783. She was born in 1762, and died March 17, 1850, after a
residence in Troy of nearly sixty years. Fortunatus Prescott was
a blacksmith, and had a large shop with a trip-hammert — a rare labor-
saving machine in those days. He served in the Revolutionary
army; was at the battle of Bunker Hill, and was a sergeant in Gen.
Stark's body-guard at the battle of Bennington. In 1792 he removed
from Northampton to Troy, where he resided until his death in 1819.
He left four sons and four daughters, of whom only Ebenezer sur-
vives in 1S79, having been born in Northampton, Mass., July 21,
1792. His school days closed at an early age, when he went into the
busy world to care for himself. Until eighteen years of age he spent
his time mostly in painting, at which age he really set up business
for himself as a painter and glazier, in a shop on the site of George
C. Burdett's store, River Street, Troy. In 1812 he took a contract
of the government to make several thousand canteens and knapsacks.
The canteens were made of wood, and the knapsacks of linen duck,
and painted black, with the letters U. S. on each one.
After the close of the war he did the painting and glazing for the
State arsenal, then being constructed. Mr. Prescott's success in busi-
ness and his far-sightedness in the growth of Troy led him to engage
in real estate operations. He purchased considerable land of the Pa-
troon, Jacob D. Lansing, mostly located east of Sixth Street, and at
one time owned considerable property in the vicinity of Fifth Street,
north of Broadway. He laid out streets and lots, and in many cases
erected buildings for the accommodation of those desiring to pur-
chase or rent. Among the finest residences which he built was the
one located on the site of the Catholic hospital, overlooking the city
and river, — at the head of Fulton Street. He erected a shop for his
business on the site of the Old Masonic Hall building on River
Street, which was destroyed by fire in 1S42. The same year he com-
menced, and in 1843 completed, the Old Masonic Hall building now
standing, since which time his business has been mostly the care of
his real estate. He has lived in Troy longer than any other person,
and has watched its growth from a village of some four hundred in-
habitants to its present thrift and enterprise with a population of
fifty thousand, and can say, '' A part of all this I was, and am."
Mr. Prescott has been a Mason for some sixty-five years. In
October, 1814, he became a member of Apollo Lodge; was subse-
quently one of the founders of King Solomon's Lodge, of which he
became Junior Warden. He was also King of Apollo Chapter.
In middle life he was somewhat active in politics; was first identi-
fied with the old Federals, subsequently with the Whig, and now
with the Republican party, having been a voter for sixty-five years.
For six years he was the coroner of the county, two years assessor of
the city, and in 1S36 he was a member of the Common Council from
the Third Ward. He was also a director for a few years of the
Troy and Schenectady Railroad. In his boyhood he became a mem-
ber of the congregation of Dr. Coe's church, — the church edifice
being built in 1793, — and remembers while a boy of attending church
with his mother, and carrying her foot-store, an article of necessity
at that time in winter season, as there was no Btove in the chureh,
and the minister used to wear his overcoat and striped mittens while
preaching. He has continued an attendant at the same church his
whole life, and contributed liberally of his means in the construction
of the present church edifice. Mr. Prescott's life has been wholly
devoted to basin- ss ; he has been a friend to those in need, and assist-
ing many in business, often incurring great loss to himself. He is
social, manly, and possesses that force of character which commands
the respect of his fellow-men, and that integrity in all his business
operations and true regard for justice which gives him a place in the
hearts of the people.
For six years past Mr. Prescott has been afflicted with blindness,
yet retaining the vigor of body and mind common to men much
younger in years.
Feb. 13, 1821, he married Maria, daughter of Medad Candee, of
Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y. She was born in Albany, June 29,
1S00; is a lady of rare womanly qualities. She became a member
of the church at the age of fifteen, and has been constant in that
connection for nearly sixty-five years : and while she had only one
son upon whom to bestow her many good gifts, she has not been un-
mindful of others who needed a mother's watchful care, as many
now respected members of society can testify.
Their only son, Col. Charles L. Prescott, was born in 1821 : gradu-
ated at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as a civil engineer;
subsequently became chief engineer at the age of twenty-seven, and
had charge of a Western railroad. He died May 24, 1869, leaving a
widow and four sons, viz.: Charles E. (deceased^, William D., Harry
L., and George R. D.
Mrs. Prescott has been found connected with nearly every good
work in Troy for many years. She was one of the prime movers in
founding the Orphan Asylum, and was one of the founders of the
Bay Home, — an institution that has received very liberally of her
time and means. Her great kindness of heart and desire to assist
those in need lead her daily, although at the advanced age of
seventy-nine, to visit the poor and oon tribute to their wants, and
in this work she seems to forget self and seek only the comfort of
others. Many will call her blessed when her hands cease to adminis-
ter to their wants.
CITY OF TROY.
199
ami there were many of them -was a " pusson" of Borne
imh, and his powers of I i ■ I < 1 1 1 1 > ■_; were put to the test.
King Charlie was said to have been of royal African pa-
rentage. He was small in stature, and an old man when I
saw him in the field. Tin ly trouble with Charlie was,
he could not keep sober all day ; about the middle of the
afternoon Charlie would become pretty lellow" and want
to flog every one who came in liis way. Pingster-day was
Suppressed on account of the excesses to which il led.
I remember a celebration of the Fourth of -Inly, L813,
iii the village of Troy, which called into action a great
deal of very bad feeling, and came near a fatal termina-
tion to many of the Federal party. At the junction of
River and Ferry Streets there were two public-houses.
One was kept by McNiel Seymour, and was the rendez-
vous of the Federal party, at this time represented by the
Trojan Greens — a military company — and the Washing-
ton Society. The other house was owned and occupied by
William Pierce, better known as " Pilly Pierce's Tavern,"
and was the headquarters of the Republican party, and
. was also known as Tammany Hall. There were gathered in
this building two uniformed companies, the Invinciblcs and
the Fusileers, and commanded, I think, by Capts. Chrystie
and Higbee. The " Trojan Greens'' were commanded by
Stephen Warren. There was not the least sympathy be-
tween the rival companies or the two parties. The two
houses fronted each other, with a large piazza, and on this
occasion the balls and piazzas were crowded with citizens
and military.
From joking and bantering across the street to each other
Bjagry words followed, and one of the Republicans fired a
ball through the American flag floating over the Federal
headquarters. As soon as this became known, one of the
Federalists — I think Courtlandt Schuyler — raised his rifle
and cut the halyards that sustained the Republicans' flag,
and it came down with a run to the ground amid the huzzas
on the one side and the threats on the other. In a few
minutes after the fall of the flag, amid the noise and tumult
that followed, the Republican gun — a six-pounder — which
had been loaded and nearly filled with stones ami pieces of
glass, was run out of Pierce's yard and placed in front of
the hall of the Seymour House; immediately after a Re-
publican came running out with a slow match to discharge
the gun. Before he fairly reached the gun, Samuel McCIure
— a member of the Trojan Greens — gave him notice that
if he raised his hand to discharge the gun he would be a
dead man. The Republican faltered, and seeing McClure's
rifle aimed at him, he dropped his match, and almost imme-
diately there was a rush of the more sensible men of the
party, and the gun was returned to Pierce's yard, and the
peacemakers of both parties persuaded the crowds to dis-
perse. The war with Great Britain tended to harmonize
the two parties and allay the ill feeling which the circum-
stance I have just related engendered.
I remember, when a very young boy, a meat-market in
Second Street, between Congress and State Streets. This
was soon after removed, and a new market erected on the
northwest corner of State and Third Streets. This market
was open on all sides. Lorenzo Dow paid Troy a visit in
those days and preached in this market. A number of
years after be visited Ti and preached I i the
easi side- of Mount < My mpu
LAND SLIDES,
Among the calamities which I illcn Troy ai
land slides which have occurred at intervals for a n
oi years past, The Erst occurred on Sunday evening, Jan.
I, 1837, on the eastern section "I the Firsl Ward of the
city, and with it quite a loss of life and a great loss of
property. At aeven o'clock in the evening of thai day a
large mass composed id' clay, sand, and water came rush-
ing down from a height of al i five hundred feel to the
level below, and from the impulse it received it rushed
about eight hundred feet farther, carrying everything in its
way; it destroyed two stables and three dwelling houses,
literally crushing them into pieces. The three dwelling-
houses were those of John Graw, Mrs. Leavenworth, and
Mrs. Warren. In its way it. also encountered a brick-kiln,
which it demolished, and the flames from which lit up the
city as if from a fire. This was the first warning of (he
occurrence which was given to those not in the immediate;
vicinity. In the stables were twenty-two horses, sixtei u of
which were killed, and the remaining six were rescued from
the dilnis. Four dead bodies were taken from the ruins,
and these were all that are known to have been killed.
1S40. — On the 14th of November, and on the following
Monday, two more land slides occulted, which did but
little damage.
1843. — On the 17th of February, 1843, another land-
slide occurred, which was more destructive in its charai
At the time the slide occurred seven men with their teams
were at work at the foot of the hill, engaged in carrying
away dirt, and narrowly escaped with their lives. In its
way were several dwelling-houses, which were utterly de-
stroyed, and all of their inmates killed and injured. Fif-
teen were killed and twelve badly injured, one of whom
was so badly hurt, that she died five or six days afterward-.
As soon as the news of the accident spread, the mayor of the
city, accompanied by the sheriff, common council, fire com-
panies, hook-aud-ladder company, and a large number of
citizens, went immediately to the scene of the ruins, and
went to work to aid the sufferers. The common council
also voted aid and medical attendance for their relief at a
special meeting called for that object.
1853.— On the 23d of March, 1853, a land-slide oc-
curred in which, happily, no loss of life occurred. Several
children narrowly escaped being killed, as the house in
which they were was carried away the distance of fifteen
rods.
1859.— On the 17th of March, 1850. a land-slide oc-
curred which carried away the central portion of St. Peter's
College, which was then being built, and had been finished
as far as the second story, incurring a loss of about fifteen
thousand dollars.
the Ftltt: OF 1820.
The most disastrous event occurring in the early history
of Troy Was the meat fire of 1820. It occurred at a time
when business and all commercial enterprise was \vr\ dull.
This fact caused much more suffering than would otherwise
have happened. In extent the fire covered the whole btisi-
200
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
nesspartof the city at thai time. It destroyed sixty-nine
Btorcs and houses, and ;» 1 > . « 1 1 1 twenty-four stables and wood
houses, in all about ninety-three buildings.
Bad it 1 1 ■ -r been for the prompt support and assistance of
Lansingburgh and other neighboring villages it would have
undoubtedly destroyed the entire city. After the fire was
over aid was asked to relieve the suffering. This call
« i- liberally r<-.-| led t" by the neighboring cities and
try. -VI" -in eight thousand dollars was given in
money, besides two wagons 1 led with provisions, from
the United Societj of Believers, at Watervliet. Tin bar-
rels of fl"iir and a quantity of pork were given byother
ins. These generous gifts were thankfully received, and
distributed to all who needed aid. This kindness in the
lumr uf need was never forgotten by the citizens of Troy.
Thej have always been ready to res] d to any call for aid
in similar circumstances of distress by any cities that have
been visited with a destructive fire.
THE FIRE OF 1848.
The next extensive fire which occurred in Troy began on
the morning of May 1. 1848. About twenty-six buildings
were destroyed. The Troy fire department was greatly aided
by the firemen of Lansingburgh, West Troy, and Albany.
The Albany tire companies dragged their engines six miles
over a heavy road.
THE FIRE OF 1S52.
In the afternoon of Oct. 2S, 1852, another lire occurred,
which destroyed about fifty-two thousand dollars' worth of
property, and was a disaster of considerable extent.
THE FIRE OF 1S54.
On An.- 25, 1854, another extensive fire destroyed two
hundred buildings, causing a loss of one million dollars'
worth of property.
This was a terrible blow to the city, but it was cour-
ageously met. In the place of the building- destroyed
new and much handsomer editiees were built. Large and
well-built brick blocks succeeded to the small and incon-
venient -tore- and business houses which the fire had swept
away.
: il persons perished in this fire, and it was a matter
of surprise that there were not more. The total loss in
property was estimated at three million dollars; the in-
surance was one million dollars. The neighboring cities
and villa gi - came promptly to the aid of the Buffering
i-itiz'ii- during the li r<-. and afterwards in the way of help
for the needy.
THE KIRK OV L862.
This was a conflagration exceedingly destructive and fol-
low, d by mucl It was thai evi r
trrcd in Troy, and at that tine had scarcely been equaled
in any city of this country. The Chicago and Boston Bros
bad not then occurred. The fire broke out in the forenoon
Maj 10,1862 It 1 gan at the Rensselaer and
i bridge, and spread with great fury
the princip ■! bonnes pari of the city. For ■ time it Bcemed
as if nothing could Mop it- -way. in fact there was very
little control over it until it had reduced to ashes whatever
was in its way. Five or six persons were burned or suffo-
cated, and the wildest excitement prevailed during its con-
tinuance. There was no connection from one part of the
city to the Other through the burning district. It lasted
about live hours, and was a scene of terrible grandeur as
viewed from the hills above. The number of buildings
destroyed in this tire was five hundred and seven. The
amount of property lost was estimated at three million
dollars; the total insurance was one million dollars.
ALBANY BEDDGE CONTROVERSY.
In the year 1814 notice was published, in the Allnmy
Gazette, "of an intended application to the Legislature for
leave to bring in a bill for the erection of a toll-bridge
across the Hudson at the most eligible spot between Colum-
bia Street and the street north of the Arsenal at Albany."
This project to bridge the Hudson at Albany aroused the
bitter opposition of the people of Troy. Lansingburgh, and
Waterford, and out of it grew a heated controversy which
lasted for almost half a century. The subject was discussed
and the project opposed in the newspapers, at special and
regular town-meetings, and in the Legislature, with such
persistent earnestness on the part of Troy that no bridge
was built at Albany till about the year 1870.
THE KIOlTlVi: SLAVE RESCUE.
On Friday, the 27th day of April. lSiiO. a fugitive slave
named Charles Nalle, who was owned by Blucber W. ll;i-
b rough, of Culpepper Co., Va., was arrested under the
provisions of the fugitive-slave law. Nalle was taken be-
fore the United States Commissioner at Troy, the case was
tried, and a decision rendered delivering him to his master.
This resulted in mob violence, and Nalle was rescued ami
hurried off to Canada.*
THE DRAFT RIOTS.
On the 15th day of July, 1863, occurred the memorable
excitement in Troy occasioned by the draft of men made
under the acts of Congress to recruit the army engaged in
suppressing the great Southern Rebellion. On this o
the excitement in Troy was intense. A large procession of
turbulent men formed at the nail-factory in South Troy,
and marching up into the city, increasing in size as it went.
BS far as Mount Olympus, when the head of the column
turned southwards. Upon arriving at the office of 77c
Trot/ Time* on its return march, a body of men entered the
office, and in a few moments the printing-material, with
tin exception of the presses, was thrown into the
At different times other violence was threatened, yet little
more occurred, and the excitement gradually subsided, and
the draft quietly proceeded.-)"
V.— ORGANIZATION.
THE Town OK TRoV.
The town of Troy was formed from the manor of I
selacrwyck, March 18, 1 7 : • I . Brunswick and ]
Grafton and Lansingburgh were taken off March 20, 1807,
• Sec v Troy, pp t I'"1- V-lt-
(MTV OK TIIOV.
201
anil :i part of Grccnbush in 1836. A pari of Brunswick
was annexed in 1814. On M lay, April I, 1791, the
first town-meeting was held, at which (lie following per
suns were elected officers of the town: Cornelius Lansing,
Supervisor; Dcrick Lane, Gphraim Morgan, David Defreest,
Henry II. Gardinier, and Nicholas Wager, Assessors; David
Henry, William [Iickok, Lawrence Dorset, and Samuel
golamore, Constables ; David Henry, Collector of Taxes;
David Henry and Henry II. G-ardinier, Overseers of the
Poor; Cornelius Lansing, Mahlon Taylor, ami Jacob Wager,
Commissioners of Highways ; and Cornelius Lansing, Town
Clerk.
THE VILLAGE OP TROY.
The name Troy was chosen Jan. 5, 1789, to designate
the small collection of houses on the east side of the Hud-
son River, seven miles above the city of Albany, previously
known as Van del- Hcyden's Ferry, or Ashley's Ferry.
The first trustees of the village were incorporated by virtue
of an act of the Legislature, passed March 25, 1704, enti-
tled " An act to appoint trustees to take and hold certain
lands therein mentioned, and for other purposes." On Feb.
16, 1798, the village was more fully incorporated, and five
trustees were thereafter annually elected. On April 2,
1801, the village was formally incorporated by an act of Leg-
islature. The limits of the village as stated in the act were :
"X. Andbe it further enacted, That thedistricl of country contained
within the following bounds, to wit : Beginning on the north side of
a certain creek called Poesten Creek, where there was formerly a saw-
mill, Qfty-eight chains from Hudson's River, and runs from thence
down along the said creek to the said river; thence up along the said
river to a small ereek called the Meadow Creek ; thence along the said
creek into the wends, south seventy degrees, easterly forty chains ;
thence south twenty-three degrees and thirty minutes along the west
side of the land of the late Albert Bradt, one hundred and six chains
to the place of beginning (the above course to be run as the magnetic
needle pointed in the year 1720), shall continue to be known and dis-
tinguished by the name of the village of Troy ; and that the freeholders
and inhabitants who may from time to time reside in the said village
shall be a corporation by the name and style of 'the trustees of tho
village of Troy,' and shall have the same rights, privileges, powers,
and immunities as by this act aro given to the corporation of the vil-
lage of Lansingburgh, subject, however, to tho same regulations,
restrictions, orders, and provisions."
This charter conferred limited powers on the five trus-
tees, hut the [lower of levying taxes was reserved to the
freeholders and inhabitants who were voters.
In 1803 the bounds of the village were altered so far as
to extend from the Poesten Kill, on the south, to a small
creek on the north, the Piscawen Kill, which was the south
bounds of the village of Lansingburgh. By an act of the
Legislature, April 4, 1806, the village was divided into
four wards, with the following bounds:
First Ward. — From the south limits of the city (the
Poesten Kill) to a line drawn through the centre of Ferry
Street.
Second Ward. — From Ferry Street to the centre line of
State Street.
Third Word. — From State Street to the centre line of
Flbow (Fulton) Street.
Fourth Ward. — From Flbow Street to a line due east
from the mouth of the creek on which J. D. van der
Heyden's mill stood.
26
I nder tho last act tie- president of tie- board of ti
was annually appointed by the Governor of the State and
the council of appointment.
Tin: mm 01 i HOT.
A charter was granted by tho Legislature on the 12th
of April, 1810, incorporating •• tie- mayor, recorder, alder-
men, and commonalty of the city of Troy." An election
for charter officers of the city was held on T day, Maj
11, 1816. The officers elected wer alderman, on.'
assistant, one constable, and one commissioner of school- in
each ward; and in the Fifth and Sixth Wards three inspec-
tors of schools, but no assistant aldermen, i iper-
visor, who was voted for in all the wards. The persons
qualified to vote were citizens "I the United States, of the
age of twenty-one years, who had resided in the village for
six months, and had rented a tenement of the yearly rental
of five dollars for the term of one year, or had possessed a
freehold within the limits of the village, or had paid taxes
within the same.
The city was divided into six wards, as follows:
" All that part of said city bounded south by Poesten K ill, west by
the west bounds of said city, north by a line running through the cen-
tre or middle of Perry Street, ami parallel with the same from the
said west bounds of said city to the east bounds of the village ol
Troy, as now established by law, and thence on the same east bounds
of the village of Troy to said Poesten Kill, shall constitute one ward,
and be denominated the First Ward; and all that part of said city
hounded on the south by the north bounds of said First Ward, west
by the west bounds of said city, and north by a line running from
said west bounds of said city, through the centre or middle ol" .-tot,.
Street, and parallel therewith, to the east bounds of the village of
Troy, as at present established by law, and thence on the same east
bounds of said village to the place of beginning, shall constitute one
ward, and lie denominated the Sec 1 Ward ; and all that part of said
city bounded on the south by the north boundary line of said Second
Ward, west, by tho west bounds of said city, and north by a lino
drawn from the said west bounds of said city, to and through tho
centre or middle of Elbow Street, to the east bounds of said village,
as now established by law. and thence on the same east bounds of
said village to the north bounds of said Second Ward, shall constitute
one ward, and tic denominated the Third Ward; and all that part of
said city bounded on the south by said Third Ward, west by the "est
bounds of said city, north by the north bounds of said village of Troy,
as now established by law, and cast by tho east bounds of the said
village, shall constitute one ward, and be denominated the Fourth
Ward: and all that paid of said city not included in either the said
First, Second, Third, or Fourth Wards, which lies north of a line be-
ginning at the bridge standing across Poesten Kill, near the grist-mill
of Townseud McCoun, in said city, and running along the south lino
of the road running over and across said bridge, up the hollow', until
it intersects the road usually called the Schuyler Road, and then, by
a line running due south, to the south hounds of said city, shall con-
stitute one ward, and be denominated the Fifth Ward : and all the
rest and residue of the same city, not included within the bounds of
either of the before-mentioned wards, shall constitute one ward, to bo
denominated the Sixth Ward.''
The city is now divided into thirteen wards, each of
which are election districts of the city, and a supervisor
district of the county of Rensselaer.
THE CITY-HALL.
The village trustees were accustomed to hold their meet-
ings at the various public-houses in the village. In the
rebuilding of the new court-house in 1828-30, an agree-
ment was made by the commou council of Troy with
202
HISTORY OF RKXSSKLAKU COUNTY. NEW YORK.
the supervisors of Rensselaer Countj for the use of :i num-
ber of rooms in it. which were in pari occupied bj the city
until the completion of the city-hall. For some years pre-
vious to the erection of tin1 latter structure a part of the
Athenseum building, on Firs! Street, was occupied as offices
by the city government.
Am act entitled " An ac( to [ncorporate the City-Hall
Compauy of the City of Troy" was passed by 1 1 1 . - Legisla-
ture May T. 1 B69, by which the company, consisting of the
following-named stockholders, mentioned in the act, were
authorised to issue stock to the amount of $200,000 or
- 0,000, in shares of >■">" each: J. M. Warren, D.
Thomas Vail, John L. Flagg, E. Thompson Gale, J. S.
Weed, Francis S. Thayer, Daniel Robinson, C. A. Tilling-
lia.-t. and Miles Reach. The company was given authority
to purchase the property in the name of the city, and in
one elan-' ii was provided that the Savings-Bank was
allowed to subscribe Btock, occupying a portion of the
building for banking purposes. The plan was shortly after
the passage of the act abandoned, in consequence of the
Savings-Bank determining to build a banking-house of its
own. An effort was made to purchase the Athenaeum
building by the city, but the resolution was vetoed by the
mayor.
Subsequently an act was passed by the State Legislature,
May 21, 1875, by which the city of Troy was authorized
and empowered to purchase a suitable site and ereet thereon
a city-hall for the use and purposes of said corporation, at
an expense not tors > 1 > 1 LIo.ihm). The ground used for a
burying-ground on the southeast corner of State and Third
looted as its site, the corporation jiavine;
$10,000 to the Van der Heyden heirs for the surrender of all
their rights and interest in the property. On the 23d of
July. 1>7.">. the first contracts were made for the erection
of the building. The corner-stone was laid by George M.
Til-bits. Nov. L5, 1875. The edifice, erected from plans
and specifications furnished by architect M. F. Cummin
of Troy, is l.r><i feel ; wide, and four stories
high, including basement ; the exterior being of Philadel-
phia pressed brick, with granite and iron trimmings. The
building was finished in the autumn of 1876. The entire
cost of its erection, furnishing, etc., was $119,761.61.
vi ' i\ II. LIST "I' TROY.
-i PEBVIBORS O* TIIK TOWN AND CITY OF TROY.
1791 ■',,,, . 1802 7. A. Ten
1812 13, William Bradley; 1814-
".v.
Henry Mallory, 2d; Nathan
Danker, 1st Dist,; \.v Nathan Daochy,
I !■ ii - ■ . 3d.
" J.C. Il-oti. 2d; Nathan Daucby,
John Ayro, 2d; •'. C. Ilcarlt. 3d.
'• Mann, 2d : Nathan Do achy, 3d.
■
\ v. ■
B. W. Dan
1S44
1845.
1846.
1847.
lS49e
1850.
IV, I.
1852.—
1853.
1854.—
J. P. Simmons, 2il; <l. Corningfl
,T. W. Bates, .'.lit ; \V. Maine!, (ith;
: R. M. Carpenter. 2.1: G. Corning,
J. \V. Bates, 5tb : II. Matthews,
1855.
1S5C.
i Sor-
ts.-,s._
1859.
I860.— i
1861.—
1862.—
—Peter Bnrnes, 1st Dish; I>. Allen. 2.1: S. W. Dana, 3d.
— No record.
.;. B. Blanehord, 1st Dist.; V. Richards, 2d; G. V. Huddle*
ton, 3d.
-«. 1!. Richards, 1st Dist.; J. B. Ford, 2d; G. V. Huddled
ton, 3d.
-William Buswcll, 1st l>i<t.: II. Landon, 2d; ti. Coming,*
Chomas White, Ith; J. 11. Ford, 5lh; William Gibson]
6th; II. Moshor, ith.
■William BuBwcll, Isl Dist;
3d; Thomas White, 4th;
D. I". Rundcll, 7th.
-James R. Fonda, 1st Dist. :
3d; W. Ingraham, Ith j
6tb : T. G. Piatt, 7th.
R.Fonda, 1st Dist.; R. M. Carpenter, 2d ; A. II. SbeU
don, 3d; J. Uul Ith; J. Ii. Ford, ith ; Tie. mas
Ri I.., t, 6th; T. (1. Piatt, 7ih.
E. Brownell, 1st Dist. ; R. M. Carpenter, 2d; A. II. Sheldon,
3d; .1. HutchinE Ith : J. 1!. Ford, 5th; D. Sears, 6th : K.
Jackman, 7th.
E. Brownell, 1st Dist.; R. M. Carpenter, 2.1; A. II. Sheldon]
3d; W. Smith, 4th; J. C. Avcrill, 5th; P. McGuirc,6th; 9
Jackman, 7th.
C. .-. Nowc mb, 1st Dist.; R. M. Carpenter, 2d ; W. II. Man-
ning. ::.l : Liberty Gilbert, 1th; Joel Mallary, 5th ; J.O'Suk
livau, 6th; Hugh Rankin, 7th.
C. S. Newcomb, l>t Dist.; R. M. Carpenter, 2.1: II. Wotkynd
.1. Batlershall, 4th; A. Brown, 5th; 1'. Regan, 6th : n.
Boutwcll, 7th.
.1. .1. Gillespy, 1st Dist.; I'.. S. Harris, 2-1 ; C. L. Richards, 3d;
A. ... Ualstcad, Ith; .1. B. Gary, 5th; II. Willis, 6th ; A.
v. 7th; John Uogan, Sth; .lames Dohcn, 9th; Alb]
Mar-hall. 1
I. MoConihe, l-i Dist.; I'. N. Mann, 2.1 ; A. II. Sheldon, 3dj
A. ii. Halstcad, 1th; .1. 1'.. Ford, :.tli : Henry Willis. I'll, :
A. Van Tuyl, 7th : John Ilogan, Sth ; Peter Nolan, 9th; A.
Marshall, 10th.
I. McConihc, 1st Dist.; J. II. Worden, 2d ; Henry Warren. :;.! ;
A. II. Cary, Ith : .1. M. Lamb, 5th : William Coper. 6th; A.
Van Tuyl. 7th: .1. Edwards, Sth; .1. McMulkin, 9th; F.
Bowman, lath.
I. McConihc, l-i Dist. ; T. M. Tibhits, 2d ; Henry Warren. 3d J
A. U. Carey, 1th; E. A. Billings, ith ; T. B. Carroll, 6th;
John Kelly, 7ib; J. Edwards, Sth ; J. McMulkin, 91
w. r.m,h. inth.
('. Hayr ..: .1. Dickcrman, 2.1 ; 0. 0. Clark, 3d ; Q,
Tcs ii. Ith; E. A. Billings, ith : T. II. Carroll, 6th: .1-hn
Kelly. 7th : .1. Sy nan. Sth; J. McMulkin, 9th : L. Smith, lOlh.
E. Brownell, l-i Dist. : J. Dickcrman, 2.1: II. Warren.
B. Smith. 4th; W. II. Cary. ith: A. Hutchinson. 6th ; P.
Finncrty. 7th; John Synan, sth: 1'. Crough, Itlh ; -I. M.
Bra 11. y. 10th.
ii.ll : l-t Dist. ; It. A. Lottridgc, 2.1: II. 1'. W..ikyn»,
3d; il. 1'.. Smith. Ith : /.. I'. Birdsall, ith; S. iTmhbuok,
nth : I,. Van Valkcnburgh, 7th : John Synan, sth ; P.Ci
9th : .1. M. Bradley, 10th.
in. l-t Dist. : C. Doring, 2.1: 0. (1. Clark, .1.1;
Levi Squire, 4th; Z. P. Birdsall, ith; II, ill : l>.
.n.7tli: William Conncry, Sth ; P. Crough, 9th ; K.
M. Hinsdale, 10th.
Thomas Calvin, l.-l Dist.; N. II. Benson, 2d ; "ti- U. Clark,
3d; ii. ii •■ B. Smith, 4th ; William Cary, 5th ; II. I
I'.lh: D. Shcehan, 7th ; William Conncry, Sth; J. Morris,
9th; E. M. Hinsdale, 10th.
Galvin, 1st Ward; William Madden,
Clark, 3d; \. Bonostcol, 4th; William Cary, ith; "-
nh ; Williau 5th; J.
Mon 10th.
Galvin, l-t Ward; Wm. Mail len, 2.1; Otis O. t'lark,
n, Ith; /.. P. Birdsall, ith : II. 'I i
6th; M. Iliggin*, 71b ; William Conncry, Sth; J. Mrri-,
Olh; O. M 10th,
* Chairman.
CITY ()K TROY.
•jo:;
1807.— .1. L. Blanohn.nl, Isl Ward; William Madden, 2d j 0. W.
Taylor, 3d ; G. il. Jnokaon, Ith; Thomas Bdward . 51 h ; M.
Grady; 6th; Potor I'1 i 1 1 n i ■ 1 1 y, 7!li ; William C ;. . 8th;
J. Morris, 8th ; 0. MoChesnoy, 10th.
■M8.—L. Shcary, Isl Ward; William Madden, 2d ; G. M. Taylor, 3d ;
il. II. Jacks lili; John Gormly, 5th; M. Grady, 6th;
J.Conway, Jr., 7th; Thomas Egan, 8th; J. Morris, Bthj
Benjamin I loopor, loth.
1869.— 1.. Shoary, 1st Ward; Wm. Maddon, 2d j G. M.Taylor, 3d;
li. II. Jaoks -till ; W. H. Cary, 5th; M. Grady, 6th ; .1.
Conway . 7th ; Thomas Egan, 8th; J. Morris, 9th; M. Farrell,
10th.
1870. — L. Shcary, 1st Ward; William Maddon, 2d; Roborl llrccn,
3d ; 0. S. Ingram, 4th; W. II. Cary, 5th : J. Nioholson, 6th ;
.1. Conway, 7th; Thomas Egan, sth; J. Morris, 9th ; O.
MoChesney, LOth; J. II. Burns, 11th; J. Ryan, Jr., 12th j
Benjamin Cooper, L3tb/.
1871.— L. Shcary ,« Isl Ward; C. II. Rising, 2d; Robert Green, 3d ;
O.S.Ingram, Ith; .1. W. Rogers, 5th; M. Grady, 6th; I'.
(''miners. Till ; 10. Stunt. in, Sin ; ,1. Morris, 9th ; J. J. Bla I.
hall, 10th; J. II. Burns, 11th; J. Ryan, Jr., 12th; N. Lan-
sing, L3th.
1872.— L. Sheary, Isl Ward; William Madden, 2d; Robert Green,
3d; William 11. Munn, 4th; W. H. Cary, 5th ; J. Hartley,
6th; L. J. Doyle, 7th; E. Stanton, 8th; John Nial, 9th;
J.J. Blackball, 10th; J. II. Burns, 11th; J. Rynn, Jr., 12th;
T. li. White, I Htb.
1ST".. — T. (J. McDonald, 1st Ward; William Madden, 2d; Robert
Green, 3d; L. Greenman, 4th ; William II. Cary, 5th; M.
Grady, 6th; .lames O'Brien, 7th; Thomas Egan, 8th; E.
Brodcriok, 9th; J. J. Blackball, 10th; J. II. Burns, 11th;
J. Ryan, Jr., 12th; T. G. White, 13th.
1874.— John Campbell, 1st Ward; William Madden, 2.1; A. B. Mor-
gan. 3d; L. Greenman, 4th ; W. H. Cary, 5th; William
Uartnett, 6th; James O'Brien, 7th; Thomas Egan, 8th;
John Nial, 9th; M. Donovan, 10th; J. H. Burns, 11th; J.
Ryan, Jr., 12th ; Peter Carnrick, 13th.
1S75. — John Campbell, 1st Ward; J. A. Sleicher, 2d; A. B. Morgan,
3d ; L. Greenman, Ith : J. F. Mealy, 5th ; William Hartuett,
6th; James O'Brien. 7th; Thomas Egan, Stb ; E. Broderick,
9th; M. Donovan, 10th ; J. II. Burns, 11th ; J. Ryan, Jr.,
12th ; L. Chamberlain, 13th.
187C. — John Campbell, 1st Ward; J. A. Sleicher, 2d; E. W. Hyilorn,
3d; J. F. Ashley, 4th ; J. F. Mealy, 5th ; William Uartnett,
6th; James O'Brien, 7th; Thomas Egan, Stb; T. W. Ui-
gins, 9th; M. Donovan, 10th; C. Toomey, 11th; Charles
Burke, 12th; A. J. Galligan, 13th.
1877.— John Campbell, 1st Ward; William Madden, 2d; F. P. Allen,
3d; James F. Ashley, Ith; Samuel Little, 5th; James P.
O'Shea, 6th ; Michael Carroll, 7th ; Thomas Egan, Stb ; T.
W. Higgins, 9th ; Michael Donovan, 10th ; C. Toomey, 11th ;
James McConvery, 12th; D. R. Winnie, 13th.
1878.— John Campbell, 1st Ward; William Madden, 2d; F. P. Allen,
3d; James F. Ashley, 4th: Samuel Little, 5th; James P.
O'Sbca, 6th; Michael Carroll, 7th; M. Hartigan, Stb; Thos.
Byron, 9th; John Hunt, 10th; Philip Casey, 11th; C. B.
Burke, 12th; D. R. Winnie, 13th.
PRESIDENTS OF THE VILLAGE OF TROY.
Chosen by thi trustees from among their immoer.
1798, John McCoun; 1799, Benjamin Gorton; 1800, Ephraim Mor-
gan; 1801, John McCoun; 1S02, Albert Pawling; 1S03, Edward
Tyler; 1804, Albert Pawling; 1805, Edward Tyler.
Appointed Ly the Governor and council <>f appointment.
1808, Abraham Ten Eyck ; 1S10, Edward Tyler; 1811, Abraham Ten
Eyck; 1814, Derick Lane ; 1815, Albert Pawling.
TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF TROY.
1798.— John McCoun, John Woodworth, Ebenezer Jones, Silas Covell,
Benjamin Gorton.
1799.— Benjamin Gorton, John Woodworth, Ebenezer Jones, Abra-
ham Ten Eyck, Albert Pawling.
;i- Chairman.
1800. Ephraim Mot '.N. Ebonozor .lime , John Wood
Tibl Pawling.
1 so I . John Mot foun, El user Joni . I ! I ■ n i I I
John Wood
i 02. \ Iborl Pawling, I'm: El t, A ,.",, Lane, Do I
■ I- e I': 11.
1803. Edward Tylor, Benjamin Covell, Hub-
bard, Gcot go A lion.
1804. llborl Pawling, Edward Tyler, Benjamin I emiab
1 1 ! ' I Ml. n.
1805. Edward Tylor, Albert Pawling, Ebenezer Wilson, Benjamin
Smith, Abraham Ten I
1806. I i Ward, Silas Covell; 2d, Ephraim Morgan; 3d, Townsond
Mel 'Mm ; Ith, Timothy Hutl in.
1807. Isl Ward, Samuel Gale; 2d, Ephraim Morgan; 3d, Townsend
McC i ; 4th, Tim. .thy Hutton.
1808. — 1st Ward, Samuel Gale; 2d, Ephraim Morgan; 3d, Edward
T\ lor ; Ith. Timothy II ntt.ni.
1809.— 1st Ward, Ebenezer Wilson ; 2d, Ephraim Morgan ; 3d, Edward
Tyler ; 4th, Timothy Hutton.
1810.— 1st Ward, Daniel X. Wan. Ml; 2d, Hugh Peebles; 3d, Hum-
phrey Clark : Ith, Ti thy Hutton.
1811.— 1st Ward, Hazard Km, li.ily; 2.1, Hugh Peebles; 3d, William
Bradley; Ith, Lewis Richards.
1812.— 1st Ward, Elishn Sheldon; 2.1, Hugh Pooblcs; 3d, William
Bradley; 4th, Lewis Richards,
1S13.— 1st Ward, Hazard Kimborry; 2.1, Hugh Peebles; 3d, Esaias
W arren : 4th, Lewis Riehards.
1814.— 1st Ward, Ebenezer Wilson; 2.1, Hugh Peebles; 3d, Esaiaa
Warren : 4th, Stephen Ross.
1815. — 1st Ward, Henry Townsend; 2d, John Loudon; 3d, I
Warren ; 4th, Ira Ford.
CLERKS OF THE VILLAGE OF TROY.
1798, Benjamin Gorton; 1S00, Benjamin Smith; 1804, .1. Moulton;
1S05, Archibald Bull ; 1S06, Wm. M. Bliss.
VILLAGE TREASURERS.
1798, Coonrailt J. Elmendorf; 1799, Abraham Ten Eyck; 1S05,
Adam Keeling; 1S14, David Buel.
ArILLAGE COLLECTORS.
1798, George Greenwood; 1S11, Edward Bigelow; 1S12
w 1; 1313, Leonard Reed; 1814, Elam Buel.
George Green-
VILLAGE ASSESSORS.
179S. — Edward Tyler, GeorgeAUen, Anthony Goodspeed.
1799. — David Merritt, Benjamin Smith, Georgo Allen.
1800. — Benjamin Smith, Townsend McCoun, Aaron Lane.
1801.— Thomas Davis, Thomas Hillhouse, Townsend McCoun.
1802. — Thomas Davis, Thomas Hillhouse, Townsend McCoun.
1803. — Benjamin Smith, John Stoughton, Jeremiah Osborn.
1804. — Ebenezer Jones, Ebenezer Wilson, Benjamin Smith.
1S05. — Townsend McCoun, Daniel Merritt. Benjamin Covell.
1806. — 1st Ward, Samuel Gale; 2d, John Boardman, 3d, Daniel Mer-
ritt; 4th, Benjamin Gilbert.
1807. — 2d Ward, Derick Lane. No record of the other wards.
1S0S. — 1st Ward, Ebenezer Wilson : 2d, Thomas Hillhouse; 3d, James
Spencer; 4th, Casper Piatt.
1S09. — 1st Ward, Moses Vail; 2.1. Thomas Hillhouse; 3d, James
Spencer; 4th, Casper Fratt.
1810. — 1st Ward, Ebenezer Wilson; 2d, John Boardman; 3d, James
Spencer; 4th, Lewis Riehards.
1811. — No record.
1S1L'. — 1st Ward, Georgo Allen; 2d, John Boardman; 3d, Humphrey
Clark; 4th, Abraham Staples.
1813. — 1st Ward, Amos Salisbury; 2,1. David Buel : Md, James Spen-
cer; Ith. Wm. A. Tyler.
is I l.— l=t Ward, Amos Salisburj ; 2,1, David Buel; 3d, Belli infield;
■1th. Wm. Boggs.
1S16. — 1st Ward. Amos Salsbury; 2 1, David Buel; 3d, Nathan
Dauchy; ith, Wm. Boggs.
204
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
MAYORS OF Tin: CITY OF TBOY.
1818, Albert Pawling; IS20, Esaias Warren : 1828, Samuel MeCoira;
mi-: 1830, Richard P. Hurl: 1S38, .I..nns C.
Uevtl 1843, Gu I n I n ing; 1847, Fmncii N. Mann; 1850,
Day 0. K Novi or, lv..o, Honford N. Lookn I; 1851,
en; 1852, Gcorgo Gould j 1853, I north;
December, Plum; 1854, Jonathan Edwards; 1855,
John A. Qriswold; IS ,:. Hiram Sloonm; 1 > ■ 7 . Albort Wotlcyns;
, \rl... Read; 186 ' Conibo, Jr.; 1801, George I!.
Warren, Jr.; 1302, Jamos Thorn; 1803, William I,. Van Al
1864, Jamee Thorn; 1865, Ori Gilbert; I860, John I.. Plngg;
ri Gilbert; 1 sr I. Thornoi B. Carroll;
1873, William Kemp; 1875 and 1878, Edward Murphy, Jr.
I!!' ORDERS OF TltoY.
1816, William L. Moray ; 1818, Amasa Paino; 1821, William L.
Moroj : 182S, Thomai Clowes; 1828, Dnnicl Gardner; 1833, John
P. Cushman; ISSS, Benry W. Strong; 1844, Abram B. Olin;
1848, Job S. Olin; 1- id, Jr.; 181
Buel; I860, John Moron; 1864-08, John Moran.*
I HAMBERLAINS OF TROY.
1-1'".. David Bnel; 1822, James Mallory; 1825, John Thomas; 1845,
_•■■ B. Riehards; 1840, Jared S. Weed; 1849, John T. Lam-
port; 1859, AniosS. Perry; 1803, JnmcsM. Brewer; lNiT. Dcrick
Bnrdctt; 1874, Benjamin H. Hall ; l>7-,
Church.
CITY- COMPTROLLERS.
1871, W. II. Van Every; 1-72. John P. Albertson.
CITY' CLERKS.
1816, William M. Bliss: 1825, Ebcnexcr Bliss, Jr.: 1845, George P.
Blair; 1847, John T. Lamport; 1849, Wm.llagen; 1851, John
M. Francis; 1854, Charles P. Brigham; 1855, John M. Francis;
. Franklin B. Bubbcll; 1858, Benjamin II. Hall:
Abraham Fonda; 1880, Francis L. Hagadorn, John H. Ncary;
1861, Geo. W. Di I , Franklin B. Hnbbell ; 1865, James
S. Thorn ; 1806, Franklin B. Hubbcll; 1870, Richard V. O'Brian :
1871, Lewis E. Griffith; 1874, Henry McMillen; 1875, Charles
11. D
POS1 U LG I ERS OF TROY.
April I, 1796, N. William?: 1797, John W Iworth; Nov. 6, 1798,
D. Bnel; July 1, 1804, Samncl Gale; 1828, Win. Picrco; 1832,
UoConiho; Aug. 6, I ml'. Charles II. Read : 1848, Geo. R.
Han-: 1851, Thomas Clowes; 1852, Win. T. Willard; 1853,
r Bosworth : is;.:.. W. W. Whitman; Jul v 17. 1 -.".>. James
R, I onda : September, 1861, Qco.T. Blair; 1884, Thoi
Juni onio Aldon; 1N7I, Gilbert Robinson, Jr.
ALDERMEN.
1816.— 1st Ward, y ft 2d, Ilugh Peebles,
JohnL Ion; 3d, Townsend Md mo, Gurdonl irnii
' Ross, Henry Mallory ; ,'th, Lemuel Ilawlry ; 6lh,
Philip Dart, -\r.
1817.— 1st Ward, ?d, ITugbPccI
John London; 3d, I mi] M Coun, David Buel, Jr.;
I... Ri i I. II. i.i . " Ucnry
Adams.
Ward, Hcnrj Bwartwont, I 2d, Uugh Pcc-
I; 3d, Townsend McCoun, David
Jr. : lib, Lomui i I ith, Nathaniel
in".
Ward, Henry Bwartwont, David S.Wendell; 2d, Hngh
David
Jr. . Ith. John Rcid, John Woodworth, Jr.: 6ll
Tracy : Bib, Nalbanii I Ad
* Thi
names arc I
1820.-
1821.-
I-::.
1824.—
1S25.—
1826.—
1S2T.
IsL'S.
1829.-
l>::n.-
1831.-
1832.— ■
1833.-
1834.
1836.
IbI Ward, Henry Swnrtwout, Pari, I S. Wendell; 2d. Hugh
Peebles, Ebcnezcr Wiswnll : 3d, Townsend McCoun, David
Buel, Jr.; ■Ith. Stephen Ross, Joseph Gary; ;".lh, Jesaa
Traoy : Oth, Nathaniel Adams.
Isl \\ ord, llcury Swnrtwout, David S. Wendell: 'Jd. Ebonciai
Wilson, Jr., Elias Pattison; 3d, Townsend McCoun. Hugh
: III.. Stephen Ross, John G. van der Ileydcn; 6th,
Jesse Tracy : Oth, Nathaniel Adam?.
Isl Ward, David S. Wendell. Gilbert (lilcs; 2d, Dcrick l.ano,
Jonas C. Ileartt: 3d, Townscud McCoun, Hugh 1'
■Ith, Stephen Ross, Leonard Reed; ."ith. Jesse Tracy; (ith,
Nathaniel Adams.
Isl Ward. David S. Wendell, (iilbert (liles: 2d. Benjamin
Smith, Jonas C. Ileartt: 3d, Amasa Paine, Tha.l.lis Mead;
Ith. Stephen Boss, Leonard Heed; ith, Jesse Tracy: Clh,
Sb phi n V. R, Schuyler.
1st Ward. E|ihraiin Morgan, Joseph Hastings: 2d, ^\" illinin
Pierce, John Wuodwurlh, Jr. : Md, Nathan Daucby, Jero-
miah C ''It. Stophen Ross, I.e.. nurd Heed: 5th,
Jesse Tracy; Oth, Isaac Lovejoy.
1st Ward, Ephraim Morgan, Israel Seymour: 2d, Isaac
ik.ir. Elias Pattison; 3d, Townsend McC i, Jeremiah
Daucby; Ith, Alsop Weed, John Lamport: 5th, Jesse
Tracy : Oth, Abraham W. Do Freest.
1st Ward, Stephen Covcll, Josiah Converse: 2d. Isaac Sncd-
iki.r. Duniol Oardnor; 3d, Townscud McCoun. Jeremiah
Dauchy ; 4th, Alsop Weed, Uriah Wallace: 5th, Jesse
Tracy: 6th, Daniel II. St. .lie.
Isl Maid. Sic]. hen Covcll, Josiah Converse : 2d, Isaac Sncd-
ik-.r. Calvin Warner: 3d, Townsend McCoun, Jeremiah
Dauchy; Jita, Alsop Weed. Uriah Wallace; 5th, Jesse
Tracy : Oth, Daniel II. Slonc.
1st Ward, Josiah Converse, Joseph Wild : 2.1, Isaac Sncdikor,
Calvin Warner; 3d, Townsend McCoun, Jeremiah Dauchy;
4th, Stophon Ross, Adam Smith; 5th, Jesse Tracy: 6th,
Thomas l'cnn.
1st Ward, Stephen Covcll, Isaac Wellington. William Pierce;
2d, Isaac Sncdikor, Calvin Warner; 3d. Townsend McCoun,
Ji miah Dauchy: -Ith. Stephen Boss, Adam Smith. Philip
J. Brandt: 5th. Rufus B. Belknap : Oth, Thomas Turner, Jr.
1st Ward. William Kelsey, Isaac Wellington; 2d, Calvin
Warner, Henry Landon : 3d, Townsend McCoun, Jeremiah
Dauchy; -1th, Slephen Ross, Ehcnczcr Wood; 5tb, Thomas
Co!e : Cth. Oliver L. Sears.
1st Ward. William &clscy. Benjamin M.Wilson; 2d. Calvin
Warner, Henry Langdon : 3d, Townsend McCoun,
miah Dauchy; Hh. Stephen Boss. Ebcnezcr Wood; Stb,
Bufns R. Belknap: dth. Thomas Turner, Jr.
1st Ward. Jacob Dnnkcr, Benjamin M. Wilson; 2d, Calvin
Warner. Henry London; 3d, Townsend McCoun, Jere-
miah Dauchy; Ith. Stephen Boss, Ebcnezcr Wood: 6th,
Hi cckiah c. Arnold ; Oth, Philip Ford.
Isl Ward, Robert Christie, Lorenzo D. Caldwell: 2d, I
Warner. Thomas Clowes; 3d, Townsend McCoun, (!
B. Warren: Ith. Anson Arnold. Ebcnczcr W I; ith.
A polios Harvey : Oth, Philip Ford.
1st Ward. Israel Seymour. John Sillimnn; 2d. Calvin \\
Thomas Clowes; 3d, Townsend McCoun. ■ B. War-
ren: 4th, Anson Arnold, Ebcnezcr Wood; 5th, Thomas
Knight ; Cth, Philip Ford.
id Seymour, John Sillimnn ; 2d, Calvin V
Thou 3d, George B. Warren, Jacob Dater; 4th.
William D. Haight. James Wallace; 5th, Apollos II
I'.ih. Philip I
1st Ward, Israel Seymour, John Silliman; 2d, Jan.. - II
ncr, I IJ. Warren, .1
■Ith. James Wallace. Robert D. Silliman; 5th, The*. Hum-
I, Jr. : 0th, Thou. a- Turner.
l-i Ward, Israel Scyi ir. Ebcnczcr Wilson; 2d, Jami
\\ lie,. Joseph Sncdikor; 3d, George II. Warren. Eboneter
it : lib, Jam. - \\ alia, i Rol .it I). Silliman
neon; Oth, David M. Dc Freest; ?tl
llborl P. Il.iril.
1-t Ward. John Silliman, John It. Kimbcrly ; 2d, Thomas
1 ,wcrs; l. rgc B. Warren, Asa Oaid-
CITY OK TROY.
205
di i : I tli, Elias Dorlon, II 1'n i \ Everts; 5th, Jci o Tracy ; fltb,
Philip Ford; 7th, Hiram Slooum, Oliver Boutwoll; sih.AI-
bi ii I'. Heart
1839. — Isl Ward, John II. Kimborly, Leroy Mowry; 2d, Lyman
Powers, Jairns Dickorman; 3d, George B. Haum, Asa
Gardner; (th, deary Everts, Jonathan Childs ; 5th, Thos.
Bumstead, Jr. ; 6th, Philip Ford, 7th, tliram Sloe , Ti
t us Eddy ; 8th, Moses 1 Win.no.
1840. — 1st Ward, John G. Buswoll, Ephraini S. Morgan; 2d, Lyman
Powers, Samuel G. Huntington ; 3d, Asa Gardner, I ii Gil-
bert; 4th, Livy S. Stearns, Jonathan Childs; 5th, Inio
Robinson; 6th, Peter Barnes; 7th, Jesse Anthony, Thomas
Symonds : 8t b, John Conkey .
1841. — 1st Ward, Moses Warren, Apollos Harvey; 2d, Lyman Powors,
Samuel G, Huntington ; 3d, Asa Gardner, Uri Gilbert; Itb,
Henry Everts, Livy S. Stearns; 5th, John Rankin; Gth,
Peter Bi is; 7th, Thomas Symonds, James De Groff; 8th,
Sylvester Not ton.
1842.— 1st Ward, John Barney, Rufus M. Townscnd; 2d, Daniel
Wright, James W. Brookes; 3d, George B.Warren, Uri Gil-
bert; 4th, Daniel G. Egleston, Jared S. Weed; 5th, Amos
Robinson; 6th, Thomas Osgood; 7th, Thomas Symonds,
Aaron Hall; 8th, Martin 1. Townscnd.
1843.— 1st Ward, Israel Soymour, Charles E. Brintnall; 2d, George
Vail, Barcnl Van Alen; 3d, Uri Gilbert, Samuel Ilendriek;
4th, Daniel G, Eglcston, Jared S. Weed; 5th, Amos Robin-
son; 6th, Philip Ford; 7th, Thomas Symonds, Hiram D.
Pierce ; Sth, Russell Sage.
ISIL 1st Ward, Israel Seymour, Charles E. Brintnall; 2d, Francis
X. Maun, Uriel Dexter; 3d, Uri Gilbert, Samuel Kendrick;
4th, Jared S. Weed, Lyman Bennett ; 5th, Jesse Tracy (2d);
Gth, Nathaniel Copp ; 7th, John S. Perry, Alexander .Mr-
Coy ;_,Sth, Russelll Sage.
■15.— 1st Ward, Charles E. Brintnall, Benjamin Hatch ; 2d, Francis
N. Mann, Harvey Smith; 3d, Samuel Kendrick, Win. Hagen;
4th, Stephen Bowman. Elias Johnson; 5th, Abraham A.
Wemple; 6th, Philip Ford; 7th, John S. Berry, Alexander
McCoy; 8th, Russell Sage.
1846.— 1st Ward, Charles E. Brintnall, Benjamin Hatch; 2d, Fran-
cis N. Mann, Harvey Smith; 3d, Uri Gilbert, William Hagen
4th, Stephen Bowman, Henry Everts ; 5th, Joseph W. Ager ;
6th, John Kuowlson; 7th, Harvey Mosten, Henry S. Chi-
chester; Sth, Russell Sage.
1847.— 1st Ward, John C. Mather, Benj. Hatch ; 2d, Andrew Watrous,
Elias Ross; 3d, Uri Gilbert, Samuel Kendrick; 4th. James
Dana, Henry Everts; oth, Peter Fonda; Cth, George W. .Mer-
chant; 7th, Win. Barton, Thomas Bussey; Sth, Russell Sage.*
1848. — 1st Ward, Benjamin Hatch, Jason J. Gillespy; 2d, Andrew
Watrous, Elias Ross; lid, Hanford N. Lockwood, Harvey
Smith; 4th, James Dana, Leonard McChesney; oth, Wm.
W. Cooper; Gth, Lewis Fellows; 7th, Wm. Barton, Thomas
Bussey; sth, Bussell Sage.
1849.— 1st Ward, Benjamin Hatch, Jason J. Gillespy ; 2d, Elias Ross,
Eber F. Crandall ; 3.1, Hanford N. Lockwood, Harvey Smith ;
4th, Leonard McChesney, Jesse Moore; 5th, Joseph W.
Ager; 6th, Angus Campbell; 7th, Thomas Bussey, Dexter
Moody ; Sth, Russell Sage.
I860.— 1st Ward, Wm. F. Sage, John C. Mather; 2.1. Eber F. Cran-
dall, Joseph F. Simmons; 3d, Hanford N. Lockwood, Hiram
Smith; 4th, Harvey Moshcr, John C. Cameron; Oth, John
L. Cole; Oth, James Jordan; 7th, Jacob Jacobs, Alexander
G. Ilalstcd ; Sth, Charles W. Thompson.
1851.— 1st Ward, John N. Willard, Kyran Cleary; 2.1, Eber F. Cran-
dall, Joseph Stackpolc; 3d, Hanford N. Lockwood, Hiram
Smith; 4th, Harvey Moshcr, William Ingram; Joseph W.
Ager; Cth, Winaut Bennett; 7th, Alexander G. Ilalstcd,
James Bolton; Sth, Charles W. Thompson.
1852.— 1st Ward, Lyman It. Avery, Foster Bos worth; 2d, Joseph F.
Simmons, Uriel Dexter; 3d, Hiram Smith, James Forsyth;
4th, George H. Starbuck, William Ingram; 5th, Joseph W.
Agor; Cth, William Coopei ; 7th, James Bolton, Alexander
G.Halste.l; 8th, George R. Davis, Jonathan Edwards ; 9th,
Michael McGrath; lllth, William Eddy.
■ The office of assistant alderman abolished in 1847.
I i t \i ,, i i , ■ M, Coniho, Jr., I., mat I II lighl . Id D
\ II. ... C, L. Vfo \ . ilim : 3d, II [1 Smith ;
HI., G< orgo II. Stnrbu I I din \.
Fonda ; 6th, Angus Cam] J
i: Georgi I D
McGrath . U illiam Eddy.
Isl Ward, Lyman R. Ivory, Waiter J. Soymour; 2d, John B.
Galo, Darius Allen; 3d, Harvej Smith, II th; Ith,
\ oln . R ichn I, m 3 ron Hambl i I I. Bil-
I ; Cth, William I loopi i ; 7 1 Ii. John Ami
Gary : 8th, John Kci r, \ Ifonzo Bill : 91 o, M ichool He
Grath : loth, Edward R. Sw
1855. 1st Ward, Isaac MoC te, Ji Jamt R. Fonda; 2d, Darius
All. ii. Richard II. Pntti on ; 3d, II. Smith, 0
Arnold; 1th, Henry Men ith, W illiam
II. Cary, William C. Shi I ,1, Wil-
liam Cooper; 7ih, James Bolton, I riel Di iter; Sth, John
B. Kellogg, Ivl war. I Campion; 9tb, Dudlc B I, John
llarrity, Sr.; 10th, Samuel S. Sargent, Russell [ngraham.
18JG. — 1st Ward, rsaao V Haight, James I ard; 2d, Joseph Fall ,
Richard If. Pattison ; 3.1, Harvey Smith, Oliver A. Arnold ;
4th, Henry Merritt, Gurdon B. Wallace; 5th, John L. Cole,
Peter J. Fonda; 6th, Angus Campbell, Mark V. Thompson :
7th, John M. Bogardus, William U. Jackson; Sth, Martin I.
Townscnd, Edward Campion; 9th, Thomas Norton, Dudli
Blanchard; loth, Russell In^raliam, Abram Winne.
1S57. — Isl Ward, Isaac N. Haight, Lyman B. Avery; 2d, Joseph
Fa les, Georgo Tibbits ; 3d, Han ey Smith, Thoma - ' loleman :
4th, Henry .Merritt, Jeremiah D. Green ; 5th, John L. Cole,
William II. Cary; Cth, Angus Campbell, Mark V. Thomp-
son; 7th, John M. Bogardus,' John Anthony; sth, Martin
I. Townsend, Edward Campion ; 9th, Thomas \..i t in, Dudley
Blanchard; 10th, Russell Ingraham, Leonard Smith.
1S58. — Lyman P.. Avery, Isaac N. Haight; 2d, George Tibbits,
Joseph Fales; 3d, Thomas Coleman, Harvey Smith; Ith,
Jeremiah I). Green, Robert I. Moe; 5tb, William II. Cary,
Zebulon P. Birdsall; 6th, .Mark V. TI pson, Archibald
Hutchinson: 7th, John Anthony, William I, . Van Alstyne;
sth. Edward Campion, Alonzo McConihe; 9th, Dudley
Blanchard, Thomas Norton; loth, Leonard Smith, John
Archibald.
1S59.— 1st Ward, Isaac X. Haight, James Thorn; 2d, Joseph 1
George Tibbits ; 3.1, Harvey Smith, Thomas Coleman; Ith,
Robert I. Moe, Gurdon Ii. Wallace; 5th, William II. Cary.
Zebulon P. Birdsall; Oth, Archibald Hutchinson, William
Cooper; 7th, William L. Van Alstyne, John Anthony : 8th,
Alonzo McConihe, Miles Beaob ; 9th, Thomas Norton, Pat-
rick Regan; 16th, John Archibald, Hiram A. Ferguson.
1SG0. — 1st Ward, James Thorn, James McKcon : 2d, George Til.
Joseph Fales; 3d, Thomas Coleman, William S. Earl : Ith,
Gurdon li. Wallace, William Gurley; oth, William H. Cary,
Zebulon P. Birdsall; Cth, William Cooper, Mark V. Thomp-
son; 7th, John Anthony, Patrick .Murphy: Sth. .Miles
Beach, Thomas McManus; 9th, Patrick Regan, 'lb. .mas
Norton; 10th, Hiram A. Ferguson, Charles Eddy.
1SG1. — 1st Ward, James McKeon, William Donohue; 2.1, Joseph
Fales, William Madden ; 3d, George II. Starbuck, Otis G.
Clark ; Ith. William Gurley, Gurdon 11. Wallace; .".th, Zebu-
lon P. Birdsall, William C. Badeau : Gth, Mark V. Thomps
George S. Ford ; 7th, Patrick Murphy, Hugh Ranken; Sth,
Thomas McManus, James Fleming; Oth, Thomas Morton,
Patrick Began: 10th, Charles Eddy, John L. Messer.
1SG2. — 1st Ward, William Hon. .hue, James McKeon; 2d, William
Madden, Joseph Fules; 3d, Otis G. Clark. George II. Star-
buck; Ith, Gurdon B. Wallace, William Gurley ; 5thj Wm,
C. Badeau, John B. Gary ; Gth, George S. Bord, Robert T.
Smart; 7th, Hugh Ranken, .Michael Fitzgerald ; Sth,
James Fleming, Thomas .McManus; 9th, Patrick I
John J. Grace; 10th, John L. Messer, Charles Eddy.
1SG3. — 1st Ward, James McKeon, John Stanton; 2.1, Joseph I a
Malcom G.Crawford; 3d, rge 11. Starbuck. James R.
Prentice: Ith, William Gurley, Jeremiah D. G
John li. Gary, William .1. Ranken; oth, Robert T. Smart,
George S.Bord; 7th. Michael Fitzgerald, Lawrence Van
Valkenl urgh; Sth, Thoma- McManus, James Fleming; '.'ill,
206
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
John J. Greco, Patrick Regan; LOth, Charles Eddy, Titus
E. Eddy.
1364.— Ill War: »ton, Edward Murphy; 2d, Malcolm G.
ird, Josoph Fales : 3d, Joint , i ieo. 11. Star-
buak; lib, Jeremiah l». Grcon, Robort Morris; 5th, Wm. .1.
Rankon, rhomas T. Hislop; 0th, Geo. S. Bord, Roborl I'.
Smart; 7th, Lawrence Van Vnlkonburgh, Michncl Fitz-
i: 8th, James Fleming, Thomas MoManus; 9th, Pat-
riok Regan, Thomas Norton; 10th, Titus E. Eddy, • '
Hay.
1805. — lsl Ward, Edward Murphy, .lr.. John Stanton; 2d, Josoph
i S. ii,,. ;ht; 3d, Goo. II. Bl irbuck, James It.
Prentioo; 4th, Robcrl Morris. William Kemp: 5th, Thomas
T. Hislop, William Cox ; 6th, Roberl T. Smarts, Edwin Scars;
Tib. Michael Fitigorald, Win. .1. Sands; 8th, Thomas Mc-
Manus, James Fleming; 0th, Th as Norton, James Har-
rity; 10th, Gordon Hay, Henry D. Stannard.
I860.— lsl Ward, John Stanton, John I'. Spicer; 2d, [saao N.
'. Joseph I i:. Pronlicc, Go •. II. Stnr-
bnek; 4th, William Kemp, Wm. E. Kissolburgb; 5th, Wil-
liam Cox, Joseph B. Morris; 6th, Henry Brans, Edwin
Si 9; 7th, Wm. J. Sands, John Malonoy; 8th, James Flem-
O't inghlin : 0th, Jami s Harrity, Thorn
ton; 10th, Henry D. Stannard, Albert I.. Hotchkin.
1867— 1st Ward, John D. Spicer, Hugh Roek; 2d, Joseph Falcs,
V. Haight; 3d, Geo. II. Starbnek, James R. Prcn-
itli. William E. Rissolbnrgh, John M. Bogardus;
. Edward farter: 6th, Henry EranF,
Edwin Scars; Tib. John Moloney, Edmund Fitzgerald;
Sth, Dennis O'Longhlin, James Fleming; 0th, Thomas
Norton, John Maguire; 10th, Albert I.. Hotchkin, Ira M.
Perkins.
i- S. — lsl Ward, Hogh Rock, Thomas Galvin; 2d, Isaac N. Haight,
Josi i ■ Ii I ales : 3d, .'.mi. - R. Pronlicc, George II. Slarbuck :
Hh. John M. Bogai In-. II, my \. Mcrritt; 5th, Edward
Carter, Joseph B. Morris: 6th, Edwin Sears, James Mo-
loney; Ttli. Edward Fitzgorold Joremioh Mahoriey; 8th,
James Fleming, Dennis O'Loughlin; '.'th, John Maguire,
James Mabcr; 10th, Ira M is, A. ] I i.in.
-lsl Word, Ivin, Edward Kclley ; 2d, Josoph Falcs,
V. Haighl : ."..I. George II. Storbuck, James R. Pren-
lioo; lih. Henry A. Mcrritt, John M. Bogardus; 5th, Jo-
B. Morris, Jacob F. Meoloy; 6th, James Mahoncy,
John Man: 7th, Joromiah Moboney, Edmund Fitzgerald;
Sth, Dennis O'l ghlin, Wm. V. Cloary ; 0th, Ji
wm. Peters; Huh. A. I.. Hotchkin, Leonard Wager.
— 1-t War, I. Edward Kelly, Patrick Coroy; 2d, [sane N. Height.
ph Falcs; 3d, James R. Prontico, Georgo H, Slorbuok;
4th, John M. Bogardus, Henry A. Mcrritt; Sth, Jacob F.
Meoley, Wm. Coll | ■ John Man, James Shaughncssy :
7th, E.lmui. Id, John Don; 8th, Wm. v. I
Dennis O'Longhlin ; Dth, William Potors, Michael Russell;
' • - J j i > I.. Messt r : l Ith, Edward Uan-
Marlin limit ; 12th, Tin. ma- MeMan Brcon;
13 th, Bond.
1871.— Ill Ward, I I . Bdwa i Kolly; 2d, Joseph I
'hat- II. Storbuck, than:
■ : Ith. Henry A. Mcrritt, George II. Pbillii
w m. Collin Uealey ; 0th, .1 i
John Man: 7th, John Don, Edward Fitigorald; Btl
O'Longhlin, Wm, \. Clcary; Bib, Michael I
Jeremiah O'Sulllrnn ; 10th, John I.. Met • . \\ m. \. [Iart-
nctt ; llih. Mariin limit. Edward Uannon; 12th,
. Thomas Meal >i
• n.
. Llwnr.l Kolly, Patrick t „,.-. . ;\|, t t, , |, Boring;
""ins; '-on. cph 1!. Wil-
kinson, -lr.: Ith. '. - Up:
" '! . .1. |
n : -th.
Wm '.Mh. Joremiah O'Sulli-
R-.ni.
well; llth, Bdward llannon, Martin Hunt; 12th, 1
Mi M inns, i;„ c.
1873.— 1st Ward, Patrick Carey, James C. Shanlcy; 2d, J. Lansing
Lane, Francis X. Mann. .lr. : 3d, Joseph B. Wilkinson, .lr.,
CO. Greene; Ith. Ebcnczcr R. Collins, Gen. 11. Phillips;
5th, Wm. Collins, Jacob F. Meoley: Gib. Janus Shangh-
ncssy, Anthony Fitzgerald; 7th, Patrick Organ, Daniel
Hum-: Sth, Dennis O'Loughlin, Edmond Stanton: '.Ith,
Trconor, Jr., Michael Looby; 10th, Oliver Boutwoll,
Thomas Fnrrcll; llth, Martin Hunt. Edward Honnou ; 12th,
John Moron, W. B. Stopleton ; 13th, John C. Meal
Chamberlin.
1-71.— 1st Ward, II. 1). Markstonc, James C. Shanlcy; 2.1. Michael
Nilcs, Francis N". Mann. Jr. : 3d, John M. London, Cha
1 1, i ! 1 1 i in Ith, Geo. < hurebill, Geo. 11. Phillips : 5th, Irving
Hayner, Jacob F. Meoley; t'.th. Patrick Flanigan, Anthony
;erald; 7ih. Joseph Burns, Daniel Burns: sth, William
Hanlon, Dennis O'Loughlin ; 0th, John J.Fallon, Michnel
Looby; 10th, Michncl B. Manning, Th.. mas Farrell : llth,
Christophor Behon, Edward llannon: 12th. Daniel O'Sul.
livnn, W. B. Stopleton; 13th, John C. Mealey, Lee t'liam-
- i lin.
1875.— 1st Word, II. D.Morkstonc, John J. Murphy ; 2d, Michael Nilcs,
Francis N. Mann, Jr. ; 3d, John M. London, Gilbert tier. Jr.;
■Ith, Geo. Churchill, Gen. II. Phillips: .'.th, Irving Iloynor;
Bdwo ■ nib. Patrick Flnnnignn, Aulhi>n\ I
old; 7th. Daniel Burns, Joseph Burns: Sth, Wm. II
Maurice Harligan : 9th, John J. Follon, Walter Myers : lOtfau
Michael B. Manning. Daniel Dunn : 1 Ith. Christophci 1
Edward Hnnnon : 12th. Daniel O'Sullivan, W. 15. Stopleton;
i th, John C. Mealey, Christian W. Rapp.
1S76. — lsl Ward, J. Lc Roy Pine, John J. Murphy: 2.1, Luther \.
Flint, Francis X. Mann, Jr.: 3,1. John M. London, Gilbert
Gccr, Jr. : 4th, George Churchill, Geo. II. Phillips: ..th. Ncl-
Pramcr, Edword Garter: llth. James Shaughnessy, An-
thony Fitzgerald: 7th, Joseph Burns, Daniel Burns; Btlj
Michael Kenny, Maurice Hortigon: 1* t Ii . Stephen M, liognn,
Walter Myers; 10th, Michael R. Manning, Daniel Dunn;
llth, Chriostphcr Bchan. Edward llannon; 12lh, I
O'Sullivan, Wm. B.Staplcton; 13th, G. N. Rhodes, Christian
W. Bapp.
1877.— lsl H a:l..T. Lc Roy Pine, Michael A. Tinncy : 2d, Lull:
Flint, I harlcs B. Ilubbcll; 3d, Myron Ilomblin, fi
Gcor, Jr. : 4 tb, George Churchill, Albert C. Corse : .ith, VI-
son Plainer, Edward Carter: 0th, James Sbaugl
tbony Fitzgerald: 7lh. Joseph Burns, James Morri
Mh, Michael Kenny, -Maurice Ilartigan: llth, Stephen M.
II jui. Walter Myers: 10th, Michael 15. Manning. Walter
V Thayer; llth. Chrisl ipher Bchan, Edward Dolon ; 12th.
Daniel O'Sullivan, James E. Ryan; 13th, Geo. N. II
Christian W. Rapp.
1878.— lsl Ward, E Iward W. Hughes, Michael A. Tierncy: 2.1. Matk
II. Hubboll, ('. A. Meeker; 3d, Myron P. Ilomblin, Gilbert
Gccr, Jr.; lib, John Don. Albert C. Corse: 5lh, '
Pramcr, Edword Garter: llth. J. Shaughncssy, Anthony
Fitzgerald; 7lh, Michael A. Scott. . lame- Morrisscy ; -th,
Michael Kenny, Man ice Iloi _' in : llth, Stephen M.
II .hi. Walter My.rs: 10th, Patrick Brn.lerick. \\ i
Thayer: llth, Christopher Bchan, Edword Dolan ; 12th,
William Monoghnn, Jaino- 17. Byan : 13th,Gco. N. It
Christine W. Lapp.
-lsl Ward, Shanlcy, Edwai I II ' I, John L.
IConncdy, Mark II. lliibbell ; 3.1, Gilbert Gccr, Jr., Myron
P. Ilomblin; Ith, Shepnrd Tnppon, John Don: .ith, Edward
, N.-l-on Pramcr; Gtb, Henry MaoFarlanc, JoulM
Shaughncssy ; 7lh, Jamc Morris.' y. Mich
Thomo I. lit .Mi,-. Michael Kenny; 0th, Walter Myers
Stephen M. II ignn; 10th, Walter X. Thnycr, Patrick Brod-
crick ; llth, Edward Dolan, Christophci Bchan; 12lh,
James K. Ryan. William Monagbon : I. till, G
Bond, David M. Rankin.
\ II til i: FIRE I'll' AKTM ENT.
ii _\. .ii - llic r.i|.i.lh -i:r.,uiiio; village nf Ti
any serious loss by Grc, It had become a thriving place of
business; trade and commerce were already laying the
(MTV 01' TltOY.
207
foundations of the future city. The time, however, ca
alien, like all new villages, with many hastily-erected
n Icn buildings, the people were obliged to battle with the
fuv fiend. Of the first lire we find the following brief
notice :
" On Friday morning, Dec. S, 1 7 '. > 7 , about eleven o'clock,
i fire broke out in the store of Asa Anthony, oh the north-
west corner of Slate and liiver Streets, from which it was
hi unicatcd to that of .Messrs. I'. & B. Heartt, hutli of
which were rapidly consumed."''
To meet this danger (lie village had neither organization
nor apparatus; but Troy was now fur the first time amused
! to the necessity el' action. A committee was appointed in
visit New York, where they purchased a second-hand ap-
paratus, and shipped it by sloop to Troy.
An account of its arrival, by a recent writer, shows that
I the population of Troy, men, women, and children, rushed
[down to the river to inspect the marvelous machine, —
in upright box three feet in height, in which pumps and
[valves wore arranged and joined to a horizontal shaft, to
which in turn ratchet-wheels, chains, treadles, and hand-
brakes were attached. These being moved, forced, with con-
siderable velocity, sufficient water through the goose-neck
pipe protruding from the top of the upright box to throw a
continuous stream an inch and a half in diameter upon the
roof of an ordinary two-story building, but at only a short
distance away. The engine was supported by ami moved
jon four solid wooden wheels a foot and a half in diameter,
rimmed with bands of iron. It was taken up to the centre
of the village and given a trial. The first attempt failed,
but it finally worked to their satisfaction.
During the next year, 1798, was organized a fire com-
pany, mentioned below, and preparations made for future
alarms. Fire-wardens were appointed, who used to appear
at fires with white covers upon their hats, and white canes
as badges of office.
An engine-house was erected soon after the purchase of
the engine. It was on the south side of the court-house, front-
ing Second Street, and adjoining the brick house now num-
bered ''80." The following directions were printed as an
admonition to the citizens, who were all required to have
fire-buckets hanging in some convenient place ready for use.
When an alarm occurs, —
" First. Seize the fire-buckets immediately, ami repair to the sjmt ;
l't //*< mind be "-.■ composed as possible, ami at the same time behave
with the greatest activity ami energy.
" "Second. Those who live most contiguous to the engine, together
with the firemen, shoul.l immediately repair to it, and have the engine
miilcr nay ; also the fire-hooks, ladders, anil axes t.. lie mi the spot at
it"- same instant; ami, when at the place of action, there ought to be
the most profound silt nee obs: rred, except from the trustees and fire-
wardens.''
The second fire-engine was ordered by a vote of the
trustees, May 0, 18(11. They appropriated the sum of five
hundred dollars and fifty cents for that purpose, and fifty
dollars to buy additional fire-hooks and axes. This was
probably for the use of the second fire company, though the
date of its organization is given in the records as a year or
* For an account of the several sorioas conflagrations from which
'I'l'iy has suffered, sec doparlmcnt of "Noteworthy Incident.-," on
preceding pages.
two lator. Kui ai ilii- time tie- whole people constituted in
one sense the fire department, and if there wa an i eperi-
enced man or two to direel the working of an engine then
were plenty of boys to "run with the machine," whether
there was an organized company or not. This engine was
like the first one, — theoM Ti-lii ■<! early apparatus worked
\>\ hand.
The third fire company was organized in 1 ■-].!. It was
known by the name " Washington Voluotoei Fire Company
of Troy." By its charier it was permitted to hold pro]
in it exceeding fifteen hundred dollars in value ; the stock
was divided into twenty-five shares of sixty two and a half
dollars each. The number of members was twenty
An engine, costing live hundred and fifty dollar.-, was
bought of Abel Eardenbrook, of Now- York City. It was
made after the pattern of all the gOOSe Qei !. engines of the
period, having a suction, and also a hose-reel on the plat-
form. An engine-house was built i lot granted for this
purpose by Derick van der Heyden, situated on the wesl side
of Fourth Street, near Fulton, 'flic first officers were If ze-
kiah Williams, Captain; llussell W. Lewis, Treasurer;
Henry Nazro, Secretary.
The progress of the fire department is briefly shown by
the statement that in March, 1831, Troy had eight engine
companies, and one hook-and-ladder company, comprising
two hundred and seventy-five men. There were eight en-
gines, five hose-carts, twenty-two hundred feet of hose, five
ladders, six hooks, eight axes, and thirty-one fire-buckets.
During the year 1830 there were five fires, at which the
estimated loss was eight thousand five hundred dollars.
We give the organization of the different companies and
the names of their first members. This shows, as a matter
of historical interest, how large a body of citizens engaged
from time to time in the actual work of founding companies
and of fighting tire.
Engine Company, No. 1, was organized in 179S, with
the following members: Silas Covell, Isaac Merritt, Jona-
than Davis, Simon Goodwin, Henry Bayner, Joseph Brint-
nall, Henry Townsend, Amos Salisbury, Richard P. Hart,
Stephen Covell, Leonard Reed, Jacob A. Hart, Stephen H.
Herrick. Of these Mr. Hart and Mr. Brintnall served
thirty-two years: Isaac Merritt, Henry Townsend, and
Stephen Covell about thirty years. This company has a
long roll of subsequent members, comprising many of the
best-known citizens of Troy.
The company was disbanded Sept. 5, 1861, after sixty-
threc years of service. The old-fashioned, small engines
which they had worked in the earlier days had given way
to the new and beautiful steamers of modern times.
Engine Company, No. 2, was organized June 20, 1S03,
with the following members : Edward Tylee, Daniel South-
wick, Ebenezer Jones, Jr., Henry Swartwout, Asa Anthony,
Simon Smith, Piatt Titus, Joseph Kunell, Warren Kellogg.
Thaddeus Mead, John Uram, Abner Foster, Oliver Arnold,
John Marstin, Moses Craft, Benjamin Gilbert, Theodore
Barnard, Nathaniel Chapman, Benjamin Gregory, Esaias
Warren, Uriah Miller, Thomas Skclding, Josiah Kellogg,
Philip Hart, Jr.
This company, like the pioneer organization that just
preceded it, survived the changes of inure than half a ecu-
208
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
lurv. and with :i record of faithful service unsurpassed,
disbanded Sept. •">. L861.
T/u Washi Vol /' Company was i
ized May 30, 1812, with the following lisl of members:
II tekiah Williams, Russell W. Lewis, Henry Nazro, Leon-
ard R I Nathan Warren, Han ford N. Lockwood, Ge<
Vail, Anson Arnold, Horace Jones, McNeil Seymour, Jo-
sinh Chapman, Andrew Kellogg, Samuel Scholey, Stephen
II. Herrick, William Wright, Valentine V. R. Sattcrlec,
Justus Wright, Moses Vail, Jr., E. II. Boardman, Horace
Dowd, CI itei Qriswold, Israel Seymour, -I < ■ 1 » Collins,
Company, No. 3, was organized Feb. 1, 1821,
with the following members : Ira Ford, Stephen Eldridge,
Christian Morrison, James 0. Ladue, In M. Wells, Clark
Gilbert, Josiah Piatt, David S. Wendell, Harvey Belts,
'• Warren, John J. Bradt, John Lockman, Alan-
Crandall, Daniel S. Whipple, William Squires, Jacob
M. van drr Heyden, George van der Heyden. Tliis company
was changed into a hose company Dec. 18, 1834, and it
was afterwards known by the name of the " Franklin Hose
Company."
Compa N 5, was organized March 1, 1821,
with the following members: Philip Ford, Henry Crenel),
Thomas Willis, Samuel Hanna, Thomas Picard,Hugh Alex-
ander, Nathan Read, Dani 1 Norcutt, Herman II. Brown,
Samuel Withingham, Daniel Nichols, L wis Pearsall, Eras-
tna Grundy, Samuel Ednionston, Orrin Stebbins, John
Franklin, John Jon ■-. •' im - Crank, [srael Williams. Abra-
ham F. Whitbeck, Frederick Her, Amos Williams. Allen
Wing, John Hunter. Isaac Hunter, Cluster Howard, George
I: Pitts, Henry II. Adams, John Eason, Muses Barnard.
■ 'ompany, No. I. was formed Jan. C, 1825, with
til.- following members: Ira Ford, Christian Morrison,
James 0. Ladue, John 1*. Fellows, Stephen Starbuck,
Charles L. Richards, Moses I. Winne, David < lolton, Samuel
I. Gallup, Seneca De Lavergne, George Parsons, Eber
osend, Eleazer J G Squires, Jr., James Pret-
. William Barton, Erasmus Eldridge, John C. Lang-
don, Isaac Wellington, Philip Wheeler, George Carr, Luther
I I.iiiiiniii. John Albright, Stephen S. Selleck, Jefferson
Iner, Enoch Scott, Jami - Withers, Ebenez r W 1.
William Carl.
TKi- company changed ii^ organization to a hose corn-
pnn-. Oct 7 1837 ind was thereafter known as Eagle
II C mpanj No. 10. July 3, 1845, it became an engine
com| and it was Eagl Engine
I \ IU Sept. 16, 18 IT. the members of the
panj all resigned. It was, however, reorganized March
II. 1 - 1-', under tin- same name. Dec. 20, 1 860, the name
impany was changed to " Eagle Steam Fire Com-
ind in l-''.l the nam- was again changed t"
Hugh Rankii 3 Fire Engine Company, No. 2."
// ' \nd i i'ii/, No. l. was organized
with the following members: Charles B.
I' it, John 1": - "• -I - '■> K Hogg,
II Jr., Henry Hcartt,
B la B -Ir. Thou M John G. Buswcll,
II I J 0 Jr., ( Kcnd ill, [srael
in e impany was di# outinucd after
21, 1 '"'7. all the ii. tied.
'in- Oimp'i.n/. X.i. tli 4/6iVi '.was organized May 20.
1826, with the following members: Andrew Tracey. Eras-
tus Tracey, Abisha Dennison, Jesse Tracey (2d), Russfl
Dayton, ■' sse Button, Coonrudt Cooper, Christian Coopn
Thomas Knight. Charles Atwood. Caleb Knight, Edward
B. Francis, John .1. P, Cole, Zachariah Holsapple, Dana
Keyser, David Lyons, Jefferson Wilbur, Nathaniel Page,
Paul M. Crandall. and Abraham 1'ubois.
Company, No. 7. was organized May 27. 1-2-'.
with the following members: Stephen Covcll, Israel Sey-
mour. John Silliman, Aaron W. Raymond. Chester Ells-
worth. Amos Sheldon, Oliver Rogers, John Hall, Frederick
Wetmore, Sanford S. Perry, Elijah GitTord, Jr., Stephen
Mason, dr., George P. Hodgkins, Ira Whittaker, Luther
II. Clinton, Lawrence Pecker. Ebenezer L. Boyntofl
Samuel G. Lockwood, Gustavus Johnson, John F. van
der Heyden, Hiram L. Hawkins. Daniel Ayers, Walton
CI ney. George G. Young. I>. N. Mason, Guy Young,
Isaac Downing. Ebenezer Ailing, Jairus Picket-man, Daniel
McLean, Elias P. Selleck, Ephraim S. Morgan, and John
H. Colegrove. In 1 S|i2 this company was reorganized into
the "J. C. Osj 1 Steam Engine Cuiiipany. No. '■'>."
II ik-and-Ladder Company, No. 2, was organized April
5, 1832, with the following members: Samuel Edmonstdfl
Charles II. Turner, George Curtis, Malcolm Wright, Ricfl
anl Savery, Cornelius Strape, Dennis Savery, George Hun-
ter. William Trites. Calvin Tripp, Jr.. John Moore, Kobert
B. Redfield, Abel Barron, Moses Williams, and William
Osgood. This company was stationed at the Nail-Factory.
It was disbanded about 1S48.
Engi V "i,i/. X". S. was organized Aug. 2. lv'.J.
with the following lumbers : John C Langdon. ]■'.'■■
Wood. Joseph Gary, Thomas A. Hill, Alexander G. Hal-
Stead, Morris Cromwell, George W. L. Smith. Charles
Stickney, William F. Penworthy, Caleb Slade, Horatio P.
Prine. Thomas Thompson. Lewis S llouncau, Liberty
Gilbert, Abraham Van Tuyl, Clark A. Lewis, John I'.
Fellows, Leonard McChesuey, David G. Eglesti in. James
Briggs, Job M. Harrison, Horace Burbank, Isaac D. Had,
and Henry D. Langdon. This company disbanded Sept.
10, 1851, but was immediately reorganized, and i tinned
until it was dissolved in the general rearrangement, Sept
5, 1861.
// oh-and-Ladder Company, No. 3, was organized F«k
5, 1835, and stationed on Federal Street. There an only
two members entered on the records under thai dale. —
John I. Terry and Oscar I'. Hunt. Soon after the follow-
ing were added: Livy Clark. Albert Stead well, Albert W.
B . John Winne, Siduey Ripley, and John Anthony
This company was dissolved about 1848, bul was sui
by a new company of the same name and number. Jan. 'A,
IS50.
< ■:. No 9, was organized Sept. 21, 1837,
with the following members: Hiram D. Pierce, John Wi
Sprague, Lemuel Capron, Jacob Lown, Jr., Moses T. Wb>
wall, Charles H. Turner, Gcorgi Viner, Jr., Robert Fmlfc-
enbergh, George V. Gardner, Alba Marshall G ™
Brown, Ransom Gi en, Charles Eddy, Laban Tuck*,
Alanson Lather, George W. Schruyrer, Cyrus A. Sln-r-
w I. Martin Luther, Charles Horton, William Honrorth,
('[TV OK TROY.
209
Beamier Wilmarth, Samuel Taylor, Oliver Boutwell,
Schuyler 15. Pierce.
Engine Company, No. I, was organized Aug. 2, 1838, with
He following members: Oliver Rogers, Samuel McComb,
Joseph Stone, Jacob • lombs, Peter Simmons, Joseph Moore,
Henry Hawley, Seth Becraft, John Hidden, Garretl L.
Bennett, Daniel 15. Carey, Barney Holligan, Harlow Newell,
John Simmons, William Roberts, Calvin P, Waterman,
Isaac llillman, William Birge, Richard Miller, William .).
plger, David Myers, Harvey Carey, Joseph llillman. Ben
jamin Briggs, Patrick Kelly. This company disbanded
May 20, 1841, and was reorganized Sept. 1, 1842. Ii was
again disbanded Aug. .'!, 1843, and once more reorganized
Nov. 2, 1843. Ii ilnn continued down to the general dis-
solution, Sept. 5, 1861. It appears upon the records of
Be department as bearing the same number as the one al-
rcadv mentioned, under date of. Ian. II, 1825.
Lafayette Engine Company, No. 1(1, was organized
Am;. 15, 1830, with the following members: John Sin-
clair, Alexander ( '. Lawful), Edmund J. Bigelow, William
C. Sherman, Amos Robinson, .lames Harvey, Charles An-
thony, Robert Miller. 11. P. Van Loon, James Miller, John
Todd. O.J. Finch, Ebcnezer Wood, H. B. Lawton, Robert
Clark, Win. Tcnnant. Edward Cook, William Osborne, Jr.
The Phoenix Hose Company was organized Jan. 16,
■40, with the following members: Le Hoy Mowry, Wil-
liam F. Sage, James 11. Watson, Charles Sheldon, S. W.
Whipple, Pliny A. Moore, William Stimpson, F. L. [lsley,
John Stoughton, Charles S. Heartt, James C. Purspa,
Thomas E. Warren, 11. P. Bosworth, Harrison Durkee,
Win. Howard Hart, B. P. Lamed, Duncan B. Finch, Hal-
sey Brower, Townsend Fonda, F. N. Hollister. This com-
pany was discontinued Oct. 1G, 1SG1.
Engine Company, No. 12, was organized Nov. G, 18 15,
with the following list of members: Jacob H. Lockrow,
George Corps, Leonard Ham, Anthony Bartlett, Andrew
Wicks, Chester Ives, Francis Chamberlin, Jacob Bennett
David, Hudson Ives, Charles H. Van Bergen, Edwin
Dayton, George Dayton, Anthony B. Lerake, George W.
Ring, Charles Ensign, Richard Everingham, George Gill.
Hook-and- Ladder Company, ATo. 2, was organized Jan.
3, 1850. and stationed at the Nail-Factory. It consisted of
the following members : Alexander Darbey, Henry Brodley,
George W. Ensign, Patrick Smith, Nelson Myers, Joseph
Brewster, James Carpenter, Nicholas Ostrander, Nathaniel
Grandy, Dennis Miller, John Peabody, Garret De Freest.
The following list of lire-wardens during the village or-
ganization shows the men who wore the white hats and
carried the white canes as emblems of authority :
FIRE-WARDENS OF THE VILLAGE OF TROY.
1798. — Benjamin Covell, Moses Vail, David Buel, Geo.
Tibbits, Daniel Merrit, Ebcnezer Jones.
1799. — John Boardman, Moses Craft, Thomas Davis,
Benjamin Covell, David Buel, Russell Lord.
180(1. — John Boardman, Moses Craft, Adam Keeling,
Moses Doty, Nathaniel Adams, Benjamin Gale.
1801. — South Ward, Moses Vail, Anthony Goodspced ;
Middle Ward, George Tibbits, David Buel; North Ward,
Derick Lane, Philip I. Fellows.
27
I 302, South Ward, Samuel Gale, Samuel Taylor;
Middle Ward, Benjamin Covell( Benjamin Tibbiu , North
Ward, Esaias Warren, ( !aspcr Pratt,
1803. First Ward, Samuel Galo, Amos Sali
Sei 1 Ward, i.lberl Pawling, John Boardman; Third
Ward. Derick Lane, Thomas llilll Fourth Ward,
Casper Pratt, John Ii. Nazro.
lso |. — First Ward, Amos Salisbury, John Davi
Second Ward, John Loudon, Benjamin Covell; Third
Ward, Thomas Davis, Derick Lane; Fourth Ward, Casper
Pratt, Moses Craft.
1805.— First Ward, John Bird, Amos Salisbury ; -
Ward, Benjamin Covell, Francis Gronett; Third Ward,
Derick Lane, Thomas Davis; Fourth Ward, .1 imi
cer, Casper Pratt.
1 SOG. — No record.
1807.— First Ward, Wm. S. Parker, [saac Briuckcrhoff,
Jonathan Weldon; Second Ward, Derick Lane, John Lou-
don, Guilford D. Young; Third Ward, Tl las Davis,
Nathan Bouton, Nathan Letts; Fourth Ward, Moses
Craft. Jabez Burrows, Lewis Richards.
1808.— First Ward, Wm. S. Parker, Jonathan Weldon,
John Sampson; Second Ward, George Tibbits, John Lou-
don, Guilford D. Young; Third Ward, Nathan Bouton,
Nathan Belts, Thomas Davis; Fourth Ward, Peleg Bragg,
Thomas Skelding, Lewis Richards.
1809.— First Ward, Jonathan Weldon, Hazard Kini-
bcrly, Wm. S. Parker; Second Ward, Derick Lane, John
Loudon, Consider White; Third Ward, Amasa Paine, Jede-
diab Tracy, Gurdon Corning; Fourth Ward, Peleg Bragg,
Elisha Allies, Jonathan Hatch.
1 SI 0.— First Ward, William S. Parker, Samuel Gale,
Hazard Kinibcrly ; Second Ward, Derick Lane, John Lou-
don, Consider White; Third Ward, Amasa Paine, Stephen
Warren, Jedediah Tracy.
1811. — First Ward, William S. Parker, James Adams,
Samuel Gale; Second Ward, Derick Lane, John Loudon,
Consider White; Third Ward, Amasa Paine, Nathan
Dauchy, Jedediah Tracy; Fourth Ward, James Mallory,
Stephen II. Ilerriek, Gardner Craft.
1812. — First Ward, James Adams, Dutcber Slason,
Amos Salisbury ; Second Ward, Joseph Weld. Benjamin
Smith, Isaac Snedeker ; Third Ward, Amasa Paine, Heze-
kiab Eldridge, Nathan Dauchy ; Fourth Ward, Gardner
Craft, James Williams, •Joseph Plumb.
1813. — First Ward, James Mann, James Adams, George
Lent; Second Ward, Asa Gardner, Derick Y. van der
Hey den, Joseph Weld; Third Ward, Amasa Paine. Nathan
Dauchy, Hezekiah Eldridge ; Fourth Ward, Joseph Plumb,
J idiez Burrows, Alsop Weed.
1814.— First Ward, William S. Parker. George Lent,
John Sampson; Second Ward, Derick V. van der Heyden,
Joseph Weld, John Kinibcrly ; Third Ward, Amasa Paine,
William Bradley, James Spencer; Fourth Ward, Stephen
II. Ilerriek, Alsop Weed, Jabez Burrows.
1815. — First Ward, William S. Parker, George Lent,
John Sampson; Second Ward, Asa Gardner, Derick V.
van der lleyden, Joseph Weld; Third Ward, Amasa Paine,
William Bradley, James Spencer ; Fourth Ward, Leonard
Reed, Jabez Burrows, Alsop, Weed.
210
HISTORY OF RENSSELAEK COUNTY, NEW YORK.
This li-i i> too voluminous to bo continued for the sub-
sequent city organization. ,
bo iiRD OF nasi i i
\ irganisation of the fire dcpartmeul took place under
an act of the Legislature, passed April 27. 1829. The first
trustees named in tin' acl were Elias Pattison, Jonas C.
II irll, James Wallace, and Henry Bctts. The first lull
I consisted of Elias Pattison, Jonas ('. Beartt, .1
Wallace, Harvey Betts, Cornelius Schuyler, Alfred Slason,
Q Squires Jr., Stephen Starbuck, John Burtis, Jr.,
Philip Ford, Abraham W. De Freest, Andrew Tracy, Caleb
Knight, .l"im Sullivan, Ebenczcr Ailing, Jairus Dicker-
man, Bccckiah Williams. Robert D. Silliman, -J > * 1 ■ 1 1 G. Bus-
well, Benry Landon. The first oflScers of the board were:
President, Jeremiah Dauchy; Vice-President, Jonas C.
II . i, surer, Cornelius SclnivKr; Secretary, Robert
M Stratton; Collector, Stephen S. Selleck.
The list of presidents is as follows: 1S30, Jeremiah
R.m-hv: l-:;i-:'.'J. .Jonas ('. Hcartt ; 1833-37, James
Wallace; 183S I melius Schuyler ; 1840-41, Thomas
A. Learned; 1-1'-'-- 1 1. Billings P. Learned; 1845-47,
Bitam D.Pierce; 1848, E. Thompson Gale ; 1849, Lyman
ft, Avery; 1850, Jam - A. Leach ; 1851, George B. Star-
buck; 1852-53, Isaac McConihe, Jt.; 1S54, Nelson II.
I. kwood; 1855, Edwin Sears; 1856-57, Lewis A. Rou-
oeau; 1858, Richard F. Ball; 1859, William Madden;
I860, Benry S. Church; 1S61, Richard F. Ball; 1862-
.:;. Samuel K. Briggs; 1864-67, Charles W. Peebles;
181 hard B. Church; 1870-71, Charles B. Bitch-
cock; 1-71'. James Shaughnessy ; 1ST:*.. R. II. Uline;
L874, Edward F. Murray ; 1875, Albert Tompkins; 1876,
J. \\ nters; 1-77 7-. W. E. S. Goss; 1879, Dennis
Russell.
i we give a list of the chief engineers from 1808
to the present time :
_•■■ TililiitJ.
180V. Jonathan Woodon.
1810-11. Win. 8. Parkor.
1814-20. "in. 3. Parker.
. irdon Corn
iell.«
■ Coun.
■
1841. K iw,ir.l 8. Fuller.
1842.
15. Joseph C. Taylor.
1846- IT. Nathaniel I'.. Starbuck.
I-.- O.Taylor.
Edward Chopin.
1851 52. John 1'. I' ti.
,7. William Madden.
• 0. Hugh B
tSOl-64. X. B. Starbuck.
ii
1867 1 I'. Hall.
1 a i ii. [ngram.
Tin' introduction "f strain fire-engines wrought in Troy,
, revolution in the manner «\' extinguishing
and in th to be won by the fire department.
Tin- first trial of a steam fire-engine was made in Troy,
7. 1859, :it tin- foot of Division Street. An associa-
tion had been formed for the pur] iting the value
i apparatus in tin- extinguishing of fires. Tin'
distinct from tin- fire department, and tin'
..fin ■ William Barton, President; Lewis L. South-
wick, Vi •; Wm. T. Willard, Secretary ; Town-
. M Vail, Treasurer; N. B. Starbuck, Captain. Tin'
i ii trial was tin- manufacture ■ •!' 1. i a Lamed, of
I'll- tri.il v. I'ul. ami the a tiation
I
immediately made the first purchase of a steam fire-engine
for use in the city of Troy. It arrived March 28, 1SG0,
from the Amoskeag Winks. Manchester, N. II. On its
arrival it was drawn by a number of citizens to the Division
i Wharf, where a fire was kindled under her boiler,
and water passed through the engine for tin- purpose of
cleaning it. A one-and-five-eighths-ineh pipe was attached,
and, without using more than half the power of the engine,
a stream was thrown to a distance of one huudred and
Dty I'eet.
In October of that year it was reported that tin i
the engine, hose, horses, and running expenses for six
months bad been six thousand dollars.
The Arba Read steamer, so called in honor of o f
the principal founders of the company, was transferred to
the ownership of the city Aug. 16, 1861, and placed un-
der the control of the fire department, and tints was inaug-
urated the use of steam at fires in the city of Troy. The
giant worker of the nineteenth century was at last brought
into this field of activity, where it has achieved some of its
noblest victories.
The act establishing the modern fire department was
passed April 13, 1S61. The following September a lmi-
eral disbanding of some of the old companies took pi
and others were reorganized to be adapted to the paid fire-
service system then inaugurated. The first commissii
named in the act were, —
March 7, 1S02.— Hon. George B. Warren, Mayor
ident of the Board, c.r officio ; Jason C. Osgood, J. C.
Beartt, Isaac \V. Crissey, Otis G. Clark. William Gurlcy,
Bugh Ranken; James S. Thorn, Clerk.
The subsequent boards for each year have been the fob.
lowing :
M,i,;l,, 1863.— Hon. William I. Van Alstyne, Mayor*
Bugh Ranken, Jonas ('. Beartt, William Gurley, Otis G.
Clink. Isaac W. Crissey, Jason ('. I Isgood; James S. Thorn,
Clerk.
March, 1864.— Hon. James Thorn, Mayor, ex .
Bugh Rankin, Jonas C. Hcartt, William Gurley, Otis Qi
(lark. Isaac \V. Crissey, Jason C. Osgood ; James 8. Thorn,
Clerk.
I/,,./,, 1865.— Bon. Uri Gilbert, Mayor; Hugh RankeBj
Jonas C Hearlt, William Gurley, Otis G. Clark. Nan.' W.
.. Jason C. Osg 1 : James 8. Thorn, Clerk.
Varc/i, 1866.— Bon. John L. Flagg, Mayor; Hugh
Ranken, Jonas C. Hcartt. William Gurley, mis ti. Clark,
fanac W. Crissey, Jason C. Osg 1; James S. Thorn, Clerk.
Van '■. L867. -Bon. John L. Flagg, Mayor; Isaac W.
Crissey, Jason C. Osgood, Bugh Ranken, Jonas C. Hcartt,
William Gurley, William Madden; William G. Cri
Clerk.
Marclt, 1868.— Hon. Miles Beach, Mayor: Jason C.
■ml. Hugh Ranken, Jonas C. Hcartt. William Curlcy,
William Madden. Ebcnezer Warner ; William G. Cris
Clerk.
1869.- ll-ti Miles Read,. Mayor; Hugh Ranken.
J 'II ,rtt. William Gurley, William Madden, Ebfr
i Warren, Moses C. Green; William G. Cri
I ik.
Van I, 1870.— Hon. Cri Gilbert, Mayor; Jon '
CITY OF TROY.
211
Ileartt, William Gurloy, William Madden, Ebenezer War-
ner, Moses C. Green, Hugh ltunken ; William (J. Crissey,
Berk.
1871.— Hon. 'I'Ik. mas B. Carroll, Mayor; William Gur-
ley, William Madden, Ebenezer Warner, Moses C. Green,
Hugh Ranken, Albert L Hotchkin; William G. Crissey,
Clerk.
1872.— Hon. Thomas B. Can.. II, Mayor; William Mad-
den. Ebenezer Warner, Moses C. Green, It. B. Ranken,
Albert I,. Hotchkin, II. P. Hall; William G. Crissey,
Clerk.
March, 1873. — lion. William Kemp, Mayor; Ebenezer
Warner, Edward V. Murray, It. B. Ranken, Albert L.
Hotchkin, R. V. Hall, William Madden; William G. Cris-
sey. Clerk.
March, 1874. — Hon. William Kemp, Mayor; Edward
1-'. Murray, It. B. Ranken, Albert L. Hotchkin, It. F. Hall,
William Madden, Edward Murphy, Jr.; William G. Cris-
sey, Clerk.
March, 1875. — Hon. Edward Murphy, Jr., Mayor;
Robert B. Ranken, Albert L. Hotchkin, Richard F. Hall,
William Madden, Rodney W. Hickey, Samuel 0. Gleason ;
Charles W. Feeble, Clerk.
March, 1876. — Hon. Edward Murphy, Jr., Mayor;
Albert L. Hotchkin, Richard F. Hall, William Madden,
Rodney Hickey, Samuel 0. Gleason, Robert B. Ranken ;
Charles W. Peeble, Clerk.
March, 1877. — Hon. Edward Murphy, Jr., Mayor ;
Richard F. Hall, William Madden, Rodney Hickey, Sam-
uel 0. Gleason, Robert B. Ranken ; Edmund Stanton,
Clerk.
1878, Hon. Edward Murphy, Jr., Mayor; William
Madden, John Reardou, Joseph C. Blair, Robert B. Ran-
ken, Edmund Stanton ; Richard F. Hall, Clerk.
The present organization of the fire department (October,
1879) consists of the following officers and companies :
COMMISSIONERS.
Hon. Edward Murphy, Jr., Mayor, ex officio; John
Reardon, term expires in 1879 ; Dennis O'Loughlin, term
expires in 1880 ; Robert B. Ranken, term expires in 1881 ;
Edmund Stanton, term expires in 1882 ; Richard F. Hall,
term expires in 1883; William A. Simmons, term expires
in 1884.
Clerk of the Board, Charles W. Peeble ; Chief Engineer,
James H. Ingram ; First Assistant, Charles F. Green ;
Second Assistant, J. Lansing Lane.
EN GINKS.
No. 1. — Arba Read Steam Fire Company, Third, corner
of State. Melville S. Marble, Captain ; Herbert M. Cas-
well, Assistant ; Frank W. Mockio, Secretary ; George T.
Steenberg, Webster Wotkyns, Trustees.
No. 2. — Hugh Rankin Steam Fire Company, 215 Federal.
Patrick J. Fitzgerald, Captain ; Andrew J. Forest, Assist-
ant; David G. Barrett, Secretary; Edward J. McKenna,
Thomas J. Guy, Trustees.
No. 3. — Jason C. Osgood Steam Fire Company, Adams,
north of Second. Adelbert T. Burdick, Captain ; Patrick
B ran, Assistant ; John E Donohu •. I > mnis
i : II Frank II. McCarty. 'I'm ti ■
No. I. Charles Eddy Steam Fire Conipan 6 ' River.
Robert Scitz, Captain; Joseph I n \ i tanl Dennis
J. Cumminga Secretary; Frank Hydorn Lbram Lansing,
Tru lees.
No. 5. — Franklin W. Farnham Steam Fire Company,
Ida Hill. William M. Peckhom, Captain ; John W. Block-
wood, Assistant; Richard \. Hecker, Secretary ; John T.
Gormly, Bernard < 'usack, Trust* e
No. 0. — Edmund Stanton Steam Fire Company, Iron-
Works. Thomas Keating. Captain; .lames Dully. I
Assistant; John Daley, Second Assistant; John J. Barron,
Secretary; William Latham, James Donnelly, Tru I
Washington Volunteer Sham Fire Company, Third,
corner of Division. Elias 1'. Mann, Captain; Lawrence
Bastable, First Assistant; William I). Martin, Second As-
sistant; Horace L. Hicks. Secretary ; Daniel W. Bastable,
Charles I). Watson. Trustees.
No. 6. — Hope Engine Company, Albia. Abram H.
Miller, Captain ; Joseph Perigo, Assistant; Joseph Himes,
Jr., Secretary; John Broderick, Edward Vandenbergh,
Trustees.
No. 3. — Trojan Hook-and-Ladder Company. Franklin
Square. 0. S. Ingram, Captain; II. C. Salisbury, Assist-
ant; W. G. Clark, Secretary; J. A. McDonald, It. II. Van
Alstyne, Trustees.
The board of trustees as given above, two from each
company, are organized with Dennis Russell, President;
Bernard Cusack, Vice-President; John A. Macdonald,
Treasurer; C. D. Watson, Secretary.
The officers of the Exempt Firemen's Association are
J. P. Groat, President; John Toy and Wm. Lemon, Vice-
Presidents; Thomas J. Jennings, Secretary ; Samuel Lau-
rence, Marshal ; Joel B. Thompson, Treasurer.
The Troy Fire Alarm Telegraph is under the superin-
tendence of Andrew Collins, whose office is at the Arba
Read steamer house, corner of State and Third Streets.
There are forty-seven signal boxes in the city, and five on
Green Island.
The fire department is in excellent condition ; the steamers
and all the apparatus are of the latest improved make, and
are manned by an efficient body of oflicers and men. It
seems utterly impossible for any great and prolonged fire to
occur at the present time. So nearly perfect is the appara-
tus, so instantaneous the alarm, and so prompt the arrival
of the steamers at the exposed point, that a fire can scarcely
be expected to extend beyond the building where it origin-
ates.
VIII.— WATEE SUPPLY.
THE EARTHEN CONDUIT COMPANY OF TROY.
The first system for supplying Troy with water was one
devised by a number of the leading citizens of the village,
and was known by the name of the Aqueduct Water-
Works. From a spring half-way up the western declivity
of Mount Ida, east of Liberty Street, water was conducted
in wooden pipes to different parts of the village. By a
resolution of the board of trustees, passed July 1, 1806,
" the ordinance for the preservation of the aqueducts in the
512
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COIXTV. NEW TORE.
village, and t" preserve the unnecessary waste of water
brought therein for the use of the inhabitants," was made
■ law. 1 1 is lik.lv thai the insufficient:) of water provided
by these means induced certain of the inhabitants to peti-
tion the Si ' l. *islature for " An act to incorporate tlio
proprietors of the Earthen Conduit Company of Troy." \
bill was passed June 16, 1812, by which it was enacted
"that Abraham Ten Eyck, Derick Lane, Daniel Merritt,
an.! their asssociates," were constituted a corporate body,
by the name of "The Trustees of the Burthen C luil
('. mpany of Troy," which body was to exist for a term of
thirty years. The stock was to consist of one hundred shares
of one hundn d dollars each. The manag ml of the con-
- of the company was to be intrusted to five 1 1 ustees, who
were to be stockholders and inhabitants of the village, elected
annually. Abraham Ten Eyck was appointed the firsl presi-
dent of the company, and Abraham Ten Eyck, Derick
Platl Tims. Nathan Warren, and Daniel Merritt the
firsl trustees. For some unassigned reason, in December
of this year the Aqueduct Water-Works wore advertised
for sale.
THE TROY WATEB WORKS COMPANY.
On the 18th of April, 1829, the acl incorporating the
Troy Water-Works was passed by the State Legislature.
B this enactment, Stephen Warren, Le Grand Cannon,
Philander Wells, and their associates were permitted to
take possession of and use the whole or any pari of any
fountain, spring, or stream of water that might be found
il le of affording a supply of water to the citizens of
Troy, and might erecl in or on their margins all such build-
ings and construct all such machinery or apparatus as
might be ii' cessary to insure a constant and perpetual
supply of water to the city of Troy, and might use. in any
manner and for any purpose, all the surplus wain- obtained
fr the Baid reservoirs, Bprings, or streams, after supply-
ing the wants of the city : tin se, however, were not to I"1
taken possession of until the individuals interested in the
should I"- satisfactorily remunerated. The capital
utcck of the company was not to i cceed two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars, and :i share in the ra , fifty dollars.
Eleven directors bad the control of the affairs of tbe coui-
the water-works projected by this company was a
private enterprise, the Common Council of thi city look
I. in a more public way to Bupply tbe inhabitants with
r. <tn April 22, 1830, a resolution was passed
thai the mayor, the Hon, George Tibbits, Alder n Me-
Coni ;' ht Alderman Dauchy should be a
mitt.'.- for the purpo f exploring for a suitable sup-
ply i rater, and t" cause the necessary survey
to devise a plan, and t.. make an estimate of the
r bringing water into the city, and t" report the
' !!•■ board. The committee p i di d al oni
nal examinations directed by the resolution,
and Wil the city engiuccr, made sun.
tie' land the spring the farm iff Benjamin
n in Brut nd of the Piscawen Kill. [|
. tli.it thi ol 1 1 ingii from the
iuld amount t" rixlj thousand dollars,
and H' in tie I v. i«. n Kill, eighty thi usand doll
In ihe following vear. on tbe ITtb of May, another coni
mittee was empowered to treat with tbe Tiny Water-Worla
Company for furnishing the city with water for tbe extufl
u: 1 1 i ~ 1 1 i i > ^ nf fires, watering streets, etc., and also to ascertain
whether or not the said Water- Works Company would con
.-■hi tn transfer the power granted to them by charter to tlio
city of Troy, provided tbe necessary act of tbe Legislature
could be obtained. After considerable discussion of tlio
prcipnsitiuiis made it by tbe committee, tbe company, on tbe
,'ld of December, 1 .S3 1 , agreed to relinquish its charter from
considerations of general benefit to the city. The con-
ditions were thai the company should be reimbursed bv
the city the actual at tnt of their expenditures, whidf
was one hundred and seventy-four dollars and thirty four
cents.
Application was then made to tbe Legislature for a law
authorizing the surrender of the charter of tbe company,
and granting power to the city to continue the work partly
begun by tbe former body. Tbe act was passed March 20,
1832.
Previous to the passage of this act, tbe ( 'on n ( 'ouncil
had canvassed the four wards of tbe city to ascertain the
wishes of the people regarding the propriety of supplying
tin- i-iiy with water by erecting the necessary works. Then
were found six hundred and thirty-seven person- favoring
the plan and eight opposing, and one hundred and seveotjj
eighl who agreed to take water so obtained.
(to the 22d of March, 1833, surveys lor the construc-
tion of a reservoir on the Piscawen Kill were couim
and four days thereafter the committee issued proposals (bj
excavating the basin and reservoir. A contract was also
made with Samuel Richards, of Philadelphia. Pa., for iron
pipe and castings needed for the water-works.
KK-1.1'.\ "IKS CONSTRUCTED.
The open reservoir constructed in IS33 was reported by
the water-works committi i the '2d of January, 1834, as
having a capacity of four hundred and forty-eight thousand
eighl hundred and thirty-three gallons, being one hundred
and sixteen feet long by an average, sixty-seven feel broad*
and eight feet three inches deep. From this one the water
passed t" a second open reservoir, fifty-one feet long by
forty-one feet broad on an average, and eight feel three inches
deep, having a capacity of one hundred and fifteen thousand
three hundred and twelve gallons. The water was iheii
conducted to a third but covered reservoir, three hundred
and four feet long by eighteen feet four inches hr I, and
eight feet three inches deep, holding three hundred and
twenty-one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine gallons
of water, making the aggregate contents of the r. -eivoirs,
and a portion of the creek across which a dam had
built. million nine bundled thousand three hundred and
fifty-nine gallons. The receipts for water rem
on May 1. 1835, to two thousand and eleven dollars and
niuety-seven cents. The total cast of the Troy Water-
Works to the Isl of March, 18-18, was one hundred and
sixty thousand lour hundred and ninety-six dollar- and
thirty at which time there were fifty nine
thousand four hundred and ninety-seven feel of pi]
dueling water through the i it s .
CITY OF TROY.
213
WATER COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED.
U\ act of Legislature passed March 9, 1855. Harvey
Smith, William K. Sage, Thomas Syn I-, Joseph M.
Warren, and Liberty Gilbert were appointed water com
roissioncrs of the city of Troy, to hold office until removed
by llic Common Council, and in case id' death the vacancy
was in be filled by a vote of two-thirds of the members of
the Conn i Council. These commissioners were to estab-
lish the rates id' annual rents to be charged and paid yearly
by the people of Troy using water, called " water rents,"
and to have the general management of the affairs of the
water-works.
During the months of September and October, in 185G,
a now stone dam was built in place of the old wooden one,
which had gone to decay. This darn is situated above the
lower reservoir, west of Oakwood Avenue. In the summer
of I860 a large reservoir was constructed a short remove
east id' Oakwood Avenue, covering six and a half acres
of land, with a capacity of thirty-seven million gallons.
Another, built in 1802, near Cemetery Avenue, at a cost
of twenty-nine thousand three hundred and twelve dollars
and sixty-two cents, has a capacity of fifty million gallons.
In 1863 a mine distant reservoir was constructed in the
town of Brunswick, about four miles east of the city, cover-
ing twenty acres of ground, and having a Storage capacity of
one hundred and eighty million gallons of water. It is es-
timated that these various reservoirs, with their appertain-
ing lakes and dams, would contain four hundred and thirty
million gallons of water for the use of the inhabitants of
Troy. In the winter of 18G1-62, on account of the ex-
hausted condition of the reservoirs, a force-pump was
placed in the building occupied by the lessees of the cord-
age-factory, near the State dam, by which water from the
Hudson was pumped into the city mains. Subsequently
|the pump and machinery were removed to the mill on the
Hydraulic Canal, farther south, on the west side of Iliver
Street, the property of Orrs & Company, where, after sev-
eral changes in the apparatus for pumping water into the
pipes running through the lower levels of the city, a huge
Eclipse double turbine water-wheel six feet in diameter
was erected, by which the full power of the water in the
canal was made available. The total cost of the water-
works from 1833 to March 1, 1879, was five hundred and
fifty-eight thousand seven hundred and ninety-six dollars
and twenty cents. The entire debt of the water-works,
amounting to twenty million dollars in bonds, due May 1,
1880, will be paid by the funds which have been in the
hands of the commissioners of the funded debt for many
years.
NEW WATER-WORKS ERECTED.
Preparatory to the enlargement of the works for supply-
ing the city with an adequate quantity of wholesome
water, the water commissioners (March 17, 1879) pur-
chased of J. Lansing Van Schoonhoven, of Troy, a portion
Of ground on the northwest corner of Washington and
Mate Streets, Lansingburgh, for nine thousand dollars,
having a frontage on State Street of three bundled feet,
and a depth of about four hundred aud fifty feet to low-
water mark in the Hudson River.
On M.i\ 7, 1879, a contracl was made by the commis-
sioners with t be Holly Manufacturing Company of Lockport,
N- ^ ., I'"'' ile- erection of the necessary buildings, pump-
ing niacliim ,\. Lulets, etc., lor a better and larger supply
of water, to be taken from the Hudson River, in the north
part "I' the village of Lansingburgh. The work
early in the month of June, 1879, under ile direction of
Prof. David M. Green, of the Rensselai i Polytei bnic [u li-
luie, assisted by Harvey M. Geer, civil engineer. An at-
tractive ami commodious brick building, one Btory in bi
handsomely faced with (Y n | 1 brick, has been
erected on the ground purchased in Lansingburgh, which
will contain the engine, boiler, coal, and oilier rooms of the
water station. By means of a tunnel three hundred and
thirty-six feet long, extending from the inlet pier in the
Hudson River to the centre ,,f the engine room, water is
broughl to the pumping-well. Here is a pair of Holly
duplex engines, each one having a pumping capacity of
six million gallons of water every twenty-four hour-;. On
the same grounds the commissioners are erecting a brick
building for the residence of the engineers and firemen.
From this puroping-station a thirty-inch iron pipe ext. \nU
southward through Lansingburgh to Turner's Lane, in the
northern part of Troy, along which lane it is laid eastwardly
to the lower Oakwood reservoir, adjoining the avenue on
the cast. A branch pipe is also laid to the upper reservoir
from this point, to be used as necessity may demand. The
reservoir east of Oakwood Avenue, and in the valley of tin:
Piseawen Kill, is the high-service reservoir, having a capa-
city of about three million gallons of water.
The mason-work of the buildings at the new punipinf-
station was placed in the hands id' P. H. Feely, of Troy,
and the extension of the thirty-inch pipe to the reservoir
was given to Ilickler & Co., of Buffalo, X. Y. The work-
it is thought will be completed by Feb. 1, 1880.
The present board of water commissioners consists of the
following persons: Joseph Fales, Lyman R. Avery, George
D. Watkins, John B. Pierson, and Richard F. Hall.
Joseph Fales is the president of the board, and Edward H.
Chapin superintendent.
IX.— POLICE DEPARTMENT.
CAPITAL POLICE.
On the incorporation of the city in 1816, the preserva-
tion of good order and the enforcement of the laws were
committed to six constables, elected annually.
By an act passed April 22, 1865, by the State Legisla-
ture, entitled " An act to establish a Capital Police District,
and to provide for the government thereof," the city police
government was abolished and the capital police system
substituted in its place.
The act provided that " the city of Albany, that part of
the town of Bethlehem adjoining said city and lying north-
erly of the Norman's Kill, the town of Watervliet, in the
county of Albany, including therein the villages of West
Troy, Green Island, and Cohoes ; and in the county of
Rensselaer, the village of Lansingburgh, the city of Troy,
and the towns of North Greenbush and Greenbush; and
in the county of Schenectady, all that territory covered by
and included within the lines of properly of the New York
2U
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Central Railroad, between the cities of Albany and Sche-
nectady, and the city of Schenectady, are herebj consti-
tuted and territorily united, for the purpose of police
rament and discipline therein, into one district, which
shall 1"- known nnd called 'The Capital Police District of
the State of New JTork."1
The powers and duties connected with and incident to
the police government and disci| line of the said district
was vested in and exercised by the commissioners and ad-
visory commissioners of the capital police, and :i board of
capital police composed of said commissioners and advisory
commissi rs, and by a capitnl police Ibree composed of :i
superintendent and deputy superintendent, captains of capi-
tal police, sergeants, and patrolmen. Three commissioners
and two advisory commissioners were appointed by the
Governor on the passage of the act, who were the chief
officers of the capital police. All of the officers were to
be residents of the district, one commissioner and one ad-
visory commissioner were to reside in i lie city of Troy, and
one commissioner and one advisory commissioner in the
city of Albany. Their term of office was sis years. The
first, however, were to ■haw lots for the three terms expir-
ing respectively April 1. L867, 1869, and 1871 ; at the end
of each of Baid terms the full term succeeding was to be
one of mx years. The officers of the board were to be a
dent, a treasurer, a secretary, and three clerks. The
police Ibrce was to consist of a superintendent, a deputy
rintendent, one of whom was to reside in Troy and
one in Albany, with so many captains, sergeants, and patrol-
men as the board should appoint. The quota of patrolmen
for Albany, the expensi a of which wen.' to be paid by that
city, was not to exceed sixty-six. unless the common coun-
cil deemed an additional number necessary; that of Troy
not to exceed sixty, unless the Common Council of the city
thought otherwise; the village of West Troy not to exceed
nine; Cohoes,six; Lansingburgh six; iireeii I.-land. three;
North Grrcenbush, two; Grcenbush, two; and Watervliet,
three.
The first commissioners were William S. Shepard, of
ny, President; Thomas Coleman, of Troy, Treasurer ;
II- V. Tuyl, of Cohoes, central office of the Troy di-
vision. No. 1! First Street; John M. Landon, Deputy
irintendent; B. II. G. Clark. Deputy Clerk; Nelson
Worden, Special Clerk.
TIIK POLK t; FORI t: 01 TROY.
The a1 ' establishing the capital police was abolished by
on net passed April 29, 1870, entitled "an act to establish
nnd maintain a police lore.' in the Cltj of Troy. In lieu
thereof was instituted a night and day police, styled "the
poli ' Troy." The police government wasvi
in and exercised by a hoard of police commissioners, con-
ng of the mayor of the city and two other men. The
e fifteen hundred dollars each
annually for tin ir services. The board had exclusive power
ppotnl one superintendent of police, three captains,
tw. ■'. 'its. ami patrolmen not exceeding sixty in
number, three station-house It pernumcrary patrol-
on! one in
B; in act of I. I ] J- I B76, th< po.
lici board was to consist of three commissioners, to be ap-
pointed by the mayor of the city of Troy, who were to
receive each an annual salary of one thousand dollars.
The following names embrace the officers of the Troy
citj police, central office 1*1 and 17 City Hall, corner of
Third and State Streets:
Hoard of police commissioners: William E. KisselburgH
President; William W. Willard, Secretary ; Edward Han-
nan.
John McKenna, Superintendent ; Thomas J.Jennings,
Chief Clerk; James II. Allen, Deputy Clerk; Washington
Atkin, M.D., Surgeon.
First Precinct station-house, Adams Street, between
First and Second Streets. The first precinct includes the
Sixth. Eighth, Ninth. Eleventh, and Twelfth Wards, and
that part of the Fifth Ward lying south of the Poestel
Kill.
The Second Precinct station-house is :.'_' State Street.
The second precinct includes the First, Second, and Third
Wards, and that part of the Fourth Ward lying south of
the centre of Federal Street, and that part of the Fifth
Ward lying between the Poestcn Kill and a line drawn
across the said Fifth Ward parallel with and upon the
centre of Federal Street.
The Third Precinct station house is 198 North Seconi
Street. The third precinct includes all that portion of tl
city lying north of the centre of Federal Street and a lim
drawn parallel with and upon the centre of Federal Street
across the Fifth Ward.
X._ CORPORATIONS.
UNITED NATIONAL BANK.
Prior to March G. 1SG.1. there were two banks in Troy,
— the Farmers' Hank and the Bank of Troy, — which on
thai daj were united to form the United National l!ank of
Troy.
The farmers' Bank was incorporated by act of the Legis-
lature, passed March 31, 1801. The first directors wet
follows; Troy, John Woodworlh, Daniel Merritt, Benjamin
Tibbies, Christopher ilutton, Townscnd McCoun, Kphraim
Morgan ; Lansingburgh, Elijah Janes. Charles Selden, John
D. Dickinson. James lliekok; Watcrford, (inert Vaa
Schoonhovcn, Samuel Stewart. On the '.'th of April. John
D. Dickinson was elected president, and Hugh IV
Cashier. The bank began business in November foil. .wing,
in a building still standing on the northwest corner of Mid-
deburgh Street, near the State Dam. The business of the
bank was transacted in that building till the 1 5th day of
ml., i. 1808, when it was removed to a new building
ted for it on the second lot south of the south
I r of First and Stale Site, ts,
The Hank of Troy was incorporated on the 22d day "f
March, 1811. Esaias Warren was elected it- first pn
dent, and Alanson Douglas cashier. The first director*
were Albert Pawling, Benjamin Smith. Joseph I> Selden,
Kb. ii. / r Jones Ksa is Warren. Richard P. Hart, Ji b
M 1 1 in. Thomas Trenor, Alanson Douglas, Jonathan Hurr,
John St. .wait. Roger Skinner, John Cramer, John T. C
M - itt, Richard Davis, Jr., and John House.
I'lintn. li\ A tkiTistm, 'I'roy, N. Y.
/ LtsOL&y ts&A-i-s,
Richardson Harrison Thurman was born at War-
rensburg, Warren Co., N. Y., July 12, 1811. His grand-
fatber, Richardson Thurman, was born May 1, 1755, and
died April 6, 1806. He was a nephew of John Thurman,
Jr.,* the proprietor of the Thurman Patent, in Warren Co.,
N. Y. James Low Thurman, his father, was also the owner
of a large amount of real estate, and was a prominent citizen
of Warren County. He was sheriffof that county, appointed
by Governor Clinton, March 16, 1818, and served as a
member of the Assembly, for the district composed of the
counties of Warren and Washington, in 1820. He was
a lieutenant in the war of 1814, receiving his commission,
dated April 30, 1814, from Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor
of New York, and participated in the battle of Plattsburgh.
He was a personal friend of De Witt Clinton, Daniel D.
Tompkins, and Aaron Burr.
His mother's maiden name was Catharine Cameron;
she was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and came to
Warrensburg, N. Y., when fifteen years of age. Of a
family of ten children (five sons and five daughters), two
of whom died young, the subject of this sketch was the
third son.
R. H. Thurman's early years were spent mainly in
Warrensburg and Lake George, in attendance upon the
common schools, and in the store of George Pattison. His
father died Nov. 13, 1826, when Richardson removed to
Keeseville, Essex Co. (January, 1827), where, in the em-
ploy of Forsyth & Peabody, Pope & Ball, and successors,
♦John Thurman, Jr., uncle to R. H. Thurman, was born in New
York, Feb. 27, 1732, and died at Bolton, N. Y., Sept. 27, 181)9, from
injuries received by being gored by a bull.
he remained until Sept. 1, 1831, when he came to
Troy.
The first five years of his residence in Troy were passed
in the employ of Sillimau, Grant & Co., and White, Baker
& Monell, merchants; and in 1836 he became associated
in business with Alsop and Jared S. Weed (and afterwards
with Alsop and Henry Weed), which interest he sustained
with Alsop Weed until 1854, when the firm was dissolved.
Thenceforward, and until 1863, Mr. Thurman continued
on his own account.
Having an aptitude for banking, all through his business
career he was more or less identified with banking and
financial institutions. He assisted in organizing the Union
Bank of Troy, in 1851, with which he was officially con-
nected for many years. He was mainly instrumental in
founding the First National Bank of Troy, in 1S63, and
has been one of its directors and its cashier since its organiza-
tion. In 1867 he, with Thomas Coleman, Lyman Bennett,
Harvey Smith, and Otis G. Clark, organized the Starr Knit-
ting Company of Cohoes ; has served as its secretary and
treasurer, and is now one of its largest shareholders.
Mr. Thurman married, May 18, 1836, Catharine L. M.
Van Buskirk, daughter of Philip Van Buskirk, then of
Troy. The result of this union lias been two children,
Harriet L. and Sarah, the former being deceased. Gifted
in an eminent degree in all that pertains to trade and com-
merce, and thoroughly posted in all the rules governing or
laws bearing upon monetary matters, — the result of practical
experience, close observation, and the study of years. — it
is not to be wondered at that his career has been a marked
success.
CITY OK TKOV.
2 i :.
These two banks went out of business entirely, and on
the 22d of February, 18(55, the United National was or-
ganized, taking six directors from each bank, as follows:
From the Farmers' Bank, John L. Thompson, Uri Gilbert,
Alonzo McConihe, Norman B. Squiers, Thomas M. Tibbits,
Azro 1!. Morgan, E Thompson Gale ; from the Bank of
Troy, Joseph M. Warren, Win. A. Shepard, Alfonso Bills,
John II. Wooden, Ilanford N. Lockwood, Geo. II. Cramer.
The capital slock of the new bank was fixed al $300,000.
The first officers were E. Thompson Gale, Presidenl ; Win.
A. Shepard, Vice-President; Tracey Taylor, Cashier. Tra-
eev Taylor died in 18G8. George II. Perry was appointed
cashier on Dec. 7, 1807. The capital was reduced by a
vote of the shareholders, March 19, 1ST", from $300,000
to $240,000. The bank paid to its shareholders the 20
per cent, reduction, and also paid a dividend of 1(1 percent,
on the $60,000.
The present officers are E. Thompson Gale, President ;
William A. Shepard, Vice-President ; George II. Perry,
Cashier. The present directors are, with the above, Wil-
liam A. Thompson, Edward Tracey, Joseph W. Fuller,
John W. Cipperly, Peter Thalimer, James A. Boudcn.
TROY CITY NATIONAL BANK,
l.v special act of the Legislature, was incorporated April 19,
ls:i;i, as the Troy City Bank ; and was organized July 10,
is:;:;, with Richmond 1'. Hart, President ; George R. Davis,
Cashier; and Richard P. Hart, Robert D. Silliiuan, Alsop
Weed, Henry Vail, John T. McCoun, George R. Warren,
Job Pierson, Abraham Van Tuyl, Gilbert Reilay, William
I'. Ilaskin, Thaddeus R. Bigelow, Anson Arnold, and El-
mithan F. Grant, Directors. The business was first con-
ducted at No. 3 Franklin Square, and until the new bank-
ing-house, corner of Fourth and Grand Division Streets, was
completed, Sept. 13, 1833. The banking-house was burned
May 10, 1SIJ2, and rebuilt same year, and reoccupied June
13, 1863. During the interim the business of the bank
was conducted at No. 220 River Street. Its original charter
expired Jan. 1, 1SG3, at which time the bank was reorgan-
ized, under the national general banking law, with John
A. Griswold, President; S. K. Stow, Vice-President; and
George F. Sims, Cashier ; and the following persons as Direc-
tors: John A. Griswold, Thomas White, George Dauchy,
Amos Briggs, Latham Cornell, Isaac McConihe, Arba Read,
Hannibal Green, John B. Pierson, Oliver A. Arnold, Alsop
Weed, Valentine Marvin, and George B. Warren;
Jan. 1, 1865, it was organized and commenced business
as Troy City National Bank. John A. Griswold, President ;
George F. Sims, Cashier. Directors, John A. Griswold,
George Dauchy, Hannibal Green, Thomas White, John R.
Pierson, Latham Cornell, John L. Flagg, James Forsyth,
Isaac McConihe, George F. Sims, James S. Knowlson,
Walter A. Wood, and John L. Thompson.
The officers of the bank since its organization have been :
Presidents. — Richard P. Hunt, elected July 10, 1S33;
died Dec. 27, 1843. George R. Warren, elected January,
1843 ; resigned October, 1857. John A. Griswold, elected
October, 1857; died Oct. 31, 1872. Hannibal Green,
elected Jan. 20, 1873; died March 31, 1875. John B.
Pierson, elected April 21, 1875.
Cashier, George B I ta> is, elected J uly I o. I 33
signed September, is:;:;. Silas K. Stow elected September,
1833; resigned Jan. I. 1863. George F.Sims elected Jan.
I, L863; resig I Feb. 10, 1 -7:;. Gi orge \. Sto« i : i 1
Feb 10, 1873.
The present board is a follows: John B. Pierson, Presi-
denl ; Charles ( lleminshaw, V ii e Pr< lidi nl G rge A.
Stone, Cashier; Directors, John I!. Pierson, Charles Clem-
inshaw, Charles K. Brown, Francis S. Thayer, William
Howard Doughty, Samuel B. Sanford, John V Manning.
John Durr, lleni\ II. Darling, Charles N Lockw I, George
A. Stone, John .). Thompson.
I'lIK UNION NATIONAL BANK
was organized Dec. 21, 1850, as the Union Bank, under the
general law of the State. President, Joel Mallory; Cashier,
Pliny M. Corbin; Directors, Joel Mallory, L. A. Batter-
shall, W. F. Sage, R. H. Thurman, .1. W. Freeman, 1'. T.
Ileartt, D. B. Cox, John Kerr, II. 15. [ngalls, Lyman Ben-
nett, and Thomas W. Lockwood. Business was first com-
menced in the store of Weed it Thurman, 349 Uivcr Street,
and moved to the present banking-house in April, 1851.
The bank was reorganized, under the national banking law,
March 21, 1S65. President, L. A. Battershall; Cashier,
P. M. Corbin; Directors, L. A. Battershall, W. P. Sage,
T. W. Lockwood, J. W. Mac-key, Hiram Smith, J. W.
Freeman, J. M. Corliss, C. F. Tabor, L. D. Collins, F.
Nye, S. Barker, J. Mallory, S. C. Dermott, C. Willard, and
P. 51. Corbin.
The following have acted as officers since the first organ-
ization of the bank :
Presidents. — Joel Mallory, elected Dec. 28, 1850; re-
signed Sept. 22, 1857. L. A. Battershall, elected Sept. 22,
1857; resigned Dec. 4, 1866. W. F. Gage, elected Dec.
4, 1866 ; died Oct. 23, 1S70. Hiram Smith, elected Nov.
1, 1870.
Cashiers.— Pliny M. Corbin, elected Feb. 8, 1851 ; died
Nov. 29, 1874. A. R. Smith, elected Dec. 1, 1874.
Present board, Oct. 8, 1879: Hiram Smith, President :
John M. Corliss, Vice-President ; A. R. Smith, Cashier;
Directors, T. W. Lockwood, J. M. Corliss, C. E. Hana-
man, N. S. Vedder, Hiram Smith, William Gurley, S. H.
Freeman, R. C. Collison, A. C. Fellows, A. R. Smith, John
Hammond, Stephen Barker, Liberty Gilbert, J. B. An-
thony, and Samuel R. Claxton.
MANUFACTURERS' NATIONAL HANK
was organized Dec. 27, 1864, with a capital of 8150,000.
The first directors were Thomas Symonds, David Cowee,
Joseph Hillman, Robert D. Bardwell, Jacob Jacobs, Henry
Morrison, F. A. Sheldon, H. E. Weed, Titus Eddy, S. Burt
Saxton, John N. Squires, John II. Neher, S. S. McClure.
Thomas Symonds, President; H. E. Weed, Vice President.
Jan. 13, 1874, the following directors were elected at
the annual election : Thomas Symonds, David Cowee, Ed-
ward Murphy, Jr., Win. E. Gilbert, Joseph Hillman, Jacob
Jacobs, Henry Morrison, Henry E. Weed, James A. Eddy,
* First organized as the Manufacturers' Bank in May, 1852, with
a onpital of $200,000.
216
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
Samuel 0. Glcason, Jolin N. S |uires, S. Burt Saxton, R.
D. Bardwoll.
.1 .n. 9, 1879, tho directors elected :it the annual election
were Ucnrj E Weed, Edward Murphy, Jr., S. 0. Gleason,
John N. Squires, Henry Morrison, Joseph Hilluian, G
P, II.'. I'.ivi.l Cowcc, James \ Eddy, S. Burl Saxton,
.1 I. Jacobs, 1!. 1». Bardwell, Wm. F. Gilbert. Henry E.
i. President ; David Cowee, Vice-President. Gardner
Eurl was elected director n.t. I I. 187S.
STATE HANK OF TROT
was organized as the State Umk. and wen! into business
Sept I. 1852. President, Alfred Wotkyns; Vice-Presi-
dent, Henry Ingram; Cashier, Willard Gaj : Directors,
Kalpli J. Start, A, B. Nash, James Wager, Henry [ngram,
J. I'. Sim i is, 1*. Bosworth, Alfred Wotkyns. .1 . i '<. llaeon,
1 Carr, G. D. Wotkyns, John Hitchins, D. Volentinc.
It was organised as the National State Bank March 11,
18G5, with the Following officers: President, Alfred Wot-
kyns; Vice-President, Henry [ngram; Cashier, Willard
Gay; Directors, Alfred Wotkyns, Henry [ngram, Luther
R. Graves, A. B. Nash, Ralph J. Starks, George D. Wot-
kyns, John Hitchins, Lyman R Avery, Philip S. Dorlon,
James Wager, Willard Gay, J. F. Simmons.
Seers since its organization ha\.' horn : Presidents,
Alfred Wotkyns, Henry [ngram; Vice-Presidents, Henry
[ngram, Alfred 1>. Nash, George 1'. Wotkyns; Cashier,
Willard Gay. The present board of directors is as follow.-:
Henry Ingram, Ralph J. Starks, George D. Wotkyns,
Luther 11. Graves, Lyman R. Avon. Charles Warner, John
II tchins, John J. Joslin, Willard Gay, Daniel Volcntine,
Philip S. Dorlon.
TOE MUTUAL NATIONAL HANK
was organized Dee. 2, 1852, as the Mutual Bank. Presi-
dent. John P. Albertson : Cashier, < reorge A. Stoue ; Direc-
John P. Albertson, Joseph IT. Orvis, Jonas C. Meant,
Kliae Boss, Giles B. Kellogg, John G. Buswell, James
Morrison, Jr., Nathaniel Potter, Jr., and Henry C. Lock-
1 [ts banking-1 se has always been at present loca-
tion, corner First and Stale Streets. It was organized as
the Mutual National Uauk. April 7. 1865, with a capital
00 Its officers were, Pn sident, John P. Albert-
Cashier, <■■ irgc \. Stone; Directors, John P. Albert-
Bon, Calvin Hayner, Francis N. Mann, Elias lioss. William
Kemp, Charles N I. ckw I. John <;. Buswell, Jairus
Dickerman, Charles R. Bishop, Joseph LT. Orvis, Jason C.
0 od, Jonas C. Hea tt, and Henry C. Lockw I. The
officers of the bank Bincc its organization Lave been as
folio*
John I'. Albertson, elected Nov. 24, 1852;
1 I i : Jan. I _'. I B76 ; William l\. nip,
J dy 17. 1-7-
'. rge A. Si elected Dec. 16, 1852;
I i - udorf, elected Feb. I"'. 187 ;
November, 1879: Wm Kemp, Presi
dcnl -i ■ II II Vi Presidcnl Gcorgi II Sa
dorf, Cashier; Wm. Kemp, James II. Howe,
John ii Merriam, I". II. Mann, Jairus Dickerman, John
P \.i •;•- ■■!,. Wm. II Y. in . ' I! Bishop, Charles
A. Brown. David Mann, Jonas S. Heartt, John Worthing
ton. and George A. l'aeker.
CENTRAL NATIONAL HANK
was organized Dec. 29, 1852, as the Central Bank. J.
Lansing Van Sehoouhoven. President ; Yolncy Riehtnond,
Vice President ; James Buell, Cashier; A. W. Wickes,
Teller; Directors, J. Lansing Van Sehoouhoven, Ralph
Hawley, James T. Main. Martin I. Townsend, George II.
Phillips, Yolney Richmond. Lucius M. Cooley, Lawren
Van Valkcnburgh. John Ranken. Jason J. Gillespy, Orcn
Kellogg, Giles B. Kellogg, James Buell, William J. Dodge,
and James Brady. Business first conducted at the store
of Haight & Gillespy, No. -71 River Street, and until May
I, 1853; thence to No. 5 Mansion House, which, having
been leased for a term of three years and fitted up as a
banking-room, was occupied as such till May 1. 1S5(.I. In
February of that year the lot and building owned and occu-
pied by the Manufacturers' Bank was purchased, refitted
during the spring, and on May 1st was occupied by the
Central, and at which location the business is still continued.
Fih. 11. lMio. the board of directors resolved upon a
conversion of the bank under the national curreucj act
of Congress, and on April 1st following the same was com-
pleted by the election of the following officers: J. Lansing
Van Sehoouhoven, President; George C. Burdett, Vi
President; John 15. Kellogg, Cashier ; Directors, J. Lan-
sing Van Sehoouhoven, George C. Burdett, Joseph J.
Allien, Jason J. Gillespy. Ralph Hawley, Giles B. Kellogg,
Ransom B. Moore, Charles II. Rising, Martin I. Town-
send, John B. Kellogg, Adin Thayer, Jr., Moses Wan
John II. Willard, Lawrence Van Valkenburgh, and James
\ an Sehoouhoven. Jr.
The present hoard (October, 1879) are George C. Bur-
dett, President: Moses Warren, Vice-President ; Asa W.
Wickes. Cashier; Directors. George C. Burdett, M
Warren. J. Lansing Van Sel ihuven, John II. Willard,
Charles II. Rising. Joseph P>. Wilkinson. Luman II.Gibbs,
John L. lilanehard. Perry F. Tides, Justus Miller, FreboiH
II. Page. James O'Ncil, John T. Christie, and William II.
Van Schoonhoven.
The officers of the bank since its organization have been :
1'rexit/nifg. — J. Lansing Van Sehoouhoven, elected I1
Jit. 1852, resigned Feb. 7. 1874; George C. Burdett,
elected Feb. 7. 1874.
I /'. '-/.ills. — Volney Riehniond, elected Re.
■C> ' i -igned Jan. 9, 1864 ; Gcorgi ( '. Burdett, eld
Jan. 1 1. 1864, elected President Feb. 7. 1 v7 I ; M
Warr.n. elected Feb. 7. 1-7 1.
Cashiers.- Jinn- Buell, elected Pee. 29, 1852. n
15, 1857; John I!. Kellogg, elected Aug. 15, 1857,
died June l.i. 1-71 ; Asa W. Wickes, elected June 17.
1-71.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK 01 '
was organized under the national currency act of Oct.
1863, with a eapiial of 8 JdO.iHlll, whieh was increased lo
Feb. I. 1864. Thomas Coleman. President;
Richardson II. Thurman, Cashier; Frederick P. Allen.
Teller; John II. Huntington, Accountant; Dii
CITY OE TROY.
•jit
'Thomas Coleman, Richardson H. Thurman, Lyman Bon
nett, Otis G. Clark, William L. Van Alstyne, Hugh Rankin,
Edward R. Swasey, Charles Eddy, Charles E. Dusenbury.
Tin' business of the bank was transacted at the office of 1>.
•II. Thurman, 245, west side of River Street, until Jan. 1,
■64, when the bank was opened for busiuess at 218, cast,
side of River Street, which was fitted up as a banking-
I room, at which place the business was conducted until May
1, 1864, when it removed to its present location, No. 15,
west side of First, Street, in the building creeled by the
bank on the lot purchased of the Bank of Troy.
The present officers are Thomas Coleman, President ;
Charles E. Dusenbury, Vice-President; Richardson 11.
Thurman, Cashier ; Directors, Thomas Coleman, Richard-
son II. Thurman, Otis G. Clark, Charles E. Dusenbury,
iFranklin W. Farnum, John F. Calder, Francis A. Fales,
Andrew M. Church, Josiah A. Wait.
The bank was apppointedin 1804 by the Secretary of the
United States Treasury a depository of public moneys and
financial agent of the United States, and during the war
sold for the government over $10,000,000 of their securi-
ties. The bank is still the designated depository and finan-
cial agent of the United States.
TROY SAVINGS-BANK.
Early in the year 1823 a petition was presented to the
State Legislature by Esaias Warren, Richard P. Hart, Na-
than Warren, William Smith, James Van Sehoonltovcn,
Joseph Russell, and others for the passage of an act to in-
corporate them and their associates as a body corporate and
politic, by the name of the " Troy Savings-Bank," for the
purpose of receiving on deposit such sums of money as
might from time to time be offered by persons so desiring.
In answer to this prayer an act was passed April 23,
1823, permitting the moneys so deposited to be invested in
government securities, or in stock of the United States or
of the State, or in such other ways as might thereafter be
provided. The following persons were the first board of
managers of the bank: Richard P. Hart, Nathan Warren,
William Smith, James Van Schoonhoven, Joseph Russell,
Derick Lane, Gurdon Coining, David Buel, Jr., Piatt Ti-
tus, John Gary, John Thomas, John Paine, Lewis Lyman,
Henry Mallory, Leland Howard, Samuel Gale, Townsend
McCoun, William Bradley, and Alanson Douglas. The
first officers selected were Townsend McCoun, President ;
Richard P. Hart, Vice-President ; and Lewis Lyman, Second
Vice President.
An arrangement was made with the Farmers' Bank by
which its banking-room was to be used by the Savings-
Bank for the transaction of its business.
On Saturday evening, Aug. 30, 1823, the Troy Savings-
Bank was opened to receive deposits. Ten persons made
deposits, the whole amount being $359.
In 1824 the money of depositors, which, in 1823, was
loaned to the Farmers' Bank, was transferred to the Bank
of Troy, where the business of the Savings- Bank was trans-
acted until 1832, when the moneys were received at the
office of Jacob L. Lane, No 53 First Street. In the year
183b' Jacob L. Lane moved his office to No. 8 First Street,
where now is the book-store of William H. Younsr, which
28
then became the pi, ice of I i of mom j until
1846.
In 1845 the bank purchased the property when
is the post-office, and erected on the plat the present
Athenasum building. This building was in part occupied
in L846 by the C nercial Bank, and the busini u of the
Troj Savings Bank was tran icted in its banking-rooms on
the north side of the hallway. In 1850 the Savings Bank
began to transact its own business in ibis building, in the
rooms on the south side of the ball. It continued to
cupy this place until March I. lsTo. when the bank was
removed to its present new and attractive building, on the
northeast corner of Second and State Streets, which was
built from the accumulated earnings of the bank, and which
cost about- $435,000 for its erection and the purchase of
the ground on which it is built.
The present amount of deposits in the bank will amount,
to $4,375,000.
The following persons have been the presidents of the
institution: Townsend McCoun, from 1823 to 1834 : Rich-
ard P. Hart, from 1834 to 1839 ; Stephen Warren, from
1839 to 1847; Gurdon Corning, from 1847 to 1850;
Jared S. Weed, from 1850 to 1870; Charles B. Russell,
from 1870 to 1879.
The present officers are Charles B. Russell, President ;
E.Thompson Gale, First Vice-President ; Samuel M. Vail,
Second Vice-President; Charles N. Lock wood, Treasurer;
William M. Corning, Accountant; E. G. Stanard, Clerk ;
Trustees, John L Thompson, E. Thompson Gale, Daniel
Robinson, Dcrick Lane, Thomas W. Lockwood, John B.
Pierson, Charles W. Tillinghast, Samuel M. Vail, Charles
B. Russell, Henry C. Lockwood, Joseph W. Fuller, Francis
N. Thayer, Derick L. Boardman, Hiram Smith, William
Howard Hart, George H. Cramer, William II. Doughty,
William Gurley, Samuel B. Sanford, and the mayor of
Troy, ex officio.
THE TROT GAS-LIGHT COMPANY
was incorporated by act of the Legislature, passed Feb. 16,
1848. The first officers elected, April 15, 1848, were
Daniel Southwick, President ; Jonas C. Heartt, John A.
Griswold, William Samuel Sands, J. T. McCoun, E. Thomp-
son Gale, George B. Warren, Charles Dauchy, and Lem-
uel II. Davis, Directors. The capital stock was fixed at
$100,000, of which $11,000 was taken by citizens of Troy,
and the remainder by the Philadelphia manufacturers.
TROY AND WEST TROY BRIDGE COMPANY.
On the 9th day of April, 1804, the Legislature of the Stale
passed an act incorporating the Troy Bridge Company, to
build a bridge across the Hudson from the foot of Ferry
Street, with George Tibbits, Jacob D. van der Heyden, Bph-
raim Morgan, Daniel Merritt, Thomas Hillhouse, John
Woodworth, Derick Lane, Philip Heartt, and Esaias War-
ren, directors. This company had corporate powers granted
it for a period of seventy years, but no bridge was built . and
the corporate powers of this company lapsed by non-user.
On the 23d day of April, 1872, an act was passed incor-
porating the Troy and West Troy Bridge Company. The
capital stock was limited by law to $150,000. On the 21st
218
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
day of May the stockholders met and elected oine direct
and .I"1in A. Griswold was chosen president.
'I'll.- I. ri-lLi.- was to extend across the Hudson at th(
of Congress Street Work was begun on the 12th day of
tember, 1872, and completed on the 1st da\ of Oct ■' •• i '.
1874, al a cosl of $350,000. The bridge is a beautiful
iron structure.
THE TROT STEAM-BEATING COMPANY
was organized in the year 1878, and is rapidly engaged in
laying its mains through the principal Btrccts of the city.
ill] CITIZENS' OAS-LIOQT COMPANY
ii porated May 19, 1875.
nil fROY HYDRAULIC I OMPANY
was incorporated April 15, \*'2('<.
TIIK. MECHANICS' Mill Al. INSURANCE COMPANY
was incorporated May II. 1836. First officers were Na-
thaniel Starbuck, President; Robert Christie, Vice-Presi-
dent; John Wheeler, Treasurer; David L. Seymour,
Attorney; and Lyman Garfield, Secretary.
TIIK RENSSELAER AND SARATOGA INSURANCE COMPANY
was incorporated in April, ISM, with Daniel Merritt,
President, and Alanson Douglas. Secretary.
TIIK. TROY INSURANCE COMPANY
was incorp rated April 5, 1831. Nathan Dauchy was the
first President; Robert D. Silliman, Vice-President ; and
John D. Willard, Secretary.
XI.— LEADING INDUSTRIES OF TROY.
[HON AND S] EEL MAM I ICT1 RERS.
Of all the metals known to man. none have been more
subservient to his will than iron ; and an g the many
workers in this valuable element in Troy foremost must
rank the immense
IRON-MILLS "l HENRY BURDEN & sn\<,
with its mile of buildings, and its acres of wonderful
machinery. It is really one of "Troy's triumphs," and to
Henry Burden, the distinguished inventor, as much as to
anj one man. doe, Troy owe the honor of developing the
leading manufacturing interest of the city.
BENRY BURDl \
was a native of Scotland, where he received a practical
education in engineering and drafting. He came to the
United States in 1 ■- 1 '. » . with commendatory letter- to
B ton and Calhoun and the lion. Stephen '
B r. Ai All. any. N. Y . h iged in making
agricultural implements. In 1820 be invented the Bret
cultivator used in this country. In I 822 he went to Troy,
wh.re be assumed the charge of the iron and nail factory.
II inventive genius was al once taxed with the construc-
tion of a machine for making spikes, hitherto the result of
hand-labor. He succeeded, securing a patent therefor
26, 1825. He invented, and patented Dec. 2, 1834,
a new and useful machine for manufacturing wr.
countersunk railroad-spikes for the flat rails then used by
the various railroads of this country. The following winter,
while on a visit to England, lie learned that the flat rails
would likely be superseded by the " T" and " II" rails then
being introduced, and for which a different spike would be
required. Returning home, be reconstructed his machines,
began the manufacture of the new book-beaded spike, and
supplied ■ ill 1 s:JG ) the Long Island Railroad Company with
ten tons of the same. In 1840 be was granted a patent
for the machine which made them.
His mind took an even higher flight — from spikes to
Steamboats. He aspired to construct a vessel which, with
less draft of water than the boats then plying on the Hud-
son, should attain to greater speed. Accordingly, in i -
be constructed the steamboat " Ileleu," named in honor of
his wife. Its deck rested upon two cigar-shaped hulls,
three hundred feet in length, with a paddle-wheel amidships
thirty feet in diameter. A trial trip was made Dec. ■).
1833, and the following July her speed tested, developing
the rate of eighteen miles per hour.* Another v. -
launched in 1837, had many improvements upon the first
boat, for all of which Mr. Burden procured patents. II
was " the first advocate of the plans at present adopted by
English and American shipbuilders in the construction of
long vessels for ocean navigation. As early as 1825 In-
laid before the Troy Steamboat Association certain original
plans whereby the construction of steamboats for inland
navigation could be greatly improved, and which si i
later were adopted in the building of the steamer ' II. n-
drik Hudson.' Besides increasing the length of the bi
he wisely suggested, for the convenience and accommodation
of passengers, the erection of slccping-berth-rooms on the
upper decks, being a decided change from the holds ..f
vessels, where they had previously been placed." In 1846
he conceived the gigantic plan of a transatlantic steam
feiiy company. His prophetic ideas again are shown in
the prospectus")- of
"BURDBN'9 ITLANTIC STEAM-FERRY COM PANT.
" Managing Director, II. Burden.
" Engineers, I.. Gordon and L. Hill. .Tr.
" Considering the vast :in.l incrca.-ing population <»n l»<»tli
the Atlantic, the extcnl <>l ih.ir nierenntile transactions with each
other. :uel the enormous -urn- which arc annually spent <>n both
tincntfl in perfecting the Intiil communication, it becomes :> mod
improve the pr nt comparatively d.
i _- it..' Atlantic < lecaii.
"The benefit*, thai would accrue not only to t!i is country, the I'nited
States and tie- Ca law, hut t<> the whol niincnl and
Imcrica, if the voyage, -lill so tedious, ur mfortal.'e, and expend
was rendered :.t ped c fortablc, and cheap, in
t ipparont t>. r.-.juir.' illustration.
"That those wh ild guaran tec these results would reap :. .plrnaid
return there can be little doubt, and of this the i .■ | • i • I and profitable
inoroaae of railway- business i- a forcible illustration.
"II." pr nl Atli ers, magnificent though lhcybc,ai»««
inferior in their results lo whal they maj become a- a well np pointed
' :.in.
" Howtbi desired improrcmci mplisbcd may at Slit
appear no easy mnltcr, bill in reality ii is :. problem ■■■
The wonder i- that -'• rich :. field should have lain so lonj;
• The "Helen" »:.. shortly . ter rendered worthier by being
i nlally run agao ■ ion dam.
t Publisbi tland, in 1846.
/ a/U^r-€^
-
(MTV OF TROY.
210
-hen the moans of insuring so splondi I :i harvcsl arc so muoli within
,,nr reach. All expericnco in steam navigation shows thai increase of
,. ;,,,,| nowoi has I ii invariably atti n I ■•! with inoron •■ of -peed,
,..,„, », and comfort. Witness the successive and gradual advance
ft the Iii-i I I "ii ll"' Clyde I" the lasl built ships of the i
Atlantic company; pare the porformai - of Uonr} Belt'e little
I,,,!., fool boal with tho present Livor| I steamers, whicl « make
the trip* from tllasgow to Liver] 1 in little more than double the
tine tho ' Comet' made I uyngc I" Urccn ick : or compare tho labor
Una effo I- of tho earlier Hudson River stcn rs, whi n tho time ro-
najreil was thirty to forty In. ins from New i'orli to All y, ■■ pare
those with lasl summer's performances of the steamer ' llondrik Hud
ion.' which daily carried three hundred or four hundred passengers
i„ in. 'mi Ibcse places, o distan I hundred and fifty miles, in
loven an 1 a half hours, and thai with nil the comforts of a Brsi ohi
hotel, for sis shillings.
■ r pre 'Hi npany propose to carry mil I ho suggestions of our
countryman, Henry Burden, of Troy, I'. S., to whose skill I I
hi the present spood of the Hudson River navigation is mainly
owing (he having laid before the Troy Steamboal Association so early
U 1825, 1 then si gly urged the adoption of, the identical propor-
tions which have now been successfully carried out in the Bteainer
■ II -mil i K Hudson'), and to establish boats of power, dimensions, and
strength sufficient to make the passage from Liverpool to New York
in eight days a rtnin, — so adapted for their purpose, in fact, as, auspice
In,., to defy the wind and the waves. The first vessel will be about
Qve hundred feet long. The strength requisite for such a length can
ho fully obtained without detracting much from the vessel's tonnage;
and as ii is now known that the height and force of the waves are
limited, it is obvious that the strength of a vessel may be so increased
:is to render the largest waves perfectly harmless.
"This is proposed only as the beginning of a system which must
ultimately be carried much farther. The ' Great Britain' steamship
is three hundred and twenty-two feet long, and those who have seen
her an ly amazed at the lightness of her framing. Those who lia\ o
sailed in her testify that the ' pitching,' even with her length, is very
much reduced. Thai her speed is not proportioned to her size is owing
1 1 some imperfection of her form and defective system of propulsion.
"That the passage will be made in the time proposed, or probably
in less, there can be little doubt, when it is stated that the proportion
of horse power to tonnage will be nearly double that of the usual
allewaii e ; aud such an engine, with boilers of the requisite capacity,
e in be erected without encroaching on more of the ship's tonnage than
is the present proportion. The cost of equipment, etc., of such a
vessel will be aboot £120,000 ; but it is proposed to make the capital
£150,000.
"Tliat such expenditure would be amply remunerative there can be
little doubt. Experience proves that traffic increases in proportion
tii the pnpulation of the districts accommodated, and inversely as the
time and price of transit.
" There are millions on each side of the proposed ferry (for ferry it
will ere long become), and in this point of view the traffic will be
illimitable. From New York to Liverpool is clearly the line of com-
munication, and a glance at the maps show the innumerable feeders
to the one grand trunk. Boats of the dimensions proposed would
carry from four hundred to five hundred passengers with infinitely
greater comfort than the vessels hitherto established, and as their regu-
larity may be guaranteed, the returns shown in the following state-
ment may be confidently relied on.
"One boat, two trips per month :
"400 passengers at £1 3 £6,000
1200 tons light goods at £5 6,000
£12,000
" Expenses per trip, including outlay at ten per cent, on capital :
"1000 tons of coal, shore and other expenses £3,000
Aside for surplus fuud 1,000
£1,000
£8000
"Twenty-four trips per year is £102,000, or upwards of 120 per
cent, <>n the proposed capital, without taking into account letters, par-
cels, or steerage passengers, one or two hundred of whom can be also
accommodated.
" no. 1 II Bui ii imv Street, Gt.asoow, 0th January, 1836."
Although tin- company was never organized, tl"
points advanced by Mr. Burden were subsequently copied
by tin- Cunard and other ocean lines. II'- was also among
the firsl to jug I thi u of plates for iron-clad Bea going
vessels, and senl specimen plates of his own manufacture
to Glasgow for examination.
Our of his greatest achievements, however, was the im-
mense water-wheel, characterized by the poet, Louis G
lord Clark, as tl Niagara of Water-WI Is," constructed
in 1851, designed to enhance the power for lii- nail-factory,
for which the five separate wheels had been inadequate. It
is tin overshot wheel of twelve hundred horse power, sixty
feel in diameter and twenty-two in width, containing thirty-
six buckets, each of over six feel depth. The axis is com-
posed of six hollow cast-iron tubes, keyed into fiangi - from
which diverge iron rods of two inches thickness, to the
number of two hundred and sixty-four, which terminate at
the outer edge of the wheel. By a lever its revolution may
be governed to a nicety, and its power regulated to any re-
quired degree. "Looking upon the trains of rolls, the
rotary squeezers, the furnace-blowers, the horseshoe-, rivet-,
and punching-machines, and the other appliances in motion
for manufacturing iron, one sees more appreciatively the
immense power furnished by this huge wheel constructed
by the master-mind of Henry Burden."
Scant space have we to even enumerate the many valu-
able inventions of this son of genius, so many of whose
efforts have directly and so greatly benefited the home of
his adoption. By his persistent efforts the water-supply of
the Wynantskill was largely increased; his " rotary concen-
tric squeezer," patented in 184(1, may be found in all the
leading iron manufactories of both continents; and in Is:;.")
he invented the famous " Horseshoe Machine," to which in
subsequent years he added valuable improvements. Inas-
much as Trojan skill and wonders-working machinery were
important factors in outfitting our armies during the late
civil war, so Henry Burden's lightning-made horseshoes
were instrumental in conferring important political benefits
upon the nation. Scarcely a civilized country on the globe
but has availed itself of the benefit of this invention. " It
is no little fame for Troy that at these works, now iu pos-
session of the sons of Henry Burden, were manufactured
the first ship spikes, the first hook-headed spikes, and the
first horseshoes ever made by machinery in the world."*
In 18-18 he became possessed of the company's entire
interest in the iron-works, since which time it has been
wholly controlled by him or (since his death, Jan. 19,
1871) his sons, James A. and I. T. Burden, under the
title of Henry Burden & Sons. " The little wooden mill,
which he entered as a superintendent, long ago disappeared
to give place to his larger works, which to-day, were they
to staud in one alignment, would occupy a tract of land a
mile in length. This immense establishment comprises two
works, — the ' upper works,' or water-mills, on the Wynants-
kill, a short distance east of the Hudson River, and the
new works, called the 'lower works,' or steam-mills, located
on the 'farm company' property and the Uoyle farm, em-
bracing about forty-five acres of land between the Hudson
« Troy Daily Timet, .lime 1:'. 1879.
220
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
River Railroad and the river, extending from the Wynants-
kill to the Clinton Foundry." Tin—- works, embracing
several score of buildings, contain sixty puddling-furnaces,
twentv heating-furnaces, fourteen trams of rolls, nine ho
Bhoe machines, twenty-five engines, seventy boilers, etc.,
— acres of machinery ; while about the buildings is a net-
work of railroad-tracks, upon which daily are moved train-
loads of iron ore. kaolin, sand, etc., lor shifting which the
linn's oioji locomotive is ever ready. The ground upon
which these buildings stand was formerly low and over-
Bowed by freshets, while the water in the river adjacent to
their works was shallow and full of bars. At great expense
the grounds have been filled up, and the river dredged, so
thai the company's docks are accessible to the largest vessels
of the Upper Hudson. Their steam-derricks, used for
unloading coal, are the ingenious contrivanco of the late
William Burden. Each consists of two lofty frames, placed
one at the dock and the other al the rear of the coal-heap,
three huudred feel distant ; a strong wire cable is stretched
over these frames, on which an iron carriage travels to and
fro, carrying a self-dumpiug bucket, of the capacity of a
ton of eoal. A Btcam-cngino hoists the tilled bucket to the
cable, along which it travels to the point where the tilling
apparatus overturns its contents upon the pile. Alongside
the coal-heaps arc vasl deposits of iron ore, mostly the
brown hematite and magnetic varieties from Lake Cham-
plain. There also are piles of the Hudson, N. Y., liuie-
usi d as " flux'' to aid in the fusion of the ores.
The capacity of these works in the line of horseshoes
alone is 60 shoes a minute, or 51,000,000 annually. In
boiler-bolts, 80 per minute arc the work of the twelve rivet-
machines. Iu the spacious rolling-mill (421 by 96 feet),
ted to merchant-iron manufacture, is a splendid Corliss
engine. 1 100 workmen are employed, to whom Sal l( l.l Mil I
an- annually paid in wages. The fruits of their labor are
iii"1. kegs of horseshoes, and 12. mill tons of iron, ex-
clusive of pig, annually. Their yearly sales of horseshoes
average about 82,000,000. Fifty horses are used, and 00,-
000 Ions "i' coal consumed annually by this establishment.
A memorable case in the history of American jurispru-
dence was the twenty years' litigation to protect the Burden
paten) on the spike-machine, engaging the talents of Chan-
cellor Walworth, Governor Seward, David L. Sey ur,
Nicholas Hill, and others of equal note.
TIIK ALBANY AND HEN8SE1 Mil [RON AM' STEEL
• DHPAN] .
So full and faithful an ad this important manu-
facturing interest having 1 n published in the Troy />,n'/>/
Timet duly ::. 1879), we take the liberty to quote there-
lr :
■ The water- of the Wynantskill were early utilized as a
motive-power by the Dutch settle,-." [ \, earl} ns 1807
John Brinkerhoff, of Albany, buih a rolling-mill on the
north bank of the stream.] " Saving torn down the fulling-
mill of David Deft erected in 1789, to give place to
his nail-factory, Brinkerhoff was, with Thomas I, Witbeck,
- t of the lease 1 prh i !•■■_•. - of the water power
of the Wynantskill.'' A tubular aqueduct, constructed}
Elisha Putnam to convey water to Witbeek's old floi
was subsequently patented. It was made by placing
alignment headless barrels, lie afterwards improved ,■
plan, and obtained for it a patent, Dec. 31, 1816, " whicl t
this day is ignorantly infringed upon in every part of o
United State-.'
In 1826 the Brinkerhoff nail-factory was bou-;lit ,
Kraslus Corning, and subsequently passed through
proprietary changes, until, "in 1S38, John F. Winslow
came connected with it, and its management was under
control of Corning. Horner & Winslow, who gave thi
lishmcnt its present name. During the following year o
first making of wroiight-iron from pig-iron, in Troy
done at these works. The only other establishment in
State where this process of manufacture was carried on -
at the Ulster Works, in Ulster County.
"During the late civil war this establishment matin
tured largely for the government the patent solid-lip milr I
chair, which was invented at these works," and of win
immense quantities were used upon the military raih
the South.
In 1855, Bessemer, an Englishman, gave to the world
I meess l>\ h hi. h iron was dei ai Lionized into steel, Hoi
Mushct, of England, a little later, overcame a difficulty
countered which left the product " red short," or in
of immalleabtlity at a red heat, and therefore unsen
William Kelley, an American, about the same time
patents for a process looking to the same results. In 1-
Alexander L. Holly associated himself with John A G
wold and John F. Winslow, and purchased the \
patents for the Ressemer process. " The first
of iron into steel, in Troy, at these works, was made I
lS(i.">. At this time there were two competing pal
the United States endeavoring to secure the conn. |
manufacture of steel, — the Kelley pneumatic
sessing the Kelley and Mushct patents, and the final
Winslow, Griswold & Holly, owners of the Bcssen
Holly patents. A Iter spending considerab
purpose, it was agreed to pool their issue-, tic B
Holly party taking seventy per cent., and the Kelley-W
party thirty per cent., on all royalties sold. John A 0
wold and John F. Winslow. of Troy, X. Y., and I1
Morrell, of Johnstown. Fa., were elected trus
organization, who appointed '/.. S. Durfec gem
" The successful results accompanying the first 0] i
of Winslow, Griswold & Holly induced this firm l"
large their works, which they did in 1 867, by putting »'
five-ton • plant.' "
Shortly after the fire of Oct. 19, 1868, which OOMUnl
the roof ol' the larger works. /,. S. Durfec was -
\ Li. Holly as superintendent, the firm then being J
Griswold & Co.. Mr. Winslow parting with bis into
the business. The first ''blow" in the reconstructed
ing was made Jan. 12. 1870. In 1871, Mr. HoJIj
i his management, and was followed in
Barney Mee, Join. f. Thompson, llobert \V, Hunt. J
Griswold, and C. T. Arnbcrg, the hitter of whom lias fill
the position since A ug, 1 . 1 >78.
Tl I!l ling Depart t" is a build
(MTV OK TltOV
221
. ve heating furnaces, one set of thirty three inch thrce-
|i |,|( ling rolls, a seven-ton Sellers hammer, and two
: Iranlic cranes." The rolls are driven by a Corliss engine
, n ne hundred and eighty horse power.
The office of the Albany Iron Works department is on
i north side of Mill Street, east, of the horse-railroad
minus. In 1865 " Mechanics' Hall" was erected, east of
)■ nail-factory. The lower stories are a cooper-shop, the
ier used as an assembly-room, for the accommodation of
ietiea and public gatherings in the vicinity of the iron-
rks. and is a great benefit to the people living in that
lien of the city. At present the hall is used as a lodge-
„i In, the " Iron-Works Division, No. 52, S. of T." In
• water mill of the Albany Iron-Works department is J.
Walker's horseshoe machine. The present annual capa-
|y of this mill for turning out shoes is forty thousand
;s. In the " Nail-Factory'' are thirty-four machines in
■ration. The "Spike-, Bolt-, and Rivet-Mill" is fully
lipped for the production of the spikes, bolts, and rivets
■ aired in railroad-, bridge-, and shipbuilding, or by ma-
nists. It turned out not less than one hundred thousand
M of nails, spikes, etc., during 1878,
''THE RENSSELAER IRON-WORKS.
" The site of these extensive works, on the south and
rth banks of the Poesteukill, was partly occupied by the
ling-mill erected in 1846 by Le Grand, Cannon & Co.
short distance south, during the same year, Johnson &
x built a furnace. The rolling-mill, in 1853, became the
iperty of J. A. Griswold & Co., who gave them the name
v now bear. At present these works embrace the ' rail-
11,' four hundred by one hundred feet, built in 1870, and
e ' merchant-mill,' three hundred and twenty-five by one
aidred and twenty-five feet. The Poesteukill, which
ws between the two buildings, is spanned by a wooden
iilge, upon which are transported productions and ma-
ial on hand-cars. In the merchant-mill is the con-
nsing beam-engine of the old steamboat 'Swallow,' which
is burned opposite the city of Hudson, on the night of
pril 7, 1845.
" The Albany and Rensselaer Iron and Steel Company was
ganized March 1, 1875, by the consolidation of the interests
Erastus Corning & Co. and John A. Griswold & Co. Its
•sent officers are Erastus Corning, President; Chester
riswold, Vice-President ; Selden E. Marvin, Secretary and
vasurer; and Robert W. Hunt, General Superintendent.
" This company's real estate is situated on the south and
•rth hanks of the Wynantskill, and on the south and north
nks of the Poesteukill. The larger portion of it borders
ion the Hudson River, and is contiguous to the Hudson
iver Railroad. This extensive manufacturing establish-
ed, one of the largest iron- and steel-works in the United
ales, embraces the Albany Iron- Works, the Bessemer
eel- Works, and the Rensselaer Iron-Works, and the fur-
ices at Hudson and Port Edward. The Albany Iron-
orkfl department comprises the steam -mill for the manu-
cture of merchant iron, car- and engine-axles, nail-plate,
.igle- and bridge-iron; the Star forge, also for merchant-
on, fish-plates, and other iron ; the water-mill, for nail-
ate, horseshoes, and small iron ; the nail-mill, for steel
nails of all sizes; and the spike-, bolt-, and rivet-factories.
At the Bessemer Steel Work is manufactured thi
steel which has given this lino- manufu !, an en-
viable position in this country foi theei Ilentqualii
rails and other article produced by it. At the Rensselaer
Works are extensively made railroad-rails, merchant steel,
billets, and finished steel.
"The company also are the proprietors of the Columbia
furnace at Hudson and a blast furnace at Fori Edward, at
both of which are manufactured pig iron expressly for the
Bessemer Works in this city,
"The various buildings connected wit 1 1 the three depart-
ments of these extensive works, were they placed in an
alignment, would extend the distance of three fourths of a
mile. They may be enumerated as follow- :
" T/ir Albany Iron- Works.— Steam mill, 350 by 1 55
feet ; Star forge, 102 by 102 feet ; Star forge wing, 10<> by
51 i feet; water-mill, 2211 by 95 feet; spike and rivet-
factory, 160 by 513 feet; nail-factory, 130 by 36J feet;
machine-shop, pattern-shop, and blacksmith-shop, 120 by
75 feet; Mechanics' Hall building, 78 by 27 feet, Store
offices, and other buildings, including "ill tenements.
"Tlte Rensselaer Iran- Works.— Rail-mill, 4(10 by 100
feet; merchant-mill, 320 by 125 feet; machine- and black-
smith-shop, 150 by 30 feet; storage building, lt'H by 30
feet ; drill-house, 40 by 30 feet. Store, offices, and other
buildings.
" The Bessemer Steel-Works. — The Bessemer building,
178 by 65 feet ; the melting-house, 44 by 24 feet ; the
blooming-mill, 160 by 75 feet; the converting building and
forge, 338 by 21 feet; the machine-shop, 65 by 36 feet;
the boiler- and engine-house, 60 by 65 feet. Store, offices,
and other buildings."
The immense annual product of these works may be seen
in the following statement :
" The Albany Iron-Works last year manufactured, fin-
ished iron of all kinds, tons, 14,000 ; railway-engine, truck-,
and car-axles, number, 6000 ; railroad fish-bars or plates,
tons, 2000 ; railroad-spikes, kegs, 100 pounds each, 50,000 ;
boiler- and bridge-rivets, kegs, 24,000 ; iron and steel cut-
nails, kegs, 15,000 ; bolts and nuts, kegs, 5000 ; boat- and
ship-spikes, kegs, 6000. Capacity for manufacturing annu-
ally horseshoes, kegs, 40,000.
" The Bessemer Steel- Works produced last year, steel
ingots, tons, 90,000.
" The Rensselaer Iron-Works, annual capacity, rails, gross
tons, 80,000 j'merchant steel, billets, tons, 25,200 ; finished
steel, sleigh-shoe, etc., tons, 6000.
" The number of persons employed aggregates 2010, the
wages of whom amount to $1,000,000 annually; 140,000
tons of coal are consumed every year. The product of this
establishment embraces every kind of steel, from steel rails
to steel fences, including steel fence-posts for wire fences;
also Close's patent railroad- frogs, guard-rails, etc. The
office of the Rensselaer Iron-Works department is on .Madi-
son Street, corner of First Street. In this same building
is the general office of the Albany and Rensselaer Iron and
Steel Company. The clerical force is represented in the
persons of 11. P. Schuyler, bookkeeper; C. W. Witbeck
and D. B. Donald, clerks of these works. E. C. Vaughn
BISTOItY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
is the superintendent The Bess Steel- Works offi
Bouth of the Wynantskill. P. H. Mitchell is bookkeeper
and i'i. Morris clerk.
•Tilt. Bl [LDINQ OF TI1K ' MONITOR.'
•• Among the ennobling acts of patriotic men daring the
ml dark crises of the late civil war is the memorable
Bcrrice rendered the government by John A. Griswold, oi
tli,' Rensselaer [ron-Works, and by John F. Winslow, of
tlie Albany Iron-Works, who, profoundly impressed with
die deplorable ineffectiveness of the wooden vessels of the
fjnil - Navy, earnestly urged upon the authorities
the construction "I' thai novel iron-battery, the ' Monitor,'
invented by John Ericsson. For not only 'lid these men
strongly advocate the building of the vessel, bul they bad
il,,- il enterprise i" willingly hazard their reputa-
tion and money in building this experimental iron war-
craft. As lias been truthfully said. 'They contracted to
furnish in a given time, and that a short time, a shot-proof
battery such as bad never before been known, original not
only in general design but in the arrangement of parts,
with new methods of mounting guns, — heavier L'tms than
had before been used on shipboard; and they bound them-
selves !•• cause this novel vessel, with all her untried ma-
chinery, -to work in all respects t" the satisfuctii I' the
.1. partment <>r forfeit the money advanced, and that twenty-
pcr cent, of the whole amount they were to receive
should remain unpaid until the Secretary should he satisfied
with the performance of the vessel. As a necessary con-
sequence "f the contract, the vessel was nut accepted by
the government until after the fight at Hampton Roads.'"
The iron-clad was finished, christened by its inventor,
. .1. Ericsson, launched Jan. 30, 18G2, and its com-
mander, Lieut. -I. L. Worden, I'. S. N., ordered by Coin.
Paulding to proceed with it to Hampton Roads.
■• When tie- ■ Monitor' sailed up into the Roads at nine
o'clock that night, the ; Mcrrimac' had retired towards
Norfolk, having ineffectually tried to get within proper
firing distance of the • Minnesota.1 ' In the opinion of the
nothing lay between them that night and the
ruin of the republic. So far as human wisdom could see,
then- was, even in the view of the most sanguine friends
of the Union, nothing to prevent the triumph of tr
in untried experiment, whose issue none could tell.'
that bright Sunday riling of March !'. 1862,
tie' ■ Merrimac' was nol tardy in beginning the destructive
k which she had SO fearfully carried on the day previ-
Bul there u - on the broad waters of the
in unmet . which, insignificant as bIic was in
the right of the rebel crew of the ' Merrimac.' wa- to d<-
■v. r the uavol pride of the Confederate State-.
In that five hours' Gen icnt, which began at eight
o'clock in the morning and continued until one o'clock in
the afternoon, between the rebel iron-clad M rrimac' and
th. lit: box,' the ■ M"ni*'.r.' in which tic latter
by the heavy shot of her ad-
which glanced off 'a- harmlessly,' I by
an • thrown from the hand of o
child.' and the former terribly crippled, was foi
■ ■tly. being deemi '1 a
worthy, she was blown up and destroyed. Thus was saved
the imperiled navy of the United States, and the dark
issues of the war of the Rebellion changed, by the enter-
prise and money of four individuals, chief of whom were
John A. Griswold and John F. Winslow, of Troy. Had
the ■ Monitor' failed to have stood like an angel of reproof
and correction in the way of the aggressor, to-day, perhaps,
'Our faith, triumphant o'er our fear-."
would not cast its eyes towards the heights of fame, where
the names of John Ericsson, C. S. Busbnell, John A. (iris-
wold, and John F. Winslow will be forever bright in the
glory "I' the radiant stars of our peaceful skies."
CAR-SPRING MANUFACTORY OF II. GREEN-S SON 4 CO.
The history of this bouse commences with the year 1 320,
when Isaac Hart, a brother of Jacob Hart, and Henry
Nazro formed a copartnership and established a hardware-
store on River Street, in the building then standing on the
site of that now occupied by William 11. Young. The
first firm was Nazro & Hart, and they continued to do
business under that name until 1832, when Mr. Hart re-
tired, and A. A. Thurber and Hannibal Green were ad-
mitted. The business was thereafter carried on under the
name of Nazro, Thurber & Green. Thurber retired in
1834. when the name was changed to Nazro & Green.
This firm continued very prosperously until 183S. at which
time Mr. Nazro retired, and George H. Cramer connected
himself with Mr. Green, under the firm-name of Green .V
Cramer. This firm became widely known throughout the
mercantile bouses in this section. In 1845 the firm of
Kellogg & Co., then doing a heavy iron business on liiver
Street, near McConihe & Co's. store, was consolidated with
the firm of Green & Cramer. In 1852 the firm of linen
& Cramer was dissolved, and Mr. Green conducted the
business alone until 1S64, when bis son, M. C. Given, was
admit led. and the firm became Hannibal Green & Son.
Mr. Hannibal Green died in March. 1875, and the busi-
ness has since been carried on by the present firm, consist-
ing of Edward M. Green and William M. Sandford. In
1-::^ tie- business headquarters of the concern, then Xa/.ro
& lire, n. was changed from the cast side of River Street
tothe buildings '-'i'.l and -'■'.:; River Street, on the west side.
In 1855, Mr. Green built the building at present occupied
by his successors, and took possession in the latter pari of
the same year. The manufacture of locomotive-, car-, and
Carriage-Springs, which i> lew an important branch of the
busii commenced in 1853, and in 18G5 Mr. Green
buill a large factory for this purpose in the Thirteenth
Ward.
Tin; STOVE MANUFACTURING INTEREST OF
TROY.
This branch of industry is of comparatively recent birth.
[I does not even date so far back as the "good old times"
of fireplace-, when
•■ \\ .• piled, with rare, "iir might; ftnek
od against the chimney hack."
One of tl arlicst stoves known in America was the in-
vention, in 1712. of the practical philosopher Benjamin
,
CITY Of TROY.
223
Franklin, after whom ii was named, although sometimes
facetiously dubbed " Pennsylvania fireplaces." As ex
pressed in its name, "fireplace," (bis stove of Franklin's
was oblong in form, consisting of aboul twelve iron plates
fitted together and kept in place by iron rods, and was built
in with brick in the fireplace of the chimney, the front
part of it protruding into the room. The front plate was
arched on the under side, for the purpose of rendering the
fire within the stow visible to the eye, and was ornamented
with foliages, and a centre figure of a many pointed .sun ;
to the right and left of which was a word of the inscription,
" Alter Idem." A pamphlet, referred to in his autobiog
raphy, was printed and sold by him in Philadelphia in
1744. It was entitled " An account of the newly-invented
Pennsylvania fireplaces, wherein their construction and
manner of operation is particularly explained, their ad-
vantages above every other method of wanning rooms de-
monstrated, and all objections that have been raised against
the use of them answered and obviated. With directions
for putting them up, and for using them to the best advan-
tage, and a copper-plate in which the several parts of the
machine are exactly laid down from a scale of equal parts."
The different hardware dealers of Troy, as early as 1814,
kept on hand an assortment of stoves for heating and culi-
nary uses, embracing " Parlor Franklins" and " Franklin
Cooking-Stoves." The first stove whose manufacture was
accredited to Troy was known as the " Saddle-Bag." Win.
T. James, of Union village, N. Y., its inventor, formed a
partnership with Latham Cornell, of Troy, and among the
several factories advertised was " 275 River Street, Troy." "
These stoves were, however, mostly made in Philadelphia,
sent to Troy in pieces, and there put together and sold.
The honor of the first stove manufacture in Troy is to
be accorded to Starbuck & Gurley, who owned the Troy
Air-Furnace, on the corner of Fifth and Grand Division
Streets. They manufactured, for dealers and inventors, as
early as 1821.
From that time until the present the varieties of stoves
have increased until they are become legion, and from the
date of the late civil war Troy took the lead of other cities
in this country in this important branch of manufacture.
Statistics show that in 1878 there were 18 manufacturers,
1 G41 employees, and $882,880 paid in wages; the number
of stoves manufactured was 137,450, valued at $2,743,000.
Troy is conceded to be the great stove manufacturing centre
of the United States.
The three prominent and important advantages which
Troy enjoys over its many competing cities in this branch
of manufacture are that it is in the centre of vast coal and
iron mining interests ; that it is near a bed of the best
moulding-sand in the United States ; and that both em-
ployers and employees are experienced and practical stove-
makers. In the city are the largest and oldest stove-pattern
manufactories in the country. The name of a Troy-made
stove is always its best advertisement. Her stoves have
been sent to all parts of the known world, — over the steeps
of the Andes of South America, to the Sandwich Islands,
all over Europe, to China, Japan, Australia, etc.
The following are the present stove manufacturing firms
of Troy :
fuller, Warren & Co.'s extensive foundry works cover
limr acres of - nd and are located on Madison M. nroe,
and River Streets. Five hundred men are employed ; three
cupolas are in daily use, and " not lc - than five hundred
tons of ir re alone con umi d annually, in casting repair-
pieces for stoves made l>_v the firm, during the past yeai
its organization." This firm is in the line of uccession
from the earliest stove manufacturing linns in Troy, dating
back to thai of L Stratton & Son. who succeeded Nazro .V
Curtis in 1828, and was followed by the linns of Jolm-on,
(Jeer ,\ Co., Johnson .V Cox, Johnson, Cox .V fuller. Cox,
Warren, Morrison & Co., fuller, Warren & Morrison, and,
in 1859, the present firm. The large and spacious »
rooms of the firm are at. Nos. 25."), 257, and 259 River
Street, with branch houses in various cities of the Union.
The special display of this firm at the International Exposi-
tion held at Philadelphia in 1876 attracted the attention
of both American and foreign visitors to the beauty of
design, fineness of finish, and admirable construction of
their wares. At their establishment are to be seen the
early patented stoves of P. P. Stewart.
James S. Dickerman, whose foundry is situated on the
northwest corner of William Street and Central Avenue,
and whose manufacturing business was begun twenty -five
years ago by Buswell, Durant & Co., who were succeeded
by John H. Quackenbush, and in 1876 by the present pro-
prietor. The foundry is about two hundred by one hundred
feet in dimensions.
The Empire Foundry (Svvett, Quimby & Perry) occu-
pies a block and a half of ground on the northwest corner
of Second and Ida Streets. The firm descended originally
from Anson Atwood, who established himself in this line
in 1S41. These works are located on the north bank of
the Poestenkill.
OAK WOOD STOVE WORKS.
The Oakwood Stove-Works (Bussey, McLeod & Co.) is
an extensive three-story brick structure, two hundred and
fifty feet in length, located on Oakwood Avenue. The firm
began business in 1803, and not only has an extensive trade
in the East, but has an interest in the Chicago (III.) Stove-
Works, of which C. A. McLeod is president.
The " Co-operative Stove- Works" began manufacturing
in ISliti, under the name of the " Co-operative Iron Foun-
ders' Association," composed of seventy members. In 1 879
22 i
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
it assumed its present title. Michael Farrell is president
and Thomas J. Rogun vice-president of the association.
The warer is. offices, and foundry departments are in two
large brick buildings, Nos. 867 and Sill) liivcr Street, ronuT
of Turner's Lane. The company has a Western Bale-house,
\ - 75 and 77 Lake Street, Chicago, to which ii ships
stoves from its manufactory in this city.
The stove-works of Andrew I!. Fales are situated on
\ ih Third Street, Nos. 279 to 293. In 1878 the pres-
ent proprietor succeeded the Wager Stove Company. Tl o
line of succession embraces A. M. Stratton, L835; James
Wager, 1839; Wager & Dater, L844; Wager & Pratt,
1-17; Wager, Pratt & Co., 1849 j Wager, Kiel od &
Smith, 1852; James Wager, L855; Wager & Fox, L85G ;
Wager & Fules, I860; Wager, Fales & Co., 1-'::'. Andrew
B, Fales, 1-7.'. The foundry building extends one hun-
dred and eighty feet on North Third Street, with a width
of one hundred and thirty feet.
The Giles Stove Company sue eded II. G. Giles & Son,
who began manufacturing stoves in Troy in L866. At the
death of II. G. Giles, in January, 1879, the Giles Stove
Company was formed. The establishment, on the south-
west corner of Vail Avenue and North Street, is kuown as
the Vail Avenue Foundry.
The firm of George M. Phillips & Co. has its foundry,
warerooms, and office in its large brick building, on the
northwest ol River and Hoosick Streets, Nos. 533
and 535. Its line of descent reaches hack as far as the year
1845, when Anthony, Davy & Co. began manufacturing
Btovcs in Tiny. From that time to the present the follow-
ing linns have fonued the connecting links: Davy, An-
thony & Phillips, ISfiu ; Daw. Ingruhaui A- Phillips, 1852;
Ingraham & Phillip-. 1858; [ngraham, Phillips & Co.,
1863; ai IG H. Phillips & Co., 1868. In 1870 the
firm purchased the present property, on which is situated
their large buildings, which have a frontage of one hundred
and fifty feet mi River Street, and run back as far as the
river "ii the west
The warerooms of Marcus L. Filley are in the building
N 287 River Street, and the foundry on George and
Car S Green Island. The first persons to begin the
manufacture of Btoves at this foundry were the members of
the firm of Morrison, Manning A Co., in 1836. They were
succ I'd in 1842 by John Morrison, and he in turn by
Alexander Morrison and Thomas M. Tibbits in 1848. In
1854, Newberry, Filley & Co. were their successors. The
nt proprietor became sole possess ir of it in 1859.
The offices and salesrooms of Potter a Co ri at No.
195 River Street. This stove-house has it- line of do nt
from I. Potter .v Co., 1853 I. Potter, 1858; Potter &
1859 Potter a Paris, 1862; Burdett, Paris & Co.,
- Burdett, Potter, Smith ,v Co., L869 Pol
-Tl : - ive-Worka" ■ Burdett, Smith A Co are
s*i t =i I. Canal Street, west "I* the Troy and B
tun tablishnicnt, built of brick, has all
the appurtenances of a I foundry. The office and
sal>- No. 253 River Street, and -W River
The pasi connections of this cnter-
prii the following manu L Potter
& Co.. 1853 ; L. Potter, 1S58; Potter & Co., 1859 ; Pot-
ter A Paris, 1862; Burdett. Paris & Co., 18GS; Burdett
Potter, Smith & Co., 1869 ; Burdett, Smith & Co., 1871.
II. S. Church's foundry building, on the corner of Pul-
tun and Mechanic Streets, was, in 1810, occupied by John-
son, 1 1 ler A. < !ox. For some time subsequently it remained
idle, but was. in 18.">:'». occupied by Cox & Church, who
were succeeded ill 1ST 1 by II. &. II. S. Church, and in
1875 by II. S. Church. The chief business of this foundry
in stove-making is furnishing castings for several large
manufacturing houses in this city.
Chauncey 0. Greene's establishment traces its origin to
the year 1835, when A. M. Stratton began business at No.
6-1 Sixth Street, it then being knowu as the Stratton fur-
nace. The latter was followed by James Wager in 1S39,
who became a member of the firm of Wager & Dater in
1844; Wager & Pratt, 1847; Wager. Pratt & Co., 1849;
Smith & Sheldon, 1855; Smith, Sheldon & Co., 1858;
Sheldon & Greene, 1S62 ; Sheldon, Greene & Co., 1870;
Sheldon & Greene, 1S73 ; Chauncey 0. Greene, 1874.
The salesroom and office of C. 0. Greene are in the build-
ing No. 193 River Street, corner of State Street.
Corse & Co.'s warerooms are in the building known as
Nos. 399 and 401 River Street. The business of manu-
facturing Steves was begun in 1847 by Charles Eddy. In
1859 the firm of Charles Eddy & Co. was formed. In
1SI39 the firm was reorganized, and became Eddy & Corse;
in 1870, Eddy, Corse & Co. ; and, in 1S79, Corse & Co.
The " Wolfe Stove Company" have their office and sales-
room in the building known as No. 2<;:> River Street. The
history of this house begins with A. T. Dunham & Co.,
lSMi. The latter firm was followed by Sanders A Wolfe.
1854; Sanders, Wolfe & Warren, 1855; Wolfe & Warren,
1856; Hicks, Wolfe & Co., 1859 ; Hicks & Wolfe, 1867;
and the Wolfe Stove Company, 1878.
" The Washington Stove-Works" (Skinner, Gould & Co;
are located at Nos. 104 to 120 North Third Street. In
1875 this firm succeeded A. [ugraham & Co., who estab-
lished business in 187 1 .
.lames R, Hyde's salesroom is at 56 King Street. He
has been engaged in stove manufacture since the year 1849.
The foundry buildings of D. E. Paris & Co. are i
on Burlington Street, and opposite are its offices and ware-
rooms. This enterprising firm are the successors to the
original firm of L. Potter & Co.. established in 1S53. In
1858, L. l'oiter had the sole interest; the following year
it was again Potter & Co. ; in 1862, Potter & Paris became
the proprietors; in 1868 it was Burdett, Pan- A Co . and
in 1 B69 i""k the firm title ii now sustains.
J. C. Henderson, from 1873 to 1876, was associated with
Jacob Shavor; since the last-named year Mr. Henderson
h:i^ been individually engaged in the manufacture of fur-
with office and salesroom ai No 193 River Street.
The growth of this trade in Troy may be seen by conM
paring the figures lor 1845 with those above given for
1878. In 1845 six linns manufactured forty thousand
Move-, in 1878 eighteen firms made one hundred and
thirty seven thousand four bundled and fifty stoves. Willi
the eucouraging prospects of better times, this line of man-
ufacture in Troy, in the future, is likely to show a great
C€c^ts/<J
Otis G. Clark was born in Rutland, Vt., Nov.
26, 1816, and is eldest son of Alanson and Elutheria
(Stearns) Clark. His father was a builder by occu-
pation. He lived to the age of fifty-one, and died
in his native town in the year 1836. His mother
died in the year 1833. After receiving a fair com-
mon-school education Mr. Clark, at the age of six-
teen, began an apprenticeship with his father as a
mason and builder. Upon the death of his father
he came to Troy, N. Y., where he engaged as a
journeyman for three years, working at his trade.
In 1839 he went into business for himself, and was
associated as a partner with Jonathan Childs, under
the firm-name of Childs & Clark.
In 1845 Mr. Childs died, and Mr. Clark con-
tinued the business alone until 1862, — the time of
the great fire in Troy, — when he formed a partner-
ship with Jesse Van Zile, the firm-name being
Clark & Van Zile. This business relation continued
only three years, and two years thereafter Mr. Clark
gave up the business. His experience in this busi-
ness extended over thirty years, and many of the
finest and most substantial blocks and private resi-
dences of the city of Troy are monuments to his
enterprise and industry. In 1867 he became one of
the organizers and stockholders in a stock company
entitled the "Star Knitting Company," located at
Cohoes, N. Y., and was chosen as the general agent
and business manager of the concern, which position
he still retains, and successfully and judiciously
carries forward the business intrusted to his super-
vision.
Since his coming to Troy he has ever been inter-
ested in the prosperity of the city and the welfare
of its citizens, and has supported every enterprise
tending to establish the law, preserve order, and
educate the rising generation.
He was a director in the Central Bank of Troy
for many years, and until the organization of the
First National Bank, of which he is one of the or-
ganizers and original stockholders. He is also a
director of the Troy and Lansingburgh Railroad
Company. He is a trustee of the Orphan Asylum,
and was for many years connected with the manage-
ment of the Young Men's Association of Troy dur-
ing its early history.
During his middle life Mr. Clark took a some-
what active interest in politics. He was formerly
identified with the Whig party, and upon the forma-
tion of the Republican party joined its ranks. For
two years he was a member of the Common Council
from the Third Ward, and served six years as super-
visor of the same ward. He was one of the original
members of the board of fire commissioners, and
served six years.
Mr. Clark has spent his life as an active business
man, and in all his business relations his integrity,
his desire for justice to all, and his frank and open
ways have secured the confidence of those with whom
he has been brought in contact.
In 1840 he married Amelia S., daughter of J. S.
Bardwell, of Troy, N. Y. Their children are Dr.
Charles G. Clark, a graduate of Union College, a
graduate of Bellevue Medical College, and a prac-
ticing physician of Troy ; George H., Walter A.,
Warren G., and Jay W. Clark.
0 oj/vum (J> c*4 t&wi <t^u
His ancestors were of English origin. His father. Jona-
than Diekerman, was a native of Hamdeu, Conn. ; was a
well-to-do farmer in the town of Wallingford, New Haven
Co., Conn., where he resided most of his life, and where he
died. He was twice married, and reared a family of four-
teen children, of whom Jairus was eldest, and was born in
the town of Wallingford, May 10, 1797.
Mr. Diekerman spent his boyhood at home on the farm,
having very limited opportunities for obtaining an education
from books, as frequently then, as now, parents placed a
pecuniary value upon the time of their children before
reaching their majority. His early struggle with circum-
stances was no exception to that of many who, at an early
age, go into the busy world to carve out a fortune for them-
selves. At the age of fifteen he began an apprenticeship as
stone-cutter, in New Haven, and served six years. At the
close of his term of service. May 19, 1818, with less than
one dollar in money, but with a resolution to succeed, and
with willing hands, he went t" West Stockhridge. Mass.,
where lie arranged with Caleb Boynton, who afterwards
became his father-in-law, for a stock of marble, to be paid
for i- -'».n i- he had cut and sold it. With industry ap-
proaching hardship, and with economy bearing on self-
denial, he had, at the end of the first year, cleared one
hundred dollars. He remained at West Stockbridge for
ten years, and carried on the marble business, and while
there. March 12, 1K19. married I'hcbc, daughter of Mr.
ton,
With ■ capital of a few hundred dollars, in 1828 he
removed to Troy. N. V., where he rented some land on the
corner of Fourth and Ferry Streets, of the heirs of the
Van Rensselaer est lie, and in partnership with Calvin
Warner, a mason by trade, erected buildings and carried on
the marble business for eight years.
Mr. Warner retiring from the firm, Mr. Diekerman
bought the property and made more extensive preparations
for his business by elaborate buildings, and by adding a
steam-engine for the purpose of sawing and dressing marble,
— the first engine used for that purpose in Rensselaer
County, — an establishment known since as Dickerman's
Steam Marble- Works.
Mr. Dickermau carried on the marble business success-
full}' on this location until 1859, and retired from the
active duties of life, leaving his marble-works in the hands
of his son, Mark S. Diekerman, who still continues the
business.
Mr. Diekerman is a plain, unassuming man, and pos-
sesses that force of character, integrity of purpose, and
conscientious regard of justice to all that commands the
esteem of all who know him. He has been satisfied to lead
a business life, and removed as far as possible from sectional
strife and notoriety. He was formerly a member of the
Whig party, and upon the formation of the Republican
party adopted its principles. He has ever been interested
in the prosperity of the city. For one year was a member
of the Common Council for the Second Ward, and for two
years he was supervisor of that ward, and he has also been
a director of the Mutual National Rank of Troy for many
years. For several years Mr. Diekerman was one of the
trustees of the First Presbyterian Church, and for the past
twelve years he has been a member of that church.
Mrs. Diekerman died .Ian. 12, 1S38, aged forty years,
and June 9, 1841, he married Mrs. Catherine E. Noyes,
daughter of Capt. James Edgcrton, of New London, Conn.
She died Jan. 6, 1870, aged sixty-six. His children arc
Caleb S.. Mark S., Mary Amelia, Mrs. Joshua C. Learned,
of New London, Conn. ; Mrs. Prof. Dascom Greene, of Troy,
N V., and James Edgcrton.
I'hoto. by Atkinson, Troy, N. Y.
John Flagg was born in the town of Weston, Mass.,
\pril 25, 1799. He is a lineal descendant, of the eighth
generation, from John Flagg, who was born in Norfolk
2o., England, 161 G, who came from England in 1637, in
he service of Richard Scratby, and settled at Watertown,
Mass.* His father, John Flagg, was also a native of
Weston ; married Lucy Curtis ; lived in the place of his
jirth his whole life, and for many years was a merchant.
Be died at the age of fifty-four. His wife died in
1830.
Mr. Flagg received a good education before reaching
bis majority, and at the age of nineteen had prepared for
allege. Concluding to lead a business instead of a pro-
fessional life, in 1818 he spent one year as clerk in a store
in Boston, followed by four years as book-keeper in a com-
mission house in New Orleans. He then went to Nashua,
N. H., and established mercantile operations, which he
continued for fifteen years. He became subsequently a
merchant in New York City for six years, where by try-
ing to assist his friends he unfortunately lost his entire
property.
With that undaunted resolution, which was so character-
istic of his early life, to meet every obstacle with a deter-
mination to succeed, he again began at the bottom of
business, with no capital, but something of more value, —
experience. He came to Troy in 1848, when he opened a
dry-goods house, and by his close attention to business, and
his integrity in all his relations with his fellow-men, he was
soon in the midst of a prosperous trade, which he carried
on successfully until 1874. For many years he was a lead-
ing merchant of the city, and for a part of the time was
interested in three different houses in the city at the same
* Bond's History and Genealogies of Watertown, Mass.
time. He has been connected with the following firms :
Flagg, Winne & Co., Flagg, King & Blakeman, and Flagg &
Frear. Few men remain for so many years in one busi-
ness, and few men retain the vigor of body and mind that
Mr. Flagg seems now to possess, after a business career of
sixty years, fifty-five of which have been spent as a mer-
chant. His life has been one of constant activity, giving
little attention to the bickerings and strife of politics, ex-
cept to cast his vote. He was formerly identified with the
Whig party, and is now a Republican.
Mr. Flagg is modest and unpretentious, yet sociable and
genial, and is known to the citizens of Troy as a man of
sterling qualities ; upright, honorable, and possessed of
great kindness of heart for the welfare of all with whom
he comes in contact ; and especially is his sympathy mani-
fested to those worthy and in need. Morally, he has ever
been an example worthy of imitation by the rising gener-
ation. A friend to the friendless, in his business relations
he has in many instances been the means of encouraging,
assisting, and directing young men to successful positions
in business life.
Mr. Flagg has always manifested a warm interest in
educational and religious institutions, and has been a liberal
contributor to them whenever duty made it incumbent
upon him.
In 1830 he married Abigail, daughter of Isaac Hobbs,
of Weston, Mass. She was a lady of rare excellence, and
died in 1870, aged sixty-nine. Mr. Flagg is now in his
eighty-first year, and has buried eight brothers and sisters,
his wife, and three children, — leaving only a grandson of
his posterity ; and, although he has lived to exceed fourscore
years, his mind seems unimpaired, and his activity and
sprightliness of body, when out for his accustomed drive or
walk, bespeak a man not rising of fifty years.
Photo, by Atkinson, Troy, N. y.
r
i?n
'/s&
John Archibald was eldest of a family of four sons of
Thomas Archibald, of the city of Durham. England, and
was born March 11, 1788.
In 1819 his brother Thomas, who had been educated in
Durham, emigrated to America. For two years he lived
in Greenbush, this county, and for twenty-five years lie was
a resident and business man of Troy, N. Y. He received
a license to exhort in the Methodist Episcopal Church in
1823; in 1833 he was duly licensed to preach, and in
1839, at Schenectady, he was ordained a deacon by the
rablc Bishop Hedding. The last nineteen years of his
life were spent in Chautauqua Co.. X. Y.. where he died
Nov. 20, 1 SlVS. aged seventy-five.
Hi- mother died when he was only seven years old. At
thi- a.-.- of twelve John went into service on a farm, and
was employed in various ways until the age of twenty,
when he became superintendent of the construction of the
Necsani Railway, — one of the first built in England. At
the age of twenty-two he married Ann. daughter of Robert
and Jane Elvin. She was bom in 1788.
For several years following his marriage he was a butcher,
and accumulated quite a comfortable competence. In June,
1823, he came to America, remained a few months with
his brother, then in Troy, and returned for his family. In
the spring of 1824 he bade adieu to the land of his birth,
and with his wife and only daughter, Elisabeth, reached
STork in Juneofthi unsettling in Troy, where
he has since resided.
F'.r fifteen yean as ■ butcher and proprietor of a market,
and eighteen years as s brick manufacturer, he was famil-
iarly known to the citizens of Troy. While carrying on
the meal market he began to operate in real estate, and
for forty years he has been etiL-u'ed as a dealer in ho
and lot*, and has caused to be crectwl on Tenth, Fifth,
and Sausse Streets, and on Oakwood Avenue, some forty
buildings. His integrity in all his business operations, his
continued activity in business circles for a half-century, and
his genial, unostentatious ways, have made him widely
known and respected in the community where he resides.
He formerly belonged to the Democratic party, but since
1S5S has been a Republican. His life has been one of
activity, and his career as a business man successful. He
has never been solicitous of much publicity, yet man]
years ago, in I 857, was inspector of election, and in 1858-59
represented the Tenth Ward in the common council.
During his long residence in the city he has ever i
nized the responsibilities and duties of the citizen, and has
been connected with the various public enterprises tending
to its growth and prosperity. Roth he and his wife have
been efficient members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
of Troy since 1840, the latter until her death, Dec. 2. 1 -71
Mr. Archibald, soon after his connection with the Cliurcli.
was chosen a leader, and upon his resignation of the ardu-
ous duties of that office, after many years' service, he w»s
chosen a steward. He has been prominent in the council!
of that Church as a trustee, and as a liberal contributor i"
building church edifices, not only for his own denomini
tion, but for others needing assistance. For the past fiv
years he has been deprived of his sight, a loss which DC
bears with great patience. His daughter. Mrs. Robert
Wade, is ,-i lady of great kindness of heart, and, by DCf
constant attention, adds much to the comfort and happi-
n< -- of Inr father in the decline of life, and now in tlie
nilieiy-s )iid year of his age.
Mr. Archibald i- one of the old landmarks wli
reaches back to the last century, and while nearly three
gl ni rations have passed away since he was born, he i
active in mind and comfortable in body.
CITY OF TROY.
2 25
increase. For the enterprise of the Troy stove manufao
turers is proverbial. There is seldom mi improvement in a
gtovo that cannot be traced to the inventive skill of a Troy
manufacturer.
p. P. STEWART.
Prominently identified with this interest for many years
in Troy was Philo Pen field Stewart, a notable man, not
only the inventor of the stove bearing Ins name, but a mc-
ohanic, teacher, missionary, founder of a college, reformer,
and philanthropist. Horn in Sherman, Conn.. July 6,
1798, during his minority In- attended the Pawlet, Vt.,
Academy, and learned the trade of harness-making. He
early consecrated his life to Christ. At the age of twenty-
three ho went to Mississippi as a missionary to the Choc-
taw Indians. In 1832 he went to Elyria, Ohio, and,
during his residence there, planned and assisted to found
the Oberlin College. In 1836 he traveled through the
New England States in the behalf of that educational ex-
periment. Subsequently, alter a short visit to his old home
in Vermont, he went to New York City, and while there,
enduring many privations and hardships, invented the
celebrated " P. P. Stewart Summer and Winter Cooking-
Stove." Fixing on Troy as the place for their manu-
facture, he removed thither, and commenced their pro-
duction and sale, first through the firm of Starbuck & Co.,
and later the house of Fuller, Warren & Co. For years
he studied to improve Iris own invention. At that time
the stove was small ; he made it larger, and enlarged the
oven, and finally, after many discouraging failures, added
the improved reservoir and " back-closet." It was not
until 1859 that he obtained a patent for his "Large Oven
and Air-Tight Cooking-Stove." This perfected stove was
a success, and had a wonderful sale, — over ninety thousand
stoves in thirty years.
During his residence in New York City he became
actively associated with the Abolition leaders of the day, —
James G. Birney, John G. Whittier, Theodore Weld, and
others. He loved liberty with an intensity that knew no
abatement; tyranny and slavery found in him an im-
placable foe. Notwithstanding the wonderful success of
his stove, he never acquired wealth : he gave constantly to
charities, and helped friends beyond their reasonable claims
for assistance. He was for years a deacon of the Congre-
gational Church in Troy, and ever contributed freely to its
support. He died Dec. 13, 18(18. He was a remarkable
man and a true Christian. His death was sincerely
mourned by all classes of society. His remains were
conveyed to Pittsford, Vt., and there consigned to their
final rest among his relatives.
THE BELL-FOUNDRIES OF TROY.
Among the few scattered houses on the west bank of the
Hudson, opposite the village of Troy, which in 1808 were
designated by the name of Gibbonsville, were the wooden
buildings of the bell-foundry of Julius Hanks. His father,
Col. Benjamin Hanks, one of the first and most noted of
the bell-founders of the United States, had come with him
from Litchfield, Conn. Julius was his third son, with
whom he lived until he died in 1820, aged sixty-five. The
29
meritorious qualities of the church bolls, bronze cannon,
mathematical ami surveying instruments mi facturcd
the Gibbonsville foundry in a short time acquired a i
extensive reputation for Julius Hanks' productions. Hi-
business had assumed so much local importance that John
Klein marked the site of the foundry on his map of Troy
in ISIS. The buildings were situated a short distance
outh of Buffalo Street, where now is No. 237 Broadway,
West Troy.
In the fall of 1825, Julius Hanks removed to Troy, and
built on the northeast corner of Fifth ami Fulton Strei
•• near Starbuck & Gurley's air-furnace ami John C. Lang-
don's machine-shop," a wooden building for his residence,
two stories high, ami back of it. a foundry, where, as he
advertised in the Trojj S> ntim I. he was " prepared to execute
any orders in church bells with improved east iron yokes;
also, town clocks, copper and brass castings, surveyors'
instruments of the most improved construction."
In the spring of 1830, Alpheus and Truman Hanks,
doing business in Hartford, Conn., advertised that they had .
purchased the stock and works of their brother, Julius
Hanks, whom they had appointed their agent in Troy, and
that they were "prepared to furnish church bells from HID
to 3000 pounds." Shortly afterwards, Oscar, the eldest son
of Julius Hanks, succeeded to his father's business, at
which place he continued making church bells, surveyors'
instruments, and general light model-work for patents until
about the year 1818.
Andrew Meneely, who had acquired a practical knowledge
of the art of bell-making in the foundry of Julius Hanks,
and also had married Philena, the eldest daughter of Rod-
ney Hanks, a brother of Julius' father, succeeded to the
proprietorship of the Gibbonsville foundry in 182G, after
Julius Hanks had removed to Troy.
The business of bell-making in West Troy was continued
until 1S50 by Andrew Meneely, when a partnership was
formed, and the firm of Andrew Meneely & Son conducted
it until 1851, when Andrew Meneely's Sous took its man-
agement until 1S63, when they were succeeded by E. A. &
G. R. Meneely, who were, in 1S74, followed by Meneely
& Co., the present proprietors.
In 1S52, Eber Jones and James H. Hitchcock formed
a partnership in the manufacturing of bells under the firm-
natne of Jones & Hitchcock. They commenced work in
what was then known as the Peck building, on the north-
west corner of First and Adams Streets. In 1854 they
removed to a new shop on the opposite southwest corner.*
In August of the same year their building was destroyed
by fire, but was rebuilt, and is the one now occupied. In
1 857 the firm was changed to Jones & Co., H. J. King
taking the place of James H. Hitchcock. In 18G5 the
linn was composed of the following persons: Eber Jones,
Sylvanus Birch, and Octavius Jones. In 1S67 the firm
consisted of Octavius and Marcus R. Jones. Since 1S73
this business has been carried on by Octavius Jones. In
1870, Clinton II. Meneely and George II. Kimberly formed
a partnership in bell-manufacturing, under the firm-name
« This establishment made the first complete chime
made in America, and placed in a church tower, for Si. Stephen's
Church, Philadelphia, consisting of 9 bells, weighing 12,798 |»>un,ls.
22G
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of Menecly .V Kimbcrly. They erected buildings at Nos.
22 and 24 River Street
From these several foundries bells have gone out, large
and small, to nearly every portion of the globe. There is
Bcarcely a village of importance in the United States in
which one or more of them i- nol heard, while the territory
in which they have been distributed includes the British
American provinces, the Pacific coast, Mexico, the Wesl
Indies, South America, the Sandwich Islands, India, China,
and New Zealand.
Till'. MANUFACTURE OF COLLARS AND SHIRTS.
On.- of Troy's leading industries— the manufacture of
linen collars and cuffs — was fifty years ago an insignificant
enterprise, — an industry without a commercial designa-
tion. Today it is conspicuous ami notable, demanding the
labor of thousands of trained operatives and furnishing a
continent with the admirable results of a thoughtful expe-
rience and an ambitious desire to excel all competition.
It is said that Prof. Amos Eaton, whose wealth of sci-
entific knowledge gave early fame to the Rensselaer Poly-
technic Institute, endeavored, for a long time, to dissuade
one of his fricuds from eugaging in the manufacture of
collar.-, declaring that it was apparent folly for anybody to
venture time and money in so petty an undertaking. The
2 . however, failed to convince his friend, who
shortly alter invested his savings in the manufacture of
collars, and who, by his industry and economy, in the
course of time, obtained a competency aud retired from the
active duties of the business.
K A H I, Y M A N U FACTUJIERS.
Orlando Montague and Austin Granger, under the firm-
name of Montague & Granger, ii appears, were the first
persons in Troy to undertake the manufacture of linen col-
lars and i special business. In 1S34 they occu-
; a building on the site of the Hall building, where they
filled orders for the trade in Troy and New York.
The following year introduced Independence Starki
stock- and collar maker, to the ] pie of Troy and vicinity.
E ly in the month of May of that year, Lyman Bennett,
while pursuing his trade as a carpenter, began, with the
assistance of his wife, in a small way, the manufacture of
collars at No.24 North Third Street. She with her shears
rut a Dumber of collars; he. as his habit was, carried them
to different women, who did th< . stitching and
laundrying.
In 1 . n Bennett, finding that his recent venture
had assumed such proportions as to require all of his time
and direction, relinquished his trade and entered upon the
business of collar-making. In 1838 he opened a place of
iness at No. 308 River Street, where he remained until
1853, when he changed to No. "'II River Street, entering
into partnership with M. \V. 1 1 i<-k- and ( ». W. Edson, under
the firm-nan. Hicks .V Edson, lineu-manu-
Thi in this, the oldi si collar-manu-
irin_* house iii Troy, were the following: in 1855,
1860, D Edsoi \ Strickland ;
■ii linlj (ruin
1861, Bennett, Strickland & Fellows; 186G, Bennett A
I Hows; L868, Bennett, Fellows & Co.; 1871. Fellows v\
Curtis.
Ani.ine; the early manufacturers appears the nan
W.iinl ltdienek. who in lSiiS, as a collar- and stock-maker
occupied the second Hour of No. 300 River Street. In
1839, John W. White manufactured collars at No. 345
River Street. Jefferson Gardner, in the following year,
became his partner. The year after the firm was dissolved.
.I. II. rson Gardner removing to No. 42 King Street.
It was not, however, until sewing-machines were intro-
duced thai the collar business assumed a larger and a more
rapid growth. In the winter of 1S51-52, Nathaniel
Wheeler, of the firm of Wheeler, Wilson it Co.. came to
Troy, bringing with him one of the recently-invented sow-
ing-machines. He stopped at the Mansion House, whi
he exhibited it. Alluding to the results of this visit, Mr.
Wheeler remarks: " I particularly brought the attention
of the manufacturers of collars and cuffs to the machine.
most of whom shook their heads, doubling the practicability
of stitching collars by machinery. Among my visitors wa-
Jcfferson Gardner, who, seeming to be less skeptical, pa-
tiently investigated the subject, and concluded to give the
machines a trial."
Early in the spring of 1S52 several machines were sent
Jefferson Gardner, who put them in practical operation in
his collar-factory at No. Hi King Street. His tests of their
adaptability to collar work were so satisfactory that he BOOD
ordered more machines. There are now (1S79) over six-
teen hundred sewing-machines in the service of the I
collar- and cuff-manufactories.
The first Troy manufacturer to apply, by way of experi-
ment, steam-power to the Wheeler & Wilson machines ms
0. W. Edson, of the firm of Bennett, Hicks & Edson, in
1 355, at their factory, No. 3 Union Street, corner of Ful-
ton, the power being transmitted from the establishment of
W. & L. E. Gurley. This new departure was at once im-
itated by all the other manufacturer.-. Singular as it i-
true, the Wheeler & Wilson sewing-machines have ni
lost their early prestige and appreciation among the collar
men, and to day but very few other machines besides theirs
are used. Since their introduction not less than twenty
thousand have been sold in Troy and in other places in
Rensselaer County.
Lack of space forbids giving the detail- of the pi
of collar- or shirt-manufacture, or of more than referring
the pre-eminence Troy has attained in the perfection of its
laundrying. The magnitude of this trade may be seen from
the fait thai during the past year nearly three and a hall
million d../. -ii- of collars and cuffs were made in Troy. To
market lb -i ;_ 1- two and a half million of paper 1
w,re requin 1. also made at the extensive paper box maun
factories of the city. Nol less than seven thousand females
are engaged in this work in Troy, who receive in n
annually more than a million and a half of dollars. About
thirteen Ii bed women find a livelihood in the lam..
alone. The Dumber of collars and cuffs annually turned
out aggregates three million two hundred and ninety thou-
sand do/ens. for which is received four million and twenty-
five tle.u- on 1 dollars. The following is a brief mention of
(MTV OK TROY.
in
il„. firms engaged in this department of manufacture, in the
order of their seniority:
FELLOWS 4 <ri: IIS.
This house, ms has been previously shown, had Lyman
Bennett as its orignator. From the time of its establish-
ment, in 1837, until the present, the reputation of its goods
has secured for the house an extended territorial patronage.
The spacious manufacturing-rooms of the firm arc in the
large brick building No. 513 Fulton Street, corner of Union
Street.
J. M. CORLISS & son.
This linn's past connection in business dates as far back
aa L838, when as Holdridge & Corliss its first, manufac-
turing operations began in a building situated cm the corner
ofSixth anil Slate Streets. In 1839 the business was con-
ducted solely by J. M. (Vliss, who in 1S40 entered into
partnership with John W. White, under the firm-name el'
Corliss & White. In 1S43, J. M. Corliss again took its
individual management, but in 1S4G the name again was
changed to Corliss & House. In 1855 the business was
conducted by Corliss, House & Co., and in 1857 again by
Corliss & House. Its present firm-name was assumed in
1868. This house is favorably known throughout the
country, and commands an extensive trade. Its manufac-
turing-rooms are in the large building on the southwest
comer of Broadway and Seventh Streets.
EARL & WILSON.
William S. Earl was the founder of this house. He
began in 1850 the manufacture of collars. In 1857 the
firm of Earl & Blanchard was formed, which several years
after was dissolved. Having retired for a number of years
from the business, W. S. Earl in 1867 formed a partnership,
which from that time until now has been known under the
name of Earl & Wilson. This firm occupies the lower floors
of the large building on the southwest comer of Broadway
and Seventh Street.
GEORGE 15. CLUETT, BROTHER & CO.
It was in 1851 that Maulin & Blanchard began business
as collar-manufacturers in a building designated as No. 282
River Street. Five years afterwards the firm became Maulin
& Bigelow. The management of the business was increased
in 18G2, and was known in mercantile circles as Maulin,
Bigelow & Co. The succeeding year this association was
dissolved, at which time George B. Cluctt formed a part-
nership with Mr. Maulin, the house taking the firm-name of
Maulin & Cluctt. The members of the present firm of
George 15. Cluctt, Brother & Co. in 1S64 assumed the en-
tire direction of this well-known manufacturing house. The
name of this house and the goods manufactured by it are
notable throughout the country. Besides its extensive
business in collars and cuffs, the house is largely engaged
in manufacturing shirts. The firm's establishment is in the
large building Nos. 74 and 7G Federal Street.
s. a. house's sons.
In 1853, S. A. House, the father of John M., William
M., and Edward 0. House, began making collars and culls
at No. 3 Fourth Street. In 1865 he associated thi
with him, under the name of S \ rlou i & Son-. 'I In
present firm, by the withdrawal of the lather in I .
m 1 the direction of the widelj extended bu in. h-
manufactory is in the large building on tin- southwi -i corner
of Broadwnj and Seventh Streets, and the firm is doin
prosperous business.
CI NNISON & STEW HIT.
This bouse, the first to manufacture ladies' linen collars
and cull's in Troy, was established in L856 by Gunnison,
Stewart & Co., at No. 11 Fourth Street. In L858 the
present linn undertook the management of the growing
trade of (he house, lis prcsei anufactory is in the large
building No. 55G Fulton Street.
COON, REYNOLDS & CO.
At No. 7 Union Street is the manufacturing establish-
ment of this favorably-known linn, which was, in 1856,
founded by Cole & Coon in the Manufacturers' Hank build-
ing, corner of River and King Streets. The first change
took place in L859, to the name of Cole, Coon & Co. hi
18G1 another change made the linn Coon & Van Yalken-
burgb, which, in 1878, gave place to the name of the
present firm. Their increased business is the satisfactory
evidence of the great demand for the superior line of goods
manufactured by them.
D. W. CHURCHILL.
In 1858, R. II. Gardiner & Co. succeeded Jefferson
Gardiner, Strickland & Co. in business at No. 14 King
Street. They were in 18G2 succeeded by George H.
Churchill, who in 1875, having entered into a partnership,
changed the name to George Churchill & Co. In 1878
the present proprietor took the business, which is now en-
joying a very excellent run of custom. The rooms of this
establishment are at Nos. 7, 9, and 11 Sixth Street.
PINE & HAMLIN.
The large and cheerful workrooms of this firm are es-
tablished at No. 60 Sixth Street. In 1SG3, Cole, Dyer &
Pine entered into partnership, which three years later was
left in charge of the two last-named gentlemen. In 18G8
the firm was changed to Pine & Miller, and two years sub-
sequently to that of Pine, Miller & Dunham. The present
energetic members of the firm, Pine & Hamlin, succeeded
to the business in 187S, and are now busily employed iu
filling, from day to day, their rapidly-increasing orders.
J. STETTIIEIMER, JR., & CO.
The first business of this house was done at No. 310
River Street, in 1SG3, by J. Stettheimer, Jr. In 1869
the firm, as it is now composed, succeeded to the rapidly-
growing trade of this house, and has, by careful and excel-
lent management, won a front place among the collar- and
cuff manufacturers. The firm occupies the large building
Nos. 76 and 78 Federal Street.
F. M. FLACK & HENNISON.
Sidney D. Tucker, the originator of this enterprising
house, in ISO I associated himself with William 11. Gallup,
■2>
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
under the firm-name of Gallup & Tucker. In 1868 the
business was continued by S. D. Tucker, who, by his indi-
vidual ability, gave it a creditable standing among the other
largo manufacturing houses. In 1876 he again entered
into partnership, the now firm being S. I). Tucker \ Flack.
In 1879 the present firm took the management of this
house's excellent trade at 253 River Stn 1 1.
MILLER & BINGHAM.
Among the older houses which have undergone many
changes from their first establishment is this one, which,
in lsr.fi. \v;is founded by Hamlin, Miller & Co. at No. 164
Fulton Street. After one year, they were succeeded by
Miller & Wheelock; in 1874, by Miller, Wheelock & Co.;
and in 1875, by Miller & Bingham. This firm has an
extensive manufactory of shirts in operation, in addition to
its collar-manufactory. Their workrooms are in the large
building Nos. 185, 187, 189, and 191 River Street.
SANFORD .t ROBINSON.
This firm in 1867 were the successors to Day, Robinson
& Bradshaw, who began business in 1866 at Nos. 8 and 9
First Street. The upper floors of the large building, ex-
tending from Fifth to Union Street, on Broadway, are
occupied by this firm for manufacturing purposes.
GEORGE P. IDE, IiLUJCE >fc CO.
He & Ford were the early founders of this house.
They began business at No. 506 Fulton Street in 1865.
The name of the succeeding firm in 1867 was Ide Brothers
\ Ford. In 1873 another change in the partnership took
place, making the firm Ide Brothers & Bruce. In 1878
the present firm undertook the direction of the business,
which has increased to a surprising magnitude. The ex-
tensive manufacturing-rooms of this firm are in the brick
building No. 506 Fulton Street. This house is also largely
manufacturing shirts, which adds greatly to the extent of
its business.
HOLMES & IDE.
This house took its origin from the business established
in 1869 by Parks. Ide & Holmes in the Manufacturers'
k building, corner of King and River Streets. In
1-77 the pri sent firm assumed the control of the business.
Workrooms are in the largo l.uilding No. ]'.', Sixth
-
PATTON DUNHAM.
This manufactory took its rise aBsociatively from two
houses The Brsl was thai of Pine, Miller & Dunham, in
1870. In 1-77 it 1 ame Pine, Adams & Dunham. In
1878, T M I ham wenl into partnership with William
N Patl m, who had been individually in the business Bincc
1-7 manufactory is Bitunted on the northcasl
, rth Fourth and Hutton - The linn
loes • large business in manufacturing shirts.
TIM I 0.
The large manufacturing building of Tim & Co
,,f ili" ■ Federal Street. Adjoining
it is the ncwly-crected laundry. This firm began business
in 1371 on the corner. I nd North Second Streets.
The firm is also associatively connected with the firm of Tiui,
Wallerstine & Co. in manufacturing shirts.
DAVIS .v CO.
One of the later-established manufacturing houses is that
of Davis & Co., Nos. 4S9 and 4'Jl River Street. It began
business at No. 17 Sixth Street, but afterwards removed up-
town. The firm is also engaged in manufacturing shirts.
BEIERMEISTER i; SON.
Since this house was established, in 1875, at N
River Street, it has rapidly increased its business, so that it
now enjoys a fair share of the patronage which the country
at lame has bestowed upon our other collar-manufactories.
The firm's present workrooms are in the building known as
269 River Street.
WHEELER, ALLENBORPH & LE BCEUF.
This house was founded in 1S75 by Brust & Allendorph,
The following year the firm was changed to Brust. Allen-
dorpb & Le Bieuf. In 1877 the present firm took the di-
rection of the business, to which it has added the weight
of its personal enterprise and experience. It occupies work-
rooms in the large building known as Nos. 7, 9, 11 Sixth
Street,
KLEIN & IIOEXTER.
This house, which was established in 1875, and first be-
gan manufacturing at No. 44 Federal Street, is now exten-
sively engaged at No. 429 River Street, not only in making
collars and cuffs, but also fine shirt-fronts, handkerchii
fancy and plain.
CLARK & KING.
In 1S7G this house was established. The firm's experi-
ence in the manufacture of collars and cuffs is such as to
claim attention to the superior quality of the goods manu-
factured by it at No. It Federal Street.
DOUGLASS CORNING.
This house occupies workrooms in the upper pari of the
large brick building on the southwest corner of Broadway
and Seventh Street. Douglass Coming began manufactu-
ring collars and cuffs in 1876, in the building N'os
and 1 1 Sixth Street.
MARSHALL S BRIQQS.
Thegoods of this house, since its establishment in 1876,
have always borne a good name in lb.' market. The man-
ufacturing-rooms of the firm are in the large brick building
No. 189 River Street.
TUAYELL & MAMBERT.
This firm, in 1*77, su d<-d the house of Wright,
Mambcrl & Seymour, which began business in 187C at 560
I ; . . i S '
JOSEPH BOWMAN.
Although this house has only 1 n in exist, no
1377, it- business is already a glowing one. The work-
rooms of this establishment arc in the Luge building
■ and 1-7 Rivi i Sire t.
■
(MTV OF TltOV.
229
HTTE8TIS 1 IM BENBERRT.
Tliis firm was established in L877. Producing | Is
equal to the best manufactured by other houses, the linn's
success is at present well assured. Their place of manufac
tmv is in the large building No. 187 River Street.
GEORGE A. HITCHCOCK.
Early in 1878, Hitchcock .V Sims began the manufacture
of collars and cull's at No. 5G Hoosick Street, bul the firm
was dissolved in the latter part of the year, and George A.
Hitchcock succeeded to the business.
THE MANUFACTURE OF SHIRTS.
Although shirt-bosoms were manufactured in Troy at a
date quite as early as when collars were first, made, it was
not until Lawrence Van Valkenburgh, in 1845, established
a shirt-factory, at the corner of Seventh and Elbow (Fulton)
Streets, that the business assumed any importance in this
city. Ten years ago this industry had been so much
injured by the frequency of strikes among the workwomen
that only several manufacturers had continued making this
line of linen goods. However, this business has again
been resumed, and is at present giving employment to a
great number of people in Troy and vicinity. When it is
known that at the beginning of each day's work there are
spread upon the cutting-boards of a single shirt-manufac-
turing firm in Troy eight thousand yards — about four miles
— of muslin, to be cut into shirts, some little idea may be
had of the present magnitude of this particular industry.
To manufacture such large numbers of shirts the labor of
a multitude of people is required. These persons reside
, mostly outside of Troy, and occupy a territory which ex-
tends northward as far as Whitehall, southward as far as
Oneonta, and eastward into the neighboring States of Mas-
sachusetts and Vermont. One firm has as many as eigh-
teen hundred operatives making their shirts. Outside
of Troy not less than five thousand persons are given
employment by our manufacturers. These astonishing
features are more fully exhibited in the accompanying
table of statistics:
SIIIltT BUSINESS STATISTICS.
Number of Wheeler .t Wilson sewing-machines in use 2,830
Number of employees, principally females 3,339
Annual amount of wages paid $303,160
Number of shirts manufactured, dozens 1S3,800
Amount of annual sales $1,267,000
TnK LA1NOKV BUSINESS.
Number of employees, principally females t,319
Annual amount of wages paid $396,500
Number of pieces laundried 41,736,000
Cost of laundrying collars, cutis, and shirts $776,700
1;i:i WITCI.AI ION.
Total number of employees of collar-and-cuff and shirt-
manufactories and laundries 11,719
Total amount of annual wages $1,829,880
Total amount of annual sabs of collars, cuffs, and shirts.. $5,292,000
Total number of paper boxes used 2. 777, (ion
Cost of paper boxes for collars, cull's, and shirts $178,880
SHIRT-MANUFACTURERS.
The following are the names of our leading shirt-manu-
facturers :
Miller & Bingham, Nos. 485 to 491 River Street.
George P. Ide, Bruce & Co., No. 506 Fulton Street.
George B. Cluetfc, Brother & Co., Nob, 7 I and 76 I
Street.
Tim, Wallerstine .V Co., Nos. 57 and 59 Federal Street.
W. II. & A. D. Row., No. 377 l!r.
F. M. Flack & Dennison, No. 253 River Stroel
Davis & Co., Nos. 189 and 191 Ri
Jos. II. Osterhoul No 376 Rivi t Street.
Travell & Mambert, Nos 710 and 712 River Street.
1 'at 1 1 ii i & Dunham, Fourth corner of Button Street.
Fonda Brothers, No. 38 I River Streel
TRADE I, \i NDR1 KEN.
The laundry Work of our leading collar and cuff and
shirt-manufacturers is done at the large establishments of
the following firms :
The Wiles Laundry Company, limited, Nos. 13 and 15
Sixth Street.
Miller & Bingham, Nos. 485 to 491 River Str< el
C. II. Goss, Nos. 81 and 83 North Third Street.
Tim & Co., Nos. 57 and 59 Federal Street.
Mrs. G. M. Hopkins, corner of Federal and Mechanic
Streets.
J. \V. Gardner, Nos. 38 and 40 North Fourth Sin i.
Monk & Hawley, Nos. is 1 and 481! River Street.
Van Deuscti & Co., Nos. 8, 10, 12, and 14 Sixth Street.
Pine & Hamlin, No. 60 Sixth Street.
George B. Cluett, Brother & Co., Nos. 74 and 76
Federal Street.
Patton & Dunham, corner of North Fourth and Ilutton
Streets.
Giv.ens & Taylor, No 24 Harrison Place.
J. D. Davis & Co., Nos. 137 and 139 Church Street.
II. Allendorph, No. 116 Fourth Street.
Edward L. Killip, No. 17 Sixth Street.
THE NATIONAL BUTTONHOLE MACHINE.
This novel and practical machine, used extensively in
the factories, is one of the agencies that have benefited
collar-manufacturers in the reduction of expenses and en-
abled linen to supersede paper goods in the market. The
machine is the product of local genius, being the invention
of George M. Morris, of Cohoes, and Joseph P. Hallen-
beck, formerly of Troy. It is owned by the National
Buttonhole Machine Company of Troy. It is an estab-
lished success, upwards of seven hundred and fifty machines
having already been sold. Its operation is not confined to
collars or linen work, for it is now in use on nearly every
known fabric in this country and in Canada, and it is now
being introduced in England quite successfully. It has
twice been exhibited at the American Institute fair, each
time receiving the highest awards.
TROY LAUNDRY MACHINE COMPANY.
Among the various inventions which have won especial
favor with laundrymen are the different machines manu-
factured by the Troy Laundry Machine Company. Their
washing-machine washes six hundred dozen of collars or culls
in six hours. Another machine, the Troy collar- and ciitl-
ironer. the cylinders of which are ingeniously heated by
gas, are capable of ironing in a very perfect manner a
230
HISTORY OF RFNSSFI.AF.R COUNTY, NEW YORK.
thousand dozen of collars or cuffs in :i working-day of ten
hours. Two persons are required to attend it. The company
- i manufacturing machines of smaller capacity for similar
wink; combined "Bhirl and collar ironing-machines;" the
■■ press machine," for finishing collars and cull's, and the
•• Troy laundry calender," for hotels and public institutions ;
also " centrifugal wringers" and "drying closets." Their
manufactory is at No. 7 Sixth Street.
Till : QARDNEB [RONING-MACUINE.
This machine, which is in operation in :i number of tlu>
lending laundries, was lir.-t patented Sept. 28, L871. It is
claimed to be the firsl successful ■ of its kind ever intro-
duced for ironing collars and cuffs. Recent improvements
have been made, converting it into a fiue shirt-ironcr.
R II. & .1. W. Gardner, Nos. 38 and 40 Fourth Street,
are the manufacturers.
UlCniNG MACHINE.
The firm of Givens & Taylor have a starching-machinc
in operation in their laundry, patented by Nicholas Taylor,
which, by the action of a cylinder with strips of India
rubber, very rapidly and without any wear to the goods
saturates shirt-bosoms with starch.
JOHN MOORE CORLISS
born in Oxford, N. II.. June 7, 1813, and is a lineal
ndant of the sixth g aeration from George Corliss, the
founder of the family in America, who was born in the
county of Devonshire, England, aboul ltilT, came to this
try in 1639, and settled the same year at Newbury,
. hut soon af 1 to Haverhill, Mass., where
he resided until his death, in L686. The farm purchased
by him at Haverhill. Ill lit. has remained in the family ever
since, and is now owned by Charles Corliss, of the sixth
ration. The descendants of that ancestor have been
numbered among tie- foremost in many of tli nter-
unectcd with the growth and prosperity of this
TV. They have been found, a- Lis ii> :,1 records show,
in defense of the settle nts of white men against the
f the natives of the soil, as .-launch supporti
tin- war for independence with sword and influence, and
ially are their numbers and records conspicuous in
I the Union cause in the late Rebellion in boil
army and navy. Il- members are noticed in history as
minute men, v iluntc. rs, and officers of rank in the wars of
1 7.-.T. ITT.-., l-ll'. and 1861.
Mr. Corlit I son in a family of four children
of John " i I Corliss, the former a native
Alexandria, N. II . ami the latter born at Dccrficld,
Hi- minority was mostly Bpenl at horn i
the farm V I a fair education at the
B Iford and Haverhill Acadi mi' 9, and for some five terms
her. In 1836 he permanently settled in T
and in the -prin- oi ' .7 inblishcd himself in thi
buaii later, with Mr. II old ridge a- a part
nor, be began the manufacture of linen collars and shirt -
front ted only one year, when Mr, I
■or and manager, In 1 - 10,
anticipating tl importance and advantages of
the -lowing trade in the manufacture of linen collars and
shirt-fiouts, as one of the earliest pioneers, he, with John
W. White, under the name and firm of Corliss & White,
devoted his energies and skill exclusively to that branch of
the business for two years. From 1842 to IS-ili he was
alone in the business, and from the latter time to 1SU8,
Hiram House was associated with him, under the linn-name
of Corliss & House; since which time his sous have been
connected with him, under the well-known firm-name of J.
M. Corli.-s \- Son. and join in perpetuating the excellent
and skilled reputation which attaches to that bouse.
Ai the time of writing this sketch 1 S7D . Mr. Corliss is
the oldest man in the collar and cuff business in Troy, and
has been the longest connected with that interest. Manj
of the present prominent manufacturers of first-class good
have received their business education, and acquired
familiarity with the nice details of the trade, by a long SO?
vice in some department of Mr. Corliss' large and succc
ful collar business, which, in its various branches, has ex
tended through a period of forty-one years. Mr. CorlL
has lived to sec the gradual development of the small work
which he in a great measure inaugurated extended inn
the largest industrial interest of the city, his own care-
fully-managed business increasing from a manufacture!
value of a few thousand dollars to large and extensive
operations. As early as 18G0 he established a branch
business in New York City, which is now in charge of his
son, Wilbur F. Corliss, bis two other sons, Charles II. and
John A. Corliss, being associated with him in business iu
Troy, and the former a partner in the concern.
Mr. Corliss has been very little connected with business
operations outside of his own particular branch of trade.
Since I 853 be has been a director of what is now the Union
National Bank, and since 1871 has held the office of vice-
president. In early life be became firmly fix. d iu the prin-
ciples of the Democratic party, but since the election of
Abraham Lincoln be has as unswervingly supported the
Republican party, as far better representing the vital and
business interests of the country. He is unpretentious, un-
obtrusive, reliable, a man of .-diet integrity, and possessed
of that sagacity in business operations characteristic of most
men who gain opulence by their own exertions.
Mr. Corliss has been twice married, — first, in 1 -■:'.:•. to
Mary II . daughter of Rev. Benjamin R. Hoyt, of New-
bury, \'i. She died in 1842. In lsis he married An-
toinette H., daughter of Alfred Masher, of Lenox. Ohio.
QEOROE 1!. CLUETT.
The ' this narrative belongs to that cl
young men who. while young, meet by necessity the ob-
stacle- of life coincident with limited means, contend lor
position, with the odds against them, with young men of
wealth and trained business capacity, and sec no propitious
future cither of business or leisure, but from hoyh 1 b
at the foundation of business to carve out a fortune for
thcmsclvi -. Such men, who, with strong hearts and willing
hand-, .arly learn to provide for themselves, often suddenly
appear in the gri at business circle side by side with men ..I
large experience and wealth, ami finally gain control of trade.
i. rge 15. Cluett was born Nov. 21, 1838, in WMwr-
CITY ()!•' TROY.
231
hamptoD, England, and came to Troy with his parents,
William ami Aun duett, July 19, L850. He received a
liberal education in the schools al home ami in Troy, and
Buch parental training as made early impressions of integ-
rity and morality. At the age of sixteen, in the year
1854, he became a clerk for Maullin & Blanchard, collar-
manufacturers, in whose employ bis brother, J. \V. A.
Cluctt, bail been since 1852. This firm was established in
1851, ami employed as their first clerks the Cluett brothers.
In 1857, J. W. A. Cluett joined bis father in business
under the firm-name of William Cluett & Sun. George
B. Cluett retained bis position as clerk until L861, and
became a partner with Mr. Maullin, Mr. Blanchard having
withdrawn from the firm. This firm continued business
until 1863, when, upon the death of the senior member, a
new linn was organized, with the title of George 15. Cluett,
Bro. & Co., consisting of George B. Cluctt, J. W. A.
Cluctt, and Charles J. Saxe, J. W. A. Cluett having dis-
solved partnership with his father at the same time.
In 1862 another brother, Robert Cluett, came into the
business as clerk, and in 1866, upon the withdrawal of
Mr. Saxe, he became a member of the copartnership. Mr.
11. S. Norton, who had been traveling agent for the house
since 1869, became a member of the firm in 1S74, the
firm-name remaining unchanged. In 1873, George B.
Cluett, Bro. & Co. opened a retail men's furnishing-store
in Troy, and soon after that time began to manufacture
shirts to order. Their success in making tine shirts in-
duced them to offer them to the trade. The increasing
demand for the linen goods of this firm necessitated more
ample accommodations for manufacturing purposes, and,
in 1878, they erected a shirt laundry — a five-story brick
building, 70 by 45 feet — on North Fourth Street. George
B. Cluett, Bro. & Co. have made many valuable improve-
ments in the manufacture of linen goods. Their " Patent
Bound Bosom Shirt," " Beinforced Bound Collar," and
" Entire Seam Cuff," for which they have also been granted
patents, are known to the best trade of the United States.
This important industry of manufacturing linen goods,
second to no other interest in Troy, and which was first in-
vested with the dignity of a special pursuit, has increased
with the rapid demands of trade until the aggregate sales
amount to several millions of dollars annually, and to such
an extent has the trade of this firm increased that they have
opened offices for the distribution of their goods in New
York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, and San
Francisco.
Mr. George B. Cluett in politics is a Republican, and a
supporter of all enterprises tending towards necessary local
improvement and the preservation of good society. He is
an active member of Christ Church of Troy, and a sup-
porter of church and kindred interests. He was first mar-
ried, in 18G3, to Sarah B., daughter of G. D. Golden, of
Troy. His wife died the following year, and, in 18G7, he
married Amanda R., daughter of Judge N. J. Rockwell,
of Illinois.
XII.— SCHOOLS.
THK VILLAGE SCHOOLS.
At a very early date the inhabitants of the village of
Troy made suitable provision for the instruction of their
children in the elementary branches of an English cdu
tion. In 1796, the tin tee Via i \ ail -l < ob van der
Hey den, John McCoun, Christopher Button, Albert Pa\»
ling, Thomas Sickles, and John Bird made a public adver-
tisement of the want of a ■• school m; i tei capable of teaching
all parts of an English education." Tic patroon, -I icob D.
van der Hey den, the same year, by died, conveyed to the
village authorities three lots, bounded "on tie- north by Con-
gress Street, on the ea I bj Second Street on the Bouth by
lot 115, anil on lie' WCSf by an alley, twenty feel wide, for
the use of a public square, and also for the purpose "I'
erecting a public school-house or academy."
In 1805, by the act of the State Legislature, the net
proceeds of five hundred thousand acres of the public lands
and three thousand shares of bank-stock were applied to
the common-school fund, to accumulate until the intcn
should amount to fifty thousand dollars annually, after
which the interest, was to be distributed as the Legislature
should direct. The first distribution under this act was
made ill 1816.
At a meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants, Feb. 8,
1816, it was resolved that the trustees of the village should
he requested to petition the Legislature to pass an act au-
thorizing the treasurer of Rensselaer County to pay into
the hands of the said trustees the moneys which the village
was entitled under the act for the establishment of common
schools, and that the funds thus obtained should he appro-
priated to the support of the Lancasterian school, which
they had resolved to build.
THE LANCASTERIAN SCHOOL.
This school, which the people of Troy had determined
to establish, was upon a plan projected by a Quaker named
Joseph Lancaster, of England, where it had been in suc-
cessful operation since the beginning of the present century.
The committee appointed to select tut eligible site for the
school building, consisting of the Bev. Jonas Coe, Ephraim
Morgan, Dr. John Loudon, James Mallory, Townsend Mc-
Coun, Gurdon Corning, Thomas Skelding, and Stephen
Boss, reported favorably on its location, where now is situ-
ated the Troy Academy, on the northwest corner of Seventh
and State Streets. The building of the school-house was
given to John and Hazard Kimberly.
By the act incorporating the city of Troy, passed April
12, 1816, it was enacted that the first four wards of the
city should remain one school -district, and should not be
changed by the commissioners of common schools. In
accordance with the act, thirteen trustees to manage the
concerns of the Lancasterian school were appointed by the
city authorities on the third Tuesday of May, 181G. The
trustees appointed were Joseph Russell, Alanson Douglas,
Gurdon Coming, David Buel, Jr., Stephen Boss, James
Wallace, Nathan Warren, John Loudon, Hazard Kimberly,
Thomas Skelding, George Tibbits, John Truesdell, and
Theodore Barnard.
It was further enacted that the inhabitants of the Brsl
four wards of the city should not elect trustees under the
act entitled "An act for the better establishment of com-
mon schools," hut that the duties required by the act should
he performed by the trustees of the Lancasterian school.
232
HISTORY OF RENSSELAEK COUNTY. NEW YORK.
By further cDaotmont there were to be annually el
at the time the other officers were chosen, one commissioner
of schools in each of the wards of said city, and in each of
the Fifth and Sixth Wards three inspectors of schools for
said wards.
At a special meeting of the Common Council, held :ii the
tavern of Piatt Titus, Feb. 21, 1817, the trustees of the
Lancasterinn school presented a report of the school for the
quarter ending the liiih <l:iy <>l' December. 1S1(>, by which
it appeared that 355 soholars had been admitted and in-
structed in tlio school. The following were the terms on
which they had been admitted: -11 :it $2 per quarter; 16
at $1.75; 26 at $1.50; 27 at $1.25; 5 al $1.34; 1 al
$1.12; 64 at $1 ; 55 at 75 cents; 1 al 67 cents; 64 al
50 cents; 3 al •''" cents; 53 al 25 cents. The whole
amount of tuition-money receive 1 during the quarter was
$340.86, and the whole amount of disbursements was
- 7 37.
In 1819 the school-house was burned, but was again re-
built from tlic insurance-money ($2970 received from the
laer and Saratoga Insurance Company.
T1IK MONITORIAL SCHOOL.
On the 3d of April, 1828, David Buel, Jr., in behalf of
the trustees "I" the Lancasterian school, represented to the
Common Council that the trustees had recently petitioned
that a law be passed granting them the moneys arising
from licenses to venders of lottery tickets in the city of
I v. for the purpose of establishing a high school upon
the monitorial plan, ami prayed the granl of the exclusive
ii-.- of the upper story of the Lancasterian school-house for
tin' purpose of establishing there the contemplated high
school, and requesting the aid of the city in fitting the
same lor that purpose.
The request was granted, and an appropriation of the
ssary funds was made. The scholars of the school, ac-
cording to the monitorial plan, wore seated in semicircular
forms, or draughts, as they were called, in the opening of
wliieli was the desk of one of the scholars belonging to the
draught, who. according to his turn, each successive week,
had tl vorsight of those seated al his draught, who kept
a register ol their names, their conduct, etc., which was
handed to the teacher in charge of the r i. The exami-
nation of the scholars of the high school was attended on
II 24 I82S by the <'"m n Council.
Tilt; INFANT 81 UOOL.
In the spring of 182 proposed to erect another
building of brick, forty by thirty-two feet, two Btories high,
on the grounds of the Lancasterian Bchool-housc, known at
the time as the Infant school-l - 1551.
This building ed during the summer, where
now i- the northeast comer of Sixth and State Streets. Ii
I lor the primary educati >n of the youngest
schol
Till I 111 E BCD.OOL8.
I i ter of the city and to provide
for the establishment ol I April 4.
I'.v this law the several wards in the city formed
•'.distiict. and I - in it Were free to all
children, between the aires of five and sixteen years, resid-
ing in such wards. In each of the wards one or more
school-bouses were to be erected to accommodate all the
children attending school in such wards.
It was enacted that at the annual charter election held
on the first Tuesday of March. 1850. there should be
elected, as other ward officers were, from each of the First,
Second. Third. Fourth, and Seventh Wards, two persons;
and from the Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Wards, one person,
to be commissioners of the common schools of the city. Ten
days after their election these were to meet and determine,
by lot, which of the two persons elected in one ward should
Serve for the term ending on the second Tuesday of .March,
1851, and which for the term ending on the second Tues-
day of March. 1852. In each year thereafter there was
to be elcd I on nmissioner of common schools for each
ward, to supply the places of those whose terms had ex-
pired. The commissioners thus elected were to constitute
a board, to be styled the " Board of Education of the city
of Troy," which was to be a eorporated body in relation to
all the powers and duties conferred upon them by virtue of
the act.
On April 1!». 1S49, the Common Council made the fol-
lowing appointments of school commissioners under the now
school law: 1st Ward, Israel Seymour. John S. Perry;
2d Ward. John T. McCoun, William 11. Young; 3d Ward.
Thomas W. Blatchford, Joseph M. Warren; 4th Ward.
Ephraim Carpenter, Peter McDoual : 5th Ward, Samuel
B. Goddard; 0th Ward. Henry Burden; 7th Ward.
Ethan A. Crandall, Sylvester Cooper; Sth Ward. Day 0.
Kellogg.
In 1S50 there were twelve schools in the different wards
in the city. The school commissioners elected on the 4th
of March, 1S50, were, 1st Ward. John S. I'errv. term ex-
pired 1851; Lyman R. Avery, term expired 1852. "2d
Ward, John T. McCoun. term expired 1851 : William II.
Young, term expired 1852. 3d Ward, T. W. Blatchford.
term expired 1^51 ; Joseph M. Warren, term expired 1852.
4th Ward. Ephraim Carpenter, term expired 1S51 ; Peter
McDoual, term expired L852. 5th Ward, Asahacl Bron-
son, term expired 1851. 6th Ward. Daniel Scars, term
expired 1851. 7th Ward, James Boulton, term expired
1851; Dexter Moody, term expired 1852. 8th Ward.
W. W. Whipple, term .xpiied 1851.
Thomas W. Blatchford, M.D., was president of the hoard
and Daniel Shelden secretary.
At the beginning of the school year in 1851 there were
two thousand four hundred and ninety-five scholars in
attend
TIIK 111. .11 SCHOOL.
The firsl action taken in regard !•> the establishment of«
high school in the city was at the regular n ting of tlio
hoard of education, held Jan. 7. 1851. At this meeting
the subject of the organization of such a school was referred
■ committee, consisting of George M. Tibbits, a
- Perry, and William II. Young. Vfter a full discussion
of the matter it was deemed unadvisahlc by the commit!
at the time to postpone any action until a nn re favorable
opportunity. In August, I -5:'.. J. S. Perry proposed the
ntinuam f the Third Ward School No. 1. and tic
PUBLIC !
JUfl
(MTV OK TKOV.
organization of a grammar or 1 1 i -_i 1 1 school. The subject was
referred to the committee on school organization. In No
vember this committee made a report recommending the
organization of another scl 1 department, in which should
be taught the higher branches, and which should be denom-
inated " the high school department of the free schools of
the city of Troy." At the next regular meeting the special
ooniniittce appointed for the purpose of organizing a high
school reported that they recommended that such a depart-
ment should be opened on the first Monday of January,
[854; that the studies of the scholars attending the ses-
sions of tho school be confined to the more advanced text
books then in use in the free schools; that a standing
committer be appointed to take charge of the school, and
that the principal teacher in the high school should be a
member of it; that this committee, after a proper exami-
nation, should grant admission to such scholars as might lie
sufficiently advanced in the studies adapted to the school;
that no person should he admitted except, those who had
attended the free schools for a period of twelve months, and
had a certificate of good deportment while thus attending
the Tree schools.
On the first Monday in January, 1854, the high school
was opened with forty-seven pupils in attendance. D. \V.
('. Cram was selected principal of the school, at an annual
salary of eight hundred dollars.
THE PRESENT PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The public schools in the city as they are now classified
arc divided into the following grades: 1st, Primary De-
partment; 2d, Intermediate Department; 3d, Grammar
Department; 4th, High School Department. The school
year consists of two terms, the first, for the present year,
commencing March 1, 1879, and continuing to June 27,
1879, inclusive; the second commencing Sept. 1, 1879,
and continuing to March 1, 1880. The number of licensed
teachers employed during the school year commencing Oct.
1, 1877, and ending Sept. 30, 1878, was 140. The num-
ber of children over five and under twenty-one years of age
residing in the city on the 30th of September, 1878, was
estimated at 19,000. The number of free schools within
the city was 17. The number of private schools within
the city, not including colleges, incorporated academies or
seminaries, was estimated at 13. In his report to the board
of school commissioners, Professor David Beattie, superin-
tendent, ending June 27, 1879, stated : " The total enroll-
ment in all the day schools for the past school year was
9587, being the sum total of all the names registered.
From this deduct 682 duplicate enrollments, arising from
the transfer of pupils from one department to another on
account of change of residence, promotions at unusual
periods, and other causes, and there remain 8905 names,
representing the true number of pupils who have received
instruction in the day schools. This is an increase of G36
over that of last year. We have also an enrollment in
night schools of 705. From this it appears that 9G10
persons have received instruction in our public schools from
periods varying from a single evening to one hundred and
ninety-nine days."
The average number of scholars in attendance in the
30
different schools was the following Hi h School 137;
Grammar Schools, H7:» ; [nternudiate Schools, 1676;
Priuiarj Schools, 3596 ; number of teachers employed 81.
The number of school-houses is, framj, 2; brick, 1 •"> ;
total, 17. The s shool h w ifa are rulu I al S3 I 00 I.
The school-houses al $185,000. Expenditures from March
I, 1878, to March I, 1879, 8115,377.53. Of this
amount, for salaries, was $90,039.21. The present board
of school commissi rs consists of the followin p ins:
John EL Gleason, term expires L880; George J. Brcnnan,
term expires 1880; Irving Browne, term expires L830
Isaac Keith, term expires 1830; John J. Evers, term ex-
pires L881; Patrick II. Roddy, term expires L831 j Wil-
liam F. [ler, term expires 1831 ; William II. Hollister, Jr.;
term expires 1881; John F. Cahill, term expires 1882;
Patrick Vaiighan, term expires 1882; Edward Green,
term expires 1882; Irving Hayner, term expiree 1882
The officers are George •). Brennan, President; Professor
David Beattie, Superintendent; Thomas A Dolan, Clerk.
THE TKOV FEMALE SEMINARY.
This institution, which was identified with the material
interests of Troy for more than a half-century, was founded
by Mrs. Emma Willard in the year 1821. An experi-
mental school which she had opened a few years previous
at Waterford, N. Y., was so successful and had such rapid
growth that it soon outgrew the best accommodations to be
found in that place. A few of the enterprising citizens of
Troy, who had at heart the true interests of the city, offered
such inducements to Mrs. Willard that she concluded, in
the year 1821, to remove to Troy, and the " Troy Female
Seminary" was then established, and soon far exceeded the
expectations of its early patrons. From its establishment
in 1821, its course was one of uninterrupted prosperity.
In 1837 it came under the direction of the Regents of the
University of the State, and received a portion of the liter-
ature fund. In 1838, Mrs. Willard retired from the semi-
nary, leaving it to her sou and daughter-in-law, Mr. and
Mrs. John II. Willard.
The reputation of this seminary attracted patronage from
all parts of the country. It is estimated that more than
thirteen thousand pupils were connected with it, who went
out to all parts of the country, so that there is scarcely a
city or village in the land where its graduates cannot be
found.*
" In 1872 the building required to be renewed, and funds
to be raised for an endowment, but nothing could be done
to raise funds for these purposes unless the authorities of
* " Many of the teachers who have conducted the best schools in
the country have gone forth from this seminary. Of these were -Mrs.
Willard's sister, who was for several years her able assistaul in the
Troy Seminary j Mrs. Lincoln Phelps, founder of tl ilebrated Pa-
tapsco Institute, Maryland; Mrs. Pierrepont Mark.-, who made the
Barhamviltc Seminary, S. C, eminently useful; Misses Ditlnye and
Bonney, Philadelphia; Mrs. Banna, Washington, Pa.; Mrs. Twiss,
Augusta, Ga. ; Miss Harrison, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Miss Buell, the -
ciate and successor of Bishop Klliott in his school in Georgia; M.s.
Du Pre and her daughter, Charleston, S. C; Miss Bast i. North-
ampton; Mrs. Lay. Montreal, Canada; Mrs. Ogdcn Hoffman, Vu
York City. These, and a great many other ladies, carried Mrs. Wil-
lard's system of education successfully into the several States."— 1/ t.
.1. II. Willard.
234
BISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Troy would transfer the propertj to the trustees." Failing
in this undertaking, "Mr. Willard declined to renew his
li ase, ond retired firi m the institution, and it ceased to oxi^t
boarding-school in 1873, but is continued as a day-
school of tli«- first order. It is hoped that generous minds
of the enlightened future will lurni.-h means to restore it to
it.s full measure of usefulness." We append a brief sketch
of
MRS. EMMA Wll.l.AKO.
the first piincipul of this institution, and the pioneer in the
great wi ik of f male education, was born in a quiet country
faun-house in Berlin, Conn., Feb. 23, 1787. Samuel and
Lydia Hinsdale Man. weie lu r parents. -'Horn of the
besl New England stock, she inherited the noblest qualities
of her parcntugi
•■ Her father, a man of unusual strength of intellect and
will, was self-reliant and well-read ; and her mother, a quiet
and practical woman, gifted with native tact and shrewdness,
gentle, linn, and efficient. In this home, where Emma was
the sixteenth child, — 01 f the seventeen of her lather's
children, and one of the ten whom her own mother had
borne him. — she had her early training. But she used her
opportunities well. Early in her mere girlhood she com-
menced teaching, and was s i crowned with the laurels of
her tir.-t Still later she taught the excellent
academy in Westfield, Mass. In August, 1809, she married
l>r. John Willard. of Middlebury, and for a few years her
work of teaching was interrupted; but in 1S14 she opem d
in the last-named place a boarding-school for girls. But
she was preparing for something more. She had detected
how low and unworthy were the aims and results of that
class of schools. She was especially struck with the differ-
ence betwei n the collegia of a young man and the
highest culture which the best schools of the day furnished
young women; and the discovery had been to her a sum-
mons to a new work. She entered upon it with enthusiasm.
•• Working daily ten, twelve, or even fifteen hours in her
il duties, she still takes time to master new studies
herself that .-he may in due time carry her pupils through
tin in. And mi by exploring new fields of science and
literature herself; by teaching and drilling her classes, as
few classes of young ladies had ever before been drilled; by
adding to the old course new studies; and by skillfully
winning over to her new ideas a l>\v leading mind-, -he
- preparing the way for a new era in woman's education,
re spent in this preparation. Meanwhile
the fame of her experiment had gone far and widi . and she
was now prepared to take the first sti ps towards a permanent
iii-iiiiiiiuii in which her enlarged views ami hopes could be
more fully realised. Tin- very location of the institution
w.i- ■ matter of careful thought; and for it the State of
k, and the neighborhood of the head-waters oftho
Hudson, was In 1818 she submitted ber plans
iinr Clinton, who heartily approved them; "the
I. _ so lar indorsed them as to incorporate an
academy it V, \ y . m which the founder might
• Nii. Regents of lie I
• \.w V..rk.
1 I fv. B. B. Iluntin.t ID.
still more clearly show their feasibility; and an aeknowledj
nieiit that the female academies in the State should receive
the same pecuniary aid from the literature fund as the edu-
cational institutions for the other sex. In the spring of
1819 the Waterford school was opened by Dr. and Mrs.
Willard. Its success was so pronounced as to call out a
meritorious mention from Governor Clinton in his message
of 1820." The citizens of Troy then proposed to furnish
a building and grounds for a larger institution, if Mrs.
Willard would consent to a removal to that city ; she
accepted, and in .May. lSJl.took possession of the Troy
property, which since that date has been known as the
Troy Female Seminary.
Her husband, who had been a real partner and sharer of
her work, died in 1S25. But she bore the burden aloi
and for many years, until relieved of it by her son, John
II. Willard. and his wife, both of whom were specially
fitted for the important trust.
" It is really no marvel that one with such a physical
and mental constitution as she inherited, and with the care
which her maturer years had exercised over both her
body and brain, should at fifty years of age give to the
world her Troy Seminary; at sixty her original demonstra-
tion on the " Motive Powers in the Circulation of the
Blood ;"§ at sixty-two her treatise on "Respiration and its
Effects;" and at sixty-five a work on astronomy, which
even the masters in the science were willing to indoi
It is no marvel that at fifty-eight she could, in a journey
of eight thousand miles, traverse a continent, rejoi-
everywhere equally in the joy of her pupils and in the i
perity of the schools for young ladies which her indie
had contributed to found ; nor that at sixty-seven she
could cross the ocean, mingle in the exercises of and
enjoy the honors of the World's Educational Convention,
and thence make the tour of the Continent tributary still
to her zeal for observation and learning.
But not alone in literary and educational worksjj did she
use her powers. Her religious character, developed by
effective Christian culture, was manifested in a variety of
worthy channels. She was a member of the Episcopal
Church. Her benevolence was of an active nature, and
her charity wide-reaching. It is safe to say that more than
twenty thousand dollars have been her unostentatious offer-
ings to the cause of woman's education alone.
Hers was a useful and an honored life. Until the yea!
before she died her correspondence was extensive and varied,
showing activity of mind, if not the power of sustained
labor. At no period ,,|' her life were her literary labor*
greater than in her last years. r\ She died in 1870, anil hoi
last resting-place is in Oakwood Cemetery, Troy.
Ill F: RENSSELJJ3B POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE**
was Pounded, in 18*2-1 Nov. 5th), by the late lion. Stephen
Van Hensselaer. and located in Troy. For more than half
rhil treat! o, published in 1846, arrested the attention "f tb«
medical faculty, and won l"r it- nuthor the reputation of a -" »M
For a li*t of her wriin;-. Fee chapter "ii authors and books.
« ■ l oof Mm Willard," John Lord, LLP.
** It is the only incorporated educational institution in the city
which has survivi nd changes of time, increased and
.
(
'
/// / / i tr / 7 , ( .
CITY OF TROY.
235
a century it has been known as the first and most celebrated
of American scientific and technical schools. Professor
Anius Eaton (after the founder) must be regarded as the
originator and father of the school, For the last eighteen
years of his life — from 1821 to 1*12 -he was at the head
of it as senior professor.
March 21, 1826, it was incorporated by an act of the
Legislature, and was located at the north end of Troy, in
die building called "The Old Hank Place." In 1832, by
an act of the Legislature, the name was changed to "The
Rensselaer Institute." (Laws of 1832, p. 567.) In April,
1834, it was removed to the Van ilia- Heyden mansion-
1 si. in Troy. In 1837 an act was passed reviving the
Tim\ Vcademy and uniting it with the Rensselaer Institute,
:iU i giving the regents of the university the right of visi-
tation. (Laws of 1S37.) In 1843 the city of Troy gave
to the Rensselaer Institute "the Infant School lot," corner
of Sixth and State Streets, valued at six thousand live hun-
dred dollars, provided Wm. P. Van Rensselaer gave a like
amount in money to the institute. In 1S-I4 the Rensselaer
Institute was removed to the building erected on the Infant
School lot. In 1850, March 8, an act was passed enlarging
the board of trustees, and adding the mayor of Troy, ex-
officio. (Laws of 1850, p. 54.) In 1861, April 8, an act
was passed changing the name and incorporating the Rens-
selaer Polytechnic Institute. (Laws of 1SG1, p. 428.)
Under this act it is now conducted.
The fire of May 10, 18(i2, destroyed the buildings, the
furniture, appurtenances, library, and cabinets, together
with the records of the board of trustees. The school took
refuge in the university on the hill (now the Provincial
Seminary) until the fall of the year, when it obtained
quarters in Vail's building, till May 1, 1864, when the
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute entered into possession of
the land and buildings at the head of Rroadway, where it
now is.
The Winslow Laboratory, named in honor of John F.
Winslow, Esq., former president of the institute, was com-
menced in 1865, and completed September, 1866.
The Williams Proudfit Memorial Observatory was erected
in 1S77-78. The structure is a memorial gift to the in-
stitute by the parents of William Proudfit, deceased, who
was a student iu the iustitute, and lost his life Sept. 24,
1875.
The library of the institute contains three thousand five
hundred volumes of the best scientific works, selected
mainly with reference to the scientific and technical course
of study pursued in the institute. The library-room con-
tains the portrait of the founder, Stephen Van Rensselaer,
and the first senior professor, Amos Eaton, as well as those
of the successive presidents of the institute. Also memo-
rial windows of those students of the institute who volun-
teered and lost their lives in the service during the Rebel-
lion.
Institute Hall, one of the finest rooms in the city, is
expensively decorated, and has a memorial window to Prof.
preserved its property unincumbered, and steadily enlarged and ex-
tended its usefulness, influence, anl reputation. It is the ornament
and pride of the city.
Amos Baton, and likewise memorial windows t" Pi
Join, Wright, M.D . and William Blderhorst, M.D.
The cabinet of natural history is very large and con
in collections of minerals, collections of shells, collections
of bird.-, collections of fishes, geological collections, mctal-
lurgical collections, herbaria, etc.
The institute has received the following bequests : from
Maj.-Gen. John E. Wool, I . S. A., a bequest of fifteen
thousand dollars, which amount was received in 187:;;
from Lewis L. Southwick, of Troy, a bequest of two thou-
sand dollars, which was received in 1879.
The whole number of Students who have attended this
school from the foundation to the present time > 1879), is
eighteen hundred and twenty-four. The number who have,
received the diploma as graduates, to the present time
(1879), is seven hundred and forty,
STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER,
the founder of the institute, — " the Patroon," — was born
in the city of New York, Nov. 1, 1764.
He was the fifth in lineal descent from the ancestor in
America, and the most distinguished of all the patroons.
His father was Stephen Van Rensselaer, the proprietor of
Rensselaerwyck, who died in 1769. His mother was Cath-
arine, daughter of Philip Livingston, of Livingston Manor,
one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. His
uncle, Gen. Ten Broeck, bad the care of his estate during
his minority.
He went to school in Albany, and then, by direction of
his grandfather (Livingston), he was sent to the Kingston
Academy, where be was a classmate with his life-long friend
and counselor, Abraham Van Vechten, the lawyer, of Al-
bany. After preparation he went to Princeton College,
New Jersey, but the seat of war at that time was near, and
he was sent to Harvard College, where he graduated in
1782, at the age of nineteen. The next year he married
Margaret, daughter of Gen. Philip Schuyler. She died in
1801, leaving three children. The " Manor-House," in
Albany, was his residence. In 1802 he married Cornelia,
daughter of Judge William Patterson, of New Jersey, of
the United States Supreme Court.
He held many offices of honor and trust in the State.
He was elected to the Assembly in 1789, 1808, 1810, and
181S. Was a State senator from 1791 to 1795. He was
lieutenant-governor from 1795 to 1801. A colonel of
State cavalry in the war of 1812, and in service on the
Canada frontier. He was on a commission appointed to ex-
plore a route for a canal to Lake Eric, in 1S10. He was a
member of Congress from 1822 to 1829. Y'ale College, in
1825, gave him the degree of LL D. He was a member
of the convention of 1801, and of the Constitutional Con-
vention of 1821. He was for twenty-two years a canal
commissioner, and for fifteen years president of the board.
Twice he ran as the candidate of his party for the office of
governor.
In 1829 he was instrumental in forming a State board
of agriculture, of which he was an active member. In 1822
he commenced the geological survey of Albany and Rens-
selaer Counties (employing Prof. Amos Eaton), and the
work was so enlarged as to embrace the State. He was ap-
236
BISTOM OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
:it in L8I9, and in is."»."> the chancellor of
iho University of iho State of New Fork. In 1S24 lie
founded the R Institute, placing Prof. Eaton at
it.- bead, and largely supported it from Lis own meat
lived.
II died in Albany, Jan. 26, L839. Few men have left
. Ii . I- di ne for their fellow-men, or
a more admirable character for imitation.
AUOS BATON.
Amoa Eaton was born in Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y.,
17 1776. Bis rather was a farmer and a highly re-
tcd citizen of that town. The Bon early manifested
rior ability and high aspirations. At the age of sixteen
he had made himself a practical land-surveyor, making liis
own magnetic needle and compass case out of (he rude ma-
; at hand. With the encouragement of his parents he
fitted tor college, and at the age of twenty-three he gradu-
. .it Williams College in 1799, with a high reputation
for his scientific attainments. I te commenced the study of
law with Elisha William-, in Columbia County, soon after
graduating, and continued the study of law in New 3Tork,
in tin- office of Josiah < >ii<l.-n Soffman. It was in New
York that he came under the instruction of Dr. Hosack and
l>r. Mitchell, and became interested in botany and other
natural sciences to such a degree that lie never could wholly
• the sway of his enthusiasm for those pursuits, lie
hi attorney of the Supreme Court of this
Albany, in 1802, and located as lawyer and land-
tat Cat-kill. II i he gave his first course of popular
lectures on botany, and prepared a small elementary treatise
on the subject. The lir.-t edition of his " Manual on Botany"
was published in 1 "— 1 T . Be continued his public lectures
in the large towns of New England and New York, exciting
ntion and interest in the natural sciences. In
1818 '■ De Witt Clinton invited hiui to Albany, and
he gave a course of lectures before the members of the
I. In 1820 he wa.- appointed professor of natu-
ral history in the medical college at Castleton, Vt., and de-
livcrcd several courses of lectures there, \l...ut this time
he .- ■ in- i" have settled down, and made his home in Troy,
and extended his system of instruction to the people, and,
with the a of many of the citizens at that time,
the " Lyceum of Natural History" was formed, and one of
the D nsivc collections of American geological speci-
al n- in the whole country was gathered and arranged.
He il and agricultural surveys of the
Rensselaer and Albany, under the patronage of
the H § phen Van Rensselaer, and also a geological
F country "ii the line of the Erie
ill of which was embodied in a report of one
hundred and -ixty pages, published in 1-21. which report
tnmendation of some of the most eminent
men of tl In 1824 Su phi a \ an R Jtab-
lished this scl I. and Amos Eaton was placed at the head
of it- faculty a- senior 1 1 nd the remoinder of his
life ■ i t.i it. During this period he published
icntific works ilue, He died in thi-
.■ity. on the 6th ol M I - 12
■ h.ihit of field explorations and actual insight,
-icni of teaching was peculiar and successful. He
maintained that the teacher learns more in teaching than
the scholar, and, therefore, he made each scholar a teacher
ami lecturer of his classmates. Each man was required to
tell what he knew on a particular topic to his classmates in
presence of the professor. Thus he awakened a zeal fur in-
vestigation, ami by speaking made the ready man.
Thirl v years after the earth closed over him. sciem
inaiuleil some suitable recognition of one of its favoriti
A monument over his jjravc in Oakwood and a memorial
window in the great hall of the institute now testify to the
gratitude of his pupils, and to his fame as a philosopher and
teacher.*
The following is a li-t of the officers and trustee- of the
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, from 1S24 to 1879:
Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer, LL.D., I'alroon, Albany,
with power to appoint examiners, 1824-39.
('residents. — Rev. Samuel Blatehford, D.D., of Lansing-
burgh, 1S24-2S; Rev. John Chester, D.D., of Albany,
1828-29; Rev. Eliphalct Nott, D.D., LL.D. , President
of Union College, Schenectady), 1829-45 ; Rev. Nathan
S. S. Beraan, D.D., LL.D., Troy, 1845-G5; lion. John
F. Winslow, Troy, 1S65-6S; Thomas C. Brinsmade. M.D.,
Troy, 18G8; Hon. James Forsyth, Troy, 18C8.
Vice-Presidents. — Orville L. Ilollcy, Tiny (Surveyor
General of the State of New York), 1st Vice-President,
1824-31; T. Romeyn Beck, M.D., Albany. 2d Vic
dent, 1824-28; Hon. David Buel, Jr., Troy. 2d Vice-
President, 1829-60; Rev. X. S. S. Reman. D.D, Troy,
1842-45 ; William P. Van Rensselaer, Grccnbush, 1845 6 1 |
Thomas C. Brinsmade, M.D., Troy, 1864-68; Hon. I
Gould, Troy, 1868; E. Thompson Gale, C.E., Troy,
1S69-72; Hon. William Gurley, C.E., Troy, 1-72.
Secretaries.— Moses Hale. M.D., 1824-35; Rev. E.
Hopkins, 1S35-11; Hon. Isaac McConihe, 1S41-42; Hon.
Joseph White. 1842-49; Stephen Wickes, M.D.,1849 51.
Rev. John B. Tibbits, 1S54-G1 ; Hon. William Gurley,
C.E., 1861-72; William II. Doughty, C.E., 1-72.
Treasurers. — Hon. Hanford X. Lockwood, 1824 II.
Thomas C. Brinsmade, M.D., 1S44-47; Hon. Day Otis
Kellogg, 1847-50; William 11. Young, 1850.
Trustees.— Rev. Samuel Blatehford, D.D., 1824-28;
Elias l'arinelee. 1824-34; Hon. John Cramer, 1824-4*5
Bon. Guert Van Schoonhovcn, 1824-44; Hon. Simeon
De Witt. 1824-28; T. Romeyn Beck, M.D., 1824—28?
linn. John D. Dickinson, LED.. 1824-40; Jedediat
Tracy, 1824-25; Don. Richard P. Hart. 1825-14; Gov.
Nicholas V. Beck, 1828-31 ; Judge Jesse Buel, 182$
Philip S. Van Rensselaer, 1-:::: It; Rev. Phincas I.
Whipple. 1833 37; Rev. Eliphalct Nott, D.D., 1842 15;
Hon. David Buel, Jr., 1842-44; Hon II. W. Stron
. 1842 II. D. G. Eglcston {rx-officio), 1842 II .
Rev. N. S. S. Beman, D D, LL I' 1842 65; Rev. W.
B. Sprague, D.D., 1842 14; John Holme, Esq ,18-1
I: \ 'I'. Twing, D.D, 1S42 68; Hon. Isaac McConihe,
I.I, M 1842-67; Hon Jonas C. Hcartl ■
1843 1 3; Bon, tin, den Corning ... officio), 1813-68J
Stephen Bowman • 1843-44; Rev. Reuben
i Fono/th' iniiiil Addn
CITV OK TROY,
Smith, 1843-15; Hon. A. B. Olin (ex-officio), ls|| is ;
Jored S. Weed (ex-officio), 1844-45; Thomas ('. Brins-
,„Bde, M.D., 1844-68; William P. Van Rensselaer,
[845 19; Luther Tucker, 1845-40; Hon. Daniel I).
Barnard, 1845-50; James Dana (ex-officio), I SIT 19;
linn. Francis N. Mann (ex-officio), IS 17-50; Stephen
Wickcs, M.D., IS 17-51; Benjamin I'. Johnson, 1849-66;
Alexander Van Rensselaer, M.D., 1849-68; John Wilkin-
son, IS 10-55 ; Hon. J. M. Warren, 1849; Le Grand B.
C:, n, 1840 64; D.Thomas Vail, 1840; Hiram Slocuni,
[849 65; Orsamus Eaton, 1S40-50 ; Rev. John B. Tib-
ials. IS 10-08 ; Hon. Joseph White, 1850 55; Hon. Day
(His Kellogg ( ex-officio), 1850-50 ; Amos Dean, 1850-5:', ;
Hon. Hanford N. Lockwood (cx-officio), 1850-51; linn.
Joseph M. Warren (ex officio), 1851-52; Hon. George
Gould (cx-officio), 1853-53; Hon. Foster Bosworth (ex-
ofiia'ii), 1853; Hon. Elias Plum (ex-officio), 1S53-54;
Thomas W. Blatchford, M.D., 1854-00; Hon. Jonathan
Edwards, 1 S ."> 1 OS; llmi. John A. ( Iris wold (ex-officio),
1855-56; 15. Franklin Greene, 1855-59; lion. William
Burley, 1855; Jonathan Iv Whipple, 1856-66; lion.
Hiram Slocum (ex-officio), 1856-57 ; Hon. Alfred Wot-
k)ns, M.D., (ex-nfficio), 1857-58; Hon. Arba Read (ex-
tjtficio). 1858-60 ; Hon. John F. Winslow, 1860-68 ; E.
Thompson Gale, 1800; Hon. John A. Griswold, 1860-72;
Hon. Isaac McConihe, Jr. (ex-officio), 1800-67 ; Hon.
(leorge B. Warren, Jr. (ex-officio), 1861-62; William II.
Young, 1861; Hon. Lyman Wilder, 1861; Hon. Arba
Read, 1SG1-63; Albert E. Powers, 1801 ; Rev. Peter
Bullions, D.D., 1S62-04; lion. James Thorn, M.D. (ex-
B^ctb), 1802-03; Hon. William L. Van Alstyne (ex-
fificio), 1863-64; Hon. James Thorn, M.D. (ex-officio),
1864-65; Rev. Duncan Kennedy, D.D., 1864-68; Hon.
Jonas C. Heartt, 1S64-74 ; Hon. George Gould, 1864-68 ;
David Cowee, 1S05 ; Alexander L. Ilolley, 1865-67 ; lion.
Uri Gilbert (cx-officio), 1865-66; F. B. Leonard, M.D.,
1:866-69; James S. Knowlson, 1866; Hon. Uri Gilbert,
1866; Hon. David A. Wells, LL.D., 1866; Hon. J. L.
Flagg (ex-nfficio), 1866-68 ; Hon. Charles R. Ingalls, 1868 ;
Rev. Marvin R. Vincent, D.D., 18GS-70; William A.
Shepard, 1868; Hon. Francis S. Thayer, 1868; Hon.
James Forsyth, 1808; Joseph W. Fuller, 1868; Hon.
William Kemp, 1868; Azro B. Morgan, 1S68-69; Hon.
Miles Beach (ex-officio), 1868-78 ; Rev. J. Ireland Tucker,
D.D., 1869; Alexander L. Holley, 1870; Clarence E.
Button, U. S. A., 1870; Hon. Uri Gilbert (ex-officio),
1870-71 ; Henry C. Lockwood, 1871 ; Win. II. Doughty,
1871; Hon. Thomas B. Carroll (ex-officio), 1871-73;
Hon. William Kemp (ex-officio), 1873.
The faculty and other instructors from 1824 to 1870
are as follows :
Senior Professors. — Amos Eaton, A. IS!., 1824-42;
George H. Cook,C.E., B.N.S., 1842-46 ; Charles Drowue,
C.E., A.M., 1850-60.
Directors.— B. Franklin Greene, C.E., A.M., 1847-59 ;
Rev. N. S. S. Beman, D.D., LL.D., 1859-60 ; Charles
Drowne, C.E., A.M., 1800; William L. Adams, David M.
Greene.
Junior Professors.— hems C. Beck, M.D., 1824-29 ;
Hczekiah H. Eaton, A.B. (r.s.), 1829-30; Paul Eugene
8tevenson,A i: (r.s i, 1830 '■'>'>, Ebcnezer Emmons, \ M .
M.D. V V. State Geologist), I83S 39.
Professors of Geology. \xno Eaton A M 1824 :;."> ,
Ebenezer Emmons, M.D . 1835 . George 11. Cook, C I
\ M . 1842 10; Edward A. II. Allen C E . L851 :■ i ,
James Hall, LL.D. N. ST. State Geologist) 1-51;
Whitfield.
Professors of Chemistry. — Amos Eaton \ M., 1824 35;
James Hall, A.M., [835 37 ; William Elderhorst, H I'
1855-61 ; Charles A. Goessmann, Ph.D., 1861 64; Henry
B. Nason, A.M., Ph.D., 1864.
Professors of Botany— Amos Eaton, A.M 1824 38 ;
R. Halsled Ward, A.M., M.D., 1869.
Professors of Botany and Zoology. —John Wright,
M.D. (State Geologist of Michigan), 1838 15; Frederick
B. Leonard, M.D., 1845-48.
Professors of Natural History. — Lewis C. Beck, M.D ,
1824 -20; Edward A. II. Allen, C.E., L 854-55 ; Henry
B. Nason, A.M., Ph.D., 1858-64.
Professors of Mechanics. — B. Franklin Greene, C.lv,
A.M., 1S47-50 ; Charles Drowne, C.E., A.M., 1859 ; W.
II. Burr.
Professors of Mathematics and Astronomy. — Charles
Drowne, C.E., 1851-55; Dascom Greene, C.E., 1857.
Professors of Descriptive Geometry ami Drawing. — G.
Gustavus Berger, 1851; S. Edward Warren. CM, 1853-
72 ; Dwinel F. Thompson, B S., 1872.
Professors of Geodesy, Road Engineering, ami Topo-
graphical Drawing. — Charles Drowne, C.E. (Professor of
Geodesy and Road Engineering), 1851-55; David M.
Greene, C.E., 1856-61 ; William II. Searles, C.E., 1802-
64 ; Charles McMillan, C.E., 1865-71 ; William L. Adams,
C.E., 1872 ; D. M. Greene.
Professor of Mental Philosophy. — Rev. X. S. S. Beman,
D.D., LL.D., 1854-65.
Professors of Modern Languages. — George F. Struve,
1854-56; Louis Cousin, B.L. and S., de la Faculte de
Paris, 1S50-50; Philip H. Baermann, 1801-60; J. II.
C. Lajoie de Marceleau, A.B., 1800-73.
Professors of English Composition. — James T. Allen,
B.S., 1855-58; T. Newton Wilson, A.M., 1850.
Professors of Metallurgy ami Practical Mining. — George
W. Maynard, A.M., 1867-71.
Adjunct Professors of Mathematics. — Charles Drowne,
C.E., 1840-51; Discom Greene, C.E., 1853-57; T. Or-
lando Hopkins, C.E., 1857-50; William Fenton, C.E.,
1864-70.
Instructors in Mathematics. — Charles Drowne, C.E.,
1847-40; George W. Plyuipton, C.K., 1850] Dascom
Greene, 1852-53; De Volson Wood, 1856-57; Joseph G.
Fox, C.E., 1861-62; Horace Loomis, 1862-63; William
Fenton, C.E., 1863-61; George M. Hunt, C.E., 1S64-67.
Instructors in Descriptive Geometry ami Drawing. —
David Hathaway, C.E., 1847-50; S. Edward Warren,
C.E., 1852-53; Albert G. Emery, 1855-58; Jas. Wad-
dle, 1878.
Instructors in Physics or Mechanics. — Charles Drowne,
C.E., 1847-40; James W. Bradshaw, C.E., ls.-,n-.->l ,
William Tweddale, C.E., 1852-54; George L. Moody,
1S54; C.Whitman Boynton, C.E., 1856-57; Albert II.
233
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
tin M.D., 18 16 7 . Arthur W. Bower, C E . 1871;
II.,,-;. \ i: .v • I C.E., 1872.
_ I: Roberts, 1 S ."> < > S I
Josepli \ M >ak, 1854 -55; David M. Greene, C.E.,
1-",.", 5G Charles C. Martin C.E., 1856 57 ; William L.
,■ i i: \ ing Pi ifi -- ii |, 1861 65; Charles E.
Smith, C E. Acting Profess ir ,1871 72.
Instructor* in Botany. — Josd Tell Ferrao, B.S., 1850-
C !■:.. M.D., 1851 55 R. Halstcd
Ward, A.M.. M.D., 1867 68
hut r odors in Modern Languages. — Paul Edward von
TIh.ii. 1852 ."-l ; John B Luco, AM . 1860-61 ; .1. II.
C I Marcclcau, LB., 18 ' -l ales Godeby,
\ B i-:::.
• ui Engl ' 1 im - I! Percy,
B.S 1858 59; Charles E. Dlaley, A B., L866 67 Alox-
t 0 Johnson, AM. 1869-75; William W. Wor-
rell, A M 1877
' nistrg. — Edward SufFern, 1835—36;
|i S. Smalley, 1835 36; Jonathan R Powell, C.E.,
1847 i- I. wis C. Lowe, C.E., 1849-50; Jose Tell
Ferrao, l850-"il ; .1;,,,,.- T. All. n (Instructor), 1S.">4-.Vi ;
Matthieu Darmstadt, Ph.D., 18G6-6S; [rving A.Stearns,
M I'. [868 69; Edward Nichols, B.S., 1871-73; Al-
3 Bertolet, M.E., 1-::: 75; W. P. Mason. 1876.
Adji to the Senior Professor (ap-
pointed for a single term or year). — Fay Edgerton, 1828;
Thomas E. Ripley, 1S28; Daniel A. Comstock, 1829;
John W. Barrows, 1829 James E. B h, 1831 ; Samuel
W. Williams, 1832; Alexander Van Rensselaer, 1833; D.
Smith, 18
Adjuncts 'if] Assistants in the Junior Professor (ap-
pointcd for a single term or year). — Timothy Dwigbt
I. ' d ! -J7 Orlin Oatman, l>-7; Douglas Houghton,
L830; James B. Dungan, 1830; Abram Sager, 18.51 ;
Abel Storrs, 1832; James Hall, 1833.
Janitors. — Asaliel Gilbert, 1826-35; Lloyd Harper,
Jalius Bethmann, 1869-78 ; Henry Bethmann,
1878
The following U the present Hoard of Trustees (1879
— Ilmi. James I'ursyth. I 'resident : William Gurley, Vice-
Presidenl William II. Doughty, Secretary; William II.
Joseph ,M. Warren, E. Thompson
I., man Wilder, I'ri Gilbert, Charles It. [ngalls,
William A. Sbeppard, Francis S. Thayer, Alexander L.
Holli I: Will,,,,, Iimh. D I'.. I>. Tl las Vail, Al-
P David Cowee, James S. Knowlson, Joseph
W. Fuller, William Kemp, Rev. .1 Ireland Tucker, I'. I'.
II I I. ■ ■'. i 1- John D. Van Buren, Jr., and Hon.
rd Murphy, .Ir . Mayor of Troy, ■
The following com] the present faculty and instructors
1879 Hon Ja - Forsyth, President, I tureron the
Liw ' David N Greene, C E., Director, Pro-
Road Engineering, and Topographical
ring ; Chs C.E., A.M., Em, rittu Pn
I ind Practical Mechanics J imi - Hall.
LL D., N. Y. £ llban) . Emeritus Pi
l I ind Mining Geology ; Da
C.E Prol • of Mathematics and Istrononn .
II nry Bradford Mason \ M Ph.D I of Chem-
istry and Natural Science; Dwinel French Thompson,
B.S., Professor of Descriptive Geometry, Stereotomy, and
Drawing; William Hubert Burr, C.E. , Professor of Ra-
tional and Technical Mechanics; Richard Halstcd Ward,
A M . M.D., Professor of Botany; Arthur Wellington
Rower. C.E., Professor of Physics; William John Keep,
C.E., Lecturer on the Steam-Engine ; Jules Godeby, A.B.,
Instructor in the French Language and Literature; Wil-
liam Weeks Morrill. A.M., Instructor in the English Lan-
guage and Literature; Palmer Chambcrlaine Riekctts, C.E.,
Assistant in Mathematics and Astronomy; William Pitt
Mason, (\lv. li.S., Assistant in Chemistry and Natural
Science; John Alexander Low Waddell, C.E., Assistant
in Rational and Technical Mechanics, Descriptive Geoui-
etry, and Drawing; Robert Remsen Chadwiek, C.E. (Co>
hoes . Assistant in Geodesy.
The course of study in civil engineering is now the only
course of the institute, and the degree conferred is that of
civil engineer.
This course of study is comprehensive and practical, and
although it has been arranged expressly for students of
civil engineering, yet it is believed to be well adapted to the
wants of others who are desirous to receive the thorough
discipline furnished by the careful study of the mathemati-
cal, physical, and natural sciences.
TUE TROY ACADEMY.
This institution was incorporated May 5, 1S34. The
school according to the act was to be under the government
of nineteen trustees, the first of which were: The mayor
and recorder of the city, the aldermen of the First, Second,
Third, and Fourth Wards, and David Buel, Jr., John
Wl lor, John T. McCoun, Jos. Daggett, Geo. Vail. Lyman
Garfield, Thaddeus B. Bigclow, Cbas.S. J. Goodrich, Jonas
C. Hcartt, Day 0. Kellogg, Dennis Bclding, John 1!. Cole-
grove, and Albert Richards. The income of the academy
was not to exceed ten thousand dollars. It was enacted that
all the property and effects of every description belonging to
the high school, then under the charge of the trustees of
the first district, should be transferred to the trustees of the
academy.
This prosperous school is on the plat of ground on the
northwest corner of Seventh and State Streets, in a com-
modious brick building, two stories high. Prof. T. Newton
Willsoo, A.M., is the principal of the academy. Hon 1'.
N. Mann. President : Rev. George C. Baldwin, D.D., Vice-
President . Prof. T. N iwtoo Willson, A.M.. Secretary and
Tri i-urer.
XIII.— CHURCHES.*
Ill K FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
On the 31sl day of December, 1791, at the house of
Stephen Ashley, a Presbyterian congregation was formed,
a,,d .1; b D, Vanderheydcn, Samuel Gale, Ephraini Morgan,
John McChcsney, Sr., Benjamin Covcll, and Benjamin Cor-
,. ,,, elected trustees, Rev. Jonas Coe was the first pastor;
officiating also for the Lansingburgh Church, organized aboul
BIX months later. A meeting house was at oner . ommcnci i
on land presented by Jacob I1 Vanderhcyden, at the south-
We arc indebted to the Troj Budijel for valuable material u»ed
in compiling tlii- article.
(MTV OF TROY.
39
,;i>i eornerof First and Congress Streets. Before the build-
infr was finished (June 25, 1793) the pastor was ordained.
Hlis edifice was several times repaired and improved, the
must extensive alterations being made in I SI I. In I SI 5 a
subscription of four hundred and eighty dollars was raised
in purchase a bell to be "hung in the steeple of the first
Presbvterian meeting-house in t ho village of Troy." The
first session house was erected in 1819. In 1829 a new
church was built. The church completed in L836 is the
niie now occupied by the society. The style of the exterior
is Greek, the order employed the Doric, li eo.st forty-five
thousand dollars.
Since the first communion-service was held in 1791,
nearly three thousand persons have united with this church.
The present number of communicants is about four hundred.
I lev. Jonas Coe'.s pastorate continued until his death in 1S22.
Dr. Nathan S. Beman was the second pastor, officiating for
I'm iv years, when be resigned. From thence until his death,
in 1S71, he received from the society an annuity of one
thousand dollars per annum. A white marble tablet at the
left of the pulpit has been placed there by a grateful people
to his memory, liev. M. K. Vincent served the church
from 1863 until 1873. The present pastor, Rev. George
N. Webber, D. D., was called in 1ST t, being installed April
8th. The Sunday-school, of which Professor Thompson is
superintendent, now (1879) numbers one hundred and
seventy-six members.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Organized Sept. 25, 1827. Their first church edifice,
which was dedicated July 18, 1827, was located on the
southeast comer of Sixth and Grand Division Streets.
Rev. Mark Tucker, D.D., was the first pastor. The church
now occupied by this society was dedicated March 30, 1S05,
and was erected at a cost of seventy thousand dollars. It
will seat thirteen hundred and fifty persons. Its pulpit has
been filled by the Rev. William Irvin, D.D., since July 11,
1807. His predecessors were Erastus Hopkins, D.D.,
1837 (following Dr. Tucker); Charles Wadsworth, 1842;
Thomas P. Field, 1850 ; Elam Smalley, D.D., 1854 ; J. T.
Duryea, D.D., 1859; D. S. Gregory, D.D., 1803.
THE THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This society was organized Jan. 16, 1831, and a church
was erected (costing eighteen thousand dollars), and dedicated
the same year, in the village of Albia, Fifth Ward. The
first pastor was Rev. Ebenezer Seymore, who was succeeded
by Rev. Abner De Witt, still officiating. In 1870 there
were one hundred and fifty persons connected with this
church, and two hundred and twenty-five in attendance on
the Sabbath-school connected therewith.
THE SECOND STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Sept. 23, 1834, this church was organized. Rev. W. D.
Snodgrass, D.D., was the first officiating pastor. A meeting-
house was erected on the east side of Second, between Con-
gress and Ferry Streets (dedicated Aug. 6, 1834), at a cost
ot thirty thousand dollars, and has the capacity for seating
eight hundred persons. The present membership is about
three hundred and fifty, with a Sabbath school of nearly
equal numbers. Other paston ince Dr. Bnodgra
been E. W. Amir, »-. 1-1 I : El Ml Hall,;. D.D I
Duncan Kennedy, D.D. I I Charles Iv Robinson,
D.D , 1-07, and Fred Q Clark ••■■ i rving the church,
TUB I Mill' PRE8B1 I I ill \N i in mil.
The date of the organization of this church is given
Feb. 6, 1834, with Rev. Peter Bullions I » I > a first pastor.
The church of this religious body is located on Seventh
Street, between Albany and Slate. Il was erected in I
and dedicated November 13th of thai year. Eighty-three
members were recorded in 1876. The building now used
by this society was erected in 1872, and dedicated Jan. 1,
1873. It cost nine thousand six hundred and nin.t \ doll
and will comfortably seat four hundred and fifty persons,
Rev. II. 1'. McAdam succeeded Dr. Bullions, serving from
July 20, 1865, to Jan. 11, L871. He was full., wed, Feb. 6,
1872, by the present pastor, Rev. R. D. Williamson.
THE LIBERTY STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
was organized Jan. 17, 1S10. Their house of worship,
located on Liberty Street, between Third and Fourth, was
dedicated to the service of God Nov. 27, 1834.* Rev.
Henry Highland Garnett was their first pastor. The num-
ber of members in 1870 was thirty-eight, with a Sunday-
school of fourteen teachers and sixty scholars. The church
has a capacity of seating three hundred persons. The suc-
cession of pastors since the first have been Revs. Kdmund
Freeman, two years; Benjamin Lynch, two years; Jona-
than Gibbs, five years; J. N. Gloucester, one year; Jacob
A. Prime, seven years; William Lynch, at present offici-
ating.
PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Organized Aug. 24, 1854; church dedicated Dec. 31,
1 854, is located on the west side of Second, between Adams
and Washington Streets; capable of seating eight hundred
persons ; cost twenty-five thousand dollars. The reverend
gentlemen who have had charge of this flock are Charles S.
Robinson, G. H. Robertson, Abner De Witt, and Donald
McGregor, the latter since May, 1872.
THE WOODSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
was organized June 19, 1807, with the Rev. Matthew B.
Lowrie as its pastor. Their place of worship is on Mill
Street (Iron-Works), and was dedicated July 19, 1869. It
cost seventy-five thousand dollars, and has three hundred
sittings. Rev. M. B. Lowrie was followed by the Rev.
Teunis Hamlin, now in charge. The statistics for 1876
show one hundred and fifty-four members, and two hundred
and twenty-five officers, teachers, and scholars in the Sun-
day-school.
OAKWOOD AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
In 1808 a church was built on the northwest corner of
Hoosick and Tenth Streets, at a cost of ten thousand dol-
lars, capable of accommodating four hundred and fifty per-
sons with comfort. It was dedicated July 1st of that year.
» This meeting house was the one first used by the First Presby-
terian Church, ami was removed from Congress mil First Streets to
Liberty Street, and fitted up for the u.-e of tho Liberty Street Church'.
240
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and Rev. ' ■ _ Van Deurs July ordained as the pastor of
the society Jan. 1. 1868, who lias served continuously since,
excepting fr Dec. 1. 1872, to July 15, 1874, the pas-
torate of Rev. Charles S. Durfee. In 1876 it numbered
two hundred and fifty members, and had a Sunday-school
of like proportions.
NINTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Date of organization, Sept. 30, 1869. Church located
on the northwest corner of North Second an J Jay Streets;
■ - ten thousand dollars, and will seat live hundred per-
sons. The Rev. N. B. Remick was the first, and is the
present, minister. The church has a membership of over
four hundred.
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
located on the west side of Vail Avenue, north of Turner's
Lane, was dedicated Oct. 23, 1*72. Its cost was fifteen
hundred dollars. The society was organized Nov. 2. 1871.
Rev. James Marshall's pastorate extended from Nov. 2.
1871, to March 1. 1872; that of Thomas L. Sexton, from
M ;■ 9, 1S72, to July 1. 187."). at which date he was suc-
ceeded by the present pastor. Rev. Clarence Eddy.
THE MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
is the latest organized in this denomination in Troy. Its
edifice is situated on Pawling Avenue, and its officiating
pastor is Rev. Geo. E. McLean.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CnURCH.
In the autumn of 1792 the families of Silas Covell,
John Howard, and Adam Keeling, all professing the Bap-
ti.-t faith, met and held Sabbath services in turn at the re-
spective homes of the three men, while their wives labored
among t lie people with a zealous missionary spirit. From
this small beginning they so increased that a private house
was iii.-iifficient accommodation, and a room was engaged
and fitted up for their use in a building which stood near
the corner of Broadway and River Streets. Soon alter
15, 1795 a regular church organization was formed,
with the designation of "The First Particular Baptist
Church in the village of Troy." Upon a lot, No. 231
Third Street, the generous gift of J. D. Vanderhcyden and
wife in L796, a small meeting-house was erected' in 1S05.
In 1813 a conference-room was built, replaced four years
later by a still larger one. The BOCietygrew BO rapidly that
in 1826 they were obliged to enlarge their house of worship.
\ importable parsonage had I n previously built, in 1824.
In 1846 the old meeting-h e was removed and replaced
by the edifice now in use, During its construction the con-
gregation held services in the court house. The fir>l min-
ister was Elder Elias Lee. Afterward, for a time. Rev. J.
Sheldon preached to the people, but was nol i rdained
r of the church. The firel installed pastor was Rev.
Webb, who remained in charge eighl years. Bis
have been Rev. Francis Waylund, Sr.; Rev.
Charles <i. Summers, ordained July 10, 1816; Rev. Le-
land Howard. 1; I: oj iniin M, Bill, Rev. John Cookson,
I: I. < ' I. .veil, and I: i Baldwin, D.D., the
who has served the church since the summer
of 1844. I>r Baldwin was a native of Pompton, N. J .
and a graduate of Madison University, Hamilton, N. ]
The doctor is an earnest worker, effective speaker, and ;
able writer.
The First Church numbers about eight hundred uicmbei
and owns property to the amount of seventy-five thousai
dollars. The annual sum paid for the support of the ehun
is live thousand five hundred dollars, and for benevolo
purposes about two thousand five hundred dollars, a portic
of which goes towards the support of Rev. Dr. Haswell ai
wife in Burniah. The benevolent work is largely in tl
hands of an organization in the church known as"Tl
Covenant Band." It has a large and prosperous Sundu
school, of which Mr. J. T. Waltermire and Miss San
Goodspeeil are superintendents. It has a library of abo
fifteen hundred volumes.
SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
On the 4th of February, 1834, about sixty persons orga
ized the Second Church. Joshua Ilarpham, Lemuel Brii
nail, and Andrew Hemphill were chosen deacons and S.
Gibbs clerk. The society changed its place of meeting sc
eral times. In February, 18GS, the church was reorgaiiizt
and in May, 1869, the corner-stone of the present bri>
church, on Congress Street, near the Stone Bridge, was lai
The building was dedicated in March, 1S70. It o
thirteen thousand dollars and will seat four hundred p
sons. The first pastor was Rev. E. Raymond. Rev. \
T. C. Ilanua now fills this charge.
THE NORTH BAPTIST CtlrR.Cn
was organized in June, 1843. by members from the pare
(First) church. The building erected on the corner
Fifth and Fulton Streets, and dedicated in May, 1814, w
destroyed by lire in 1S52. A large edifice has taken
place, erected on its site, at a cost of forty-five thousai
dollars. It was dedicated May 14, 1863. It has sev
hundred sittings. Rev. Lcland Howard was the first past'
This church has been wonderfully prospered; has a lar
membership, nearly or quite six hundred, now under t
pastoral care of Rev. L. J. Matteson. Other pastors ha
been Revs. J. H. Walden, two years; Rev. J. G. Warn
D.D., six years; and Rev. C. P. Sheldon, nineteen yean
THE SOUTH TROY BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized in March, 1S6S. The first minister w
Rev. Richard Davis, who officiated from Feb. 1, 1870
March, 1871. Services tire held in their church buildin
5,")2 First Street. Oilier pastors have been Rev. J.
Smith, from December, 1871, to Jan. 1. 1875 ; and Cbirl
N. Catlin. supply.
VAN, AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church, organized in April. 1871, have a mectin
house tit the corner of Vail and Cemetery Avenues.
ai a cosl of live thousand dollars, and dedicated in Septet
her. 1873. Rev. Ezra 1>. Simon- was the firsl I871-l<
and Rev. T. L. Bickford is the present pastor. Forsoyoni
a church, the latest formed in Troy of this denoniinatio
it has a luge membership, numbering about (wo hundr
and fifty, nnd a Sunday-school of even larger proportion!
(MTV OF TllOY.
I'll
THE STATE STREET METHODIST CHURCH.
'I'lu> first Methodist known to have entered this region of
intrv was Capt. Webb, of the British army, about the
ir 17li5.* The earliest record of Methodism in Troy is
meetings held in 1794. f Among those who were mem
rs of the society in 1800 wore parents and brother of the
fe of Rev. Joel Ketchum; Samuel Goodrich, Si-., prin-
«] of the academy, and his wife; Mrs. Honor G Irich;
ninel Goodrich, Jr., dry-goods merchant; Miss Day, a
ptl at the academy; Mr. and Mrs. Cannon; Mrs. dri-
ll's mother, Mrs. Plum; and Mr. Cleveland, class-leader,
ese were all New England people, ami are mentioned as
peoially pious, refined, anil intelligent." She adds the
mesof Benjamin Bells ami wife, dared Hells, Mrs. Jill-
i, Laura Waterman, Mrs. Pettit, Mrs. McAlister, Mrs.
rlo, Mrs. Boutwell, Archibald Gray and wife, and Minna,
mulatto. Prayer-meetings were held at the houses of
ise different members.
Rev. Win. Phoebus was the first pastor, in 1810. In
111) these pioneer Methodists proposed to erect a small
•eting-house, and a subscription-paper was started. The
iiiunts subscribed ranged all the way from twenty cents
one hundred and fifty dollars, the latter being given by
iphalet King. The church was built, and opened in the
tumn of 1810. The society was incorporated in 1808.
i first trustees were David Canfield, Eliphalet King, and
uiuel Scoby. The first meeting-house was sold in 1827,
d a new edifice erected on the site of the old one ; it was
dicated by Bishop Hedding, Dec. 1, 1827. In 1866 the
bstantial structure now occupied by the society was started
jd completed in 1871, at a cost of one hundred and
enty-five thousand dollars.
In the nearly seventy years of this church's history
my prominent names occur on its roll of pastors. For
sh of the first three years there was a change of supply.
•om 1813 to 1823 the pastors remained for two years.
lOT Noah Bigelow filled the pulpit for one year, after
;iich, until 1842, the supply was for two years. Noah
ivings remained one year, after which the regular term of
o years' settlement was unbroken until 1853, when Les-
r Janes remained but one year. In 1864, Stephen D.
:rown supplied one year, and was succeeded by Dr. Erastus
entworth, who served as pastor from 1865 to 1868, and
as the first to remain three years. Rev. George W.
irown was pastor from 1868 to 1871 ; Rev. William H.
ughes from 1871 to 1874; and Rev. Henry D. Kimball
>m 1874 to 1877. Rev. George J. Brown, the present
stor, began his ministry in 1877.
In 1833 the " Ladies' Aid Society" was formed. Of the
osperous Sunday-school of this church Mr. E. O. House
the present superintendent.
THE NORTH SECOND STREET M. E. CHURCH
« built and dedicated Aug. 30, 1835. The society was
gamzed in the mouth of May preceding, and its place of
'Whip is at the corner of North Second and Jacob Streets.
ev. S. D. Ferguson was the first, and Rev. Henry Graham
l!"' present minister. It has over four hundred on the rolls
* Rev. Stephen Parks, in "Troy Conference Miscellany "
t Manuscript of Miss I'hel.c Curliss, written about 1826
31
Of membership, and nearly as many Sunday Scl 1 scholars.
The church building cost twenty thousand dollar, and can
seal nine hundred persona.
Tin: CONGRESS BTBEET U. B. CHURCH.
During 18 17 Is this church was built. Ii e„st eleven
thousand dollars, and was dedicated July 1 2, 1849. [|
was largely indebted to the generosity and labors of I
and Elizabeth Billman. Their first minister was Rev.
Edward Noble; Rev. George Skene is now filling the
••barge. A large and prosperous Sunday-school i- an a. I
junct of this church.
OTHER METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES
in the city are Levings' Chapel, organized in 1S3S, located
on Mill Street; Third Street Church, organized in 1843,
and church dedicated in December, L848; Vail Avenue
Church,| organized in April, 1854, church dedicated Dec.
10, 1858; German Church, organized July 25, 1S57, and
located at junction of Ferry and Congress Streets; and"Zion
Church" (colored), organized in 1841, and located on Fifth
Street. The church buildings of these societies arc com-
paratively small and inexpensive, excepting that of the
German Church, which cost twenty-one thousand dollars,
and has a seating capacity for eight hundred. Julius Sei-
del is the present pastor of the last-named society. The
Pawling Avenue Church is the latest organized in this de-
nomination, A. C. Rose being its present pastor.
st. Paul's episcopal church.
This, the third regularly organized religious society in
Troy, was the outgrowth of the individual efforts of Eliakim
Warren (who came to Troy in 1798), and the early mis-
sionary aid of Trinity Church, of New York City. A
meeting was held at the court-house, Jan. 16, 1804, for the
purpose of organizing an Episcopal Church. Nicholas
Schuyler presided, and Eliakim Warren and Jeremiah
Pierce were elected wardens, and Nicholas Schuyler, David
Burt, Lemuel Hawley, Thomas Davis, Thomas Hillhouse,
John Bird, Win. S. Parker, and Hugh Peebles, vestrymen.
" Trinity" offered them two thousand dollars towards build-
ing a church, the corner-stone of which was laid July 2,
1804, at the corner of Third and Congress Streets. The
edifice was completed the following summer, but within
fifteen years it had to be enlarged to accommodate the in-
creased number of worshipers. In 1826 there was again
a demand for a larger church, the corner-stone of which
was laid April 26, 1827, on the northeast corner of State
and Third Streets, and consecrated by Bishop Hobart, Aug.
16, 1828. The church cost twenty-nine thousand dollars.
The first sale of pews in the new church aggregated thirty-
eight thousand dollars. The rectors of this church have
been as follows: Rev. Dr. Butler from July, 1804, to
March, 1834; Rev. R. B. Cross, assistant rector for one
year, from 1830 to 1831 ; Rev. Isaac Peck, assistant rector
from August, 1831, to April, 1S34, at which time, just
after the resignation of Dr. Butler, he was chosen rector,
and officiated as such for two years ami a half; Rev. Alonzo
Potter, D.D., officiated from 1836 to 1837 ; Rev. R. B.
J J. K. Wager, present pastor — 1879.
242
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
I
Van Kleeck, D.D., rector from October, 1S37, to January,
Wit : Bev.Thi - W.Ccit, DJ).,LL.D., rector from March,
1854, to January, 1873; Rev. E. N. Potter, D.D., associ-
ate rector from March, lst;y. to April. 187-. The assist-
ant ministers have been Revs. William G. Spencer, Geo. C.
Pennell, Th. B. Fogg, John Scarborough, Edgar F. Chap-
man, F. Wainwright, George Wortbington, C. A. Hol-
brook, 15. 8. Adams, F. 8. Luther, Walker Gwynne, Wm.
C. I'r.mt. and Wm. M. Pickslay.
The Sunday-school of ibis church is a large one. num-
bering Forty-three teachers and officers and four hundred
pupils. It is under the supervision of Or. Harrison.
When St. Paul's Church was organized it had three com-
municants; at the time of Dr. Butler's death there were
three hundred. The amount raised in 1878, Cor parochial,
diocesan, and general purposes, was fifteen thousand dollars.
• An important feature is the parish school. It has an
endowment fand of about ten thousand dollars. The en-
dowment was begun many years ago, when a Miss Wash-
burn, a member of the family of Judge McConihe,
bequeathed one hundred dollars to the church ' froiu the
savings of her own earnings, the interest to be expended
in the education of poor children.' Larger sums were left
to the parish at different times by Mrs. Sarah Bradley,
Mrs Esther Cannon, Henry Vail, Mrs. Lydia Warren, and
Mr- Elisa At wood Tibbits Warren.
" The school docs not confine itself to those who can
pay lor a liberal education, but offers its advantages to those
also who cannot."
st. joun's cnrjRcn.
As Troy grew and extended her limits, it was but natural
that there should be efforts to establish other churches of
the Episcopal denomination. In 1830 a newly-formed
congregation, comprising many former members of St.
Paul's Church, organized a second society, under the name
of St. John's. They purchased the old church of St.
Paul's, on Congress Street, where they worshiped until
1855, when their beautiful church on the corner of First
and Liberty Streets was completed at a cost of fifty thou-
sand dollars.
Its pastors have been John A. Ilicks, 1831-32; Her-
man Hooker. 1832—33; Henry R. Judah ; Gordon Wins-
low, 1-:'.''.: Richard Cox, 1837-44; William II. Walter,
l-l l 16; A. B. Carter. 1846-47; Edw. Lounsberry,
1-17 .">t. Richard Temple. 1854; J. Brinton Smith,
1856 59; Henry L Potter, l»l>. l-.V.i; Ceo. II. Walsh,
D.D., 1866. Rw 1'. L Norton, D.D., is the present
-. uusted by Geo. F. Bn i d.
cllltlsT I lit RCH.
The third Episcopal church organised was Christ Church,
which originate.) iM p Sunday-scl 1 lir.-t started in 1S36,
at the house of Mr. Josiah Bouton. a parishioner of St.
Paul'-. The Sunday-school grew until tin- people were
warranted in attempting to build a church, and the result
of the effort- in this direction was the edifice known as
Christ church, the corner-stone of which was laid in 1838.
Tic successive i Christ Church have been Wm,
F. W.lker. Edw. [ngereoll, D.D., Robert B. Fairbairn,
D.D., Thos. W. Starkey, D.D., Jas. Mulchahey, D.D, Eton
W. Maxcy. and J. N. Mulford, — the latter since 1SG4.
TDE HOLY CROSS.
The fourth Episcopal church organized was the Church
of the Holy Cross, which is the fruit of a sewing-school,
begun in a private house in 1S15. The church was estab-
lished in 1843, and dedicated in 1S4S. Rev. J. Ireland
Tucker, D.D., has served the church as rector since the
year last named.
OTHER EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.
" St. Lukes" Church, at South Troy, was erected largely
by funds received from members of St. Paul's. It was
organized in lSlitl, and its church edifice cost twenty seven
thousand dollars. James B. Wasson is the present officiating
pastor. The " Free Church of the Ascension," organized
Feb. 14, 18GS, have a beautiful chapel on Ida Hill, built
and furnished by the geuerosity of F. W. Farnam, of St.
Paul- Church, at a cost of eighty thousand dollars. Rev.
Jas. Caird is the officiating rector. " <SV. PauVs Fr»
Chapel" in the northern part of the city, is the la:
formed Episcopal Church (November, 1869), and of which
Rev. E. N. Potter was the first and Wm. C. Prout is the
present rector.
TnE FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCII.
In the spring of 1845 was laid the foundation of the
Unitarian Society in Troy. In June of that year the Rev.
H. F. Harrington, of Albany, held services in the mayor's
court-room for three successive Sabbaths. In July a meet-
ing was called for the purpose of effecting an organization.
In August the Session-House, on Fourth Street near Broad-
way, was purchased for two thousand five hundred dollars
and converted into a chapel. The 1st of October the
society was organized, taking the name of " The First Uni-
tarian Society of Troy." The trustees elected were Thomas
Coleman, Ammi Brewster, Luke Bcmis, George Wells, E
B. Strout, H. L. nayner, A. K. Hadley, George Cross,
and Franklin Cummings, for terms of one, two, and three
years. The chapel was dedicated Nov. 14, 1845. Before
a year had elapsed it was found to be too small, and it was
subsequently enlarged.
With occasional alterations and repairs the chapel served
the society as a place of worship until it was sold in 1ST I.
with the intention of building their new church. While
that wits in process of erection the society met in a room
in Green's building, comer Fourth Street and Broadway.
The new church, erected at a cost of fifty thousand dol-
lars, was completed late in the year 1875, the dedicatory
exercises occurring December 15th. The building was
designed by Mr. M. N. Cummings, and is universally ad-
miicd. There is perhaps no church in the city, unless it
be the Church of the Ascension, the interior finish of
which is more harmonious and pleasing to the eye. both
in its architecture and decoration, than is this. The edi-
fice has walls of brick on a basement of aqueduct blue-
stone ; the dressings of the interior are of Connecticut
brown-stone, Ohio sandstone, and of iron. In plan the
building is cruciform, and it has a tower on the northeast
(TIT OF TliOY.
243
lorner. The stylo of architecture used is the Gothic, and
if the " decorated" type. Tlie ministers who have served
his society have been the following: Rev. John Pierpont
the distinguished poet), from 1845 to 1849; Joseph
Angier, who remained two years; Rev. Edgar Bucking-
ham, 1853 In 18(>7; Rev. Newton N. Mann, two years;
llev. II. S. Cargill, July, 1871, but resigned after a pastor-
tto of three months; Rev. George II. Young, 1872 to
1877, being succeeded by Rev. William II. Fish, Jr., the
present pastor.
The Unitarian Society is small, but contains many earn-
est members. Their Sunday-school is in a flourishing con-
dition. Auxiliary to the society are the "Ladies' Sewing
Circle" and the " Young People's Union."
THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
The precise date of its organization is not known, but
existing, records show that it was prior to July 2, 1822, at
which time a meeting was held for the election of trustees,
and "the male persons, present members of the said church
organization, did, by a plurality of votes, elect Henry Koon,
William McManus, Absalom L. Lansing, Joseph Weld,
James Adams, Samuel Smith, and Stephen Wood trustees
of the society known as ' The First Restoration is t Church
of Troy.' "
July 29, 1823, the corner-stone was laid for their church,
on lots 110 and 111, situated on the south side of Ferry,
between First and Second Streets.
It was used by the society only a few years, when it was
sold to the Second Baptist Society, in 1834, for seven thou-
sand dollars. At time of sale the society owed three thou-
sand five hundred dollars, two thousand four hundred dollars
being secured by bond and mortgage on the church. After
the sale of the property on Ferry Street, the society im-
mediately took steps towards the erection of a new church
building on Fifth Street. The building was completed and
dedicated Sept. 11, 1835. Rev. G. D. Williamson, of
Albany, delivered the dedication discourse.
In July, 1829, the society changed its name, taking,
instead of " Restoration," " Universalis!," and has since
been known by the title at the head of this article.
In 1875 the church was rebuilt and extensive alterations
made, at a cost of sixteen thousand dollars. C. Edward
Loth was the architect. The present church building is
substantially built of brick, with stone and iron trim-
mings in the front, which is in the Romanesque style of
architecture.
Rev. Lemuel Willis was the first pastor. The ministers
since 1842 have been Rev. H. B. Soule, Rev. C. C. Burr,
Rev. John Moore, Rev. W. H. Waggoner, Rev. J. C.
Waldo, Rev. J. N. Parker, Rev. J. M. Pullman, Rev. J.
M. Bailey, Rev. L. M. Burrington, Rev. A. B. Hervey,
and the present pastor, Rev. Chas. Conklin.
The present church officers are A. B. Hervey, Moder-
ator; Henry H. Darling, Clerk; Dennis Priest, Treasurer;
Charles Eddy, Harvey Mosher, Dennis Priest, and S. G.
Benson, Deacons. The legal society has a board of nine
trustees, of which Charles Eddy is chairman and J. W.
Buffington clerk. The annual expenses of the church are
about three thousand five hundred dollars.
The Sunday-scl I w;is organized in L838, during the
pastorate of Rev. K. ( !, Brown, with II. I'. Prime as its
first superintendent. George U Falee is the superintendent
at present, 1 ^ 7 '. ' . The school numbers about one bundled
and thirty members, ami p,,s^--^es a library of over eight
hundred volumes. The social work of the church is largely
in the hands of an association called "The Young People's
Union."
THE rill lien (iK CHRIST.
This denomination was established in Troy in (be year
1865. Their church edifice, located on the southwest coi
ner of Seventh and Fulton Streets, was dedicated to the
service of God the 3d day of December, 1808. Rev. W.
A. Belding was the first pastor; followed by Kevs. Levi
Osborn, W. II. Rogers, and Joseph 15. Cleaver. Value of
church property, twenty thousand dollars.
TRINITY/ (GERMAN LUTHERAN) CHURCH
was instituted in Troy in 1870. They built a meeting-
house (dedicated Feb. 7, 1875) ou River Street, between
Iloosick and Hutton Streets. Their ministers have been
Revs. Eirich Saul and F. Goessling.
THE FRIENDS, OR QUAKERS.
Among the earliest settlers of Troy were the Friends,
and they obtained permission from the Easton monthly
meeting to hold private meetings at the residences of mem-
bers or other convenient places. The first of these meet-
ings were held in the barn of Zachariah Garnryck, and of
it Mr. Joseph Briutnall, a pioneer Friend (who died a few
years since), says, — ■
" There were present more persons than could he provided with
seats inside; and such as could not, found accommodations on the
sills and sides of the front platform. The women occupied the north
side of the room, and the men the south side. Among those I re-
member as being present were Daniel Merritt and wife, Jacob Mer-
ritt, Zachariah Garnryck and family, John Gitford and his wife Rhoda
Gitford. Daniel Merritt, Zachariah Garnryck, and John Gitford sat
at the head of the meeting. Being the first assemblage of the kind
held in the neighborhood, many were attracted thither out of curi-
osity and a desire to see how a Friends' meeting would be conducted
and what would be said and done by the men who wore broad-
brimmed hats on their heads and wooden buttons ou their coats. John
Gitford preached to the assembled Friends, and the meeting proved a
source of great satisfaction to those present at that time."
The meetings were continued from time to time indiffer-
ent places until they engaged a room in a pottery on Ferry
Street, owned by Josiah Chapman, and there they held
their meetings for several years. In November, 1803, a
committee was appointed by the Easton monthly meeting
to visit these meetings and report to the meeting their
standing and condition. A favorable report was made on
May 5, 1S04. Not long afterwards Daniel Merritt bought
a lot, on which their meeting-house was subsetpueutly built,
on the southwest corner of State and Fourth Streets, now
occupied by the Unitarian church, of Jacob D. Van der
Heyden. The land purchased, a house was soon erected
and partly furnished. The society paid one hundred dol-
lars per year for the use of it for twelve or thirteen years.
when Mr. Merritt deeded the property to Adam Allen, of
Cambridge, Lewis Tabor, of Easton, and Joseph Briutnall,
of Troy, trustees of the Easton monthly meeting. In
244
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
April, 18156, the meeting enlarged the lot by the pur-
chase of one south of it, twenty by ninety feet.
During the first years of tin- existence of the society it
increased rapidly. The First-Day meetings, especially, were
well attended. At present only a few are left. A few
years since they sold their meeting-house property to the
Unitarians, on the condition that in the parlors of the new
church, which the latter proposed to erect (Hi the ground,
tli.- Friends should have the right to hold their preparative
meetings.
Among lb'' resident preachers were John Gi fiord, Han-
nah Purington, Elizabeth Tryning, and Thankful Merritt;
and among visiting ones, Rachel Barker is best remembered.
ROMAN CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS.
Few Catholics were found north of Albany, in what is
now the State of New York, along the Hudson River, pre-
viously to 1818. The first priest who is known to have
made occasional visits among them in those early times was
II v. Father McQilligan. For want of a church mass was
then celebrated in private houses. As the country was
here getting more and more settled, and especially so at
Troy and its surrounding places, the number of Catholics
grew likewise. At Troy they formed themselves into a
congregation, and were incorporated under the title of St.
Pi t. r's congregation, with a view of building a church at
an early day. At this time a fire broke out in Troy, doing
much damage. It destroyed the county property, including
the school-bouse, which, as well as the court-house, had
often been used for the celebration of mass. This happened
in 1>27. It had the effect of greatly stirring up the few
Catholics, especially of Troy and Lansingburgh, who were
then also greatly encouraged by Mr. Rauson, who took a
leading part in Catholic affairs at that time. Grounds were
obtained at the corner of North Second and Ilutton Streets,
and a frame building was erected thereupon, which was
dedicated by Right Rev. Bishop Du Bois, then Rishop of
New York, as St. Peter's Church, assisted by Rev. John
Shanahan and other priests of New York. The number of
Catholics continued to increase more and more, especially by
tin' opening of canals, railroads, and the storting of various
enterprises of industry, in which Troy, go early, became
already conspicuous. The church, which was a small
fniine building, soon was insufficient for the growing Cath-
olic population. A briek addition was added to it, which
made the building about twenty feet longer, its whole
length being now eighty feet, and its width forty, with a
basement under the new addition for school purposes, the
sexton of the church, James Fitzpatrick, being at the same
time the .-. hiMihnastcr.
A church was also commenced shortly after at West
. called Si. Patrii k's Church, under the lead of Father
Quinn, for which the bishop had given him permission and
encouragement Father Quinn lived with and was assist-
ant, at 81 I' ■ , Church, (o Rev. Father Shanahan, bm
•in a- tie church in West Troy was up, and lil for di-
vine service, Father Quinn moved to West Troy into a
oel lived there till he was afterwards prc-
d by Bishop Hughes, who was now thi sdjutor
bishop and administrate! of 'be diocc f N> w Vork. and,
as pastor, sent to Paterson, in New Jersey, a part of whicl
State was then comprised in the diocese of New York.
On the third day of June, 1S42, Father Shanahan, unti
then pastor of St. Peter's Church, severed his conncctiot
with it. He was succeeded by Rev. Peter Havermans
The latter was a priest when he came to America. Hi
was ordained priest the twenty-ninth day of May, 1S30, ii
the city of Ghent, Relgium, by Bishop Van De Velde. Hi
had, from his early infancy, always had a desire to become
a priest, and when, after long studies, he was promoted t(
the priesthood, he felt anxious to do all that might ever bf
in his power to promote the good of religion, wherevei
Divine Providence might direct him, and where the churcli
might stand the most in need of clergymen. Father D<
Smedt, the great Indian missionary, together with several
seminarians of the diocese of Ghent, came to his uncle. John
Van Dyek, who was the pastor of Breda Nassau and Her tog.
the town in the Netherlands where Father Haversians was
born, about 1816, on a visit and collecting tour before
embarking as missionaries to America. The effect which
this visit of those resolute and fervent young seminarians
had upon the latter, and also the letters which came
from his cousin, John Van Lommel, who about twelve
years later had also left his native country for the same
purpose, from the seminary of Breda, where Father Haver-
mans likewise had finished his theological studies, were the
cause of his coming to the same resolution, and of joining
them in their apostolic undertaking, as it was then con-
sidered at those early times. The chief object of all of them
was to go on the Indian missions, and to try to civilize
and briug them over to the faith.
Father Havermans bad no small difficulty to get the con-
sent of his parents. Finally they consented ; but it cost
many tears, which copiously fell from the eyes of his good
and pious father and mother, who were fondly attached to
him, and who bad expected much comfort from him.
He now had reached the priesthood, for which he always
had bad such desire, and landed in America, together with
Baron Van Dcr Wart and another student, Augustinus
Balli, who had all three come from Europe for the same
purpose, on the twenty-fifth day of November, 1830, to
Norfolk, in Virginia. Here they met with a priest from
their own country, Rev. Father Van Ilorsig. They stayed
a few days there, in a hotel, where they often saw him, and
received from him various necessary directions, and then,
after having somewhat rested, tliey started for (ieoigetown
College, in the District of Columbia, leaving there the rich
presents which Father Havermans bad collected for the
mission in Europe. Ilerc_ all three joined the society of
Jesus, and stayed awhile to learn the English language and
to eel acquainted with the country. They soon found out
thai there was as good a field for missionary labor here
among the people of their own faith as among the
Indians. They went no farther. A novitiate was soon
after opened at White Marsh, to which all three went with
several other novices who had joined the Jesuit Society.
After some months, when Father Havermans had learned
enough of the English language to be of service, he was
sent ..11 the mission, first about White Marsh, and after-
wards OS assistant, and then, after a lew years, became
CITY OF TROY.
245
superior, of the missions at Newtown, in St. Mary's Co.,
Md. Some years after he was called to be pastor of St.
Joseph's Church, in Philadelphia, about the year ism.
He remained there until he was appointed procuratorof the
province of Maryland, and socius to Father Dzirozinski, the
vice-provincial of Maryland.
Thinking that be might be far more useful to the
dumb than he had been, and under less restraint, he
desired and asked for a dispensation from his vows, to
become again a secular priest. After long and repeated
solicitations he obtained bis release and was dispensed from
his vows. He intended now either to go to some Western
diocese, or to return to his own country and serve the
church in the vicaratc apostolic of Breda, in which be was
born; the latter bad since his stay in America been raised
which he bad not been able i" gel a priest that could sat-
isfy the | pie, and ibis place was Troy, and tin: bishop
said to him, " I will send you there;" and in a few d
afterwards Bishop Hughes came with him to Troy, and
put him in possession of bis new mission.
A- Father Havermans has remained here all the line' till
now, be was not only a witness of (be progress of religion,
but took a most active part in every movement for tie- good
of all bis people. His name must naturally remain promi-
nent in the early history of the Catholic Church at Troy
and the adjacent places near by it.
Among the first things which Father Havermans did
after coming to Troy was to form a large Sunday-school.
Then, to put as far as possible an end to dissipation and
drunkenness, he turned his attention to the temperance
yu**.- j^C^
into a diocese, and had now its own bishop, who was John
Van Haydorik, who had received Father Havermans into
the seminary in 1824, and promoted him to the priesthood
before coming to the United States.
Before embarking to return to Europe, or making up his
mind fully, he called on Bishop Hughes, together with
Father Smith, who was the pastor of St James' Church in
New York City. Bishop Hughes, looking at bis letters,
and knowing him by reputation, desired him to remain in
America. And Father Havermans, considering that be was
now used to the country, bad learned the language, and
knowing the great opportunities of doing good in this coun-
try, resolved to stay. The bishop received him most kindly,
and Father Havermans gave himself up to him to be sent
where he might need him the most. Bishop Hughes told
Father Havermans that he had a place in the diocese for
cause, from which much good has resulted. The congre-
gation at Troy continued to grow, and was so prosperous
during the first eighteen months in which he was its
pastor that they were able to pay off the whole debt of the
church — which amounted to over $7000 — except $1200,
which the congregation had borrowed from a source whence
they expected that it would never be exacted from them.
The church now having become too small, a great desire
existed to build a new church in the lower part of the city.
Seeing the prosperity of the Catholic Church in Troy, the
debt being almost entirely paid, Bishop Hughes at once
consented to the erection of the new church, and author-
ized Father Havermans to erect it, and to build it either
in his own name or in the name of Bishop Hughes, or
in that of the trustees of St. Peter's Church. Father
Havermans chose the latter, with an understanding, how-
24G
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ever, that there should be ;i separation and division of the
two parishes in due time; and. in order to avoid all disputes
and jealousies that might arise, decided that none of the
funds of St. Peter's Churob should ever be used in aid of
the building of the new church. With this understanding,
and with the full permission and encouragement of the
bishop, Father Havermans eoinuieneed the work under the
assistance of a building committee, of which Francis Mel-
vin and William Wallace were the mosl eealous ami active.
A lot was secured to build the church on from Francis N.
Mann, in a beautiful place at the corner of Washington
and Third Streets, in the name of the trustees of St. Pe-
ter's Church, 'flc ground bough) contained three lots,
which together mil- a plot of '.'round of seventy-live feet
wide, ami one hundred and thirty feet long. Father Ilavcr-
mans bought the lot next north to it in his own name, and
built the present parsonage on it.
When it became known that the Catholics were going
to build a new church, the neighbors in the immedi-
ate vicinity took the alarm and feared that the erect ion
of a Catholic church in that part of Troy would be a
great injury to the property and real estate owners. No-
tie- appeared in some of the papers that the adjacent
lands would now he worthless, — he covered witli pig-pens
and nuisances. 1". N. Mann was offered a thousand dol-
lars if lie would break the bargain aud not give a deed fir
the purchased grounds. Mr. Mann was, however, too
honorable to listen to such a proposition. Time proved
afterwards that their fears had been entirely groundless,
and that the erection of no building in Troy had been
more useful to the people or beneficial to the community
than tic building of St. Mary's Church.
All things being now ready, Father Havermans began
to collect, and to take subscriptions for the new church to
be dedicated to the Almighty God. under the patronage of
the blessed Virgin Mary, and to be called St. Mary's Church.
Kv.-ry in town was called on. Thus three thousand
dollars was collected in Troy for the new church, which
was commenced early in June, the same year. The per-
mission and authority of the bishop was obtained on the
30th day of May, 1843, ami was worded as follows:
" It'-v. Father Ilavormanfl having dotormincd to provide another
church for the in _■ oi.>n of his charg,-, I lu-n t.v :oi-
IhoriM bin to receive the contributions of the faithful for that pur-
mend tl bjool t.» thoir charity ami seal. Given at
New Y..rk, the 30th of" May, 1843.
"t John, I'p. N- V."
ind was broken early in June, and the corner-stone
■rat laid by tie Verj Rev. I'r. Powers, the vicar-gcncral of
tie- diocese, the bishop being in Europe at tic time. After
all that could be collected in Troy had 1 n received,
Father Havermans began to call on tie- Catholics out of
the city; aid he collected between Troj and Rochester
three thousand dollars more, ami one thousand dollars in
Philadelphia, in Si. Joseph's parish, of which In' had been
■ r for twi fore. This made seven thousand
dollars. !'• Ch istmas the church was under roof, and
in taa m i- oelebi it 1 in it for the firsl time by Rev. Ami y
Parley, Father tlavermans' faithful assistant, who zealously
tided to everything while Father Havermans was ab-
sent on his collecting tour. Although not finished, mass
was now celebrated in the new church regularly, and
revenue began to come in by the plate collections and the
fair, which was held soon after, and yielded over a thousand
dollars. In the course of the summer the contract for
plastering the church was let out for twelve hundred dol-
lars. Pews were also put in the church for about the same
price. An organ was also purchased for twenty-two hun-
dred dollars from Mr. Urben, of New York. The church
Was now ready for dedication, which took place the l.rilh of
August, 1S44, by Dr. Powers. After this Father Haver-
mans moved from the residence at St. Peter's Church to the
house which he had built upon his own lot, just north of
St. Mary's Church, and adjoining the same, leaving at St.
Peter's Church Father Donobue, a young priest who had
lately been ordained, and who, as assistant to Father Hav-
ermans, had succeeded Father Farley iu St. Peter's Church
some time before.
As the people were yet rather poor and not sufficiently
numerous for a costly church, the church was planned with
a view to economy ; it was to be a commodious but plain
building, according to the modest design given for it by
David Hathaway, the architect. All unnecessary expenfl
was avoided, and superfluous adornment dispensed with.
The papers of the city praised it, however, and also the
authorities, for putting up so creditable a church so soon
and during such hard times. The stone and brick work of
the church was done by days' work, and done well, under
the supervision and direction of Peter Finoerty, an able
builder. The men were regularly paid by the collections,
made, as the work progressed, by Father Havermans. The
wood-work was done by Mr. N. Sage. Mr. Carmody was
engaged as organist, and came regularly from Albany to
play the organ every Sunday and holy day, which he did
with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the congre-
gation. When he gave it up, to be more usefully employed
in Albany, the older brother of Mr. Guy was engaged to
play the organ, and he dying, his younger brother, now
the celebrated organist of Troy, succeeded him. The reso-
lution of not taking any of the funds of St. Peter's Church
was so strictly adhered to that when, in the absence of the
pastor, one hundred and twenty-five dollars had been bor-
rowed from the treasury of St. Peter's Church, it was re-
turned as soon as it came to the pastor's notice.
All that was now needed to complete all was a bell and
clock. Mr. Meneeley, of West Troy, had just exst a very
melodious bell, which was much admired. It was bought
for eleven hundred dollars, and was immediately hung
iu the tower of St. Mary's Church, in the presence of a
great concourse of people. The clock was procured from
i ho Messrs. Gurley, of Troy, for four hundred dollar- \u
iron fence Was also put up on the south and west sides of
tli, church, ami a basement constructed for the Sumlay-
Bchool and weekly masses during the winter.
Everything being now completed, Father Haverniarot
turned hi- mind to the education of the children, ami also
to get an asylum for the orphan- and a place for the siek.
Troy and the vicinity were now being severely visited by the
uhip-fuver, brought here by the crowds of poor immigrant!
ih. it poured into the country, during the potato-rot, from
SAINT MARY S CHURCH
ST MARY'S COMMERCIAL ACADEMY
REV PETER HAVERMANS. PASTOR
TROY. NEW YORK.
CITY OF TROT.
247
Ireland and other parts of Europe, especial]; in 1846, 1847,
isis, and 184!). Some of these poor people were, when
tlioy landed, in a starving condition, and everybody was
afraid of them. Numerous sheds were erected upon the
hills, near the poor-house, for their accommodation. As
many as two hundred were lodged there, and lew persons
dared go near them, fearing the contagion of their disease ;
many of these poor sick people died. They were all con-
tinually attended from St. Mary's Church by Father Haver-
mans. The necessity of a hospital and orphan asylum was
now fully apparent to all. A great and new field for works
of charity and mercy was thus opened. But it so happened
that blessings also came to our city. The iron-works took
B great start; labor was in demand. A railroad was being
brought into the city from New York. The Union Rail-
toad also was contemplated, and soon after the Troy and
Boston Railroad was commenced, all which gave promise of
great prosperity to Troy, and it came at the right time.
These great avenues of trade and business added greatly to
the numerous advantages already possessed by the city.
The good times greatly increased the number of citizens.
All these circumstances led the way to the beginning of the
numerous institutions of education and charity that sprang
up as by magic. It gave also occasion to the erection of
St. Joseph's Church in South Troy.
The first rdigieuse whom Father Havermans brought to
Troy were three Sisters of Charity. To accommodate them
he purchased the house of William McCruire, on Fourth
Street. He had before obtained gradually possession of the
three vacant lots south of it, on which he had erected
a large brick building, in which a school was then already
kept, partly on a free system, under a very learned teacher,
Mr. John Brennan. He carried on the school systemati-
cally and with great success. But to have education on a
permanent footing, it required a body of teachers that
never die. For that purpose the Sisters of Charity were
obtained. When the Sisters were properly established,
and were teaching successfully, the superior of the Chris-
tian Brothers, Brother Facile, called on Father Havermans
and offered to send him Christian Brothers. They had
then just come from France, and were now with Father
Lc Fort, at the French church, in New York City. Father
Havermans gladly accepted them ; but it forced on him the
necessity of further and great outlays. Extensive build-
ings were necessary for their accommodation, and to enable
them to carry out their operations to advantage according
to their beautiful and excellent systems.
To make an effort to blend together as many educational
and charitable works under the Sisters of Charity as pos-
sible, it was necessary that one experienced and able
head-sister should superintend them all. A building, there-
fore, was commenced that could be used partly as a day-
school, partly as an orphan asylum, and partly, also, as
a trial and experiment, to find out whether a hospital
could be maintained outside of the great city of New
York ; because until then there was no hospital in this
State elsewhere. The corner-stone of this building was laid
by the distinguished citizen, Maj.-Gen. John E. Wool,
of the United States army, on the 15th of August, 1849.
He honored the corner-stone of this building with a dona-
tion of three hundred dollars, and lefl afterwards a beam -t
to this charity of two thousand dollars in his will. Bat
when this building was going up and reaching completion
the Union Railroad was projected, and was to come so
near to it as to cul off a large pari of the northwest cor-
ner of the grounds which were intended as play ground
the children of the school, Some persons were also urging
the continuatii f Fifth Street, and thus shut <.ll more
of the grounds which had been laid out for its use. This
caused a standstill in the whole project for a while, till an
agreement with the Union Railroad was bad, who were to
build a substantial wall of stun.-, instead of the w Ii D
fence and railing that protected those ground- on Wash-
ington and Hill Streets, make all the excavations them-
selves, protect the grounds from caving in. and shut off
a portion of the play-grounds of the children. After these
arrangements were made the necessary steps were taken to
make the new building fit. for use, and to furnish it with
necessary furniture; a grand festival was got up for this
purpose. David L. Seymour, a liberal and generous gen-
tleman, a lawyer of high standing and reputation, and
member of Congress, honored the occasion with an elo-
quent address, which, together with the speech which
Gen. Wool had delivered at the laying of the corner-
stone, was afterwards published in pamphlet form. The
festival was so great a success that the new institution
was thereby put in condition to receive the Sisters, who
then took possession of it, leaving the building heretofore
occupied by them on Fourth Street vacant, to be occupied
by the Brothers. The Brothers being also willing to take
charge of orphans, as well as to teach children, Father
Havermans commenced to put up a frame building for tliem,
on Fifth Street, seventy-five feet wide by sixty feet long,
and two stories high, with an attic and basement. Brother
Policarp was chosen to direct this asylum at its first be-
ginning till he was succeeded by another very able and
zealous director, and himself sent to be at the head of an-
other institution.
As good luck and bad luck often go together, so it hap-
pened that the building took fire, and was consumed with all
its contents. The orphan children were, however, not in-
jured. The building was insured for six thousand dollars,
which was promptly paid, and used in the erection of the
new asylum shortly after built in South Troy, which is now
one of the most conspicuous public buildings of the city.
Before all these things were consummated and carried
out, as they afterwards were, Bishop Hughes came to Troy,
and stayed with Father Ilavermans a few days, highly
pleased with everything. Father Havermans, who foresaw
that South Troy in time would become a great place, and
desirous of doing all that could be done before old age
would make him useless for labor, proposed to him the
utility of building a church in South Troy. But not to
embarrass himself, he would take time to build it, ten years
if necessary. The bishop said to him, " Well, Father Ilav-
ermans, if you think you can do all this, you may go on
with it," and so, without further delay, he commenced
preparations for it. He employed his former architect, Mr.
Hathaway, who made a beautiful design for it, in a cruci-
form style, to be one hundred and seventy-five feet long,
IMS
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
with a great steeple, and two rows of massive columns iri-
side. Bight lot* lured from the late Judge Cushman,
at the oorner of Third and Jackson Streets. The excava-
tions were Boon made, by the men of the nail-factories
coining together in a body. Bishop Hughes had promised
to lay the corner-stone whenever tin- building would com-
mence. It bappene I thai Bishop Mc( lloskey, the Coadjutor
Bishop of Bishop Hughes in New York, badjusl been ap-
pointed to the new episcopal Bee in Albany, and the occa-
sion was chosen to lay the corner-stone, on the same day
which Bishop McCloskcy would take possession of his new
sec, when both bishops would be present, Both partici-
i in the laying of the corner-stone, in the preseni f
an immense concourse of people, who had cum.' from far
and near to see the new Bishop of Albany, and to hear the
ion of Bishop Hughes, the groat Bishop of New York.
The foundation for this great church was laid and finished
daring the same Benson. Bui it happened that the follow-
ing year, in February, St. Peter's Church took fin', and was
entirely consumed by the flames, which in a few minutes en-
wrapped the whole edifice, and reduced it to ashes. Bishop
M Closkcy was then making arrangements to build the
itiful cathedral in Albany. Under those circumstances
there was do reasonable chance n< >r hope for Father Haver-
mans to collect anything worth while for this new church
in Smith Troy. Father Ilaveniums. therefore, found it
necessary t<i change the plan of the church, and to make it
far less COStly than originally contemplated. Mr. Hath-
away then made o sec 1 plan, alter which the present St.
.1 • [ill's Church Was built, and using all the means he had,
besides the thousand dollars he had collected for it, he finished
it the following year, so fir as to he ahle to say mass in it by
tin' following ( 'hristmas, as he had done before at St. Mary's
Church. Whilst the building of St. Joseph's Church was
going on, which he himself .superintended, and for which
he provided the weekly payments every Saturday, he had
to attend at the same time nearly all the sick of the city,
including those that were lying in the sheds upon the hill
near the | r-house, as Father O'Reily, then pastor of St.
Peter'l Church, was somewhat infirm and advanced in age;
and he had also to make bis visits regularly outside of the
at a distance of at least sixty mile, from Lebanon
Springs, Colombia Co., to Salem, in Washington County;
and also tended Saratoga, Ballston Spa. Schuj lersville, Union
village, Mechanicsville, Schaghticoke, Cambridge, Hoosick
- phentown, and Sand Lake. Whenever there was
no priest, Father Haversians tried to supply the spiritual
wants of all until churches could be erected and priests ob-
tained to supply the new congregations that were con-
stantly forming; and in every way thai was in his power
he tried to assist them in their Btruggles and efl
• up ohurches in ileir res| live place- ; and also,
when they were in danger, to save them from the hands
of the sheriff, as he often did, nol even excepting his
own deu - Church, when it was sol. 1 on a fore-
I in upon ii by the trustees of St.
I inirch, whilst he and lii-hop McCluflkey were in
Europe ; and u he al-o did when the beautiful Bohool house,
built by 1'iiler HcDonall at St. Peter's Church, was
by the sheriff in 1 867 . al ■ timi . to i, when the pre-, ore for
m in ■ W i- - i great that nearly all the banks in the State
had to suspend, and lost their charters. It was a time of
such distress as is never to be forgotten.
Father Van Reith came about this time from Europe
an 1 landed in New York. He there heard that there was a
priest from the Low Countries, as Holland and Belgium are
called at Troy. He came to see him ; he was kindly re-
ceived, and enjoyed the hospitality of Father Havermans
till he learned English enough to be useful, and, with the ap-
probation of the bishop, became his assistant, till he was
afterwards sent to Saratoga, and then to Cohoes, where he
built the old St. Bernard's Church, of which he remained
pastor till he again returned to Europe.
father Hopkins also came, and afterwards Father Moy-
crs, who were both ordained priests by Bishop McCloskcy,
from Father Havermans' residence, where they both made
their final prep irations for their ordination. Afterwards both
remained with Father Havermans as assistants, till Father
Movers was sent as assistant to Father McDonell, at St.
Peter's Church. Father Hopkins remained with Father
Havermans till he had built St. Francis' Church and put it in
working order, when, by the order of Bishop Conroy, he
was appointed its pastor, who, during the time he was
there, built the beautiful residence which is attached to St.
Francis' Church.
Thus as the Catholic people kept on growing and increas-
ing, priests also became more and more numerous. It was in
this way that the Jesuit Father- came to Troy. As father
Havermans, after having built St. Joseph's Church, was
not allowed to retain both churches (St. Joseph's and St.
Mary's), he asked Bishop McCloskey to allow him to give
it to the Jesuit Fathers, some of whom had lately made him
a visit from New York. Father Nerheyder, who happened,
on a visit from Canada, to call at Father Havermans' and to
see St. Joseph's church, was very much enamored with it.
He was himself a great musician, and also a great scholar;
he had learned architecture, and he desired by all means to
obtain this church for the Society of Jesus, of which he was
a member. And they, by the recent arrival of several
fathers from Europe, were very itumerous in this part of
the province. Father Havermans, who for nearly twelve
years had been a Jesuit himself, was very willing to give
this church to the Society. The bishop of the diocese
agreeing. Father Havermans, knowing that St. Joseph's
congregation would be forever well attended by pious and
learned priests, at once cousented to give the church to the
Jesuit Fathers, and thus to show the great respect and love
he fore to the Society of Jesus.
Another great increase in the number of pious, learned,
and zealous clerg_\ men happened by the Augustinian Fathers
coming to Lansingburgh to attend several of those missions,
which till then had been attended by Father Havermans.
These Augustinian Fathers, all being young, zealous, and
fervent. 8 i showed what priests can do, having the love
heart, and animated with zeal for the salvation
of Bouls. The beautiful church of Lansingburgh and
oral others erected by them at Schaghticoke and Hoosick
Falls, etc, are everlasting monuments of the good spirit
and great zeal that animated these pious sons of the great
3l \ • tistine.
CITY 01 TROY.
249
A still greater increase in the continually-growing num-
ber of clergy men I'olloweil, from the purclui.se of the theo-
logical seminary which hail heen built as a l'rotestanl
university on a grain! scale1 upon Mouul hla, in which
several Protestant societies had united, with the mayor of
the city at their head as its president ex officio, leather
Havermans looks upon that event, which consummated
the acquisition of that university by the Catholic Church,
as the greatest and happiest of his life. If he had done
nothing else than what he was happily allowed to do on
this memorable occasion, he would consider that the sacri-
fices he made at the time when he came to this country
had been fully compensated. It was far more than he ever
could have expected by any possibility, to be able to do
in bis own country, or even in this country, where some-
times great sums of money are laid out with comparatively
very small results.
Father Havermans has been in the United States since
1830, all the time working without intermission, and still
as able and willing to discharge! all the duties of bis sacred
Calling as ever he was in his best days. lie feels happy,
and is consoled ami thankful to the Almighty Coil for so
many blessings as he has received, and for so much kind-
i ncss and help as he has found at all times when be needed
it to do all what so far has been accomplished. The
fiftieth anniversary of the day when he first celebrated
mass iu his own country is now fast approaching, and he
has naturally a great desire to celebrate the occasion by
a solemn high mass of thanksgiving, together with the
bishop and priests of the diocese and all friends, acquaint-
ances, and benefactors who aided him in all his under-
takings in times gone by, and all the members of the
various congregations of Troy and vicinity whose spiritual
wants in former times he tried, as far as was in his power,
to supply, on May 29, 1880, in St. Mary's Church ; the
more so as his church is now entirely out of debt, and
everything going on prosperously and in the enjoyment of
peace and happiness, in the midst of a contented people
and an excellent and pious congregation.
THE HEBREW CHURCHES OF TROY.
The " Berith Sholouj" (Covenant of Peace) congregation
was established in 18GG, and for a time their services were
held in a room in Vail's Building. In 1870 they com-
menced to build a synagogue on Third Street, near Divi-
sion. The corner-stone was laid Juuc 12th of that year,
with unusually impressive ceremonies.
The synagogue was finished as soon as possible after the
foundations were laid, at a cost of fourteen thousand dol-
lars. The amount paid for the land was five thousand
dollars, making the cost of the whole nineteen thousand five
hundred dollars. The interior of the building does not differ
essentially from other churches, with the exception of the
"Ark," or '-Tabernacle," which is a recess back of the
pulpit, in which are kept the manuscript copies of the Pen-
tateuch, which are very beautifully written on parchment.
These copies are very valuable, and are preserved with the
greatest care, each one having a richly-ornamented silk or
velvet case, or covering, and having also valuable silver or-
naments, which are on them during service days, but at
32
other times are kepi in places of greater safety. In front
of the a 1 1, i - hi eleganl curtain of ilk, beautifully
embroidered in gold. This curtain was the gifi of Mr.
Louis Gross, The synagogue has r feral beautiful
presi tits from some of I he mi mbi t imon others, :.
lery clock from Mr. Michael Golds! ; acopj of the I.
Thora or I. an Scrolls, from Mr, [saac II. ilbrunn, whii h were
imported from Poland; ayad,which is used as a point
the rabbi in reading the Law Scrolls, was the gifi of Mr.
Emanuel Marks. The i of the synagogue
are held every Friday evening at sunset, and itur-
dtiy morning at nine o'clock. Rabbi K. Rberson was their
first pastor. At present, however, there is no settled min-
ister. This society are in sympathy with the more progt
sive .lews, who are leaning towards a reform in their mode
of worship, and have given up many of the old forms of
Judaism.
The "Beth Israel Bicknr Cholcm" (House of [sracl)
congregation worships in rooms on State Street, and differs
from that of Berith Sholom only iu clinging more tena-
ciously to the old ceremonies, and iu considering any at-
tempted reform as sacrilege. Rabbi Abr. Chellock was
their first minister. Adolf Pollock is the present rabbi.
XIV.— CEMETERIES.
THIRD STREET BURIAL-GROT M>.
When the New England emigrants began occupying, in
1780, the present site of Troy, there were three private
burying-places, on the farms of Matthias, Jacob IX, and
Jacob I. Van der Heyden. The one situated on the cast
side of the River road, where now is the southeast corner of
Congress and River Streets, was on the land of Jacob 1).
Van der Heyden, who permitted the early settlers to bury
their dead in it. In 1796, in a deed conveying certain
lots, pieces, and parcels of land designated on " a certain gen-
eral map of the village," which indenture bears date of May
10th, he transferred, among other portions of ground, to
the village trustees, "all that let or parcel of land laid out
on the map aforesaid, and bounded as follows, to wit :
on the north by State Street; on the east by an alley
twenty feet wide ; on the south by lot number two hun-
dred and thirty-one; and on the west by Third Street,
for a public burying-ground." He also conveyed to the
trustees another piece of land lying in the village, the
present site of which is bounded on the south by State
Street, and west and east by Sixth and Seventh Strei
known formerly as the Rensselaer Institute lot. The latter
grounds, however, were never used for interments by the
inhabitants of Troy. Immediately upon the conveyance of
the property on the southeast corner of State and Third
Streets, the trustees of the village inclosed it with a suit-
able fence, and divided it up into lots for the use of the
people. The authorities also purchased a hearse, bier, and
pall, which were placed at the service of the inhabitants on
occasions of bereavement ami death. In this burying-
ground almost all of the early dead of the village were in-
terred. After the purchase of the other larger portions of
land subsequently, a great number of the remains of pet -
buried here was removed to the new graveyards ami ceme-
-
BISTORT? OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
- in tlio city. In 1ST."), when the building of the
nt city-hall was undertaken, the remains of one hun-
. and forty-six ] I unremoved were transferred
t in ( )ak : ry.
TBOl 1:1 in [NG-GROl ND.
The inhabitants "1' the village liu<liiiir that the burial-
ground on Third Street was nol sufficiently ample to accom-
my largo number of dead bodies, authorized tlio
trustees of the village to purchase a more bui tabic plal
for :i new graveyard. This was complied witb by the vil-
authorities purchasing, or rather accepting as a gift,
throoand four-tcntlis acres of land from Stephen Van Rens-
r, lying mi an elevated plateau wesl of Mount [da
Palls, and in the rearof the liill at the fool of which glides
ilii- Poesten Kill. The entrance to these old grounds is at
the fool of Chestnut Street, south of Congress Street. The
place i< much neglected ami has few visitors. The first
interment made in this graveyard was of tin' remains of
G Foung. The tombstone which marks his grave
- this inscription :
■■ In memory of Mr. '. SToung, who died Nov. 6,
181 t. .1".. fifty-five years.
pb. — The subject of the above inscription is the first
mortal remains have been deposited in this
burying-ground."
A little to the north of this tomh is the grave of John
Wright, M.D., who was professor of natural history in the
Renss r Institute, and who died April 11, 1846, at
Aiken, S. C. Near by is the grave of Dr. Benjamin
Woodward, a physician of considerable local reputation,
who died Sept II!, 1821, aged fifty-seven years. The
marble tablet, inscribed " Mrs. Thankful Bow, died March
21, 1831, aged sixty years," is by its simplicity of state-
ment a very striking memento mori.
UOl N 1 If \ • EMETERT.
This burial ground is situated on the east side of Pawling
3l one bridge, ami is bounded on the
north by the Poesten Kill, and east by [da Lake. The
land, consisting of twelve ami three-tenths acres, was pur-
chased by the city authorities on the 1st of January, 1832,
of Clarinda Boardman ami others. It is a very attractive
for a burial-place, but on account of the Btnallness of
the grounds 'i that air of retirement which
a place of it.- kind Bhould preserve.
Among the many graves in this old burial-ground is
the tomb of Albert Pauling, one of the early settlers of
I I iption upon the monument i- a- follows :
Albert Pauling joined the Revolutionary army as Bccond
lieutenant, June, I77~>; in ITT'', be received the commis-
- brigade-major, and in 177'.' that of lieutenant colonel.
Be ' picuous pari in tie- assault on Quebec, at the
takii - J • the battle of White Plains and
Monmouth. Be was the first Bbcriffol Rensselaer County,
and first mayor of the city of Troy. In 1831 In- unite. 1
him i n Church, laid hi- honors
at tin- I. •.. up his earthly in ho] f an
inhcritam
In . no hi i pari of tl | II njamin
G rton, who " died Aug. 14, 1S36, in the seventy-ninth
year of his age. lie engaged in the Revolutionary strug-
gle in 1776, ami served during the war. He became a
resident of Troy in 1791." On the 5th of February.
1835, the city sold one hundred and thirteen perches of the
land of the south part of these ".rounds to the trustees of
St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, which plat has since
been known as the " Old Catholic burying-ground."
NEW MOUNT IDA CEMETERY.
This burial-ground is located on the north side of Pine
W Is Avenue, a short distance east of Mount Ida ceme-
tery. It was opened for interments in 1S54.
THE sent VI. ER BURIAL-GROUND.
As late as ISIS the family burial-ground of the Schuy-
Icrs, on the north side of what was early known as the
Lane (now Madison Street), and west of the Grccubush
road, was still remaining as one of the landmarks of the
early settlement of Troy. Upon the tombstones were the
names of a number of the buried members of the Tt a
Eyck and Schuyler families.
I II K VAN DER HETDEN BURIAL-GROUNDS.
The family burying-ground of the ancestors and de-
scendants of Jacob D. Van der Ileyden was situated within
an inclosing stone wall on the brow of the hill east of
State Street, immediately on the dividing line of the prop-
erties of the Provincial Seminary and of J. M. Warren. 1 1
were buried the father and mother of Jacob D. Van del
Beyden, himself and his wives and children, and a number
of relatives, about thirty persons. In the summer of 1857
their remains were removed to Oakwood cemetery, and
interred in the burial lot of J. Harvey King, Esq.
THE OLD QUAKER BURIAL-GROUNDS.
The Society of Friends of Troy bad a burial-ground
south of Boosack Street, between Ninth and Tenth Stn
adjoining which ground was the family graveyard of Jacob
I, Van d.r Beyden. The remains of the persons buried in
these old grounds were, after the opening of Oakwood
cemetery, transferred to it.
TOE SIXTH WARD BURIAL-GROUND.
On the west side of Vandenburgli Avenue, immediately
east of the residences of II. Burden's sons, in the Sixth
Ward, is a small graveyard known by the above name.
About sixty persons have been buried in it since 1853.
OAKWOOD I EMETERT.
[n the year 1846, Judge David Buel and the lion. [saaO
McCunihe, believing that there was gnat 1 of a com-
modious burial-place far enough removed IVi in the compact
part of the city to secure for it the appropriate seclusion
befitting a large burial-ground, interested themselves in
projecting a plan to secure land for such a purpose. To
enlist the co-operation of other citizens in obtaining the
means for purchasing a sufficient quantity of
laml, they divw up an agrci uient, l.\ which the subscribers
then ■ that, upon the selection and theirappiov.il
CITY OF TROY.
251
of a suitable site for such a cemetery, they would <:n-li
advance the sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars to pur-
chase and lay mil the same, and would continue the loan
to the corporation, which should be formed in accordance
with tlif general act for such associations until such time
as they could be repaid from the sale of the lots. After
considerable time had been spenl in endeavoring to carry
into effect ibis plan, it was at length abandoned, and in its
Stead the organization of an association was proposed, and
through it to bring the matter in a different way before the
public. A number of the leading citizens, being invited,
met at the office of Isaac MeConihe, on Sept, 9, 1848,
with a view of forming an association I'm- the purpose of
procuring and holding lands to be used exclusively for a
Cemetery or place lor the burial of the dead. Under the
act authorizing the incorporation of rural cemetery asso-
ciations, passed April 27, 1847, it was determined to organ-
ize by the election of six trustees, who should be a corpo-
rate body known by the name of " The Troy Cemetery
Association.'' The following persons were then elected
the first trustees of the association : John Paine, D. Thomas
Vail, Isaac MeConihe, George M. Tibbits, Stephen E.
Warren, and John B. Gale. A committee was appointed,
which, after a thorough examination of all the available
localities in the vicinity of the city, unanimously reported
in favor of the grounds now known as Oakwood cemetery.
The grounds were purchased of Ann Lansing, John Gardi-
nier, Titus Eddy, William P. Van Rensselaer, Sally Winne,
Jacob I). Van der Heyden, George Vail, and others, embra-
cing about one hundred and forty acres of land. They
were laid out and mapped with commendable taste by J. C.
Sidney, an experienced and practical engineer.
On Wednesday, Oct. 10, 1850, the cemetery was conse-
crated as a burial-ground. A procession was formed at the
court-house, consisting of a band of musicians, several mili-
tary companies, the board of trustees, members of the Com-
mon Council, the clergy of the city, and citizens of Troy,
which marched to the grounds under the utarshalship of
Col. A. II. Pierce, where, after mnsic by the Arsenal band,
the Rev. N. S. S. Beman, D.D., LL.D., opened the exer-
cises with prayer, followed by the Rev. Robert B. Van
Kleeck reading the Scriptures, and by the singing of a
hymn composed for the occasion by the Rev. John Pier-
pent, an address by the Hon. David Buel, Jr., and closing
with a benediction offered by the Rev. George C. Bald-
win, D.D.
To Sept. 30, 1879, there have been 7524 interments in
this cemetery.
Among this number are a great many of the early set-
tlers of Troy, upon whose grave-stones are to be found some
very important memoranda regarding the history of the vil-
lage and city. In this beautiful cemetery is the grave of
the " Rev. Jonas Coe, D.D., first pastor of the Presbyterian
Church in Troy. He was ordained June 25, a.d. 1795,
and died July 21, 1S22, in the sixty-fourth year of his
age."
Near by the former's tomb is that of " Samuel Blatch-
ford, D.D. Born at Plymouth Pock, England, Aug. 1,
1707 ; died March 17, 1828. For forty-two years a faith-
ful minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, and twenty-four
ye u pastor '.I' tie- I Fnitcd Presbj tei iun eon r» itioi
Lin ingburgh and VVutei ford
In this cemetery is the tomb of George II. Ti
Major-General United States Army. Born, Southampton
Co., Va., July 31, L816; died, San Francisco, Cal., March
28, 1870."
On the Dorthwi ' pari ol I hi tli mcti i ;. i-
the large and attractive monolith erected to the memory of
Maj.-Gcn. John E. Wool, who died at bis residence in
Troy, Nov. in, L869 ■ ighty-six years.
These grounds, which have been liandsom ly laid out
and ornamu 4 with flowers and shrubbery, now em! >
two hundred and sixty acres of land.
st. uary's cemetery.
The grounds belonging to this Roman Catholic ceme-
tery were purchased Sept. 10, 1845, by Father Peter
Haversians of George Vail, containing fifteen acres of land.
The cemetery is situated on the north side of the Brans
wick and PittStOWn turnpike, along the eastern limit
the city. On Dec. 8, I860, the Rev. Peter Havermans
conveyed the grounds to Patrick 1!. Conway, Cornelius
Mackey, Francis Melvin, Peter Donnelly, Peter Branncn,
John Moran, William Wallace, George J. Brennan, and
Thomas Neary, trustees of St. Mary's Cemetery Asso
ciatioii.
st. peter's cemetery.
The grounds of this cemetery were purchased by the
Right Rev. John MeCloskey of Thomas Sausse, Fell. 11,
1858, embracing 13^% acres of land. This burial-ground
is situated on the east of Oakwood cemetery. The prop-
erty is possessed by St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church of
this city.
st. Joseph's cemetery.
The burial-grounds of this name are in the southern part
of Troy, on the bill between the Poesten Kill and the
Wynaut's Kill. The laud was purchased Nov. 1, I860,
by the Rev. Joseph Loyzanee, from Francis N. Mann, con-
sisting of thirty-two acres. The title of the property is
held by three members of the Society of Jesus of St.
Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Troy.
XV.— SOCIETIES.
YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION.*
It often occurs that a public suggestion will call into life
and activity the ideas for doing good that lie dormant in the
brains of some men. Such a
public suggestion was made by
Rev. Dr. N. S. S. Beman in a
sermon addressed to the young
men of Troy, advocating during
his address the establishment of
a free public library. As a eon-
sequence of the advice given,
an initial meeting was held Nov.
24, 1834, in the mayor's court-room, John V. McCoun
presiding, and Alexander McCall acting as secretary. A
* Contributed by De AVitt Clinton, Librarian.
252
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
<
coniwittcc to draft :i constitution and reporl at a subsequent
then appointed. The Following gentlemen
■ 1 on said committee: Giles 1!. Kellogg, Thomas Cole-
man, M art in I. Townsend, Ralph Huwley, and Thaddeus
B - low.
On the 12th of December the committee offered a draft
of the constitution, which was read and accepted, and a
I sons from i aeh of the four wards of
the city appointed to obtain signatures to it.
At a meeting held December 19th at the court-room the
names of four hundred and twenty-sis signers were reported,
and the election of officers for the association occurred. The
following ticket was elected : President, John T. McCoun :
First Vi at, David L. Seymour; S. 1 \
I' • id nt, Henry London; Third Vice President, Thomas
< B cording Secretary, John T. Lamport; Mana-
\V. 11. Van Schoonhovcn, Isaac J. Mcrritt, Henry
I; i, Jared S. Weed, John S. Perry, Leviuius Van
il.-r II yd n, Lorenzo Caldwell, Brigham L. Baton, Harvey
Warner, Lorenzo D. Baker.
Debating Society. — President, I G >uld; First Vice-
Presidei G l\ ! Set d Vice-President,
Henry T. Eddy ; Secretary, Ralph Hawley.
In lit of Feb. 10, 1835, appeared a notice that
the r ms of the Troy Young Men's Association would be
aed at 197 River Street. A course of lectures had been
provided for, and a debating society established.
» )n the 1'ith v? March a petition t.i incorporate the asso-
ciation was presented, ond became a law April 20, 1835.
The reading-room contained about one hundred papers
and periodicals, — foreign, and from every part of the Onion.
I library numbered about one thousand volumes. The
debating Bociety was largely attended and very successful,
and two lectures were delivered each week to large audiences.
The first "Annual Meeting" was held Feb. 1G, 1835, at
which time the number of members had reached four hun-
dred and fifty.
At the annual meeting of tl. lion, in 1836, a
change was made in the constitution regulating the price
of membership tickets. — annual members paying two dol-
lar-, and life members paying fifty dollars, or ten dollars a
for five years. The association needed more room to
tnmodatc it- growing library and reading-room, so more
apartments were rented in the building then occupied,
■he president, Mr T. B. Bigclow, re-
1. and N G Gould was appointed to the vacant
ID.
At the annual meeting in 1838 greol excitcmeut was
1 by the number of candidates in the field. Four
tickets were nominated. In this year the lii-t " Regular
sit ion" ticket was nominated. — a ticket which has
continued strong up to the pi- nt time.
doguc of the I • ind printed. A
complaint thai books and new books were ai-
—a complaint, by the way, thai seems I imc
dys] indued the committee to take up
a gul new books ; three hun-
dred and n dollars it \ . ■< t \ il of
this time was the stealing of books from the association
hundred b oks being thus c.c.
away. The books are not stolen at the present day. prob-
acy owing to the honesty of the present members, and
somewhat to the fact that the precautions taken to prevent
Stealing render it extremely hazardous.
Hon. George M. Tibbits offered the association a lot of
ground seventy- live feet front and rear by one hundred feel
deep, on condition that they erect thereon a building worth
n thousand live hundred dollars, to he used for a
ciation purposes. This, the committee say, '• not being in
condition to accept, we are obliged to decline."
II. the report of the treasurer for 1841 we learn that
the association was financially embarrassed, only seven
hundred and fifty dollars being on hand to meet the cur-
rent expenses of the year. A special subscription of four
hundred and fifty dollars was collected and added to the
funds on hand. On the 14th of February, Mr. (lagan, the
first librarian, resigned, and Mr. N. B. Milliman was ap-
pointed in bis place. One of Professor Azoux' anatomical
arrangements was purchased at a cost of seven hundred and
-even dollars ami \\i\y cents, and a collection made in nat-
ural history ; a course of lectures was begun, and p
efforts made to raise the association from remit, and incn
the interest in its affairs among Trojans.
In 1843 the manikin was sold for five hundred dollars,
and thai amount expended lor I ks lor the library.
Up to this time the association had on its shelves about
two hundred volumes, the properly of the Troy Library
(an organization preceding the l'oung Men's Associate
Having heeii presented the one-half of the shares of said
Troy Library, they purchased the remaining shares twenty-
seven | from Apollo Lodge.
(in ile- Ith of June, 1S4G, Henry P. Filer was i
as librarian, via Mr. Robertson.
.Tames Dana, Esq., by his will, probated in 1S49, made
the association a conditional !> quest for the benefit and im-
provement of the library. But as no subsequent mention
is made it is to be presumed the conditions were not ful-
filled.
The association during this year was in a prosperous and
flourishing condition. A new catalogue was printed, and
many additions were made to the library. In the n
year no less than six tickets were in the field, and a great
number wen' added to tin- list of members. A new schema
called tl Life Member Subscription Fund'' realized four
thousand eight hundred dollars, said sum to be used solely
for the improvement of the library.
In 1853 occurred the greatesl canvass in the history of
the association, al least up to that date. — Mr. George If.
Warren. Jr., for president on one ticket, and Mr. .1. I!.
Tibbits leading the other. Money was used freely to pur-
chase tickets of membership to be given away to the par-
ti.-.ms of each ticket, 'fhe number id" mcnibi is was raised
to three thousand and fifty- Mr. George B. Wa
■ cted.
For tho year 1854 three tickets were nominated. The
interest in the elections had waned again, and only fivo
hundred and twenty. one membership i i<-k. ;- were sold
against three thousand aid fifty one the previous year.
The excitement of the previous year, though it bad an
inine dial.- gi od i lb et on the affair- of the association,
(MTV OF TROY.
253
rentually a great detriment. Once again the like strife
as witnessed, and again the affairs and interests of the
fssociation received damaging proof of the baneful effects
f elections carried in the ma unci- of that of 1854. Of the
[tter election we will write later. On the twenty-second
•iy of December, 1851, was celebrated t lie twentieth anni-
ersary of the association. Mr. George Gould made the
listorical address.
In is.'iil, Mrs. Ethelinda Selden placed a fund in the
ssociation for the [iurclia.se of" Agassiz' Natural History."
flic work, complete, is now in the library.
The year 185S was one of seven' financial embarrassment
'or the association, the debt amounting to six bundled and
il'iv dollars, and no available funds in the treasurer's pos-
session. To raise funds an exhibition of pictures, statuary,
iixl other works of art, borrowed in the city, was held, and
ivc hundred and seven dollars realized.
Mr. Willard Gay, having acted as treasurer for thirteen
years, this year resigned, and Mr. C. M. Wellington was
sleeted treasurer at the annua! election in IS59. Another
exhibition, held in 1851), netted the association the sum of
pro hundred and twelve dollars.
A subscription of three hundred and seventy dollars was
made for the purchase of two oil-paintings for the reading-
room. A third exhibition paid the association two hundred
and sixteen dollars, and a private subscription, amounting
to six hundred and fifteen dollars, was contributed to the
funds of the association. With the fund several paintings
by famous artists were purchased, and are now on the walls
of the reading-room. Among others are the following:
"A Showery Day," by S. 11. Gifford ; "Autumn," by J.
F. Kensett; "Study from Life," by Eastman Johnson;
"Autumn in the Walkill Valley," by J. C. McEntee;
"First Snow," by William Hart; "Coast Scene," by C.
D. Dix. In all about fifteen paintings were purchased.
In 18(>2, Mr. William It. Yourt bequeathed to the asso-
ciation five thousand dollars, — three thousand dollars to be
immediately expended for the purchase of books, and two
thousand dollars invested; the interest to be used in keep-
ing the alcove — to be named the " Yourt Alcove" — in repair
and furnish it with such books, chiefly historical, as the
committee could purchase.
Messrs. C. S. Aldcn and John Yourt were named as
executors. These gentlemen called upon Sir. Benjamin II.
Hall to assist them in selecting books for the Yourt alcove.
The knowledge of books and authors possessed by these
gentlemen is plainly attested by the rare and valuable
works now on the shelves of the alcove.
The same year, Mr. George M. Selden presented the
association with two thousand dollars in railroad stock, to
be applied as follows : " One-half the dividends to be ex-
pended for the purchase of works of art, the remaining one-
half to be used in purchasing certificates of life membership
to be given as a reward of merit to such scholars of the
Troy High School as shall be designated by the Board of
Education, or their appropriate committee."
Twelve certificates have been issued. No certificate has
been issued since 1875, owing to some misappropriation of
the fund and the necessity of paying back the sum used.
In March, lStif, Mr. Filer resigned, owing to failing
health, and tho i luotantlj aco pt< d bj the
board of officers, Mr. Filer having during eighteen ■. ■
con t.iotlv and faithfully Berved the association, and endear-
ing himself to bol h officers and mcmbi i
Mr. T B linn in 1 1 was appointed to the position, but
soon resig 1 it, giving place to Mr. P. II who
ass ed the office of librarian Sept. 25, 1865. During
the yeai I 366 n committee appointed to p ions
for the purpose of erecting a building for tho association
reported thai they had not with no success. In 1869 tho
association was presented with a broil/'' statuette of Lincoln
a copy of one cast for the eit;, of Chicago, the gift of Mr.
George M. Tibbits.
During the canvass this year the question of female
suffrage in the association affairs was discu sed pro and
by the city papers and the members of the assoi iation. The
privilege of voting was granted, bill few I. eli took advan-
tage of the concession.
The annual election for 1870-71 was one remarkable in
the history of the association. Messrs, K. <f Gilbert and
Walter 1'. Warren were opposing candidates for the office
of president. Both men. determined to succeed, used every
legitimate means to that end. Money was lavishly used,
and the roll of members was increased to three thousand
names. At the polls scenes of violence and strife ocelli n d
at intervals during the entire day among the partisans of
each ticket. Disorder and confusion held sway until about
four o'clock P.M., when an attack was made on the inspec-
tors, and they incontinently retired from the scene, taking
with them the ballot-boxes, and declaring the polls closed.
The retiring board of officers now claimed to have a right
to hold the property of the association until such time as a
legal election was held. Much argument, personal and
through the medium of the city papers, then ensued. After
many attempts at a compromise, the case was finally brought
to the courts by the " Warren men" asking Judge Learned
for a mandamus compelling the late board of officers to de-
liver over to them tho association property.
The mandamus was denied without prejudice, and here
the matter seemed to close. However, the party spirit en-
gendered by this contest was so rancorous that the associa-
tion seemed vitally injured by the results. Many of its
heretofore warm friends withdrew entirely from the affairs
and support of the association. This spirit prevailed for
some years, but at the present time has entirely disappeared.
Members of both parties are now serving as officers in the
association.
One result of the contest was the financial prosperity of
the association, fifteen thousand eight bundled dollars
being the amount of money and securities in the hands of
the treasurer, and nine hundred and three volumes added
to the library. Also a great many improvements were
made in ami about the reading-room.
The elections for the ensuing four years were without
interest. At sonic elections but one ticket remained in the
field. In 1871 the [imposition was made to donate the
library to the city, but was abandoned owing to the danger
of its becoming the tool of political parties. The large
sum of money received in 1S70 had been expended, and
the association, reduced to its usual condition of innit. was
254
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
obliged to reluct- the salary of its competent and efficient
librarian, Mr. Stephens. That gentleman having signified
his intention of resigning, a strong opposition was made to
the redaction of salary, but did not prevail. Mr. Stephens
joed in December, and Mr. De Witt Clinton was ap-
pointed librarian. The treasurer, Mr. William 11. Hudson,
also resigned, and bis position being declined by several
gentlemen whom the board wished to appoint, Mr. Philip
Van dcr Heyden was appointed and accepted.
In 1875 an amendment to the constitution was offered
allowing persons over forty years of age to hold office in the
lion, — the amendment was adopted.
In the year 1878 The Troy Decorative An Society held
an exhibition at Music Hall, one-half the proceeds to go to
tin- Young Men's \ — iation. The exhibition was sun
ful, and the association received as a share of the profits
two hundred and fifty-two dollars and fifteen cents.
In 1879, Hon. Th 'iua.- 15. Carroll loaned to the as-ocia-
tion his valuable collection of paintings to be exhibited for
it< bene lit. The upper room in the building was fitted up
fur their reception, and the exhibition opened to the public
with every promise of success, Very little was realized,
however, on the exhibition. In this yeara plan for making
the library public was discussed by several gentlemen of
means, and friends of the association, among whom may
be mentioned Messrs. William Gurley, L. E. Gurley, Dud-
ley Tibbits, William I!. Tibbits, William Howard Hart,
.1 - M. Warren, George B. Warren, Jr., James A. Burden,
I. Townsend Burden, William E. Gilbert. E. G. Gilbert,
William S. Baric, E. Thompson Gale, and many others.
A bill entitle. 1 •■ An act to incorporate the Troy Public
Library, and transfer to it the use and management of the
property of the Troy Young Men's Association, and the
I i: iding-Room Association," was prepared. The bill
1 to a third reading, but was vetoed bj Governor Rob-
inson, on the ground that special legislation in this matter
was ii"t necessary. With the veto came the end of the
effort tablish the free library, — at least all present
effort. Let US h"pe that the future is not far distant when
the scheme may revive, and have a sm ssful termination.
To-day the association stands upon the insecure basis of
aal subscription, — too uncertain and varying to sup-
port any like concern. Debt and difficulties meet it year
after year, while the library languishes and falls behind the
times for want of the addition of books, li has upon its
shell :ti I' books in value and usefulness not
lied by any association of like size and extent; but
tlii- i- not enough. Neither scholar nor novel reader is
then' bm desires to have the newest works to read or
examine.
at debt of the association i- about i
number of members, 600 On the shelves of the library
ihcn ' 00 volumes, besides 961 volumes of news-
. ng-r i is furnished with 13 news-
: in magazines and periodicals. The
catalogue of the library cml ul II- pages; a
m.m . , , describing 3041 1 k- nol on printed
catalogue, ia in library ah
The j (JM will retire from office 1 '
10, 1879, whi ird will be inaugural d. What
means the new board will employ to place the association on
a firm basis cannot be predicted. Unless some successful
effort is made in that direction, the Young Men's Associa-
tion of Troy will, before the lapse of many years, be a
thing of the past. The generosity of Trojans must save it.
and we believe it will, from present debt and future dan-
gers. Below we subjoin a list of officers:
Presidents.— 1835, John T. McCoun ; ISoli, Thaddeus
Bigelow; 1837, Henry W. Strong; 1S3S, George Gould;
1839, I. J. Merritt; 1S40, James M. Stevenson; 184-1,
Charles 11. Read; 1S42, J. L. Van Schoonhoven ; 1843,
Joseph White; 1S44, Thomas Coleman; 1S45, John Q
Britton ; 1S46, William Ilagen ; 1847. G. Robertson, Jr. :
1848, Uri Gilbert; 1S49, Amos K. Iladley ; 1850, D. B.
Cox; 1851, G.B. Wallace; 1S52, William Gurley ; 1853,
G. B. Warren, Jr. ; 1S54, William II. Young; 1855, by
man B. Avery; 185G, W. O. Cunningham ; 1857, De Wilt
Tuthill; 185S, Charles L. Alden ; 1S59, Benjamin 11.
Hall ; 1860, John M. Landon ; 1SG1, N. Davenport ; 1 362,
\. B. Bales; 18G3, John L. Flagg; 18G4, Chauncey O.
Greene; 1SG5, Charles A. Holmes,* Clarence Willard;
1SGG, Fred. P. Allen; 1SG7, W. E. Gilbert: 18G8, Benj.
F. Follett ; 18G9, J. Spencer Garnsey ; 1870-71, William
D. Clegg; 1872. Edgar L. Fursman ; 187.'!. Edward li.
Gilbert; 1S74, Irving Hayner; 1875, I. G. Thompson;
1876, Latham C. Strong; 1S77, William Shaw; 1878
Justin Kellogg; 1S79, Dudley Tibbits.
Corresponding Secretaries. — 1835-36, G. B. Kellogg;
1837, Charles II. Read; 1838, J. M. Stevenson ; 1839, T.
A. Lamed; 1S40-11, George Gould; IS 12. W. 11. Van
Schoonhoven; 1S43-44, John G. Britton; 1845. A. K.
Hadley; 1S46, G. Robertson, Jr. ; 1847, J. B. Gale : 1848,
S. II. Terry; 1S49, John B. Tibbits; 1850-51, George
B. Warren. Jr.; 1852. D. Lane; 1853. N. Stratton ; 1854,
B. II. Hall; 1S55, D. C. Cram; 185G. F. A. Sheldon;
I -.",7. George F. Sims; 1S58. N. Forsyth; 1S59, Thoi
Buckley; 1860, John L. Flagg; 1S61, Irving Browne;
1SG2, J. S. Thorn; 1SG3, Clarence Willard; 18G4, Benj.
D. Benson; 1SG5, J. Spencer Gamsey; 18GG, James \V.
Green; 1867, Wm. Shaw; 1SG8. E. 11. G. Clark; IS
E. L. Fursman.
Treasurers. — 1S35, Charles E. Seymour; 183G II. li.
S. Morgan; 1844-45, Charles P. Heartt; 1846-59. Wil-
lard Gay; 1859-60, C. M. Wellington; 1SG1-G9, John
II Neb r; 1870-74, Wm. II. Hudson; 1S75-79, Philip
F. Van der Heyden.
Librarians.— 1835-41, William Hagen ; 1841, X. B.
MUliman; 1841-42, George II. Ball; 1842-44, John li.
Hani-; 1844-45, John II. White; 1845, Wm. Robert-
1846 64, Henry P. Filer; 186-J G5, T. B. Ileiin-
streei ; 1865 74, F. H. Stevens; 1874, De Witt Cliuton.
THE I'AV HOME.
The Day Home was projected and organized by a num-
ber of Tn.y ladies in November, 1858. The object of
the society was to provide a day home for such children
who. from the poverty or vice of their parents, were lit
:- of such a charily, and especially for such of ibis
. an I Mr. Clarence Willard elected lo Bfl
vnc.in
CITY OS TROY.
255
class as were unable or unwilling to : 1 1 1 » - n < 1 the free schools.
Here i( was proposed to instruct them in the rudiments of
:ni educati and teach them to work. If though! ad-
visable, a noon-day meal was in be furnished them, and by
this ami other kindnesses to gain an influence over the chil-
dren both in the school and at their home, which would in
time elevate them socially and morally. While these were
the principal distinguishing objects of the society, it was
also proposed to furnish a temporary home for a day and
night to destitute children needing such temporary shelter
and care. By an act of the State Legislature, passed April
10, 1861, the institution was incorporated as " The Chil-
dren's Home Society nf the City of Troy." The first
trustees under the act of incorporation were Clarissa S.
Kennedy, Eliza 11. Potter, Polly Andrews, Nancy Wins-
low, Mabel II. Ingrahani, Abigail Flagg, Emily K. Heartt,
Sarah S. McConihe, Laura Willard, Phebe M. Buswell,
Maria Prescott, Mary W. Barton, Catherine E. Dickeman,
Anna B. Albertson, Eliza C. Stewart, Elizabeth A. Bur-
rows, Lorenda S. Ingalls, Ann E. Bigelow, Emma Willard,
Betsey Amelia Hart, Sarah B. Tibbits, Josephine Read,
Eliza II. Griswold, and Asenath Osgood. This body, it
is believed, was the first society composed entirely of women
legally constituted by the State Legislature to conduct the
concerns of its incorporation. By an act passed March 5,
lStili. the name of the Children's Home Society of Troy
was changed to " The Day Home."
The same year of its incorporation, the property known
as the Tibbits Mansion, on the northeast corner of Congress
and Seventh Streets, was purchased as a home. This build-
ing was formally dedicated to its present use on the 27th
of June, 1861.
By the judicious liberality of E. Thompson Gale, of
Troy, a very handsome and spacious two-story brick build-
ing was erected on the north side of the Home, during
the summer of 1879, at a cost of ten thousand dollars.
On the two tablets, at the right and left sides of en-
trance to the building, are the following separate inscrip-
tions : "Day Home Chapel and School, a.d. 1879."
" Erected in loving memory of Alfred De Forest Gale by
his father." The school-room has a seating capacity for
one hundred and fifty children. The durability of its con-
struction and the beauty of the interior make this attract-
ive building one of the chief architectural structures in the
city.
The present officers of the institution arc Mrs. Sarah
S. McConihe, President; Mrs. Eliza Stewart, First Vice-
President; Mrs. J. S. Howe, Second Vice-President; Mrs.
C. R. Church, Treasurer; Miss Lorenzo Marvin, Secre-
tary.
THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH HOJIE.
The oldest of these church homes in the city of Troy is
the Church Home of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
It was first organized as a " House of Mercy" by the
"Brotherhood of St. Barnabas" in November, 1854. The
first building occupied was No. 5 Harrison Place, but in
1858 the House of Mercy was removed to Federal Street.
where the building was burned in the great fire of 1SC2.
On the 17th of April, 1SG3, it was incorporated under the
name of the' " Church Hone. \ iiti was then purchased
for a new building on the northea ! corner of Broadway
and Seventh Streets, which wn erected in 1873, at a o
including the price of the lol of about thirty thousand dol
The following persons are the presi nl officers of the
Home: .1. \V. Puller, President; N. B. Squin Via
President; Henry C. Lockwood, Secretary ; William Q
Treasurer; Mrs. Putnam, Matron; Rev. John I. Tucker,
Rev. J. N. Mulford, Rev. I-'. L Norton, Rev. Franci Har
rison, J. W. Fuller, II. B. Dauchy, William Kemp, 8. B.
Warren, Geo. R.Smith, Willard Gay, James Forsyth, N.
B. Squires, J. S. Heartt, 0 W. Tillinghast, 11. C. Lock-
wood, Trustees.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHI I: II HOME.
The Presbyterian Chun-h Home was organized Jan. 23,
1871. It is governed by two lady directors from each of
the Presbyterian churches in the city, who elect executive
officers. There is also a general advisory committee of nine
men, selected from the Presbyterian churches. The asso-
ciation owns a large and commodious building, No. 90
Fourth Street, which was purchased for ten thousand dol-
lars. The present officers of the Home are Mrs. W. R.
Bush, First Directress; Mrs. R. II. McClellan, Second Di-
rectress; Mrs. Irving Browne, Secretary; Mrs. T. A.
Knickerbocker, Treasurer. The board consists of twenty
lady managers.
THE TROY ORPHAN ASYLUM.
This charitable institution was organized on the 22d day
of October, 1833, and was incorporated by an act passed
April 10, 1S35.
MARSHALL INFIRMARY.
The, act incorporating " The Marshall Infirmary in the
city of Troy" was passed June 20, 1851. Twenty-seven
persons were appointed governors of the corporation, who,
together with the mayor and recorder of Troy, were to con-
stitute the board of governors, to bold office for the term of
one year. The first board of governors embraced the fol-
lowing persons: Benjamin Marshall, Nathan B. Warren,
Amos S. Perry, E. Thompson Gale, Thomas W. Blatch-
ford, John Paine, William W. Hart, James 11. Hooker,
John T. McCoun, Elias Johnson, Jonathan Edwards. John
G. Buswell, Amatus Bobbins, George M. Tibbits, Joel
Mallery, Joseph M. Warren, Alfred Wotkyns, Samuel
Kendrick, George Dauchy, Lyman Bennett, Thomas C.
Brinsmade, John G. Britton, George Christie, George
Gould, Jonas C. Heartt, Stephen E. Warren, and William
S. Sands.
The institution was originated and to a great extent en-
dowed by the late Benjamin Marshall, who. at the time of
his death, December, 1858, had expended upwards of
seventy thousand dollars in contributions of grounds and
money in its behalf. It was designed for the accommoda-
tion of the sick who were destitute of home comforts and
convenient appliances, while suffering from disease or men-
tal malady. When built, it consisted of three departments,
besides the lying-in apartment : one for those afflicted with
the ordinary diseases of humanity, one for the treatment of
pestilent and contagious diseases, and one for insane persons.
--
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The present officers and board of gover s*are Thomas
I nan, F sidenl ; J. W. Downing, Isl Vice President;
.1. \V. Freeman, 2d V. ; R. II. Ward, M.D.,
- retary ; Georgi A. Stone, Treasurer; Governors, Uri
Gilbert, John P. Albertson, John L.Thompson, Lewis E.
Qurley, J. W. Freeman, John Hitchins, .1. W. Downing,
- . no] M. Vail, 1>. Thomas Vail, .1. U. Warren, Thomas
Coleman, Alfonso Bills, G EL Phillips, John Shi
II ary B. Whiton, M.D., Charles Eddy, It. II. Ward,
M.I'.. C. W. Tillinghast, E. Thompson Gale, George \
Stone, «'. L. Bubbell, M.D., Barry B. Dauchy, George l>.
Wotkyns, Albert A. Sampson, Albert E. Powers, W. S.
r. M.D. The mayor of Troy ex officio.
MASONIC.
M nry in Troy may !»• said to be contemporary with
the city, for in the year 1796 application was made to and
;i charter granted by the Grand Lodge, -Inn.' 19th, to
APOLLO LODGE, No. 19,
now No. 11. Its charter members were John Rird, Thos.
Sickli-. Benjamin Gorton, David Squire, John Woodworth,
Win. Roberts, Samuel Gale, John Landon, Samuel Miner,
Elbert Willett, Jr.. Jeremiah Pierce. X. M. Sorvat, John
Efnor, Daniel B. Lynsen. Stephen A.-hley, Jesse Bacon,
Christopher Truesdalc, John Miller, Lyman Ellis, John
[■ II iward Moulton, Win. White, and .Marvin Ellis.
It i> impossible for lath, of space, to give any connected
history of this notable organization, which in its nicmber-
ship has embraced souie of the most prominent and honored
citizens of the county. It was the parent, and until 1S42
the only. Masonic lodge in the city. It is now one of the
largest and most prosperous lodges in the State.
kino Solomon's primitive lodge, no. 91.
Chartered Junc4, 1S42; organized June 30, 1842. The
first officers installed August 11th. by John D. Willard, S.
G. W. of the Graud Lodge, were A. J. Rousseau, W. M. ;
.1 - Pcrry.S. W.; J. A. Wood, J. W. ; S.G. Huntington.
I - G. H. B 3ec; N. T. W Iruff, S. 1>. ; II. K.
Smith, J. D.; G. R. Davis and Wm. Perkins, M. of C. ;
.1 I; Colgrove and 1'.. Chei a - ards.
MOUNT ZION LODGE, No. :)1 1,
I Jun 13, 1 353. Tl riginal petition cm-
b raced, among others, the Dames of 1-;. II. Virgil, J. S.
Olin, Re I B. B d( L. Van Valkcnburgh, Walter J.
■ur. etc. Johi was its first W. M.
U>OLLO M. M. LODGE, NO. 35,
mixed in February, 1-07. Pirsl thn fficcrs, — Ira
M Wells i: W. M. ; S. F. Richards and Lemuel Reed.
Al'"l 1 " > H All I I!. No. |~. II. \. M .
was chartered Feb. 1". 1816. [ra M Wells was its first
II gb Prii -1 \ ti r l y it- first Scribe.
.M-ol.i. \|1| Whl.HV. No l."i. k 1 .
formed by dispensation, Aug 12. 1839. The warrant
intcd by the Grand Commander) J hip (. 1 — -II. Thomas
T. \\ is first E. I the membi 1- ol this
co'mmandery have been elevated to high positions in the
Masonic ranks.
1H.OSS COl Nil no. 14, It. AND S. M.,
named in honor of Dr. Richard Bloss.
DELT \ I.OlHiK OF PERFECTION.
Ineffable Degrees, 4° — 14°. Organized in 1870, and
working under dispensation.
DELTA COl Mil.. P. OF .1.
Ancient, Bistorical, and Traditional Grades, 15 and 16 .
DELTA Ml UTF.lt. U. C.
Philosophical, Doctrinal, and Chivalric Grades. IT and
18°.
THE TUOY MASONIC HALL ASSOCIATION,
incorporated in 1871. It was at first designed to be only a
stoek company; but the plan of a "Life Commutation of
Dues." which was submitted to the various lodges, in. i
with sueh hearty support that an amount was pledged on
that basis, creating a fund which enables the several bodies
to meet their subscriptions for stoek. March 4th the asso-
ciation was formally organized by the election of its first
officers, as follows: George Babcock, President; John L
Fhurg. Vice-President; George F. Sims, Treasurer; and
J. R. Anthony, Secretary. Its board of trustees are elected,
seven from the several Masonic bodies, and three from the
shareholders at large. The board then contracted for the
building of the Masonic Hall, the corner-stone of which
was laid Aug. 2. 1871, with appropriate ceremonies, b]
P.G. C. George Babcock. Its cost was nearly one hundred
thousand dollars.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS.
TROJAN LODGE, NO. 27.
is the earliest chartered lodge which still exists in Troy.
It was chartered by the Grand Lodge on the 11th day of
November, 1839.
RENSSELAER LODGE, NO. 53,
was organized under charter granted by the (J rand L
of the State, on the 1st day of June, 1841. The first offi-
cers of tie lodge were I'. E. Battershall, X. G. ; John M.
Bogardus, V. »■■; Edwin Cleminshaw, Ree. See.; and
Samuel A. C'hapiu, Trcas.
RENSSELAER DEGREE LODGE, No. 7.
was organized Nov. 4, 1841, with 11. T. 11yd N G ; Jess
.1 v.,,-. V. G.; Biram Taylor, Sec; Thomas Bennett,
I
RBEIN LODGE, NO. 24S,
was \ A.Ug. 1-. 1870, with first officers as follows,
viz., John Buckert, N. G. ; George Young. V. G. ; —
Baum, I: - M 2 m . • Pci Sec.; Anthony
Swarts, Tn
TROl ENCAMPMENT, NO. 3,
was organis d Dec. 25, 18J9, but it- charter was not con-
firmed till Dec 6 1 - 1 1 'Ih- first officers were as fol
to wit, S. Mallory, C. P.; Alanson Cook. 11. P.; John
Photo by Atkinson, Troy, N. Y.
His ancestors were of English birth, and upon coming to this coun-
try settled in Rhode Island, from which State his grandfather, Jesse
Anthony, removed with his family to Easton, Washington Co., N. Y.,
and subsequently came to the city of Troy. There, with his sons, he
established a general wholesale and retail mercantile business, and
afterward engaged in the foundry business and the manufacture of
stoves, being among the earliest in Troy to carry on that branch of
industry. His father, John Anthony, born in 1816, after coming to
Troy, in 1837, married Mary Ann Gibeny, of this city ; was for many
years associated with his father in the mercantile and foundry busi-
ness, and upon retiring from those pursuits for several years was en-
gaged in real estate operations in the city ; was prominently identified
with its business interests and prosperity, and for many years was a
member of the city council. He removed to the State of Delaware
about 1865, where he now resides.
Jesse B. Anthony was born in Troy, Dec. 16, 1S38; received a fair
common-school education, and at the age of sixteen entered a whole-
sale grocery house as clerk, where he continued during the remainder
of his minority. In 1859 he married Catharine A., daughter of John
M. Bogardus, of Troy, and the same year, in partnership with Charles
E. Dusenberry, the firm of Dusenberry & Anthony became the suc-
cessors of J. M. Bogardus & Co., in the wholesale coffee and spice
trade. The firm continued until 1876, carrying on an increasing and
large business. From 1876 to 1879 the firm was known as J. B.
Anthony & Co., and in the latter year, Henry 0. Dusenberry retiring
from the firm, Mr. Anthony continued the business as the sole owner.
He was one of the organizers of the Troy Steam Heating Company,
of which he is president, and is one of the directors of the Union
National Bank.
His close application to business, his perseverance and resolution
to succeed in whatever he undertakes, and his integrity in all rela-
tions with his fellow-men, have won for him the confidence of business
men, and given him a place among the most enterprising young men
of the city.
He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in "King
Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 91," Troy, N. Y., Feb. 23, 1860; and
after filling the offices of Senior Deacon and Senior Warden was, in
1867, chosen as its Worshipful Master, and continued in that honorable
position for four consecutive terms. In 1873 he was appointed District
Deputy Grand Master of the Twelfth Masonic District, holding the
office two years ; and in June, 1875, was elected Senior Grand Warden
of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, which office he now
holds. He received the Capitular Degrees in " Apollo Chapter, No.
48, R. A. M.," Troy, N. Y., in December, 1860 ; and after serving as
Captain of the Host one term, and Principal Sojourner two terms, was
elected in 1872 as its High-Priest, filling the position for fiveconsecu
tive years, and on retiring therefrom at his own request, was compli-
mented with a costly Past High-Priest's jewel as a token of respect
and esteem. In the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the
State of New York he holds the position of Grand Lecturer. He re-
received the orders of knighthood in "Apollo Commandery, No. 15,
K. T.," Troy, N. Y., in 1863, and after filling the office of Prelate
for four consecutive years, was elected as its Eminent Commander,
and retired from office in 1S76. He received the degrees in theCriptic
Rite in " Bloss Council, No. 14, R. and S. M.," Troy, N. Y., March
15, 1861, and after filling various subordinate positions was elected as
its T. I. Grand Master. In the year 1862 he received the grades of the
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, to the thirty-seeond degree inclusive,
and has been an active worker in the rite, and now holds the position
of T. P. G. M. of " Delta Lodge of Perfection," M. E. S. P. G. M. of
" Delta Council of P. of J.," and M. W. and P. M. of " Delta Chapter
of R. C," all located at Troy, and is the First Lieutenant Commander
in "Albany Sovereign Consistory," Albany, N. Y. In 1874 the
Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic jurisdiction invested him
with the thirty-third degree and created him an honorary member of
that exalted body. He is also the G. P. of " Oriental Temple of
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine," Troy, N. Y., and a member of the
Provincial Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland in the United
States, having received the degree in May, 1878, at Washington, D. C.
In all the Masonic enterprises of the city of Troy he has been an
active worker, and has devoted much time to the interests of the craft.
At the erection of the new Masonic Temple at Troy, in 1*7L\ he was
one of the most energetic workers in the completion of that enter-
prise, and has been the secretary of the " Troy Masonic Hall Associa-
tion" since its incorporation in 1871, and holds various offices of trust
in the Masonic bodies of the city of Troy.
Asabel Rising, his grandfather, and his wife emigrated
fr..m England and settled in Southwick, Mass. Hi* father,
rick R. Rising, was 1m. rn there in 17'.'::. In 1810 his
family moved to Willsborough, Essex Co.,
N Y . where I"- built n "clothing-works," doing business as
& - n. Eis father joined the militia and served
uring the war of 1812. Was in the flgbt at Pittsburgh.
causing a lameness which lasted through life.
When an appropriation was made by Congress for the sur-
: that war he received a pension, which was paid
during his life ; also n land grant.
II n • : ■ Wcstport, in the -am.' county, in 1820,
whoi : a "clothing-works." Was married in
• ■ I. . . \ I'ii. h, of I.- Roy, N. Y. They lived in
Wcstport until 1838, when they removed to Middlebury, Vi..
npsray with his only brother, Asahel R. Rising,
i ran tin- first woolen-factory built there. In 1887
lie returned to Wcstport and his former business, and con-
ighteen yean ; then retired from it.
Rutland, Vt. ; thenco to Lunsingburgh and Troy,
N Y . residing in the latter place at the lime of hi- death,
urrcd in 1871. in the seventy-fourth year of hie ago.
- " ; iged seventy-three years.
Charles II. Rising, thi etch, was born in
II' was the eldest of seven children,
■ !' whom are now living. Wenl with the family t.. Mid-
- • . nod there and attended sol 1 at the
icndemy until 1888; returned home to Westporl and at-
. lamy up to 1840, when he left homo
\ usable Porks, N V . and was there and
■ ivillc. N V . three and one-half years. Thcnci
cam N Y.t where ho obtained a situation in the drj
■ lannnn Place. Sub-
• Taylor two years, in tho
! m in- present loca-
l B. Stt • .v t' it
wholesale and retail trade in silks and millinery goods. The
following year lie was admitted as a partner. .Mr. Strout
retired three years later, and the firm became .Steven- A
Rising; subsequently, Rising & Miinii. The latter n ■;
in .January. 1863. From that to the present time the In;-
ha- been conducted solely by Charles II. Rising, saving the
year 1877. when his son. C. Gould Rising, was admitted
a partner, and remained one year. His health failed, and he
retired. The business has been of steady growth, and ah
successful
Commencing with a store seventeen by forty feet on the
first floor, it now extends over three floors, averaging forty by
one hundred feet each, making an ana of over ten thousand
feet of flooring. Divided into ten departments, it is arranged
t.. i t tho utmost possible dispntch in selling from stock or
Riling order.-. It is the only wholesale millinery house ii
city, and one of the largest establishments of the kind in the
Slate outside New York City.
His trade extend- through New York. Vermont, and someof
the Western Slates, and give- employment to twent\ flvi
sons in the sales, and fifteen in the manufacturing department
Hi- grandparent-, as well as his mother's family
Church of England people; his mother wa- a Methodist. Mr
Rising lias always attended the Episcopal Church, and his
family are communicants He i- a Democrat, but not as
as was hi- laiti.T, "who never split his ticket fur friend or
relative." Mr. Rising never -ought political preferment, hut
was elected supervisor from the Second Ward in 1871. He
I n also, for over twenty years, and i- now, a director in the
Central, now the Central National liank of Troy.
Charles 11. Rising wa- married, in 18"i3, to Lizzie R. Could,
daughter of Col. Samuel P. Gould, of Rochester, N. V.
di.d in 1850, lenving one son, C. Gould Rising, lie was again
married, in 1 s<;7. to Emma, daughter of Anthony Seller, of
Troy, and only lister of Mr- I >r M. II. Burton. Tiny have
n, now ls7'i eight years old.
CITY OF TIIOY
257
Price, S. W. ; J. J. Gillespy, Scribe; William Tl pson,
IVeas. ; Hiram Arnold, J. W.
FUNERAL All) ASSOCIATION
wasorganized June 21, 1868. Firs! officers were William
Madden, President; Nelson II. Benson, Secretary ; Thomas
Godson, Treasurer.
AUGUSTA REBECCA LODGE
was chartered March 20, 1872. First officers were William
Spaeth, N. G.; Mina Bcstel, V. G. ; Amalia Rapp, Rec.
Louisa Stegmyer, Per. Sec. ; Susanna Steuber, Treas.
TltOY UNION REBECCA DEGREE LODGE
was chartered Feb. 25, 1874. First officers writ- Peter
Bloss, N. G. ; Mrs. S. Guard, V. (5. ; Mrs. McNamara, Sec ;
Mrs. Levi Mathews, Per. Sec; Mrs. Muses Corbin, Treas.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Premier Lodge, No. 20, was organized Aug. 11, 1869.
America Lodge, No. 27, was organized in Troy, Nov.
12, 1869.
Oilier lodges of the Knights of Pythias in Troy are
Crusade Lodge, No. 24, and Guttenberg Lodge, No.
112.
ORANGEMEN.
Of this order there are in Troy the following organiza-
tions, to wit : True Blue Lodge, L. 0. L., No. 31,
organized Oct. 17, 1871 ; George Washington, L. O. L.,
No. 61, organized June 12, 1803; Abraham Lincoln,
; L. 0. L., No. 129 ; Mount Horeb District, L. O. L., No.
11, organized June 15, 1873; and Mount Carmel Black
l'RECEPTORY, organized May 2, 1S76.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
G. L. WILLARD POST, NO. 34,
was organized June 1, 1869. The first officers were Joseph
B. Carr, Commander ; Joseph Hyde, Senior Vice-Com-
mander; Joseph Egolf, Junior Vice-Commander ; Edward
1. Davis, Adjutant; Bernard N. Smith, Quartermaster;
Alonzo Alden, Chaplain ; William S. Cooper, M.D., Sur-
geon ; Anson Moore, Sergeant- Major ; Isaac F. Hardy,
Quartermaster-Sergeant ; James F. Simmons, Officer of the
Day ; George W. Jenkins, Officer of the Guard.
TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS.
Father Albino Temperance Society, chartered
March 15, 1870 ; Albia Division, No. 60, S. of T. ;
Father Matiiew Temperance Society, No. 1 ; Father
Mathew Ladies' Temperance Society, No. 1 ; Iron
Works Division, No. 52, S. of T. ; Prospect Union
Lodge, No. 30, I. 0. of G. S. and D. of S. ; Trojan
Division, No. 23, S. of T. ; Union Hope Lodge, No.
20, I. 0. of G. S. and D. of S. ; Young Men's Father
Matiiew T. A. B. Society, No. 1 and No. 2.
other societies.
St. John's Encampment, No. 106, Knights of
Malta, is situated in Troy.
In Troy arc the following lodges, to wit : Joshua Lodge,
I. 0. K. S. B., No. 78, was instituted April 14, 1872 ; Jere-
33
\u mi Lodge, [. 0. B. B m ized Oel 16 I 366 ;
Mistli "\ i: < Irdeu of Dfti IDS, No 1 1 wuj organ-
ized Deo. I. 1845; Mouni Mom. mi Lodge (colored
Mi onic), was organized in January, 1875; and the Troy
Turn Verein Society organized \<u - 1852 I nited
I ) m i, ii 1 1. us in1 \v i i.i.i i n miz id Feb. 25 1842
TR01 I I ' B.
Prominent among the clubs of the city is the Troy Club.
Ii was organized Nov. 27, 1867, and has now over one
hundred members. It is an incorporated ; iciation, and
owns a very handst lv furnished club-house on the north-
west corner of Second and Co reets. Its present
officers are: lv Thompson Gale, President; Joseph W.
Fuller, Vice-President; E. I!. Vail, Treasurer; E. M.
Green, Secretary ; E. Thompson Gale, Joseph \V. Fuller,
J. llol.arl. Warren, Join, V. Roy, W. P. Warren, lv K
Vail, E. M. Green, M. Y. Clough, II. M. Burton, Henry
Burden, 0. lv VanZile, John I. Thompson, C. W. Til-
linghast, J. F. Calder, (!. S. Robinson, Managers.
IONIC CLUB.
The Ionic Club rooms are in the building No. 1 First
Street. It was organized Aug. 27. 1853, and incorporated
Aug. ti, 1868. Its present officers are A. W. Wiekes,
President ; John Don, Vice-President ; P. F. Van der lley-
den, Secretary and Treasurer ; William II. Young, Charles
Cleminshaw, John Don, («. II. Sagendorf, Asa W. Wiekes,
T. F. Barnum, John A. Macdonald, Lee ( 'hainliei Tin. John
L. Arts, Trustees.
THE B. G. CLUB.
This club occupies rooms at No. 5'. State Street, and
■was organized in 1848. The following persons are the
present officers of the club : Walter R. Bush, Jr., Presi-
dent; Horace L. Hicks, Vice-President; F. Y. Van
Schoonhovcn, Secretary and Treasurer.
XVI.— Tito V AKMY LIST, L861-65.
For an account of the organization and movements of
the several regiments, raised in Troy, during the Rebellion,
see Chapter XVI., pp. 74-109 of this work.
SEI OKD REGIMENT.
Company .1.
Capt. John W. Armitago; 1st Sergt. J. II. Preston; Sergts. J. B. Horan, Jr.,
J. W. lliggius, S. Wheeler; Corps. F. Curran, J. Thompson, Charles Bal-
lantyne, Edward II. Webster; Musicians, Paul S. Connor, William B.
Laithe; Privates, Charles Allman, Jacob \. Becroft, Washington Beers,
William Bounds, James II. Baker, Thomas Brown, John D. Buwen,
Thomas Cuthbertson, William II. Cranuell, Francis Carlow, John C.
Carroll, George J. Cnippenlale, Gem'-.' 11, eole, Thomas Conway, Ben-
jamin Downing, Nathan Edwards, James Finday, Abrara It. Folmsbee,
Adney W. Gamble, .William Gault, '■ -ge P Gaul Ol Hard, Calviu
I). IL.llis, John Ilollis, Jacob Harris, Philip Hayner, Josephus Hayner,
Thomas E. Himes, Nathan I1 Hodgman, George UhII, Samuel M. Hall,
Samuel H. Johnston, David Johnson, Thomas Long, Ja s HallfT, John
Bladell,TI as Magee, George McLennan, Simeon Myers, James Mur-
ray, Michael Nulty, Michael O'Brien, William O'Hanlin, John II. Pies-
ton, Harvey G. Primmer, Leolin Rogers, Henrj Raymond, Philander
Rogers, Jolm M. Riley, George A. It..,.!, William II. Stanley, Charles II.
ShattUCk, Adolphe Stande, L-.au- W Shaw, James Smith, .Te.hu A. Travis,
William J. Tucker, William Van Keeck, John T. Van Arnura, Tunis
Vanderwerken, Zalmon Van Ness, Charles K. Westervelt, Albert G.
Webster, Albert 1 oumans
Company Ii.
Capt. William A. Olmstead; 1st Sergt. C. R.Gardner; Sergts. A. J. Caswell,
Andrew Ruth, 15. A. Weaver; Corps. G. Bisdu n. 1. Forcry, David M.
258
IIISTOKY OF KKNSSKLAEK COl'NTY. NEW YORK.
Rank Cocka; 1'ri-
u K) IHTe, John
prol ■ Brown, Jultn Brown, John
II, Jubii Cunningham, Thomna Comtek,
Arilnir Cnrran, Jai n, Jo»cwk W.Carui
\ Dyer, 111 i homai Doj I I ■ tins t Down-
. ,. i- . . i i rison.ThamaB
.. >Iii.. i, A. H
Ambon j llolaupple, Lanlston Jones, Will In m Juhn, hit rick Korrtgnn,
j j,,, < I ■ . i: chard
Hi irj Hurray,
\ - ncy.Johu Miller, Jolm Mitchell,
, trios Parker. Ji h
II, Brnja I • Bmllli, William 0.
1 im J.. 1 hui , J inn - Trnynore, Wlnfl I 9
. Ilenn M Icki rs, William '•'. I yl.-r.
CapL Georg* II. Olla ; 1st Sergl 0 \- • - • MM*. F. Bulll*, Robert B.
l> . kic, 0 i - m, P. McDonald, P. M uilr, Dnvkl
LmmIi M ''i irtln : Privnl * Jobn
v \ kyalt, Ml illlaii liolas W. BonJ imln,
i. ; - . . i > Bowm «i),
James Hull ion, William A. Campbell, Michael 1 l,Jiibn
Vi- i i Ellfutt,
Earl, II mo Galchclt. John Grcar, Joseph Horn tin, Elijah Hurl-
} i:t. i
, Lyman R. W m Kelly, Tl addons Long,
Bernard C. Lc*, William • holna Minis,
Klni'i Mnlr, Juhn Mack, Clin '■■ Sic' lue, I ml row Morrison, Samuel
H. Pollen, J n, Ilenry Itichcr, Thomas Ryan,
. ' Joseph Russell, MVil-
■■ . w llfam 1 Smith, in, Michael Shnughnessy,
- linlUy, David i - Clinrles Sticknoy, Edward Tattle,
Leon Vitiit, Onuuiius MV. MVi ai ui ,
II Waller, Archibald MVnlson.Juhu B. Pcnflcld, George Melencon.
, Cmolly; lal Sc rl J i If. Russell, E. Cnnncrs,J.
Judgi W ml, I 'a trick O'Brien, David P. Luce, MV. S. Do
Furrell; Privates, John Broderick, John Bnind, Ilenry
\ Bl mlngtlalc, William Boticll, Willium Cain, Jam ea Brady, ArcM-
Bnchanan, John Cnin,John Conrny, Donald D. Cameron, Christo-
pher Dalon, Thomas Dwyer, James. Duffy, James J. Pagan, John Flynn,
■ l Flaherty, Timothy Flaherty, Pntri k, James II,
Flynn, Ml ert Frrnch, John Grai ■-. James It. Hendry, Thomas n
Jnntr* F. Hill, Michael II Hnlpln, Thomas Hoi mease] . i iv
Juhn Lool y, Michael Looby, George
Luml i ittii-., Tlmmns Lyons, Thomas Lawless, John Lyons,
Matthew McMahoi I Manning, James McGunn,
Lawrence Merrlman,John Mi Govern, Jann Mi l irmlck, Francis O'Nell,
Adam PI teller, Willi. mi Powei Martin Qninn, Charles
Kuth. John Byan, Thomas T. Raney, Samuel Rivers, James Sullivan,
i H Smith, Bernard Smi lit, K elmrd Scholes, John
'.rk, James Shanlry, Patrick Thonilon, ■ Michael
bill, John A. Wj lie, J. i pi. - \\ h ilen, Pnlih k Gr.«i
• t J i II i; «. \ ass tr, Jumps
II Fonda, F. A. F. P. Foi
Lewis ft. Mor-
ris; ! Abbey, James II. Allbrlght, Win.
All-i W II Ham Bi iv,
■ lej ii \ i inn cum ■
Ingham, Horace W.Urandall, Wil-
liam . John Downing, John Kbrehanlt, John
Fork trick Galnor, Jol r mt,
i I ward Hill, 1,
llodgaaou, John 1 I irk ins, l»..\ ^ McGlll,
M , . , |||C| rjan |.| Mooiiey,
Willi im H. i
T'Alt
..ii. ii Si iiily,
John N. Srollb, William Shliikcll, John U Ferry,
f, Clar-
. Tlllmnu K.
^ p»rkJ
ii
Frail i, John
Oartb) ; Privates, II Iran
W. Barber, 1
k, Jr.,
.
I Gard-
ner, George Gardner, Jesse G. Hurt-, ( harhs B. Hatfield, Angevine Hun. .
\ Morris, Henry A. Hidden, David Howyer, Ambrose B.IIerilck,
Warren Harrington, Morgan A. Harris, Getn»ge Kay, (lurk Kellogg, John
F. Keeler, Samuel T. McLotlan, Philip Marion, Alexander Monciieff, Wi|J
li.mi McCotmh k, John Moor*', Luke W. Nichols. Cyrenus MV, Neweomb,
John P NYwcomb, George W. NVIs* lolui 11 Pierce. George 11. Pierce,
Roll in II Palmer, Levi Quay, Robert Rogers, Jolm Robinson, James M.
It mt< -. Joseph MM'. Routes, Peter P. Buy, Jr., Jam.'- SI, Sturtevant, L,
Sherwood Smith, Edwin R. Smith, MVillium MM". Smith, MVilliam Shannon,
Leslie Smyth, John Stnnley, Geoi'ge W. Thonij-son, John MVelch, Ceorgo
\\ i. Benjamin Y, \\ illi.nn-, J.-lui Wells, Kdward Wilson, Jonas Yearsley.
.
0>»Mjrani/ G.
c..].i William B. Tibblts; 1st Sergt.John Conway; Sergts. MM'arren Benjamin,
< nulfns A. Kirker, William Sullivan: Corps. Francis Smith, Nicholu
lllckey, John McGaliun, Janu - O'Brien; Mnsicinna, Amos Uriggw. John
It. Lock ley; Privates, Samuel Alker, James Atkins. Charles Buckley,
Adnm Bancroft, J< Im Brennan, John I.. Itliv.n*. Robert Casey,
Donnelly, James Doolftlle, John Elson, John Finley, Ilnrry Glaw, S
G, Gla-p, Jacob F. Gardner, William Ilirkey Albi-rt II>>|ikiritt, Jacob II
Houck, Kdward <;. Hull. Eugene Huffman, Thomas Ilomn, MVilliam J,
Ilodgnian, Charles I!. Ilanimoiids, George Ir-lmm, Ci-orge James, Henry
.l.'lni- los"'|.li H.J. ill n -i i. (»ei i _. Kline, Ti im ilhy Kelly, John Kenedy,
MVilliam Kenedy, Henry Lud ford, Narcissus Lmlue, John Madden, l'< I- r
r, G Ma*on, John Mil ii-, John Murnnne, Thomas McGulre,
John Medlici tt, John McCorniick, t.'harles N'eu berry, Frederick Newton,
Bornard O'llani, Th ns O'Donm-ll, Jolm Partridge, Lewis PldlUpa,
Jose|ih Priidur, John Ryan, James Russell, ILnry Spain, Peter Smith,
John Smith, Joseph Savoy er, MVilliam Smith, George Sullivan, Jnuirs
Todd, John Thompson, William II. Thurber, James I'tter, Patrick Walsh,
George MV. Wilson, Henry P. Williams, Frederick MVi igley, I«uic W heeler.
Company If.
Copt. Joseph G. MrNntt;lst Sergt. Donald GiH'es; Sergts. Peter Forrester,
Bernard B. Riley, Frederick Foster; Corps. William B. Gardner, Alex-
ander Williams. Michael Ryan. Hiram C. Noitoti; Musician, John T\*«m-
bley; Privates, Alfred At v is Bureau, George W. Brtggs, Wil-
liam Brunei), David Bacon, William II. Bougbton, James Bennett, John
IV C Biiiff, Gi n"ge W. Clark, Micha«l Carroll, J*remiah Chase, George
Cole, John Conn»y, William Bain, James Dclehanty, Eugene Dewey,
John Elsey, MVilliam Frizelle, James Farrell, Hosea R. Fuller, Amm
py, George Green w I, J. hn W, Groat, Isaac It. Hueck, John Hope,
John Halpiu, John Higgius, Thomas Hiekey, MVilliam Hamilton, I
Johnson, William Jones, Edward King, MVilliam Kirk pat rick, GI
Law, MVillium Lee, Alexander Little, Henry Lynch, James Morehead,
Rol eri Morehead, Thomas Murray, William O'Brien, Patrick i ►'!>.. nnell,
John II. Powers, Augustus Purdy, Natluutiel Purdy, Joseph Ibitheny,
Ilenry C. Romaine, Charles Stuvuis, J. dm Sjivage, Patrick Sla
Charles A. Seymour, James Simixson, Anthony Schwa tz, MVilliam II.
Smith, Michael Tully, John Torrance, Benjamin Ty meson, Steplisn
Ty meson, Jacob V. Ty meson, James M'an Vnmken, Jr., Charles Ml hcldoO,
Jerome MVhipplc, Frederick Whipple, John MVnrd, Joseph MM'olf,
Company I.
Capt, MVilliam MeConihe; 1st Sergt. James Johnson; Sergts. MVilliam II.
McNulty, Morgan L, Taylor. John Fairchild; ('<,r|is. Henry T. S«it.
Henry Mai W. Holcomb, MVilliam F. McCulbnigh ; Mn-ician,
Nathaniel I.. Orr; Privates, William Allen. Lntln-r A. Adams, Michael
Baker, George Buchanan, Janus Blake, MVilliam II. Bentley, Henry IVn-
wny, James W. Burke, Stephen B. Chapman, Martin Conner, MVilliam
Cremer, Chuvlo-4 Connick, Edwanl Dunn, George I>. Diitcher. Herbert
II. Dill, George Dunham, Timothy Donovan, Arnold Dennis, John II.
Dclnny, Michael Daly, George Emery, Francis Fi-h«T, MVai
Ah, hm 1 Gornincc, MVilliam Greenwood, Thomas \ Gaffuev, John lllndt,
MVilliam lloddy, Morris Hays, Patrick Hopper, Jnme- N. Harringtofi,
John T. Hnlpin,Gi rls, Hiram S. Lh ingst , Lawn
Solomon P, Moiitgnnu-ry, Thomas McGmlh, Frank McC*»lter, Alexandtt
M Clay, David Mnrry, Patrick McGee, IVtei M Giivern, John Mnllon,
John D. Mycw, George Norlhmp, George T. Phillips, Alexander lUy
mot ■ V. Robinson, Charles II. Rice, John Stapleton, II
Skclton, G< ll Sceley, Alonzo Sweet, Kdnmiul B, Stone, John Snead-
Inils, George Shai p, Eugene Slntterly, Cha j II. Tracy, Philip Turn*
hn 1 1. Sanford Van Deuzen, Lewis \ anderzee, John 11 W'llll«tB
Welch, Geo go MVIIIson, John II. Welch.
■ •■■>>/ h'.
: Juhn Arts; r; Sergts. John Suslmann.MVillUUB
i maun, August Willi I; < r MVohl, Henry T--lt, John !•
& htnfer, Jacob Orlh; Hi ml Blerwirth, Osc«r \i>i*ly;
i Biale, William Brcnuen, l"i"l Itatze, David P.. ■•t.-l, John
Bur.-k.it, Louis Sclmtier, Chartps Clans-en, William L. Collins, «
Carlton, John Eli i MVilliam Kverlj,
hi, Cutirad Fritz, I*oni Gci r, I lanh tleer, Vil ■
Petei II li . Relnhardt Hoffmann, Andrew Illrah, MVilliam II c tier, 1.
, Cli irles Johnson, J.-s^ph
. William K.t-l.r. Chwrlea King, Alexander Knenstel, Adam
\i.v,,..i.i - phei Laubmrier, John Italian, Geoigl
CITY OF TIK IV.
259
'apt
» ,„„„< Sin Legue, Patrick McGraw, Joseph Mitchell, Inl
N;,„„,„ Peter N..U, J,. Nlpel, C I"- I'"'-- ""' ' P"'1'.
Edward Rudiger, Louis Kend,Sle| "SI r, Mux Stlogmnyor, I liarln
B1|C| , Edward Schcpperd, Join, Schl K, Clir. Sogobald
r, ,..., .1 , Thiesen, Tin 11 Thrnno, CI. Von Snrgarsky, John Wll-
■,..,, , ; ,.,. v g,Gottl I Wurmt, Hour} « I, Kred Wioso, Edward
Walton.
ONE QONDRED AND TWENTY I'll II! REGIMENT.
( bmpany .1.
Dudley E.Cornell; 1st Unit E Alonx irtshnrn; 2.1 Went. William
lkM; ut Sergt. Edward O'Coi r; 2d Sergt. Je » T mi ; :'"l
S(.'r(j, t,iM B. S> l; 4th Sergt. Lei ' . Stll Sergt William A
,.,,!,.„ |,| Corp Irving S Waito; 2d Corp. Charles I! Sweet; kl Corp.
[ames Congdon ; IthCorp li. awthnrn ; 5th Corp. J. David l)nll;0tll
Corp Martin V. B. Matteson ; 7th Corp. Peter U.J s;8th Corp Tlieron
p ,„.,,.!,,, , Teamster, George Barber; Privates, Calvin Agnn, Martin
E Bern.ll, Joseph H. Bennett, Daniel Buckley, Sol m Baker, Uliert
A Bowers Stutely Bennett, Ichabo.l B p, Elijah Beagle, Samuel C.
Bnrdick Edward A. Baldwin, [rn Brock, .lc B own L. D B mer,
0 lea Bates, John Burns, Joseph Coon, .1 L Col.h, J, « Cutbn.lt,
Nathan Corbin, John S. Crandnll, William C. Cnmdall, .'lark A. Chun li,
Bartholomew Carmody, Edwa.-d Dooley, David Donahue, Almond Dill,
Ml,,., , s. kee, Charles E, Dumblel Zebulon Darius, Lozen Estes,
Thomas Gthl s, Charles Gardner, Nathaniel Giles, William Gallagher,
Edwnnl B. Godby, David M.Grogan, Alon/.o Green, Cortland Gre, n.Juhn
Hawthorn, G -ge W. Howard, Charles I . n lynoi D; IB. Jones, Geo
W Kenyan, Israel Keach, Jason Love, William G L-.ckw I, Danford
p Millis, Charles 11. Man,,, s. \ . B. McChesney, Thomas N. MacCnmber,
Charles II. MacCu.nber, Samuel Merithew, Harlo L Mattison, G ge
McDonald, John R, Niles, Daniel A. Odell, Bo.,jami loll, Jahex Odell,
Charles Oderkirk, Robert Patterson, Jesse Potter. Charles Pratt, Samuel
D. Russell, Richard Russell,. I.. 1,„ Rising, Charles Rising, Lewis Reinolds,
Putiick Rogers, James Riley, Albert Reynolds, Levi Rifenbnrgli, Warren
A.Sibley. J, Smith, Naton Sweet, II v I. Snyder, Ralph Selby,
Silos E. Sweet, John Snyder, Samuel Spotteu, William Sears. Cornelius
V.Tiipp, Joseph T niton, .lanes 1, Tilley, Jededinh Varnum, Franklin
Williams, Charles 1.. Wager, David 11. Wilson, Isaac Wager, Benjamin
Tandaw, William O'Connor.
i bmparty B. '
Capt. Aaron B. Myers; 1st Lient. Charles H.Taylor; 2d Lieut John Quay ; 1st
Sergt.Jan.es M. Cole; 3d Scr.it. William Haloi : lib Sergt. Uenr] M.
Clnm; 5th Sergl Robert E. Myer; 1st Corp. Charles E Cleminshaw;
2,1 Corp. William "Weaver, .1, ; 3d Corp. John .1 Bomaine; 4th Corp.
Thomas Hallenbeck; 5th Corp. Joseph L. Robins; nth C Alexander
Ferg.iBon ; 7th Corp. George Hamilton ; 8th Corp. I'll ,mas A. Nooning;
Privates, Robert Allen, Charles Austin, George Brown, Franklin U.Brown,
Joseph Brown, Henry B. Beebe, Samuel Bnlson, Aurie D. Briggs, .lames
II. llucklee, Charles Bosher, Johu Connor, William Cogger, Harvey G.
Clam, Anthony Cherbounon, Francis Clarkson, Edwin 1). Caswell, Wil-
liam K.Chamberlin, John A. Cole, Cl.as. E DcLanoy.J, Davis, Charles
S.Davis, Henry J. Davis, Henry Dutchor, John Duffy, Edward Eigernian,
William Fairbanks, Reuben Fry, John M.- Feathers, Orin A. Fletcher,
James Gault, Goorge B.Grant, .lames 11. Hatch, Michael II. Higgins,
Clarence A. Ilin.es, Heman E. Harrington, Tl as .1. Hull, Wm, S. Ken-
nedy, George A. Luther, Leouard L.Lew s,Th .s Manning, John Mad-
igan, John L. M Her, Rowland Norllirup, Edward Ogden, Richard G.
Padley, Charles S. Parsons, Calvin s. Porter, Sidney S. Ripley, Aaron P.
Rich. William H. Rose, John II. Richer, Samuel A. Rhodes, Michael
Roddy, John Sanders, William II. Sterling, Hamilton Stewart, Marvin
Smith, Henry We-tropp, John P. Wiswall, James Walton, George Wise,
George L. Wallace, James E. Winn, Charles II. Weaver, Andrew .1. Wil-
son, Geo. E. Hatch.
Company ' '.
Capt. F.S. Esmond; 1st Lie.it. W. II. Plumb, Jr.; 1st Corp R. A. Rose ; 2d Corp.
Willi.,... D. Dnrkin; Privates, John Adams list), John Adams (2d), John
M. Atkinson, Charles H. Cole, Samuel Cassiday, Charles Campbell, Jo-
siah Cole, A. B. Clark, John W. Dillenbeck, Oliver Goewey, Joseph W.
Kendall, James Martin, Daniel Morrison, Alexander Paydell, Amasa M.
Bedlield, Nathan S. Roberts, David L. Simmons, Michael J. Samls, Hugh
Tucker, Alfred Willsou, Henry Barges-, James Carroll, Thomas Li.nha.u.
Oompany D.
Capt. S. C. Armstrong; 1st Lieut. T. F. Sheldon ; il Lieut. P. Carden ; 1-t Sergt.
William Milner; 2d Sergt. E. Bemtis Griswold; 3d Sergt Marshall E.
Hickox;4th Sergt. Henry Wheeler; fith Sergt. Charles A.Uline; 1st Corp'.
Charles It. German; 2d Corp. Hamilton N. Hewitt; 3d Corp. Hiram A.
Ford; 4th Corp. William Fiunigan; 6th Corp. Poler Hagalj 6th Corp.
Caleb Green; 7th Corp. George F. Heath; Stb Corp. William Dollar, Jr.;
Drummers, John Cannon, Samuel J. Cbeever; Privates, William Allen,
Irano Ferdiuando Anie, Janies A. Bennett, Charles w. Badean, Thomas
Boyd, Michael Burke, Join, W. B ...nids, Stephen Bates. John J. Bawden,
Joseph Bloon.iugdale, William Bates, George Bulson, Matthew Cass,Jas.
Cannon, Patrick Clarely, John Callaghan, Eugene Demers, Richard F.
Donovan, Meather Duffy, Wm. II. Evens, John Agan, John Eves, Peter
si,, Qon W.Frltli George D. i
mi |. Green, II
Hlelui I II i llulsopp , M I i l'1'"" "•"'•>
», ,.!,.„ B M. Mai w Kllr.nl, William Kolly, Tl V. Keeler,
M die tin . Edwnnl I Uppy. Wm I ichman, Wm. C. Uncoln,
11 km i. Murphy, John Mullen, Wll
Frcderl I I Hm , Di I « Nichols, Barno) 0 III Blirj \
Nathan T P, n mil - i. ■ P ' ""
Qnor'ry, Charles f A Rhodes, Henry lln i II I I >■ ■ '' *»'' ' '"" H
i I. , i ,I\V Sent . Hi, ..„, II B b, !•■,.,» ,'■ I.MInger-
laiid, W, Ilium II. II Sand
Sherman, N : ' Ullh"-' l"1'".*.
William R Trol 1 R Usher, ( I, M Wing . Wager, K.
Poiter Wad I I « : ' ' '"' "'" '•"•' " 8I '"'
.I.,!,,, West, 'In.' Clni I'hllo.
i ' imp li I
Capt William D I; Isl I O. U„-h : 2d Lloul I I 1st
Sergl .1 De "in , ..i. mo,, j i - i IE While; 3d Sergt David
Bruincrd; Itli Sergt. Calvin A. Uayn, I ' ■
Corps. Ebenozor II Kittel, Nathan il E. Warden, John HcGIII, Gilbert
Webster, Harrison Clark, James W. Cox, Dalmei W. Donha.n, Horatio
H. Coleman ; Privates, V. illiam B. Andrews, Nelson P. Vndrcws, John W.
Ml, ,, c a V. Bradway, Alexander J. Brown, Charles II. B lis, -
II. Barley, Lorenzo D. Beebe, Clark W. Bcntley, I mo G. Babcocfc,
,,. W Baleman, Oscar F. Bennett, John « Blake, James >'. i
voy, George Constant, Willi Cowan, George C is,T I Cum-
,„„,' - Thomas Cumluings, De U tl li Carrier, Inios F.Converse, Benja-
min i , |„,k,l ge Davis, I I Dala.Il, I lark P. Daboll, Alexander
u G rii I, Liba A. G n, Benjamin II.Greeu, Benjamin L Greenman,
James E. Hassan, Henry Kulsapplc, Francs IJ. II s, Luther Horton,
John 1. Harris.Sidney Hogehoorn, Stephen Hunt, Harlin S. Ilullis, John
II, Kirby, Albert L.ttle, Lewis Larklu, Henry La] us, William II M
row Andrew T Marsten, Adam Millins, Daniel Nye, Franklin Pratt,
, ha'rles Robinson, Watson I. bo'. Inn-. CI I B Rice, Edwin A. Ko-
gei-s, Truman Sweet, PhiletusSedgwick, AlbertSimm .JohnC Saxuy,
Philande. Shepherd, William N. SI it, Horace Sykes, George W. Snow,
II.,,,,,,.,, ,• M,„, no,,., Hi, 1 J l'ooley, Nathan H.Tifft, David Trapp, James
K Till. John M. Tailor, A hr.,,„ M.Taylor, Henry w. Vickery, Edson
O Wilej Uron G Wai Cornelius H. Wilkinson, Daniel B. Wait,
Peter Witbeck, Warren C. Wait, Hiram B. Woodward, William Whitman,
p.,,, Wolcott David II. Weai Daniel Waters, Frank Bnimminghnm,
George lhadi,' Job,, Clapper, Patrick Curly, Coonradl Miller, Robert
Snyder.
tmj /'.
Capt Nelson Penfield; 1-t Lieut Frank Chamberlinj 2.1 Lient William D.
Tayloi lsl Sergt. J„ •' Mom,": 2d Sergt. Lee Churchill ; 3d Sergt.
Sherman Clc .shave; HI. Sergt Charles W. Bill k; ith Sergt. Wil-
1, ,,,, ii Babcock; lsl Corp. George W. Jenkins; 2d Corp. Henry E.
Burton; 3d Corp. John C Mealj in. Corp Gi rl Otter; 6th Corp.
George W.Vedder; CthCorp Thomas Wright ; 7th Corp P..peC Roberta,
mi, Corp Edward II. Dntcher; Privates, John Brown, George II. Belden,
Edward Ib.slan.l. John Brown (2d), Henry Bennit, Christmas Bnshey,
Blcliar.1 Can navan. James Carroll, T nas Canfleld, Washington J.
Cipperly, John C pbell, Andrew C< tt, William Cropsey, llodolpl.us
M.Cook, CI »s Devane, Henry J. Davenport Henry l„ Dempsey, Ed-
ward Deforres , John Henry Deal, Sylvester Defreest, John T. Eaton,
Charles 11 Frear, Bernard Finnegan, Lawrence Farrell.John Fleming.
Stanislaus t'e », Ge rgc Gray, Uri Gilbert, Josiah Griffiths, Tl. s
Healy,G ge W.Hayncr, Thomas Hopkins, Clarke Hall, Stephen Henseli,
Ezra H. Hagadoni, Henry E. Herring, William Helming, Hugh Kahony,
Andrew J. Kirkp itrick, John Ka-tin, Sandfor,! Kilmer, Edward Lawler,
Emereon D. Lee, Mart,,, Lawhr, .las. Moon, John MCI, 11. W....T. Mnll.n,
Wm. Mitchell, Peleg II. Mas,,,, Leonard J. .Mas,..,,, Wm. It. Martin, Wm.
II II Moon, Alfred Moon, John D. Meeker, Josephus Perry, Charles H
Perry, Raphael Pagnin, Cyrus Pinney, Elias It. Park,-, Fitch Raynard,
Andrew Schofleld, Thomas Simpkins, James Snyder, Levis F. Smith,
Joseph II. Short, Henry E. Scl.-l..,,, Frank Sclirempf, Ezra Sipperly,
Richard II. Taylor, George E. Town, Bcthute P. Tompkins, Morgan S.
Cpham, James P. Vassar, Garrett Van.lerpool, Adolpll Wester, Robert 1.
Winnel, George Wicks, .lames A. Wiswal, Iliran. W. Worden, William
Walk, Henry 0. Wills, Abraham Yates.
| ..,,, MO, ','.
Capt. Geo-geE. Lemon; 1st Lieut W. K. Newcomb; 2.1 Lient L. II. Stevens-,
1st Sergt Merritt Miller; 2d Sergt William Blackburn; 3d Sergt D I
Bogerr 4th Sergt. Alexandei Springsteen; 5th Sergt Levy H.Crandall;
is, Corp Axle! 11. Ellis ; id Corp. E. P. SI. ,vor ; 3d Corp. G. A. Lord i 41b
Corp John P. Andres; 5th Corp. Sinn. 11 Johnston; 6.1. Corp Harry V
Tl, ,rbnm;7thCorp.J. Hammond, Jr ; 8th Corp Bradd ick 11. Peckham;
plivatos George C. Andres, Cl.as. P. Allen, Chas. H Allen, G. W. Babcock,
Daniel Brown, Sol. Brown, Nelson Bullis, Excelsior Boncha, Michael
Brophy Sidney Bush, Win. Bicknel.J. P. Bell.A.S. Bnrdick, H. Buckman,
.1 ,; i, Cornweli, P. Ci y, A. Campbell, v>^> Cox, J hn I atello, r
Conloy, Francis Cross, G 11 Sipp rly, ^bram Oomelina, Alfred Cahart,
John Clark, Christian Dulfer.J..! Ellis, Caspol Ebert,J Baring, B. A.
Fuller William Gainer, Denis GIlIoou, Caleb Higgins, Miclmel Ilarngan,
260
BISTORT OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
William II : li gby, « Ilium ilongli,
isbury,
irles II.
hi II Millor.John II Mnl-
.. u Koribrop, Daniel Noi
\ « i. U p, -inn, William II. Picnrd, Willimn
t I-,,: . :, \ .. II i: , ■ , n 1. 1;. mi Rock,
unions, Jnmcs B, Sliiuslll,
••: . -i : . J . Sll miner,
- in in. ih ri., \V. II. Soutkwlck, Francis
Thorn, tin II. Van Buran, Robert Watts, John Waters,
D. McLaughlin, Dn 1 WeUtor,
until, Julin Bonptun, Wll-
r«,,i I I; 1st Llonl Joseph Iljilcj 2il Lieut. David Hngndorn ; 1st
I ., ,. I . , ; llli
■ John K. Hoffman : l-i I orp.Tln m I
h Con Kl H" 9 P. Clnpp;
il Ashley, 8lli ■ 0
Tli. .1. rrwln; Prlval
|Ur, . M luitlli, I v.t, i.l Allii.i. i
B. B -i. el,
Barry, John Bryant, Daniel
II dm ghnm, James Oulbuni, Daniel
i i Pouat,
Ivln w. Fcath-
I liz/.lo,
. « lllnrd D. Q n, Philip C. Gibbs, Mi-
ll Wllllnm C. Hyde, .l.iiii-i II. 1 1 v.l.-, Tim-
Ilii.Mi-i. Samuel S. Hastings, William P. Holt. Bon-
- ii Hooghki i W - lv— . Al« k Llttlo,
i i.ii.-. William II. Lolim a, II ik Mc-
Ar.n-. .' ii- • II. M C iibroy, William II. Miller, Owen Mi Govern, David
v \ rthroi Brlcn, Charles C. Perry, William I . I: ■
j.. I,,, in 'in Rllinibnrg, Aaron Rodgors, Henry Strcoler,
Martin 8niil L. Tuller, Ablnlhiin Van Btiren,
Duier, Willi. mi II. Vandeiibnrgh, William Vornoy, William
II x I. Van Wie, Fran t II. Wilson, Levi Wager, H
N. Ilnmision, -1 na« II- Morris, I'm rick H. Green, I'. II.
irlea W. Belknap, Dallas Coonradl, Albert Cole, Govenlur
- tultcr.
Lical. Archibald Bad an ; 2il Lieut. Edward Fink;
Ordn - I. Donald Gill I dmrd
\ B - (L Wllllnm Armstrong; 4th Sergt. Chirk L.Brown J 1st
Corp. Wllllnm Anderson ; 3d Corp. Charles
W. II rbomas II nnl Ion ith Corp. Am !. G
C. Townscnd; "th I Is P. Yukey ; 81b Corp.
John T. M-lvin; I'rivatos, William Alexander, Edward Beren, William
Brewer, John Curnill, Julius 1'. Catlin,
, Patrick Collins, Jcrcminh Costello, John
ii , -, Nathaniel
| irdon '•. Hall, II aiu llall.John Hardy,
nulrnli J. II "Mul--. Shi I Huldrldgr, Charles Gollou, Charles
i jlliis A. Jones, ' barlcs Juch-
Jiilm Kelly, John Kli Ily, John
Mi Kay, I ii in. - Mclntyre,
Melzgcr, Knplutol Monger,
. Jami a Mullen, \\ llllain Noglun, Jiinu a
Henry Pease, Giles Pease,
m, Albert 1). PI Raiscb, Albort
\1 -,,-)■;• J 'nil Stllllb, '■•
I ' I
Vandi '. Christian Weber,
.i-liii
lligglns,
tlotton, D v.
AM ■■ ' Mi llllsh i. Will N I Inn r. Martin
■ Steel
\v Uammond; Pi
il Inifa
BflM'l - l-ll, Willi. .-
w.iii, in D ity, \ J Doty,
llaan
, II. ii. William II
— Johnson,
pits, II Vl >l llll I. >l I . Imel
McMnrry, David Milk, James E. Mnhh, .i-lin Maber, J. H. Meeookey,
Williain Martin, D. W. C. Overocker, Timothy O'Brii-n, Jiinies Russell,
Thomas Rain, Jason Robins, William Rain, Joskili Slocuni, Clins. E. Strat*
Ion, James C, Scott, Joseph Slocuni, J. K. Simtnoiis, Michael Toomsr,
l.i, in -ii- I ravis, Win. N. Tico, Win. Tbwaite, Lewis II. Turner, Smith
Thompson, J. T. Viuiulitwcrp, Win. W. Vanschaick, S. W. Washburn,
i I- nun -V While, Alexander Whylaiid, L'bas. II. W.,ir, Morgan 1.. Wood,
William II. Wolf, Amos Wnrd, George Wolf, Thomas Curley, Thomas
Brand, Peter Bustello, Thomas Brown, Isaac S. Clow, Jacob Daniels,
William Kelley, Frank Kniuie, George McPherson, John M, :Evi , v, K,|.
ward McCabe, John Marshall, Martin Roddy, Washington Wheeler,
. Sharp, William Van Loou, George O'Neal, Fred. B. White.
ONE III NDRED AND S1XTV-NINTH REGIMENT.
"i// .1.
Cupt. .I.,m-- V. Colvin; 1-t Lieut. Jerome It. Purmenter; 'J. I 1 ieut. Bernard N
Smitli ; -lli S-rgt. Alfred It. Allan ; Corp. Rilftls It. Slillmuii ; Drummers,
Theodore Miller, Mcrvillo Baccli us; Teamster, Alvah It. Filch : Private*,
Edward Barren, W'ullcr S. Rirdsnll, .Mm K. Clarke, Thomas Connolly,
I '.mi ill S. Corbin, Gottlieb i iui hull. .tallies Gibliuiis, Julin 11. Gi I
llill, Albert Hopkins, Thulium Jossop, ,l,,li,i King, .lames Kctiyuti,
Ibew McMahon, James Mack, Thulium Matthew, Ilunlcl n-1
i .l.lin Powers. Theliui* Ryan, Barney Ruark, .la i Siuiili. Wil-
liam Smith, Theodore f cliutt, Geo. G. Shattuck, Georgo Sivcr, August
■m. ml Henry A.Stillman, Francis Tupley.
, > <»ij 11.
[fat. Wood; 1st Lieut David P. Benson; 2d Lieut. Michael Holmes; lit
Sergt. Th, -iiiin Sloan ; 2d Scrgt. Hugh Dun nelly, 3,1 Sergt. James linnii;
4th Sergt.Jnmes Ryau; filli Sergt. John Ii-nipi, y. Jr.; 1st Corp. -t . ,1m
Sullivan; J,l Corp. Win. T. M, liny ; 3d Corp. F.i skiuc SI111H7. : III
Robert Anderson; 5th Corp Pie O'Brien; Gib Corp. John E. Gorman,
Tth Corp. Petci Roche; Drun 11. Henry Sherwin, John Cannon ; Wig.
oner, Win. Stevens; Privates, Vanesa Ayrcs, John Aimlin, John Bwui,
Christopher Bchan, D. T. lloundi, George Brower, Peter B. Blow, D.T.
Cailltleld, Edward Clary, Jo.cpli Cunuul, Robeit Duffy, Win II Hi
Lodorick Edge, Micl I Falen, Wrm. II. Flaherty, Win. II. Freeman, John
Fleming, Dennis Finnerty, James Giiffeney, Harvey Green, John It*.
Guycr, Geo. W. Greenw 1. II, my Hughes, Jumca Hudson, Jiinies Uovar,
Wni. 11. Hull, Daniel <l. Ilanis, Henry Julius, ,11, Julin Julinson, L
l\,'lin,-l. Simon Knotlgh, Jolin Kane, Jaliic-1 K— nun, Felix Lester,
Lockton, John McGorlick, Charles Madden, Wm. II. McCormick, I'lnhj.
McGorlick, John M,,nm. S. T. Mir.ncr, John McMahon, Jan
thow, Charles O'Nellly, Patrick O'Brien, Michael O'Neal, John o lln.ii.
Peter Oslerhoudt, Audrew J. Oalman, John Ptircell, Claudius II. S, I'-i-
l-i. Henry C. Quiun, Irving W. Rose, Mi' had Ryan, Win. II. Sliii r>,
Henry Smith, Josiuh Spnulding, Wm. Shriner, Austin Stiles, N. *'. Miu-
inons, Wlllbim Smith, Lniupsun Smith, Jr., John Taylor, Owen Tauy,
James Vi rder, Jacob Van Viilkcnhiirgh, Patrick Welch, William D.
WHger, George Do Bar, Jumca McCalTcrty.
Capt. .1. II. Allen ; In I.i-ut. Frank W. I ml -II ; 2d Lieut Clnirles K. Moray:
Privates, W. M. sl,,n-li. 1 - rgc w. Browucll, Herman Mnilin-tt, 1:
Sim] boh, Michuel Cullen, ii-uge Broker.
Capt. A I». Vangbn; Private, Thomas A. Overocker.
'
Capt. John T. M,l',, 1111 ; lit l.i-111. George II. linger; il Lirut. ThnmBS B.
Eaton; l-l Sergt. William 0.uinii ; '-■ I Sergt. Cluirlcs G. 1 ,
, Patrick Ayliuer; I1I1 Sergt. Charles Dnmmary; ",lh Sergt. Samuel
, . Sargeant; 1st Corp. George Sawyer; 2d Corp. W. W. Newton; 3d
Corp. Michael Dckcj : III, Corii. William II. Briggi; ntli Corp. John II.
Nolan; ,.ili Cor]>. Albert Connid ; Till Corp Joseph 1 irringl Bib Corp.
Willi,,,, Bontccou; lit Drummer, ll-nry Lclllngwi'll ; -,l 1>,,.,
William J.Shaw; Wagoner, Harvey Shaw ; Privates, Ruben Black, UutS
Utmoycr, John Biockline, Bernard Blnlr, Tbonuis Barrett, 1
Btirke, Muriin Braliander, Harmon Becksteiu, Jolin A. Bcckstein, Joba
\ Collly, W. E ' Jarpenler, James Curlls, EdwanI Colli lap), John li-run,
a Etahel, James Fllun.TIi rabl, Daniel It. Parrel,
Fox, I ,,. .I.,l,u II I in, Ii. I,u,l L. Garsiib'S, Charles Gnnthar,
Ar. Iiibatd G - lynor, Reuben S. ' . , Hell w, Join
Glora, .l,,liii iJurll.ui'l, .l.ibn Haley, John Hughes. Jolin l>. Ibivens, Jose
Henry Kamnl r, t'lui I ■ . , \\ l.uii'ly, Juiiu -
James Mole, Ja ' M, ,re, Duiiabl Mnnn,e, Julin Martin. Hum
McDufley, Nicholas O'Brien, John O'Neal, 1-1 v O'Neal, Angni
I'r-ll. Patrl, k P, In, Valentino Rriubnlr., Charlc" S|>eiicer, John Spring
r.Kdwanl M.Sw.'irl,,ul,.l ■ Muiih,
Zel'iibui Toogood, ' 1 1.1 ■ 1 : ". \ ,,, >u,t-
>n I - « ,lf,u ,. I ' ,,,- ^^ Inkb
Jauiiii O. Walker. James Watt, John I: Welhey, Michael Walsh,
It. ill-. Ilcnrj All ,1 1-..11, Holberl A. Ellis.
//
Willi, m II V 11 lllinn ; 2d Sergt John Mnrryj
I David 9 Unilkshauk ; .Mb sergt
.
y^;- ^//^-/
(MTV OF TROY.
2C1
Karens Po< k ; lnt Corp. I'hfneii W Holt; 2d Corp. Hh Bnner ; 3d Corp.
Lewis K. Odelt j 4th Corp George EI. Young; 5lh Corp.Edgar Vnndor-
z.t; Oili Corp. Jacob II. Slicklemyoi ; 7th Corp Minturn B. Know It on ;
Kill Corp. Charles II Nnyw ; Pllor, J m Horton; Drummers, I ■
Wehlmunn, Thonma Knight; Private*, Coonradl ImMlnger, Wllllnm H.
Apple, David \. i\ twitter, Kiiwai'l Mipitw, hiuin- M ]'. mei Edwin H.
Brock, I. '"ii. ml Brimmer, Ilenjnmln V. Bently, George I Bowi ra Mmm
s i,. Bailey, Charles Bcxl , John w Church Thomas Carr, William
Ch-menro, J i , Nelson Clemence, Efoac I. Clow, Alfred Carmon, ' heater
I Craver, Patrick Cooney, Willinm Claxton, Henry Ernst, Henry It,
Peat hers, Herherl H. Flamt*uurgh, Abrnni 1'. Ftilmsl le, Will am I
Hakes, Alonzo Horton, Richard J Horton, Har Foal In, Frederick
.! Keeler, Samuel Larkin, Charles Lark In, Bowlll Lenk, Nathaniel l>.
Mnrvln, Barney M. Marvin, John H. Udell, Dnnlel Odell, William Pohl,
Willi. mi s. PareoiiH, Michnel Ilussell, Noren suit/man, Alonzu Sifter,
Peter Shoemaker, Joseph Smith, Christopher Tenlin, Alvaru V. Trover,
Boi mm! S. I line, William Van Loon, Stanton A. \\ ilcox, Henry Wargor,
Scrantou E. Wade, Du go boil Zeieei ,
' bmpany I.
iu|it Michael Mnrnane; l-t Lieut. Spencer W. Snyder; 2d Lieut. Patrick
Couners; Lsl Sergt. Hani.'] E. Scrlven; 2d Soigt Thomas EI. Gardner;
3d Sergt. Anthony R. Sevako ; Ith Sorgl Napoleon Eioot; -" ■ r 1 1 Sergt.,
Boberl Ranisburj ; 1st Corp. Thomas O'Brien; 2d Corp. Lewis Hopkins;
3d Corp George Cunipbell ; ith Corp. George Decell; illi Corp. Francis
Elope; Glh Coi p. James Smith ; 7th Corp. Albert S. Hall ; Bill Corp. An-
drew Spinnrd; Drummer, Samuel Olmxtead ; Fifor, Franklin Peabody;
Wiigoner. Andrew M. Johnson; Privates, Shndmek Ad- it, William Allen,
Will. am W. Ailam-, Tl us Archan, Ji*ep)i Brewster, George Blondlu,
Law rence Brady, Joseph Benn, Andrew Con-on, Edward Corron, Thoniiis
Collopy.John Carlin, Leonard Duchanne,John Delano;, Mar-hall Dillon,
John Dixon, Allen Ensign, Daniel Krank, James Flarity, Levi Greg i,
Nathaniel Harri**, Thomas Harrison, James BJ. Hcaly, Cliaa, Henderson,
David James, Charles King, Thomas It lemon, Lewis Litdiike, I. run La
Pennant, Adolphus La vine, William Lindley, Lewis La Fountain, ('has.
My/res, James McQueen, Terence Gdulhollnnd, Edward Mann, William
II Blerriam, Mathiaa Meagher, Jeremiah Murphy, Petei Miller, Tltomas
iMcNiini.ua, John McGowau, Lawrence Mallow, JamcB Neils, John Niles,
Joseph Pei rego, Andrew Parrott, Thomas Pluukett, Thomas Ryan, Peter
ltlley, Jeremiah Roubeld, Jas. Reynolds, Samuel Sbattork, Peter Short-
ires, Prospei Spinard, William Smith, Joseph Smith, Patrick Smith,
John Shauglitiessy, Oliver Santos, Michael Trute, David Tredo, John
Tavis, Benjamin Williams, Thomas Walters, Edward B. Shoveland.
Company K.
('apt. Daniel Ferguson ; lsl Lieut. I> J. t'ary; 2d Lieut. E. R. Smith; 1st Sergt.
ClmrlPS D. Merill; 2d Sergt. Cornelius M. Setser; 3d Sergt. .lames II.
Straight; 4th Sergt. John Farrell; 6th Sergt. Edward Penny; L-tCnrp.
Juhu Gass; 2d Corp. John P. Icke; 3d Coip. Harri.-on Weaver; itli Corp.
Roberl Welch ; 5th Corp. Silas Rowley; 6th Corp. John Foifar;7th Corp.
.lames Ryan ; 8th « lorp. John Quiiin , Drummers, Clttrkson 1>. Fuller, A.
II Salisbury; Wagoner, James CaBwell ; Privates, Daufel Alexander,
Allen s. Andrew, William Allen, Lewis Byron, Harlem Brown, Joseph
Bai ranger, Alfred D. Clarkson, John Clute, James Conway, Ezra Cranell,
William Cooper, Charles II. Clark, David Chevalier, John Con Ion, E. W.
Church, \\ illiam Druar, Francis Delaire, John C. Deane, David Duncan,
Benjamin Duryee, Thomas Fogarty, William Frazer, Joseph B. Follett,
Dennis W. Fox, James Kay, John Fluty, James Glass, William E Griggs,
Patrick Gahern, John W. Hedges, Henry Hayes, Edward Hydorn, James
Hutchinson, James Hoffman, Ja 8 lleimstreet, John Hackett, John
Ken nelly, A. Kirkpatrick, Elijah Knapp, William Kent, Hugh McGov-
ern, "William Mercy, Jacob H. Mower, George W. McMurray, Patrick
McCormick, Stephen N> hies, I.G. Porter, Andrew Prescott, John Powers,
John Quinn, John B. Rogers, John W. Rogers, Thomas Riley, Charles
N. Remington, Samuel Spotten, James M. Smith, Joseph Shannon, Alex-
ander Shields, F. II. Smith, Charles Smith, Gilbert II. Salisbury, Albert
Tompkins, James Taylor, Michael Vaughn, Joseph While, Abraham
Waldruff, William Kiley.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
MAJ.-GEN. JOHN ELLIS WOOL
was born at Newburg, Orange Co., N. Y., on tbe 20tb of
February, 1784. After engaging for a while in the book
Business, in Troy, the loss of his stock in trade by lire in-
duced liitn to begin the study of the law, which, upon the
breaking out of the war of 1812 with Great Britain, he
abandoned and accepted a call to serve his country. On
the (5th of February, 1812, he opened a recruiting-office in
Troy, aud, having raised his company, was, in April follow-
in;.', upon ill.- recommendation of Gover ' Clinton and
others commissi! I a captain in the 13th Regiment of
United States [nfnntry. He joined hie regimen) m G
bush, and in the autumn marched lo the Niagara front
Soon after his arrival there he distinguished himself for
Ina very in the line of duty, ^.t the storming of Quccnstown,
on the 13th of October, 1812, he was bIioI through both
thighs. His bravery on thai occasion was ;ii once rei
Dized by his country, and he was, on the 13th of April,
L813, promoted to the rank of major in the 2'Jih Regiment
of [nfantry.
Again, at the battle of Plattsburgh, on the I I tli of Sep-
tember, 1814, lio distinguished himself for bravery, and
was soon after brevetted colonel for gallantry.
Under the act of Congress of Vpril 24, 1816, providing
for the general staff, Maj. Wool was appointed inspector-
general, with the rank of colonel, which position he retained
until June 25, 1841, when he was appointed a brigadier-
general, to which rank he had been brevetted in the year
1826.
During the year 1822, as inspector-general of the
he made a professional tourof Europe, examining the various
systems then prevailing there, and in 1836 negotiated the
transfer of the Cherokee Indians to the territory west of
the Mississippi.
In the .Mexican war he superintended the organization of
the Western regiments of volunteers, and after dispatching
some twelve thousand to the seat of war, commanded him-
self a force of three thousand on the inarch from San An-
tonio to Saltillo, a distance of nine hundred miles, where
he joined the army under Gen. Taylor as see 1 in com-
mand. At Buena Vista, before the arrival of ton. Taylor,
he assumed the command during the early part of the day.
The disposition of the troops made by him for the battle
was approved by Gen. Taylor.
After Gen. Taylor returned to the States, Gen. Wool
remained in command of the army of occupation until the
close of the war. For his services at Buena Vista he was
brevetted major-general, and in 1854 Congress passed a
joint resolution of thanks and presented him with a sword
for his Mexican services. On his return home in August,
1848, the Legislature of the State of New York and the
Common Council of the city of Troy each presented him a
sword. He was placed in command of the Eastern Military
Division from 1848 to 1853, and of the Department of the
East from 1853 to 1854; of that of the Pacific from 185 I
to 1857, and again of the Eastern Department till I860.
In August, 1861, he was placed in command at Fortress
Monroe, Va., and in May, 18G2, occupied Norfolk and
Portsmouth. On the ICth of May, 1862, he was promoted
to be major-general, and in June following was placed in
command of the Middle Military Department, including
the 8th Army Corps In January. 1863, he was trans-
ferred to New York, and commanded the Department of the
East until July 15th, when he was relieved, and Aug. 1.
1863, was placed on the retired list. He died at Troy
Nov. 10, 1869, and was buried with high military an 1
civic he rs. In Oakwood Cemetery at Troy, during the
present year (1879), a high monolith has been raised to
his memory.
■v.:
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
HON I 'AVID BUEL, -Ik.,*
u a born in Litchfield, Conn., Oct 22, 1784. His father,
D :..| Buel, of whom he was the fourth child and second
if Welsh descent. Bis ancestor was William
Buel, the first emigrant of the family to America,— and
the progenitor, with i small exception in a Holland
familv. "fall who bear the name i" this country.
The immediate American ancestor of David Buel was
r ter, born in Windsor, Conn., Aug. 19, 1644. He was
the third child and set '1 son of William, and was a
prominent citiien ofSimsbury, Conn., from its earliesl his-
tory. David, the father of David Buel, Jr., was born in
Dul N. Y., June 24, 1747 (N..S.), but removed
to the town of Litchfield al an earlj age, and remained
there until the year 1797, when he removed temporarily to
M Iford, near Boston, and in 1798, to Troy, N. Y.. where
he Bpcnt tlic residue of his life, dying Sept. 1 1. 1836, in the
ninetieth year of his age. He had a famihj of seven chil-
dren,—three s..us and four daughters,— of whom, sin.-,.
Af.nl 17. 1^17. bul two survived— his sun David, and
aghter Mary D
David Buel, .)r.. until his father's removal from Litch-
field, attended the town scl 1 from about the age of seven
re, with the exception of a few months, when he went
i \ a MilC.nl. and attended a select sch 10I taught by the
Rev. Truman Marsh, the rector of the Episcopal Church
in that town. He speaks kindly and respectfully of his
early teachers. To oi f these teachers he thus alludes in
I 357 : ■• The teacher of my early years whom I remember
with the greatest affection was Mr. Timothy Mather Cooley,
still living at a very advanced age. He was for many
years a pastor of the Congregational society in Granville,
Mass., where he .-till resides. 1 met him at the lasl com-
mencement ..I" Williams College, of which lie was a trustee.
II - manners were bland, his disposition was amiable, and
piety most ardent Still, in extreme ..1.1 age, and labor-
in- under bodily infirmities, he is a most interesting old
man, and especially so to those who have received their
early instruction fr..m him. 1 can never forget dear Dr.
i II first awakened in me some desire to study and
learn something. Dntil I was placed under his charge at
about the age of ten ..r eleven years, my time al school
had. I tliink. been almost wasted. 1 had learned perhaps
t,, r,.,d tolerably, to write indifferently, and to perform
simple operations in arithmetic. My father having, in
17:i7. removed from Litchfield to Medford, I attended the
high school there kept by Mr. Wyman, and probably made
.. in branches usually then taught al the mosl
respectable grammar Bchools as they were called. <>nr
family removed, in the summer of 1798, fi Medford t..
Tr-.y, where they have ever since resided. Troy was then
a village of a few hundred inhabitants. My father hav-
ing embarked in mercantile pursuits, I was sometimes kept
lint I tliink 1 never had an inclination to
a merchant, of which I think my father becatrn
\.\\. i i i, .,r two after our removal to Troy I at-
led tin' principal school then kept there, which, I think,
with the cxccptioi ■! kept bj Mr. G
• Prepared bj i Vurk-
wood, principally for small children, was the only school in
the village. Indeed. I tliink for three or four years after
the removal of our family to Troy I learned but little, and
thai nut well at the school which I attended, and much of
my time out of school was spent in play and sports, such
as fishing, hunting, and athletic sports. I had no regular
occupation."
He himself notes it as "rather a memorable circum-
stance" that from August, 1S38, to April, 1839, his boo
Clarence, now the Rev. Clarence Buel, of the city of New
York, then at the close of the eighth year of his life, went
i,, Dr. Cooley's scl 1 in East Granville, Mass., Dr. Cooley
bavin" 1 n the teacher of the father of Clarence in
Litchfield, when David Buel, Jr., was twelve years old.
After giving an account of his small progress in his
studies in hi- earliesl years, he says, " I. however, when
about fourteen or fifteen years old, became fond of reading;
at fust my reading was devoted to such books as 'Robin-
son Crusoe,' the ' Arabian Nights' Entertainments,' ' Don
Quixote,' 'Gulliver's Travels.' and some others more cal-
culated to amuse than instruct. At a little later period I
commenced reading some historical works. 1 read through
Hume's 'History of England,' Robertson's 'Charles V
and Rollin's ' Ancii nl History' before I began to think of
obtaining a collegiate education.''
With regard to his earliest recollections, he makes the
interesting statement that they go back to the year 17--
when he was four years old. He well remembered that in
the summer of that year his father was engaged in building
a large house, intended for a hotel, on Litchfield Town
Hill, and the raising of the frame called together a large
number of people as assistants or spectators. "The ap-
pearance of the frame as the raisin- progressed left an
impression on my memory which I have ever reUin
The next event, most vividly impressed on my memory was
my baptism by the Rev. Truman Marsh, an Episcopal
minister, on the 2d day of dune, 1790. My yout
brother Samuel was baptized at the same time. The
baptisms were administered at my father's bouse in Litch-
field.'
In the year 1801 he went into the law oflice of his
brother-in-law John Bird, then a young lawyer of rising
distinction, and who was then a member of Congress. It
was the Wish Of the father of David Buel. dr.. that he
ild aerve a clerkship in the office. There were then in
the Dffice two respectable young gentlemen, Mr. Silas Huh-
bel and Mr. Alpheus Sherman. Mr. Hubbcl was a gradu-
ate of William- College. The subject ■>( this biographical
notice began to feel that his education at various C nun
srl 1- wa- no) sufficient to enable him tu attain high
standing as a lawyer. With the approbation -\' hi- father
mmenced the study of Latin and Greek. His Latin
d to Mr. Hubbcl, far whose instruction*
he expresses himself gratefully. Ho recited in Greek to a
leman who then kepi a school in Troy. In less than •
year he had read most of Virgil, Cicero's " Select Oration^
;,„.! ,|„. Greek Grammar, and also, a- ho thinks, the Greek
Testament through the Gospels and Acts. In the fall of
[802 he entered the soplwmorc class of Williams College,
r.,,1,,,, i, , probationer, for he wa- sensible how
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(MTV OF TROY.
21 3
,viy imperfectly he was lined in Latin and Greek studies.
But he was pretty thoroughly grounded in arithmetic,
'eography, and English grammar. By close application
he kept a fair standing in his class during the year, and at
its close passed a good examination, and thenceforward
ranked as second to nunc of his classmates, He had a
marked place in the sophomore exhibition, an oration at
the junior exhibition, and at commencement (1805 !
of the honors, delivering an oration which was received
with applause.
" My class," he says, "consisted of about thirty mem
bers, a majority of whom i IS.'iTt have finished their course
mi earth." The mathematical teacher, Mr. Gamaliel Olds,
lie often spoke of in after-years with the greatest respect
for his ability as a teacher, and for his incisive wit. From
[803 to 1806, Mr. Olds was a tutor in the college, becom
ins a professor in 1 S06.
Alter his graduation Mr. Buel returned to Troy, and
resumed the study of the law in the office of Mr. Bird,
who had taken Mr. Blanchard as a partner. In this office
he remained until the death of Mr. Bird, Feb. 2, 1806.
Seen alter the death of Mr. Bird, Mr. Buel entered the
office of Daniel Jones, in Albany. His fellow-students
were Mr. John C. Spencer and Mr. Wheeler Barnes. Mr.
Jones, while his health permitted, was in the habit of hear-
ing his students recite in Blackstone. His students found
his examinations so useful that, when Mr. Junes became ill,
Messrs. Spencer, Barnes, and Buel continued the practice
of examining each other frequently on their legal studies.
One exercise he specifies as very useful, " That was fasten-
ing in our memories the Analysis of Blackstone, commen-
cing with his general outline divisions of his subjects, and
tracing them to the minutest divisions, with the definitions."
Their object was to make themselves masters of what Sir
William Jones says is the most perfect outline which was
ever drawn of any human science. When they had thor-
oughly mastered the heads of the divisions and the ramifi-
cations, they recited them mcmoriler to each other, and
subsequently wrote off the analysis from memory. " This
exercise," he says, " strengthened their memory and enabled
them to read other legal works to more advantage by refer-
ring to and classifying whatever they read in the appro-
priate division of the commentaries. The analysis aided
method and memory, and performed the function of an out-
line map in geography."
Within a few months after Mr. Buel entered Mr. Jones'
office Mr. Jones was attacked with disease, which termi-
nated in consumption, and eventually ended his life early, —
according to Mr. Buel's remembrance, in the spring of
18()7. After passing a few months in the office of Mr.
Beers, the latter also became sick, and died of consumption.
He then entered the office of Abraham Van Vechten,
near the close of 1807 or beginning of 1808. His con-
nection with this great lawyer had such an influence upon
his whole subsequent professional life that his interesting
account of it is given in his own words:
" I had hitherto "been in offices where there was but little
practice, and I had but little acquaintance with the prac-
tice, except what could be learned from books. The only
American book of practice which I had seen was ' Wyckc's
Practice,' a very imporfeel treatit I had also pe la
manuscript treatise of Alexander Hamilton. The only
mode of learning tlii pracl i was from English treati
such as Richardson's, Compton's, Sellon's, and Tidd's, 1
from doing tin work in a lawyer's office and attending the
courts. Mr. Van \ 1 1 ht< n | with his partner, Ami \ an
Schaick) had a very extensive practice, both in tl
of law and equity. Indeed, Mr. Van Vechten and Mr.
.J <>li ii V. Henry were almost the only lawyers north of the
city of New York who wen- much engaged in the chan-
cery practice. Both of them had a very large practice
both in courts of law and equity. I solicited of Mr, Van
Vechten the privilege of doing as much of the drafting in
the office its I could perform, Tlyerewcri otherclerke who
did the copying. 1 remained in Mr. Van Ve< hten's office
until 1 was admitted to the bar as an attorney of the Su-
preme Court, in 1808, Mr. Van Vechten afforded me
every facility ho could for learning the practice, both in
courts of law and equity, and when I took my examina-
tion for admission as an attorney I felt myself competi nt
to answer any question in practice which the examiners
thought proper to ask.
" For Mr. Van Vechten I formed the most en. luring friend-
ship, and it was reciprocated by him to the end of his life.
He was a man of great mental power. His education had
been limited, but he never manifested any deficiency. He
had made himself an educated man without the assistance
of college instruction. He had a most logical mind. He
was an acute and powerful reasoner, and occasionally spoke
eloquently, but his forte was to convince the understanding
of his listeners, whether courts, juries, or popular assem-
blies. He was several times elected to the State senate,
and was most useful there as a member of the highest
court of appeals, which then consisted of the Senate, the
judges of the Supreme Court, and the chancellor. He was
twice invited to a seat on the Supreme Court bench, but
declined, preferring to remain in his elevated position at the
bar. lie was a most amiable man in private life. He was
long beloved as the Father of the Bar. Few men have
filled a larger share in the affections of all wdio knew him
intimately. Nor was he only a man of this world. He
was, I cannot doubt from a long and intimate acquaintance,
a thorough Christian in his heart and life. No attachment
which I have formed in life was more enduring and satis-
factory than the friendship which we had for each other."
Noble tribute this, by one who became himself an emi-
nent lawyer, to his father, teacher, and friend in the law,
and in the relations of life. Mr. Buel named bis fourth
son, born in 1826, from his revered teacher, anil after the
Sunday on which this son was baptized in St. Paul's church,
Troy, Mr. Samuel G. Huntington, a genial lawyer of Troy,
entered Mr. Van Ycchten's office in Albany, and surprised
and somewhat startled the old gentleman by suddenly an-
nouncing to him that on the last Sunday he had heard the
name of Abraham Van Vechten called out publicly in the
church, to which the venerable gentleman did not say
Adsum.
In later years Judge Buel procured from a cast id' Mr.
Van Vechten 's face a medallion, which occupied a conspic-
uous place in the parlor of his house till after his death
264
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and thai of his wife, and which is now in possession of his
youngest son, < Hivei I'. Bu il, Esq . of the city of New York.
It has been shown how well and thoroughly Mr. Buel
prepared himself for his arduous profession of the law,
upon the practice of which he entered 6 i after his ad-
mission to the I'.ir. and in the large and successful practice
of which he continued till the infirmities of a protracted
ago compelled him to retire from the practice of the pro-
<i) which, for a long lil'<'. he bad adorned. I If associ-
ated himself from 1 809, successively, with various partners.
In October of 181] his health became bad, and under the
advice of Ids skillful physician, I>r. Eli Burritt, he left
Troy to pass the winter in a mild climate. He took pass-
in January, 1812, in a sloop uncomfortably filled with
I isscngcrs bound for St. Pierre, on (he island of Martin-
ique, and. after a voyage of twent v-foiir days, reached St.
I'i riv, off which they lay till permission could be obtained
from the governor of the islands, then at Porl Royal, to
laud at St. Pierre. Here he remained nearly two i iths,
and then visited Nevis and St. Bartholomew. His descrip-
ti of th. se Windward [glands are most graphic, — of their
climate, their productions, their | pic, their political con
dttion. All these are full) set forth in bis journals, and
are. to this day, a body of most interesting reading, full of
discriminating and genial remark.
Hi- "Journal" contains an anecdote of Lord Nelson,
which, so far a- we know, h i- never appeared in print. In
Nevis Mr. Buel made the acquaintance of " Mr. Bridge-
water, an aged gentleman, who had been marshal of the
island, and was an intimate acquaintance of Lord Nelson,
who was for a considerable time stationed in the vicinity
of Nevis and St. Christopher's in the year 17!'.". ; and
subsequently Lord Nelson married his wife in Nevis, and
numerous anecdotes respecting him are preserved in the
traditions of the i-land. Me endeavored to break up an
illicit trade carried on between the Island and the United
Slates previously to the ratification of the Jay treaty.
Mr. Bridge water related t f his interviews with Lord
>n as follow-. Nelson bad captured a vessel which a
merchant in Nevis had loaded with island produce. The
merchant determined to have Nelson arrested. The mar-
shal, clothed with authority of a capias, went in a boat to
Copl frigate, then in the harbor of Charlestown,
distance from the shore. ,\- the marshal cane' along-
Capt Nelson, who was on intimate terms with the
dial, hailed him (telling him he knew on what errand
he came He ordered the sides of the ship to be manned,
and the marshal was received with great ceremony. \-
. the marshal on the gunnel, he stepped
within the door- of the companion-way, on each side of
which was stationed a marine with fixed bayonet The
lieutenant conducted the marshal on to the quarter-deck,
where refreshments N in conversing with
him from hi- well protected p aiti in in the companion-way.
The mar-hal, finding Capl Nelson was resolved to make the
cabin In- id-morning, and went on shore,
1 ' i anothi r ■ '• on shore im "/. at a
u \ ;■ i 1 i tired to bed his host burst into
hi-, chamber, and informed him that the marshal had eotne
• him. Whereupon Nelson jumped from a window
.n
I
«■
with his garments in his hand, and made good bis retreat
to a held of canes. It became a saying in the island that
Bridgewuter was the only man that Nelson ever ran from.
•■ It was in sight of this island that our gallant Truxton
in the • Constellation' gave battle to the French fifty-gun
ship, ■ L'Insurgent.' "
On the 12th day of May. 1812, Mr. Buel took his,
sage for New London in a schooner. They had rather
tardy passage, and the vessel arrived at New London in
June. After going to Norwich-town, and making a visit
to the lady to whom he was engaged, and whom he subse-
quently married, he returned to Troy and attended to his
professional business as well as he could in the poor state of
his health.
In this, bis worldly life-work, be continued, with intervals
of journey for the recovery of his health, till age compelled
him to desist from all professional engagement.
But his professional career and achievements were marked
ones in the eyes of his brothers in the law, and in the com-
munity and State in which bis life was passed. His life
as a lawyer was most laborious and painstaking, as might
be inferred even from the thoroughness of his early train-
ing, and from his high appreciation of the requisites for a
learned, able, and successful lawyer. After his marriage in
1814, he "returned to his professional vocations as his
principal employment." " To this employment," he says,
■ 1 applied myself with diligence, and soon found myself
pretty constantly engaged in the business of a lawyer. The
profession of law, to a man who has any ambition to obtain
a fair standing, taxes his faculties to the utmost. The
1 Lucubrationes Viginti Aunorum' insisted upon by the old
lawyers as necessary to accomplish any distinction in the
profession, is no figure of speech, but a reality felt by all
who have made themselves of any note in the profession."
This preparation of his causes was noted with admiration
by his brethren of the bar. He came into court armed and
equipped for the sharp legal contest before court or jury.
His preparation was careful and laborious, as those were
well aware who met him on the field of legal combat
Whether in vindicating the wronged against their op-
prcssors, or in urging the execution of justice upon the
unjust and the criminal, he was earnest, logical, and vehe-
ment in his address. In all the variety of cases which
came for adjudication in courts of law and equity, in cau
of the greatest importance, involving the largest intcri
and the most sacred rights, he was employed, lie met in
his legal conflicts, or in the associations of his profession^
the distinguished members of the bar, his contemporaries,
his father in the law, Abraham Van Ycchtcn, John V,
Henry, Daniel ('adv. Samuel Steven.-. John Duer, Itevcrdj
Johnson, Joshua A Spei r, John ('. Spencer. Georgo
\V I, William Curtis Nov-. Martin Van Burcn, Win. L
M ,iv. Nicholas Hill. .lob Pierson, and their peers; and ho
was -till in practice with William A. Beach, John K. Por-
ter. John II. Reynolds, and the noted lawyers in all parti
Of the Stale in our own day.
The points of his arguments were methodically presented,
and his addresses to juries were -neb as came home with
force to the plain understanding of the men whom he »d-
dresscd. He did full and ample justice to the cause of his.
CITY Of' TROY.
265
licnts, while lio novel' i ipromiscd his lovn of truth and
lis desire thai Kighl and Liw might prevail.
A well-known inhabitant of Troy, Jaeob D. Van der
[eydcn, ihi being asked by a stranger where he could Bud
u honest lawyer in the city, promptly replied, " if you
rant an honest lawyer, go to David Uuel." lie loved his
irofession and he honored it, and was consummate in its
iractice. The language which he used in his addresses to
•unit and jury was the true Saxon of our English tongue
mined on the model of Shakspearo, whom he deeply ad-
uircd, and Shakspearc, in the use of his mother English,
lis never been surpassed or equaled.
With all the intricacies of legal lore he was acquainted,
or Coke upon Littleton had not discouraged or repelled
inn, and all his lore, when brought into use, was presented
n the strong common sense with which his whole nature
was imbued. That such a man should be crowded with
business, which at length broke down his feeble bodily con
-tinn'ion, was no more than was to be expected.
Nor, though his previous preparation of his causes was
thorough, was he unready in a sudden emergency, as the
following anecdote will show. lie was arguing a case
before Chancellor Walworth, at Saratoga, with Mr. Stevens.
Mr. Stevens in his argument cited an English ease, which
effectually closed the ease against bis opposing advocate.
Judge Buel, nothing daunted, took occasion to consult the
law library at hand, and came into court the next morning
with the astounding information to Mr. Stevens that the
case had been carried into the House of Lords, where the
decision of the court below had been set aside. Mr. Stevens
was entirely honest in his citing of the case, lor he knew
nothing of the reversal, and was deeply mortified by the
disclosure of his adversary.
On the 23d day of May, 1S14. he was united iu marriage
to Miss Harriet Hillhouse, the second daughter of John
Griswold Hillhouse, of Montville, deceased. At the time
of the marriage Miss Hillhouse resided with her family at
Norwichtown, Conn. She was by her father and her
mother, who was a Mason, connected by descent with some
of the best known and distinguished families of Connecticut,
— the llillhouses, ths Masons, and the Griswolds, — in all
of whom men of mark and influence have lived in their
day and generation. His wife survived him between five
and six years. During their long married life there was
between them the utmost harmony, affection,- mutual confi-
dence, and helpfulness. Mrs. Buel was a woman of rare
and excellent traits of character. She was a woman of fine
and clear intelligence, of a most emotional nature, and of a
sympathetic heart. She had a large share of practical in-
stinctive wisdom, and was always regarded by her husband
as a valuable and trusted counselor in all their mutual
concerns. Her social qualities were fine and engaging.
Her hand was open in obedienee to the promptings of a
benevolent heart in deeds of love and compassion to her
suffering aud needy fellow-men. The traits of the virtuous
woman were in her remarkably exemplified. " Her children
arise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he
paiseth her." and ■■ her own works praise her in the gate,-."
of the city where her married life was spent.
. Stopping, on his journey home after his marriage, for
34
two or thn in Now II mansion of the
1 Ion. .la in I- flillhou o. 1 1"' mi' I ■• of in wife and receiving
ami rel in nine the call on hi- arrival al
home I"' n I tii ne I to hi pi ofi ional vocations.
These had 1 n interrupted in the fill of L812 and win-
ter of 1st:; \,\ , ii ; m ,-, , li confined him to hi- ,
for several months. The tedium of hi- confinement
gr.-aiK relieved bj his abilitj i" i il pari of
I "The eoiilim ineiii." lie says, " afforded nm an op-
portunity t o n \ i , -w ni\ past life, and I tl ilitudc of
the winter was a ble ing I" me. I was brought I" the
serious inquiry of the condition of my soul in tie sight of
God. The visitation was. [ trust, a merciful one. I
uallv recovered my general health, and was able in the
spring of 1813 to return to my professional pursui
The solemn review of his religious condition during his
sickness, of which he speaks, became a 'let' niiining factor
iu all his subsequent life. II*- entered u] a lit'.- of re-
ligion as earnestly, more earnestly, than In- had embarked in
his professional career, from his birthday, Oct. 22, Hi:;.
through all his subsequent life he recorded his reflections
on the life of the year past, and again and again renewed
resolutions which should he the guides of his life as a re-
ligious man. He himself sums up. Dec. 26, 1813, these
resolutions, renewed at the close of each year and at every
birthday, thus : u A frequent recurrence to the resolutions
made on my birthday will always keep up the remembrance
of my duties. They are all concisely summed up by the
apostle when he exhorts to live soberly, righteously, ami
godly. 1, in sobriety is included temperance, chastity,
purity, contentedncss, humility, and modesty; 2, in right-
eousness all our social duties; 3, and in godliness all our
religious duties, repentance towards God and faith in
Christ, — faith which works by love, which produces obedi-
ence, charity, patience, and every other virtue." And at
the close of his often-renewed list of resolutions occurs
again and again the Latin proverb, derived from the prac-
tice of Apelles, the great Grecian painter, never, in a day,
however occupied by business, to omit drawing one line at
least in the art which he loved: "Nulla dies abeat, quire
lima ducta supersit." This stands out in all his private
journals, and shows how constant he was to be "diligent in
business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."
These recorded secret communions with himself and his
God are deeply interesting in their character, and show how,
amid all the crowd of worldly business, he ever kept in
mind, and strove to obtain, the one thing needful. They
reveal the deepest fountains of his life and character.
Watchfulness and prayer were the characteristics of his
life from his first serious devotion of himself to the service
of his Maker and his Redeemer to the latest period of his
sojourn upon earth. In him was realized the description
of the Christian poet :
" There arc in this huil stunning tide
Of human care and crime,
With whom tin- n (i bide
< if th' everlasting cbime :
Who carry music in their heart
ii .in 1, ;, lane an : » rangling mart,
Plying their daily task with busier leer,
Uecausj their sr ri t souls o holy strain repeat."
I
2G6
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Nor was his religion confined to Iho recesses of bis own
but in his intellectual, his churchly, his family, his
I life, it shone before nun. He was a critical student
of the New Testament in the original tongue, and of Chris-
tian doctrine as set forth in holy Scripture, and his no
I ks reveal his careful sin.lv of these things. Volumes
are tilled with abstracts of the sermons of which lie was an
attentive and appreciative hearer : his expressions of the joy
of Bacramental communion with his Lord are ardcnl and
strong, his valuation id' tin' sacred privileges of the Lord's
day was inteusc, and in the good Works of the Christian
lil'r he abounded. For years he took, with another likc-
minded with himself, charge of a Sunday school among the
colored people id' tin- »it \ . This service was gratefully re-
ceived and largely blessed, and in this work was connected
with a Sunday-school organization for tin- whole city. He
also hold Bervice on Sunday evenings with a congregation
of colored people, reading to them appropriate sermons, ot
assisting when a preacher of their own addressed them.
In Hl."> he assisted in tin' organization of the Bible So-
ciety of Rensselaer County, was its corresponding secretary,
and wrote Beveral of the early annual reports. "This so-
ciety upon tin' formation of the American Bible Society, in
the year 1816, he. -am.' an auxiliary to that institution and
ontinucd in this time 1 v">7 ) an active and useful aux-
iliary, equal, 1 believe, in the amount of Bibles and Testa-
ments purchased and distributed to any auxiliary county
society in the State, unless the city and county of New
York and Kings County may ho exceptions to this remark."
He was a consistent and active member of the church to
which he belonged. lie was connected with Si. Paul's
Church. Troy, from the time of its organization in the
earlier part of the century till the year 1830-31, when he
and his father were among the prominent organizers and
most liberal supporters of Si. John's Church. In its organi-
zation and spiritual growth he took the deepest interest,
and in the furnishing of it with good and efficient minis-
trations, giving to this work his prayers, his co-operation,
and his counsel. Judge Buel again united with St. Paul's
Church in the spring of 1839, and was senior warden of
that church at the time of his death. As a member of the
oburcb, in the support of its charities, the advancement of
work, in its conventions and assemblages, I" was faith-
ful and interested in his line of Christian duty and service;
and in the edification derived from the services and instruc-
tions of the church none, it is believed, were beyond him.
He was president of the first temperance society orgat
in Troy, the fundamental principle of which was abstii
from di.-tilled alcoholic drinks as an ordinary beverage, He
rdenl friend and supporter of the American I
Dilation Society, thinking thai the best means that
idopted for the amelioration and elevation of the colored
u.illy for the Christianization of Africa.
In ti F education he was an intelligent and earnest
worker, taking an active interest in till I
a trustee of tie K Institute, which has attail
high a hool, and promoting the
hers in the
CltJ I i '. for a nun ,]-. a trus-
i" Willi.in I
|S<
B fore the Troy Young Men's Association he delivered,
in 1840, a well -prepared history of the city of Troy lor
fifty years. lie also prepared and delivered a lecture on
the life and character of Washington before the Young
Men's Association of Troy, Jan. I, 1831), and repeated it
before the Young .Men's Association of Albany, Feb. 22,
1839. In every way in which he could he co-operated for
the intellectual and moral cultivation of the people among
whom he lived. To the education of his children he paid
special attention. S king OUl and providing tor them the
best instructors, and himself watching and superintending
their progress. He was himself an admirable Latin scholar.
ami on all the great subjects of human thought and interest
was at home. In short, be was vastly more than an accu-
rate, able, and successful lawyer. Of all that concerned the
true interests and well-being of humanity he was an active
promoter. To him the declaration which called down thuu
ders of applause in a Roman theatre was most applicable:
" Homo sum : humani nihil a mo alionum pato."
His social position in the community in which he lived
was the choicest, and in all that concerned the community
and country in which he lived he took constant interest,
and of notable events made continual records, which are
preserved, and are of much interest. An interesting vol-
ume might he prepared of his notices of the men and women
of the day who lived and died around him, — notices just,
genial, graphic, and characteristic, with not a line Christian
charity would wish blotted out. Among these many records,
some short, others more extended, occurs this notice of
Daniel Webster: "On Sunday morning, 2-lth October,
1852, Dauiel Webster died, at the age of seventy-one,
leaving a reputation as a statesman, orator, and lawyer not
equaled in the world. The universal mourning on the
occasion of his death has not been exceeded on any occasion
since the death of Washington and Hamilton." He met
Mr. Webster as one of the opposing counsel in one of the
trials of the suit ofDerick C. Lansing and others vs. David
Rnssel and others, — a suit of long continuance in the
courts, till it was finally settled in the Court of Appeals.
At this trial Mr. Webster and Mr. Stevens were for the
defendant; Judge Buel, Job Pierson, and Seward Barcuhj
for the plaintiffs. The trial was held at Poughkccpsie.
Though Judge Buel has recorded his opinion that Mr.
Webster, os:a lawyer, was uncqualcd in the world, he
nevertheless thought that in the conduct of this particular
ca i Mr. Webster was not equal to his associate counsel,
Mr. Stevens.
01 the societj of which Judge Buel was a member, bJ
was indeed a large part in its business and in its social
relations. With the hanks, the railroad management, all
the public interests of the city of Troy, be was connected
in active work and ration. II was a manager of
the Troy Savings-Bank from the time of its incorporation
in April, 1823, till April 9, 1857, when feeling the iraport-
of freeing himself from care as much as possible, ho
resigned his place in the hoard amid expressions of n
at his taking this step on the part of bis ■ "I
trust," he says, " that the institution will be cherished and
incd by its managers and friends, and will long be a
CITY OF TROY.
267
blessing In the poor.'' lie speaks of its beneficent influence
hitherto, lie lii'lil (lie place of a member of tlie Executive
Committee ami the Mortgage Loan Committee, which occu
pied a i siderable portion of his time, till the state of his
health and the in Anilities of advancing age made the duties
for him too onerous. But his interest in the institution for
its beneficent work was unabated. It is now one of the
strongest and best savings-institutions of the Stale.
He was also a director of the Farmers' Bank of the city
of Troy, an officer of the Troy Orphan Asylum, and in the
Slate, a manager of the State Lunatic Asylum, and a
repent of the University.
His attachment to Troy as the home and the arena of
his active life was exceedingly strong. He admired .the
scenery in which the city is embosomed, he rejoiced in its
prosperity, and ho was at home among its people. [o
the long controversy in relation to the Albany Bridge,
he took part from the year IS I 1 as counsel of the city.
For a whole winter he gave his services to the city gratuit-
ously before the Legislature and its committees. And on
the 4th of November, ISO, the Common Council of Troy
presented the thanks of the city to the Hon. David Buel, Jr.,
and the Hon. George R. Davis, for " the talent and per-
severance with which they have gratuitously devoted them-
selves in furtherance of the best interests of the city, by
contending for the preservation of the free navigation of
the Hudson River, in danger of being impaired by the
Construction of a bridge below the head of tide-water, and
"Resolved, that the clerk present a certified copy of the
above resolution to each of the above-named gentlemen."
The mayor, in introducing the subject to the Common
Council and communicating the success of the measures
adopted and pursued, stated that these gentlemen " bad
rendered very efficient services to the city in opposition to
that application, as counsel and otherwise, before the com-
mittee of the Legislature, and the Legislature at its last
session, and that both these gentlemen have very generously
declined receiving any compensation for those services."
He was one of the corporators and trustees of the Oak-
wood Cemetery, when its site was selected and it was laid
out and prepared for occupancy. He delivered the address
at the consecration of the cemetery, Oct. 16, 1S50, in the
conclusion of which he said, " It only remains for me, as
the organ of the trustees of the association, by their author-
ity and in their name, to declare that these grounds, with
all these woods and lawns, these knolls and vales, these hills
and glens, and these lakes and streams, are now in the
presence of God solemnly consecrated, exclusively and for-
ever, for the possession of a burying-place, in which the
bodies of all who shall be here interred may quietly rest
in their graves until they shall be called by the voice of the
archangel and the trump of God to meet their judge."
The description of the grounds and their surroundings,
which he gives in the address, show how highly he appre-
ciated the beauty, solemnity, and fitness of the site then
forever set apart to this sacred use, to be a resting-place for
the dead till the morning of the resurrection. On the 9th
of May, 1S53, he was engaged in the solemn duty of at-
tending to the removal of the remains of his family con-
nections and friends from the old Ida Hill Burying-Ground
to ( )akw i < li tni in j . and then among 'I xedly
deposited are his mortal remain-, till lie and his shall ri
in the resurrection, wo devoutly pray, of thojusl
So variou were his lines of official and beneficent con-
nection with the | pie with whom he livid, and one of
whom be deli ;hted to bo. He did nol i ho th i arena of
political life for the sphere of bis activity. Winn liei
his profession it was with a single eye, and to il he sin
as his worldly calling, devoted himself, [n L818 In- was
appointed a judge of the County Courl of lien laei
County, and at the death of Jo iah Masters was appointed
First Judge. In this office he continued until the year
1828, when In p igned. During the lime be presided in
the court a large amount both of criminal and eivil busi-
ness was transacted there. During a considerable part of
the time Hiram 1'. Hunt, Esq., was an associate judge, and
a very industrious member of the court.
Though Judge Buel did notenga ■ with zeal in the mere
party contests of political life, he was interested in every-
thing that affected the well-being of his country, and an
intelligent observer of its passing history, as well as thor-
oughly acquainted with its constitutional and other history
of the past.
In 1821 ho was elected as a delegate from Rensselaer
County to the convention called by an a^-t of the Legisla-
ture to revise the State constitution. "The convention
assembled at Albany the last of August, and continued in
session about ten weeks. Daniel D. Tompkins, then Vice-
President of the United States, was chosen president. A
very considerable number of men of distinction and ability
were members of this body. Among them were persons
of well-known standing and talents, viz., Abraham Van
Vechten, Chancellor Kent, Ambrose Spencer, William W.
Van Ness, Elisha Williams, Jacob Rutscn Van Rensselaer,
Samuel Nelson, Erastus Root, Peter R. Livingston, James
Tallmadgc, Jr., Nathan Sanford, Peter Sharpe, William
Paulding, Jr., Ogden Edwards, Henry Wheaton, James
Fairlee, John L. Lawrence, Jacob Radcliff, Henry Hun-
tington, Jonas Piatt, Nathan Williams, Ezekiel Bacon,
Victory Birdseye, John Duer, Martin Van Buren, Rufus
King, Samuel Young, Jacob Sutherland, and Robert S.
Rose.
" Many of the subjects discussed in the convention were
very interesting. Universal suffrage was then by a large
part of the convention looked upon with apprehension.
The reorganization of the legislative, executive, and judi-
cial branches of the government gave rise to much inter-
esting debate. It has not been my lot to hear in any other
place so much instructive and able debating as was found
in that convention. The debates took a wide range; prin-
ciples and theories of government were freely discussed.
Mere party politics seldom appeared, either in the discus-
sions or votes. Chancellor Sanford, Mr. Wheaton, and
myself were appointed a committee to consolidate and ar-
range the provisions adopted by the convention. After
spending, I think, two days and a considerable part of two
nights in ascertaining what provisions had been adopted,
and arranging them in articles and sections, the constitu-
tion was reported to the convention and adopted with very-
little alteration. This constitution continued in force
- -
HISTORY' OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
about twenty-five years, when it was superseded by the
constitution of 1846. Whether the latter was an im-
provement I'll that of 1821 is, perhaps, not yet decided
[1857]. In one great and most important particular — I
mean the election by the electors of the high judicial offi-
-many, if not a majority of intelligent men, believe
there is not a desirable or useful change." The wisdom of
this last remark may suggest occurrences of a later period,
in the way of judicial action, which are too well known to
require further notii
But it may be mentioned that he t<>i .k a conspicuous part
in tin' debates of the convention, and that on the electoral
question, on which he spoke at large, he was an advocate
of universal suffrage, — of suffrage independent of any prop-
erty qualification.
On receiving, in the latter part of 1845, a newspaper
from a friend, containing a list of tl Living and the I1
i Members of the Constitutional Convention called in
1821," lie thus reflects in his annual record of .Ian. 1,
1846: "The li-t was prepared by a member of the con-
vention, which has just completed its labors. An interval
of twenty-five years between the assemblage of these bodies
has made fearful haVOC among tln.se of the former, of which
I was a member. At the adjournment of the convention
of 1821, I hail attained to the age of thirty-seven years. I
am now sixty-two. That body consisted at its meeting of
on.- hundred ami twenty-six members. Their average ages,
a- recorded by themselves during the sitting, was forty-six.
One member fell dead during the session, on entering ..iieof
the rooms of the capitol in which Peale's large painting,
styled the 'Court of Death,' was being exhibited. Seventy-
four of die one hundred ami twenty-six members of the con-
vention are now numbered with the dead. Fifty-two survive.
whi - ..iv seventy years. Not a fewofthede-
d were nearly of mj were younger. Although
I was then ai ig the younger members of the convention,
it i> an interesting statement, ami to me should be deeply
impressive." Ami then ! eds with interesting ami
practical religious reflections upon this statement. So, from
did lir watch ami pray till the end came, ever
turning these reviews of earthly life into the harbingers and
tie- hopes of the life to which he was looking forward. Not
that he abated his diligence in his worldly business, hut that
he watched and prayed and strove through things
temporal that finally he should not l..s.' the things eternal.
From tin' year 1*^1 to 1828 he was industrion
■ I in professional pursuits, II attended most of the
courts held in Troy and Albany, and "enjoyed a tolerable
ih."
In May. 1 - 22, he removed from the house in Third
r. in which he had resided Bincc 1815, to the dwelling
in I - . which he had purchased, and in which he
tinned to live till the day of his death. This
on the site occupied by the old Fanners' Bank, which was
burnt in tho great lire which occurred in Troy on the 20th
i consumi 1 nearly nil the buildings on
the north of I Street, and
a 1 1 ih • buildings on both sides of B
. the bail Dumb n d 'JJ7 Rii
1 1
On the 30th of October, 1S2(I. his mother departed this
life, in the seventy-fourth year of her ago. She was the
daughter of Alexander McNicl, a Protestant, from the
North of Ireland, who. with his two brothers, emigrated to
this country previously to the Revolutionary war. lie
settled iii Litchfield, Conn., and became I as wealth was then
reck di a wealth) farmer Mr. Buel says. - My mother
was horn in Litchfield, about the year 1751. and was mar-
ried to my father in 1771. My mother was a woman of
great strength of mind. She had not enjoyed the advan-
tage of much early education, but she possessed rare gifts
from nature. She was distinguished for her benevolence
and hospitality. She spoke ill of none, and was the idol of
her ■children ; and enjoyed the love and esteem of a large
circle of friends. She was devotedly pious, but made iui
ostentatious display of her religion, which was chiefly mani-
fested in her go "1 d Is."
For about fifteen years after liis marriage, until 1828,
Mr. Buel enjoyed a pretty uniform and improving stated
health, and was enabled to labor industriously in his pro.
fession. But symptoms of disease, spitting of blood ami
other pulmonary symptoms, manifested themselves in ISl's
or 1829.
In the fall of the latter year he went with his wife to
Philadelphia to consult Dr. Physiek, who pronounced the
opinion that the affection was a bronchial one. which, unless
cheeked, would eventually extend to the lungs. ]>r. I'hysiek
dii.. ted him (D go to the South for the winter, to confine
himself to vegetable diet, avoiding all stimulants, breflB
fasting on black tea, and avoiding coffee and all al
drinks, — and to take much horseback exercise. " II. son
to me, emphatically, that the worst thing that could happen
to me would be to fall into the hands of the doctors, meafl
explained it i that drugs and medicines would he
of no use. ami positively injurious to me." With this ad-
vice he rigidly complied, leaving New York with his wife
and two of his children. — a son and a daughter, — on the 1 Gfl
of December, 1829, for Savannah, in the merchant ship
■■Thomas Dickson." She was a fine ship with a a 1 cabin
which, there being no other passcngi rs, they occupied with
great comfort. The ship was going in ballast to Savannah
to take in a load of cotton for Liverpool. They arrived in
Savannah December L'lth. They spent the whole winter
in Georgia, — al Savannah, at Augusta, at Washington
Wilkes Co., <la.. traveling on the Savannah River by -train-
bont to Augusta, and from thence to Washington, fiflj live
mills, by Btagc. They spent some time here with relatival
of his wife. He himself set out in the early part of Janu-
ary on horseback with Mr. David P. Millhouse, his wife's
roil-in. a well-known citizen of Q-eorj ia, and a man iiiueh
esteemed, n nl in all his conversation, for a journoj
to Milledgcvillc and Macon, where he visited Mr. I'liu... a
ii of his wife, and their family.
His descriptions of his journcyings arc graphic and in-
ter, sting. — of the towns he visit, d. of til of the
country, of its Indian remains, of its productions, il
cultural methods, of it^ institutions, of all, in fact, that
would attract the attention of an intelligent and interested
r. [lis i • ■ ' 1 1 1 ■ ords ol then
; lie made main pleasant ae [uaintani
I
CITY OK TROY.
269
he most distinguished men and the besl families it) the State,
nd was most hospitably received and treated. In March
ie made a second visit to Yugusta, and returning, set forth
,11 April 15th with his wife I daughter, he on horseback,
ln>\ in a carriage, for Augusta, from which place In1 pro-
(Oged to start on his homeward journey. Whilcal Yu; a ta
ie attended the Episcopal Convention, April L9th, and was
•omplimentcd there with an honorary seat.
From Augusta In- started mi April 21, 1830, on horse
link, for a journej to New fork, accompanied by Rev. I!.
('. Cutler, ami by Mr. Ripley, who traveled in a gig. This
journey is described in his journal in an interesting way in
its several stages. He visited old friends, and made new
ones on the way, arriving in New fork in May, 1830, and
thence proceeded homo by steamboat. " We had," he says,
■• occasion to feel most grateful to God for protecting us in
bar long and somewhat hazardous journey." His wife, with
bis two children, bad gone home by packet from Savannah,
and arrived safely several weeks before him.
lie remained at. borne from Maj In November, LS.'SO,
attending to bis professional business so far as bis health
permitted, and to bis private affairs. His office business
was conducted by his partner, Henry Z. Hayner, Esq.,
who was bis partner from May, 1830, until 1833.
The continuance of pulmonary ami bronchial symptoms
made necessary the observance of rigid rules of diet and
exercise. The exactness witli which be obeyed the direc-
tions of his physician. Dr. Physick, was noticeable. It was
the application to himself of advice which he gave to others,
with regard to the affairs of life, as he often quoted the
Latin maxim " Cuique suadendum in sua arte." His course
of diet strictly vegetable, and abstinence from stimulating
drinks, even wine, combined with much horseback exercise,
he continued from ]82fJ to 18:17 or '38. He says, "To
the strict regimen thus prescribed and adhered to, I have
no doubt, 1 owe my restoration to a healthy state, which
enabled me to apply myself diligently and laboriously to
my professional studies and practice from 1S.'!2 to 1853—5 I,
and to some extent a year or two longer." He took at
intervals, three journeys to the Southern States, for the
advantage of a milder winter- and spring-climate. From
November, 1830, to April, 1831, he was journeying in
company with Mr. Bradt, a merchant of Troy, through the
Southern States to Middle Florida, sojourning there mostly
at Tallahassee, and taking horseback excursions over the
country, and returning on horseback to New York, and
thru, e by public conveyance to Troy. Again from Nov. '.),
1831, to April 2s, 1832, he passed the winter till February
22d in St. Augustine, going south by sea, and returning
by land on horseback, by stage, and by boat to New York
and Troy. Again, from March 7, 1851, to May 22d, be
made a tour with his wife, goiug to Charleston by sea, in
South Carolina and Georgia, and returned by the railroad
route to New York, diverging to Cumberland, Md., to visit
his son, who was rector of the church in that place. From
this journey he "derived no material benelit in health."
His journals of these several journeys, undertaken to
light the insidious disease which finally prostrated him, are
full of interest, presenting a graphic picture of the scenes
through which he passed, of the friends with whom he re-
newed or formed acquaintai , of the .bam, tor of iho pop-
ulation in the Si;, i,s through which be traveled, of their
institutions, geograph and mode of life ; of all, in
fact, that could no i an intelligent, sympathizing, ap-
pr rver. These journals are well worthy of
preservation, and would be full of interest a( this day if
published.
I Ie saw the in" i di languished men in l,u im in liter
ature, in the church, in political life, and has noted do
observations, which are of permanent value in the history
of our country. His descriptions of his journ rida
in 1830 31, when it was again iii its native bl a,
the cessation of the Spanish occupancy, and
tied by an intelligent and cultivated population, are particu-
larly attractive.
In these journals his devoti u to its int
and advancement, continually appears.
In one passage of bis journals, in surveying all his jour-
neys for the purpose of recuperating bis health, be says of
St. Augustine, " I have found the latter place, both in re-
spect to the mildness and uniforniitv of its climate, and its
superior accommodations, much the most comfortable place
to piss a winter in, and, 1 think, most likely to be condu-
cive to health." From hi.-. 7, 1831, to Feb.22, 1832, be
has kept a table of the meteorological conditions of the site,
which gives a perfect idea of its winter climate, its t, m
perature, and barometrical conditions, from three observa-
tions each day, which is very instructive and complete.
The lowest range of the thermometer in that period of time
was 33° Fahrenheit:, January 26th, at nine P.M. The high-
est, December 9th, at noon, 70°. The direction of the
wind on each day is also noted at each observation.
He was much and intelligently interested in all questions
which concerned the policy and welfare of our country.
With regard to the institution of slavery his views were
specially just, both as to the moral aspects of the institu-
tion, and as to its connection with the government, policy,
and society of our country. He notes Jan. 5, 1830, when
he was in Georgia, that he rode into Washington on a day
when there " was a great public-sales day of slaves and
other property by execution and sheriff's sales. Above a
hundred slaves were sold at auction, and a great many
rented or hired out for a year. I have witnessed nothing
in the State so revolting to my feelings as these sales, in
which members of families are liable to be sold to different
masters. I find gentlemen here who are the owners of
slaves, who cannot behold these sales without regret. If
this part of the United States could be relieved from the
evils of slavery already felt, and those more dreadful evils
in prospect, it would be a most delightful region. But how
this appalling evil is ever to be removed human sagacity
cannot easily devise.
'•I think, however, that the opinions prevalent at the
North respecting slavery are not always correct. Cruelty to
slaves by eastigation, I believe, is held in as much detesta-
tion here as there. But the recent law of the Legislature
of this State which prohibits instructing slaves to read or
write seems to me impolitic as well as unchristian. I do
not believe that the danger in teaching slaves to read is
such as seems to b/ apprehended. On the contrary, the
270
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
only hope of safety, I believe, must be sought in the
moral and religious education of the future generations of
blacks. Ignorance and ferocity arc inseparable. They
were found to be so in Hayti, and always will be so.
Christianity alone can reconcile the slave to submit to his
condition." A few days afterwards he went t < > Milled
ville, and was introduced to <<••'.. Gihnore, spending the
evening by invitation at his mansion. "The Governor
stated that the severe law passed by the lasl Legislature
ired people (which among other things pro-
hibits their being taught to read ted in i se-
quence of an inflammatory pamphlet calculated to excite
the blacks t" rebel having lately been senl out from Boston
t.. Savannah for distribution.
•• lint, with great deference to the opinions of tin' < I
I. .Mature. I cannot think that proscribing letters to the
. way to retain their allegiance. Great
ympathy, ami often produces reaction.
• i in the Bible are much more likely, in
my judgment, t" he < tented with their lot than if kept in
ignorance I ; naltii 3."
Hence, against the incendiary efforts "l" the first rn
abolitionists he set himself in his sphere of influence. Ae-
lingly, at a numerous meeting of the inhabitants of Troy,
at the court-1 se, Sept. 17. IS!!."), at which
Tibbits, the mayor, 1 on motion of David
I'.. I, Jr.. it was " Resolved, That a committee to report
- ! of the meeting he ap-
pointed by the chair." Of this committee of nineteen .1
: was the chairman. They reported a preamble reciting
the violent introduction of slavery into this country against
the vain remonstrances of the inhabitants ami laws of the
'. .'■■■, - reciting also the draft of the mani-
of the thirteen States, in which the; I that one
of the causes which moved them their independ-
- the refusal of the king "to restrain this execra-
ble commerce," ami his '-I'll- io excite th 1 - "to
in arm- anion;,' US, ami to purchase that liberty of
which /o has deprived them, by murdering the people upon
whom hi- also obtruded them." ami specifying the incen-
diary : the abolition societies against the constitu-
tion ami law of the land. They reported also resolutions
: ilitionists, ami their em-
inent "I' a foVcign emissary for their purposes, on the
ty, of the principles ami guaran
of tl ition, of the Jesuitical principle of the abo-
litii tl ml Sanctifies the means, ami on the
md of the incendiary character of their publications, ami
the il bjec
their misguided charity to a condition infinitely worse than
it now i-. to involve the Southern portion of the confederacy
in mill, ami 1 t the | ti i . >ti into conflicting frag-
1
I 1 intly Blip] David
I II tn P. Hunt, and they were then adopted
unai nd with enthusiw a During the absci of
I • inicl 1 '•■<■ ipicd
the time of th by an nbli
Thus did J the cloud in our sky which
culn
11 watched its gathering in the nullification which Gen.
Jackson — whom he greatly admired — stifled in 1832, in
the era of the Mexican war, and in the contest which re-'
suited fir a time in the admission of California and the
compromise of 1S50. lie did not live to see the final re-
sult when the great question of controversy was taken out
of the hands of men by the overruling providence of (rod,
but ho foresaw the tendencies which threatened the union
of these States; and in the final solution of the great ques-
tion, attained though it were through the intervention of
intestine war. a friend to the colored race and a true patriot
like him would doubtless have heartily rejoiced and thanked
the God who had stricken off the fetters of the slave and
given peace and renewed prosperity to the distracted land.
[lis views with regard to the Indiau question are worthy
1 for their sagacious foresight, lie was in Georgia
when the danger of conflict between the authorities of
Georgia and the United States, and the resistance of the
mandate of the United Slates Supreme Court with regard
to the jurisdiction of Georgia over the Cherokee Nation in
tlnir Slate, were imminent and strong, lie di piveatcd the
collision as most perilous to the existence of the Union, and
this peril was complicated by the connection of this Geor
controversy with the nullification principles of South Caro-
lina with regard to the tariff in l>o_'. He was firmly of
opinion that the extinction of the Indian title in Georgia, in
accordance with tin agreement of the United States with
Georgia in 1802, and the removal of the tribe to a terri-
tory beyond the Mississippi, secured to them, would he the
only peaceful and true solution of the vexing question. He
says emphatically, " I could not easily he shaken in my be-
lief that the only Jiopt for the preservation of the remnant
of the Indian tribes is to he looked for in their emigration
to a territory over which no State government can preten 1
to es ireise any power." The removal of the Cherub
Clwctaws, and Creeks, their large degree of civilization and
prosperity in consequence of that step, and the provision
-ted by the Secretary of the Interior for their becoming
individual possessors of their own several lands, show the
wisdom and foresight of the views thus expressed in 1832,
His intellectual pursuits were not confined to the stud
of his profession. His mind was enlarged by th
of human history, of which he was an enthusiastic reader
and student. His acquaintance with the constitutional
history of the country is seen in the analysis of the con-
stitutions of our - \ 1 ral Suites, methodically arranged in the
hook which he d mbtlcss prepared for his attendance upon
the convention of LS21, and in hi- gatherings from the
Federalist and other sources, which must have been ol'gi
him for the efficient discharge of his duty as a
member of that convention.
His 1 k of adversaria, 01 ms from classical and
ral literature and philosophy, and from the sphere of
d and curious information, and from the utterances of
wisdom, which hi' found in books, -hows the variety of his
- of thought and observation.
rough all his lif,. hi- favorite Latin proverb, " Nulla
quin linca ducta supcrsit,': was put in practice in
hi- p , in his religious life, in his neighborly ami
Dl intercourse with bis fcllow-ini n.
CITS OF TROY.
271
Willi a feeble constitution continually thrcatc I by dis-
as0i which rendered needful to the lasl intervals of reeu
oration, he worked on, the true servant of God and man,
rith his harness on till lie could work no longer, till Ilia
iaDd so trembled in the inditing of his interesting notanda
hot he could indite no longer. His lasl notes were
vritl.n in the spring of 1850. His very last is given in
yj. "i860. Hon. Samuel Beardsley, of Utica, died on
lie Tib May. He was probably about seventy years old.
Ho was a distinguished lawyer and judge and member of
Congress." Then follows a portion of a word, seemingly
he Srst two letters of the word '• And,"— and that genial
,nd graphic pen, which bad recorded so many interesting
sketches of bis departed friends, and distinguished asso-
ciates, and of men of mark in the country, was laid down,
do more to be resumed.
We give the closing scene of a well-spent, honorable,
useful, and influential life, in the words of his son Clarence,
written in the book which contains that last entry:
('1800, August 16.— Hon. David Buel, Jn., by whom nil tho pre-
vious i ntrii .- ni this book were made, departed this life at Troy, on
i|K- 16th of August, 1S60, al al t ten minutes after nine o'clock in
the evening, aged seventy-live years, nino months, twenty-five days.
The illness which immediately preceded his death was of short dura-
£n, having commenced only on the Saturday night of the prcci ling
week I iugusl I lth). But he- had been in failing health for three or
(Bur years, and foi the pasl two years his limbs had been affected in
s,n-h a manner as to render it diflicult for him to write with any de-
„,.,.,. 0| comfort. The foregoing pages of this volume and of another
„„,. 0f the sami i b iracter show, however, the accuracy and regularity
with which he continued his record of passing events, and is only one
fimong many) of the evidences of the precision 1 perseverance
I'or which he was eminently characterized. He was surrounded at tho
time of his decease by all of his children and grandchildren, with tho
teeeption of his son Hnmbden, of Keokuk, [owa, and his daughter-
in-law Mary, wife of his son, D. Hillhouso Buel, and their infant
laughter, Josephine A. Buel (who, departing in the I loom of Christian
won, aid I, i< now with him in Paradise). The tributes of affection
and esteem on the part of the members of his profession, and of the va-
rious corporate bodies with which he was connected at the time of his
death, were unusually warm and earnest. And the united expression
Of the community in tho midst of which he had passed a l< ng and
honorable life was ono of veneration and regard for a citizen whose
life was distinguished by its purity and integrity, not less than by its
high intellectual aehievements.
•' His funeral took place from St. Paul's Church on Sun laj afti
noon, August I9th, at 1.30 r.M. His mortal remains were committed
to an 'honest, FAiTiib-i i. grave' within the family lot at Oakwood
Cemetery."
The expressions which were made after bis death of the
estimation in which he was held by the community in which
be had lived are peculiarly clear and strong, as was re-
marked by the Budget of Aug. 20, 1860 :
" The deep sense of public bereavement o i asioned by tho death of
the late Hon. David Duel, Jr., the venerable lawyer, found partial
Vent on Saturday aftei n in a large meeting of the bar of Rens-
selaer County in tho Supreme Court room. It is. indeed, seldom that
the demise of any member of the bar calls forth so many of the
strongest and most intellectual of the practitioners. Indeed, we do
not remember an exception unless we rcoui to the meeting held in
April last, commemorative of tho late honored and lamented Job
Piorson, at which meeting Judge Duel presided. From among the
remarks thai were made at I he meeting commemorative of Judge
Buel by Judge McConihe, Hon. Martin I. Townsend, Hon. Gardner
Slowe, Huu. William A. Beach, Rufus M. Townsend, Esq., Judge
Mann, Hon. Thomas Clowes. Philip Baerman, Esq., and .lodge Gould,
all of whom warmly expressed their esteem and admiration I f the
departi d jn ; i n, n public ipiriti (1 I a
ol i In prol
11 i i in
i, , I i. I tin in, n
the Hon. Martin I I
the Hon. William A. Boooh, in which their brethren heartily joii
\li . 1 own id, in pri ntin Ih
eommilt, , to tl
■■■ .\le. I'n UIIJI i I, Vfl llO ' " r:''" ''"' vir"
tues of a mi mbei ol prol on ; '"•
|,i i. Da' id loo 1. Jr., was n m in honor, not onl
In , iii and his r bul to tho professioi : his
,,,,, |( , tual ohnrni I furnished a Held lor the cx-
of h ■. fudge Buel i in th
n lawyer, a tirch i il n I
student of its learning. Ho old
i, i olli ctions and infi rem Irawn 1 n hi
elaborated in early life. But as questions arose he i igain
red i i the Bources of knowlc I ;o, and by them and
modified his first impn I I his brcth i
position or pi in iple n hi :h hi Ic and ij to
, .i;,, bj the authority upon win :h it is bo
ill court for the argument or trial of a an-' . all fell I < be
came a master of the qui stion to I i ini olvi I li i • ion He
belonged to the samo school of lawyers with Van Vi
and. ha\ ing in hit i I " much i ngage I i with
them, an impartial co mnity has ranked him as theii
•••His professi tl life has boon one to I im I il d bj every man
desirous of attaining honorable distinction in il- walks. Bul il was
not merely in professional life Ih it our deceased broth as an
example worthy of imitation. His private and oflicial life were
, rj hi art to breathi the n pit ition, " Let me die the
death of the righteous, and let my latter day be like his." As a citi-
zen, as a neighbor, and as an office] of tho church which he honored,
he Ins left a reputation full of plea-ant i ear to his kindred
and his neighb irs, and not li ss dear to us, with whom he «
and so intimately associated.
"'But I shall ever delight to remember Judge Hue! as a warm-
hearted and noble souled man. Coining to Troy as 1 did twonty-seven
years ago an unfriended boy, hi extended to mo in my professional
and so -oil life n degree ol kindnc - and consideration never I be for-
gotten, and 1 have ever been inclined to love and honor him more
for the impulses of his heart than I'or his scholarly attainmi in- or pro-
fessional eminence. Impulsive and excitable himself by nature, his
heart was ever ready to make reparation for a rash word, and to Ibr-
givi to an adversary the little faults committed in the heat of pi ■
sional conflii ts. He had a large an 1 n ible heart, readj t i warm with
sympathy not only for his equals and associates, bul for the humble
and needy. At this day. whl n so many of those upon whom fortune
has smiled arrogate to them-. pn nee, and claim a personal
merit for a stoical disregard of the rights and interests of the bumble
and oppressed, it is delightful to contemplate a character too high
and noble to fear to exhibit suoh traits of true nobility.
"•As Ion II, '" the o mvi ition n hioh b honored by his
membership, he was the warm advocate of the c [ualitj of the race be-
fore the law, contending, with Van Vechten and i ther noble associates,
that men were a great brotherl d, whose rights depended upon the
constitution of their nature and not upon the accidental distinctions
of country, or color, or language. Bul our friend has gone from us.
His career has ended. His record i- made op, and we can feel no
doubt but that the judgment we pass upon him beri to daj will ben
than sustained in that great Court "I" Review which, at no distant
day, must pass upon oui every act, whethei il b< good or whether it
be evil, and that not by the dim light that aids our vision, but in tho
unerring light "1 Divine omniscience.'
"Hon. Win. A. Beach at this meeting said: 'The annals of pro-
fe ional life - I lorn present so ran
I, | ,,, ! ,-. For more than fifty years our brother wa- an n
practitioner. Zealous, indefatigable, learned, for none than half a
century be exploredthe mysl f legal i ■ , m mifold
and brilli ml wen
; mmistrcss! II u the honors In
,,,„„ hel |r[ ou [i potism! We who for half thai tune bo
the law soi in to ourselves rcvorend and Mao,;,! Ic, I yi
who has left as wo wcroehildrcn in years and attainment. 1 remem-
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
ber how often I b ■ and argum
rich - bia copious resources
unfolded and onl >p*ng the "i'l<- range of bis thought, my
i a higher and w
.»:' knon l< Igo. i patriarchal; and
yet I oovor inol the impressive pri :i 1 1 * 1 ^ i I *_■ 1 1 1
that my inner soul did Dot bend with respectful love. 1 never took
aim :i word of approving friendship that did not exalt me in my
own Such ia over the power of !>■■ - and
nts. The proud* of earth is humanity
aed with the combined glory of years and wisdom. All mankind
I lot ingly b< ikon and tremulous form from
the undimmed firo of geniue. In such,
tin.- un conquered mind will not yield t> the omnipotence of time.
to the last, ii bean it- mouldering i I ility,
nn 1 rrom th< . Bosh leaps unincumbered upon it- immortal
man n horn we moui n, and so • 1 1 < 1 h<
i with tli*- go Is.
a- the scholar and the lawyer docs "in- I
mfcnpplic i. geniu ; and
. i - more bi tllianl . The losl tin II century
in the history of this city will atl ycd his re-
,i 5 will murmur abort His nn me will nol
The monuments of bis philanthropy and untiring
lion t" the ii uroity arc too frequent and durable. In
nil ii its prompt and sn mnsclor, — its
;rvc 1 to '• •. he was the o
■■ niple. Nor were bis fame and influence circura-
local limits. In I ] courts be was the
competitor and friend of those whose memories are monumental.
tche 1 him. 11 ■ 9toopcd m his
. but his true 1 glory were amid tho
■ l law,
or enlarged or elaborate eulogy. Our
purpose is but t" bid :i kind ssional father. \
while ago If presided over our assembly when we parted with
another whom wc honorc I and loved. Qis limbs shook and his voice
fait ere I, but the Sash of his eye was bright as when of old it light-
1 forum. Tb n that full soon ho would fol-
I friend deepened then our solemnity. It seemed as
if their bands clasped above us in hasty parting, soon to bo rejoined
forever. The reunion has quickly come. Last of their generation
■ 1 long and honored among the scenes of their
ind triumphs, and have left memorials which "ill freshen the
verdure of their Insl resting place.
•■ •/, 'audari u virU laudatit.
••■Tin sweet remembrance of the just
Qourisfa when he sleeps in dust.' '*
HON. JOHN AUGUSTUS GRISWOLD
,'■ r Co., N. V., "ii the 1 ltli day
iber, L818. Bis nn • among tin sc who
fought in the war of tho Revolution, and one of them was
captured by the British nod confined in the "Jersey"
prison-ship, suffering as well as fighting for his country.
Mr. Griswold'a father was a citir.en of usefulness and a
high personal character, — the [Ion. Chester
Griswold, — who filled eitions of pul
Mir a number of ;■ of Nassau, and
t'..r three years 1 323, 1831, • the mem-
ntiug the
f Rci
Mr. John A. Griswold was married to M Elizabeth
II rt, daughter of Richard P. Hart, Esq., al Troy, on the
1 HI - 1843. 1
i If lii- father's family lie
I
B. Hart, Rsq., of the firm of Hart, Lesley & Warren,
Troy, N. Y. Mrs. Hart resides in that city, where hei
husband died some years since.
Mr. Griswold was educated for commercial pin-suits, and
when seventeen years of age he entered the iron and hard-
ware house of Messrs. Hart, Lesley & Wanen. in Troy,
N. Y. About one year after he accepted the position of
bookkeeper in the house of Messrs. C. H. & I. J. Merritt,
cotton manufacturers. With this firm he remained some
time, living in the family of his uncle, Maj.-Gen. John E.
Wool. Soon after engaging in business for himself lie
became interested in the iron manufacture, and that and
hanking formed his principal occupations. From this be-
ginning in the manufacture of iron has grown up one of
the largest and most successful establishments in the United
now kiiuwii as the Albany and Rensselaer Iron and
Steel Works, located at Troy.
Mr. Griswold entered political life as a member of the
Democratic party, and in 1S55 was elected mayor of the
city of Troy. His democracy, however, never led him into
i ition to the government, and upon the breaking out
of the Rebellion he at one placed himself firmly on the side
of the country. In 1SG2 he was. as a War Democrat,
1 hirty-eighth Congress. So attentive to liis
public duties and patriotic in that lime of his country's
peril was Mr. Griswold, that he was in 1S(I2 re-elected to
the Thirty-ninth Congress, the Republican party support-
ing him. serving during each term as a member of the
committee' on Naval Affairs. In ISiU he was reelected, tij
the largest majority ever given to a candidate in his di-trict,
a member of the Fortieth Congress, serving on the princi-
pal committee of the House, that on Ways and Mean-.
ed to the Thirty-eighth Congress as a Democrat,
Mr. Griswold enjoyed in a high degree the confidi
the Union party, and acting with it, he sustained Mr. Lin-
coln's administration throughout the war. Representing
his district during six years at a period when the country
issing through it.- severest trials, he proved ti
the great principles on which the war was fought. When
theNavy Department was attacked in the Senate and House.
he made a very effective speech in defense of its policy, anp
especially in regard to the construction of the monitors.
Not only by his construction of the original monitor hut by
irvice as an efficient member of the commil
Naval Affairs, he identified himself with the interests and
success of the navy.
Iii 1 BG8, Mr. Griswold was nominated by the Republican
Union State Convention for the office of Governor of New
York. At the general election he received four hundred
and eleven thousand three hundred and fifty-live vobaf
being the highcsl number ever given for any giibcrn
candidate prior to that date. It is a well-known fact ih.it
his party claimed that he was fairly elected by a majority
of the votes actually cast, and many honorable citizens dj
the opposite party admitted the fact. The Hon. Thomas
II. Carroll I Democrat . mayor of the city of Troy, V 0
n addressing the Common Council in refer
the decease of Mr. Griswold on the previous evening,
frankly acknowledged the fact by saying thai "Mr. Ciis-
ut of the chief magistracy of the Slate,
7/i
suc*-///^/
BRK
IARY
(TIT OK T110Y.
ore the disappointment without personal rancor, but be
■It intensely the wound suffered therein by our liberal in-
litutions." On subsequent investigation by a congressi il
ommittec, sworn evidence was given showing gigantic
rauds perpetrated in the State election of 1868. In manj
istricts in New York and Kiiilis Counties majorities were
atorned for Mr. Griswold's competitor thai exceeded the
ulirr population of such districts; and in those two coun
i,'s the unapproachable ( I id ore or since) majority of eighty-
bur thousand four hundred and twenty votes was declared
or his competitor, to whom was awarded the high office,
nengfully and illegally the supporters of Mr. Griswold
lave always maintained.
When (he startling news of the attack upon Fort Sumter
,vas flashed over the country, the patriotism of the non-
llavcholding Stales was immediately aroused, and the great
icarl of the people hurst out in speech, and deeds, that the
Union must be preserved, and but one nation should exist
within the territorial limits of the United States. At the
great war-meeting held in Troy on the loth of April, 1861,
Mr. Griswold presided, and in his speech urged a speedy
response to the demands of the government. The 2d Regi-
ment, New York Volunteers, Col. Joseph B. Carr com-
manding,— and which was the first New York regiment to
reach Virginia, — was largely aided by him in preparing for
t lie Held. His assistance was also liberally given to the
125th and lOUth New York Volunteers, and to several
other regiments as they were called into the service of the
country, one of which was named in his honor and known
as the Griswold Light Cavalry.
There were probably many things in Mr. Griswold's his-
tory which deserve to become public property, as illustrating
his love of country and the quiet and unostentatious way
in which he gave his time and money to help the govern-
ment in its hour of need. His efforts in connection with
the raising of regiments, as a member of the war commit-
tee of Rensselaer County, are well known ; but outside of
these and the limits of his duty as a member of that com-
mittee, he was ready to help and further every effort in
opposition to the Rebellion. The following incident will
illustrate this. When visiting his birthplace, the village
of Nassau, during the time when recruiting lor the 125th
Regiment was going on, he was invited to attend a " war-
meeting," to be held for facilitating the raising of a com-
pany. He went to the meeting and spoke in favor of its
object. After the meeting he called upon the person who
was engaged in recruiting the company, which afterwards
became Co. A of the 109th Regiment, New York Volun-
teers, and asked him if he had had any pecuniary help from
the citizens or local committees. He was told "No," but
that the person was spending his private means, without as-
sistance from any other sourje, for the purpose of perfecting
the organization. Mr. Griswold at once handed the person
mentioned his check for a considerable amount, asking that
nothing be said concerning it, but that the money be applied
for the purpose of expediting the formation of the company.
He also requested the officer to send him word when the
company reached Troy. This was done, and Mr. Griswold
immediately directed that the men should be taken to a
comfortable hotel, and provided with food and accommoda-
35
tin us al his expense, until they could l»- properly cared l"-.r
at the barracks. This in one incident, and doubtleac there
were many others of the same kind, to anon thai Mr '•
wold's heart and soul were with bis country, and thai he
Mm lit neither fame nor reward for his patriotism. During
the war, while lie was attending Congress, he was a constant
and liberal contributor to the funds of the New Jfork Sol-
diers' Aid Society in Washington.
( >ne of the most noted events of the war was the naval
battle in Hampton Roads, Sunday, March 9, 1862, between
the unknown iron-clad " Monitor" and the rebel ram '■ Mer-
liinae." The latter was one of the lat ted Statd
steam frigates, which, lying al the Gosporl Navy Yard
when the war broke out, fell into the rebel bands, was
razeed, and converted into a formidable iron clad, steam-
propelled battery. The " Merrimac" had already destroyed
two of the largest sailing frigates when the little " Monitor"
appeared, and, in the fight that followed, the latter was the
victor, and the rebel erafi was soon after blown up.
Captain John Ericsson, a native of the province of
Wermeland, Sweden, was bom in 1803, the son of a mining
proprietor; received his firsl impressions of mechanics from
seeing the working of the engine and machinery at the
mines, lie was the inventor of the propeller and of the
caloric-engine, and was the inventor of the ,: ■Monitor,"
above referred to.
In the perilous hour when the " Merrimac" was being
hastened on to completion, in the hope of destroying our
navy, laying waste our cities, and ending the war success-
fully for the seceding States, the genius of Ericsson was
brought to the aid of the nation. But genius without money
could avail nothing. The government had no means of its
own to construct an iron-clad. In this emergency indi-
viduals were found willing to risk their capital and their
business reputation in constructing, at their own risk, the
nondescript vessel. Such men were those who associated
themselves for the purpose of building and bringing out
the Ericsson " Monitor," — Messrs. John A. Griswold and
J. F. Winslow, of Troy, and C. S. Bushnell, of New Haven,
Conn. Conspicuous among these, as the man whose capi-
tal, general influence, and business resources were relied
upon to carry out the enterprise, was John A. Griswold,
whose extensive iron mills and acquaintance with manufac-
turers enabled him to push forward the work, so that the
" Monitor" was not too late iu reaching the scene of her
trial and her triumph.
The building of the " Monitor" was begun in October,
1801, and completed and launched on the 30th of January,
1S02, one hundred days from her commencement, at Green-
point, L. L, the contractors advancing for the work two hun-
dred and seventy-five thousand dollars. The contractors tor
the " Monitor" were bound under forfeiture to guarantee
against "failure in any of the properties and points of the
proposed vessel;" — the Secretary of the Navy would not as-
sume any responsibility. He required that this novel battery
should perform what the inventor and contractors promised.
There was no time for experimenting with her after she was
ready for sea. It was only by trial in battle that conclusive
proof could be given that the contract was really fulfilled.
The " Monitor" was not yet paid for, the battle was fought by
27J
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
this vessel, the reputation of the government saved at a very
critical hour, by this wonderful turreted iron battery, which
was the property of the contractors ! Certainly Mr. Gris-
i and his associates deserve to be gratefully remembered.
• truly heroes and saviors of the country as
President and cabinet nnd legislators, or the general at the
head of armies, or naval officers on their victorious ships.
Subsequently Mr. Griswold employed his capital and influ-
ence in the construction of the iron-clad " Dictator."
At his beautiful home in 1 1 « « - busy city that he bad done
much by his example, energy, enterprise, and capital to
make great and prosperous, through its manufactures, after
a brief illness Mr. Griswold died, on the evening of the
31st il;iv of October, 1872. Tin demise of no eminent
citizen was ever more severely felt, nor the memory of any
more Binccrely cherished by all classes of people. In that
city of thriving and varied industries the toiling thousands
who had long known him as a liberal patron, a sympathetic
friend, ami always as a courteous gentleman to all nun,
dly appreciated the great public and personal loss.
Mr. Griswold was always true to his convictions, and
" - guided by as fine a sense of honor as was ever enter-
tained by a man in public life. When in Congress, at a
troubled and embarrassing period, he showed the greatest
tad and good Bensc, as a member of the committee on
N il Affairs in the Thirty-eighth and Thirty-ninth, and
member of the committee on Ways and Means in the
Fortieth I _ --. No member worked harder or was
nioro vigilant and conscientious in the discharge of his
duties in the public sen i
II. had great opportunity of usefulness before him, and
in his private position his life was very precious to his own
family and to his friends. Few men had SO many friends
or so few enemies. Be was always welcome wherever he
went, a man who carried with him a fund of cheerfulness
ami good-humor which was irresistible in its influence,
and which made him a delightful guest at every table and
in every household. John A. Griswold was in all respects
a true and houot ccntlcmau.
BON. tS \ iC McCONIBE, LL.D.
His grandfather, John McConihe, removed from Ar-
S tland, to Londonderry, Ireland, in 1678, in
pc the persecution then waged against the
Presbyterians, and his father, John McConihe, emigrated
the latter place in 1751, settling at Mcrrimac, N. II.,
he wa- l>..rn Aug. 22, 1787.
In the year 1812 he graduated at Dartmouth College
with the mnaal honor-, and tin- - e year came '.. Troj
and entered a- a student in the law office of the late
in i he became on hi- admission t..
the bar in 1816 II. ■ was a practicing lawyer in his
ity f..r more than fifty years, and distinguished
for ha integrity and ability. Early in hi- professional
int.. I master in chancery and elected
t>. tl • justice.
In 1 • - I liia. daughtl r ol II
Li. di W ..iii Martha Dwigl ~ a I. oh of rare in-
tellectual culture, and descended from families of high rank.
her father being a graduate of Yale in 1800, and one of
the founders of Amherst College.
Mr. McConihe was appointed at different times to many
offices of tru.-t and responsibility. In 1S28 he was ap-
pointed judge of the court of common pleas of Reus-
selaer County. — the youngest judge who had ever sat en
that bench; in 1831, county treasurer; in 18:52, post-
master of Troy, which office he held for ten years in se-
cession, being reappointed by President Jackson, and fur
the third time by President Van Buren.
At the time of his decease, Nov. 1, 18l>7, he was the
oldest hank director in Troy, and the oldest member of die
bar of Rensselaer County. For many years he was a rail-
road director, president of the Troy Lyceum of Natural
Bistory, trustee of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
and of the Troy Orphan Asylum, and senior warden of St.
Paul's Church (Episcopal). His association with public
institutions — benevolent, educational, scientific, literary,
and monetary — was very extensive. In his death the
National American Association for the Advancement of
Science lost a most devoted, keen, patient, and pains-taking
adherent and member, while a large number of leading
institutions of learning, including the ancient Dartmouth
College, realized the departure of a wise counselor.
.Indue McConihe's characteristics may be better ex-
pressed by quotations from speeches and resolutions of his
associates at a meeting of the Rensselaer County bar upon
the occasion of his death.
Hon. Charles R. Ingalls, chairman, said, —
"... As a citizen he was true, faithful, and patriotic,
and devoted to the best interests of the city and the
country. He evinced a deep interest in the religious,
educational, and charitable institutions of the city, and
was indefatigable in his exertions to promote and advance
all such objects. He expended money and devoted his
time freely and without reward, save (he consciousness thai
he was doing good. As a friend he was warm hearted,
Binccre, reliable, and unselfish, ever untiring in his efforts
to serve those who had his confidence and esteem.
" He possessed rare social qualities, which made him a
welcome and agreeable companion of the young and ..Id.
He was no dissembler, hut honestly and* fearlessly avowefl
his sentiments, and acted in accordance therewith. ..."
■•/.'... /,'.,i'. That in ih.' death of the Honorable Isaac McConihoWa
have tost on eminent lawyer, whose powerful mind was richly
with lep.il knowledge which rendered him :i safe and judiciou
telor; that in the prosccuiion of lii> |
t-. tie- aid of Ins clients extraordinary abilities, a -.-on.l judgment
and untiring industry, and nil regulated by a conscientious nnd liiirh-
minded lore "t" rielit nnd justice which won our admiration and <'<.m-
manded our esteem: that ;.- ;i classical scholar be was orudite and
brilliant; that in the promoli I general literature he «■
iin.l indefatigable, and thai his connection with various institution!
of learning throughout the country was as useful to them :>- honot>
able '" him ; that a* a public man an. I private citizen he wn
oourtcous, nnd amiablo; thai in all tin- raricd relations "i life,
nnl brother, as friend, :. mpanion, as a politician, •* *
husband an. I fathor, and as a Christian gentleman, we have seen in his
honcll purpose and integrity nf conduct much t<> a.lmire and nothinj
II children are. Tin. ma- Jefferson McConihe de-
ceased . Mrs. William M. Mallory, of Corning, N. 'i
»
*fr
Ucotc^?^^ /I
'
CITY OK TROY.
ceased); Col. Isaac McConihe, ex-mayor of Troy; Maj.
William McConihe; Gon. John McConihe, graduate of
Union College and of the Albany Law School, killed in the
battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 1, 1864; Gen. Samuel
McConihe, of the regular army, Uuited States ; Thornton
McConihe, lawyer (deceased); Alexander Douglass Mc-
Conilie; Philander Wells McConihe; Mary C. (deceased) ;
and Alonzo McConihe.
MRS. SARAH STROM; M< COXI II 10
was born in Deerfield, Mass., Feb. 15, ISO."), and was five
veers of age when her father, Hezekiah VV. Strong, removed
from Deerfield and settled at Amherst, his native place,
where the old family mansion still remains in perfect
preservation, the most attractive place in the beautiful
town of Amherst. Her father was the son of Simeon
Strong, Judge of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts and Maine, and an intimate friend and
own cousin of Governor Caleb Strong, of Massachusetts,
Her mother's name was Dwight, and the Strongs and the
Dwights are to be found among the oldest, most honored,
and most talented families of the New England States.
She received her preliminary education in the academy
at Amherst, which was founded by her father, and was
the germ of Amherst College. When she was thirteen
years of age she wrote declamations for her brother, Henry
W. Strong, at that time nine years of age, to speak upon
the stage at the Academy, and often took him to a grove
near her father's residence to practice him in gesture and
Oratory, — possibly the foundation of his future eloquence.
At the age of fourteen she passed so brilliant an examina-
tion, and in such advanced studies, that a gentleman who
was present invited her, the following spring (she then
being fifteen years of age), to take charge of a school for
young ladies in New Braintree, where he resided. At the
age of sixteen, through the urgent solicitation of Noah
Webster, at that time President of the Board of Trustees,
she was induced to take charge of the Ladies' Department
of Amherst Academy, then the most celebrated school for
ladies in New England, and quite in advance of the times,
the higher branches, such as Euclid, Stewart's Philosophy,
Herschel's Astronomy, with the calculation and projection
of eclipses, etc., etc., being taught. The school numbered
ninety-two young ladies, from every State in the East,
many who were teachers further qualifying themselves,
and very many who were her seniors by many years, one
of them, Mary Lyon, the founder of Mount Holyoke
Seminary, then twenty-three years of age, taking the rudi-
mentary branches, received her first inspiration for educa-
tion. She conducted the school with marked ability and
success.
She further prosecuted her studies at Rev. Joseph Em-
erson's seminary, at Saugus, near Boston, and at Mrs.
Emma Willard's seminary, in Troy, having come to the
latter place with a letter of introduction to Prof. Eaton,
founder of the Polytechnic Institute, who remained an in-
timate friend of hers during his life. Mrs. Emma Willard
was also one of her most constant and attached friends.
She w.i- married, April 10, L 826, to Isaac McConihe, of
Troy. Since she became a perm: n( resident of Troy her
life has I n !' constant care and activity. Seeming
to inherit the Bpiril of charity, and a general interest for
those around her, she has been closelj identified with en
terprises fraught with obstacles and discouragements in the
beginning, which, by her far-sightedness and indomitable
perseverance, have resulted in good to humanity and mm li
credit to herself.
Although burdened with the cares of a large family, Bb.e
ever found ti to do something for every good work that
duty pointed out and required, and her executive ability
and resolution to carry forward to a successful completion
whatever she attempted, have, in many instai
public i'( gnition.
Upon the founding of the Orphan Asylum of Troy, she
was a member of the first board of managers, which posi-
tion she afterwards resigned on account of family cares.
She was one of the founders of the Day Home of Troy,
organized in 1S53, — an institution very dear to her and one
to which she has devoted much time and made liberal con-
tributions. Mrs. McConihe has been a member of the
committee of management from its earliest history, and has
been president of the institution for many years. This
home for the education and training of the children ol im-
poverished parents was at first carried on in a rented build-
ing, and it becoming necessary, in 1861, to make a change,
Mrs. McConihe was one of a committee of three to pur-
chase a place for the better accommodation of this charity.
Although insurmountable obstacles seemed at hand, she
took upon herself the responsibility of raising the necessary
amount to purchase and repair the present Day Home,
costing some seven thousand dollars. Notwithstanding that
the war of the Rebellion had just broken out, and the L'd
Regiment was being raised, she succeeded in obtaining the
requisite sum in the short time of five weeks, and one
thousand dollars for repairs after the purchase-money was
secured. This may be noted as being the first institution
in the United States solely under the management of women
receiving a charter from a Legislature.
Once established, its support and continuance must be
secured. Mrs. McConihe was equal to the emergency.
She appeared personally on several occasions, with others
whom she moved to accompany her, before the committee
of ways and means of the Legislature, and obtained at differ-
ent times sums aggregating twelve thousand dollars. and most
of the remainder of the funds have been obtained in answer
to her personal solicitations of individuals for bequests.
Mrs. McConihe's untiring industry, judicious manage-
ment, and perseverance in the establishment and advance-
ment of the Day Home, will be recognized by future gene-
rations, and remain as one of the monuments of her moral
worth and Christian excellence. She became a member of
the Episcopal Church the same year of her marriage, and
has remained constant in that connection, and a supporter
of church and educational interests.
During the Rebellion she cheerfully gave three of her
sons to the defense of her country. Intensely patriotic, she
believed that the Rebellion could never be crushed until the
slaves were emancipated. She was active in societies and
!76
HISTORY OF RENSSF.LAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
fairs gotten op For tho relief of soldiers, and was in Wash-
ington, attending n wounded son, when she had the happi-
ness of hearing read, before Congress, Lincoln's celebrated
•■ Emancipation Proclamation."
On the occasion of the " Semi-centennial Anniversary of
Amherst College," in 1871, she was the only lady officially
invited t" !"■ present, and the only lady mentioned during
tli.' exercisi -.
'I'll.- same year, in company with Prof. Burgess and wife,
and Prof. Root, of Amherst College, she visited Europe,
and traveled through most of the countries on that conti-
nent, and for two years became a close student of science,
literature, and art. Tin- occupation of her time during
tin-.' two years may be better expressed by a quotation
from the writings of .1. \V. Burgess, Esq., Professor of
Public Law and Political Science in Columbia College Law
School, and who accompanied Iter in her travels:
" I saw Iter, at an age when tie- faculties of most men and
women rebel against any new thing, take up the study of
a most difficult language and make herself familiar with its
tonus, both in reading and conversation. T have seen her,
at an age when most men and women have need to take
lordinary periods of daily rest, and are compelled to
rely upon the aids of physical weakness, rise at four and
five o'clock in the morning, and travel until eight o'clock
in the evening, visitiug, with untiring enthusiasm, galleries
of an. museum e, ascending towers and mountains,
even crossing the dangerous glacier-passes of the high Alps.
I have seen her time and again in her own parlor-Study in
in, Germany, entering with the greatest spirit and at-
tention into the discussion of the problems of German
philosophy and science, and European history and politics, —
themes for which too many of her sex have, alas! too little
appreciation and understanding. In all that I saw of Mrs.
Mi Conihe during those two years of intimate acquaintance
she was cv.t the same bright, cheerful, sympathizing,
energetic, independent, ami eapahlo woman."
ISAAC McCONIHB
i- i native of Ti "•. . lo'ti-sclaor Co.. Y Y.. and the son of
•. Sr.. and Sarah Strong) McConihe, who were natives
of New England, the former being horn in the town of
M i I'!,;, VII ill" latter near the village of IVeili.ld.
M \ more extended notice of Judge and Mrs. .Mc-
Conihe will he found on preceding pages of this work.
McConihe, tie- subjeel of this brief Bketch, was a
grade ■ Hamilton Co ■ fork, in tho year 1849.
Immediately after bis graduation I mbarked in basil
pur-uii-'. and, for the many intervening bas bi en ex-
tensively engaged in mercantile trade and in manufacturing,
under the firm-designation of " I iai McConihe & Co." \-
a but D 1c js not only "ell hut favorably known, and
minently bucci aaful.
Mr. McConihe has been prominently identified with many
of the commercial ii Troy for many year-, and has
always actively participated in local, civil, and political mat-
In [853 he held ll fliee of ., Merman of die first
Ward of Troy, and j,, I860 6 I he was elected to the lion
orable position of mayor of the city. In the incuinbeney
of these offices, as in all other stations which he has been
called upon to fill, he has been accredited with a faithful
discharge of duty, and acquitted himself to the entire sat-
isfaction of his constituency.
So long a resident of Troy, and for so long prominently
connected with her interests, — her growth and prosperity,—
Isaac McConihe is justly entitled to a place among the rip.
resentative men of the city of his birth. lie is yet in the
prime of manhood, with the promise of many years of
activity and usefulness.
In 1 Slit!, Mr. McConihe was married to Phoebe Warren,
,i daughter of the Hon. Joseph M. Warren, of Troy. The
result of this union is two children, — Warren and Malcolm
Stewart.
GEN. JOHN McCONIHE,
third son of lion. Isaac and Sarah Strong McConihe, born at
Troy, N. Y , Sept. 4, 1S34, was shot through the heart at
Cold Harbor, Va., June 1, 18b"4. The name McConihe,
formerly spelled McCounoehic, is of Scottish origin, and bc-
longed to a Highland clan of great power and number.
While young, John McConihe evinced a refined and
sensitive nature, always gentle, kind, and patient, and was
never known to swerve from the truth or be guilty of
ception. While very young he developed a decided taste
for mechanics, and his knowledge of machinery seemed
intuitive.
Ai the age of sixteen he entered the sophomore class of
Union College, and was graduated therefrom with honor in
lS.Vi. His life at college was not characterized by intently
striving for the first honors of his class, but by fair and
honorable scholarship, by studying to excel, particularly in
English composition and oratory. He studied law with his
father, attended the law-school of the University at Albany,
and was graduated from that institution in 1S55, and open, t)
au office for the practice of his profession in the city of Troy
the same year. He almost immediately succeeded in
curing a very successful practice. In the spring of 18581
he was elected a member of the hoard of education, and in
the fall of the same year resigned and went West. In 1857
he settled at Omaha. Neb. Tor., and commenced the pracl
of the law. In 1858 the gold-mines live hundred and fifty
miles west of Pike's Peak were discovered, inducin
emigration through Omaha. lie took advantage of this.
and formed a copartnership in the freighting business to
Denver, which lie conducted until he entered the army.
The same year he was appointed private secretary to Gov-
ernor Richardson, and afterwards held the same position
with Governor Black until the end of his term. In the
spring of I8G0 he was a candidate for mayor of the city of
Omaha, but his party being in the minority he was urn
cess ful. On the sal lay his brother, Isaac McConihe,
i.hi for mayor of Troy, and was elected. During the same
he was appoint..! adjutaut-gencral of Nebraska. Sub-
sequently, at the head of a regiment, he proceeded on an
. xpedition to the frontier against the I'nwnci Indians, who
had by their depredations and atrocities bec< a terror to
the - ittcred inhabitants living along the border. This
' k^ tf^f^L^d
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Qb5. Samuel McCONIHB, fourth son of Hon. Isaac McConihc and
Sarah (Strong) McConihc. of Troy, N. Y., was born at Mcrrimae, NT. 11.,
1836, in the old family mansion of the McConihcs.
He * i- fitted for college in Iroy, X. Y„ his place of residence, and
graduated at Union College, in 1 S" 6. He had chosen as his profession
that of the law. but when the Rebellion broke out in 1S61, fired with
patriotism, he flew to the service of his country, raised a company of
infantry, and was appointed captain of it December 3d of the same year.
His regiment, the 93d Volunteers, remained in barracks at Albany,
N. Y.. about four months, and afterwards enoamped at Washington, D. C,
nearly two months. On the 30th day of March, 1SG2, he embarked, and
April 1-t arrived with bis regiment at Fortress Monroe; participated in
many skirmishes and rcconnoissanccs near Lee's Mills and in front of
Yorktown.
May I. 1862, he marched with the Army of the Peninsula, and was en-
with the enemy at the battle of Williamsburg, Va,, May 21, 1S62.
pany Co. K) and Companies A, V, and II, were detached from
the regiment to serve as general headquarters' guard at army head-
?uartcr«. Scrred in this capacity and marched with the army up the
'cninsula to Harrison',- Landing, and afterwards back again to Fort
There he embarked and sailed to Aquia Creek, afterward- to
Alexandria, and marched to Washington, and thence through Maryland,
I with the enemy at Antictam. Afterwards he marched to
Falmouth. Va. : was engaged in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chan-
cellorarine, and afterwards marched through Maryland and Pennsylvania
irg,
July 19, 1 ""''-. WM detached from the regiment and plnced in command
of hi* own company and Co. II. sn I ordered '" report t<. Brig.- Gen. M. R.
Patrick. Prorost- Marshal-General Army of the Potomac; he was assigned
guarding general and rebel prisoners, and furnished all the guards
requin ii a I -general's headquarters. Served in tins
. and marched with the army f-> Qermantown and Culpepper C.
II.. thenar to Mine Hon. an I bark to Fairfax Station.
n- promoted to tli«- rank of major, and rejoined his
ember 28th. Seren companies of hi r« enlisted and
II-' remained in command of the throe oompanies,
numbering about three hundred men, and performed the guard duty both
at army headquarters and tho headquarters of thoprovosl marshal
April 20, 1864, hie regiment wa 3d Dirision,
2 i Army Corps, and he marched with the army from Brandy Station to
at, Spottaylran i . ' Id 1 1 i ir, and Petoi burg, and partioi-
o all the battles. Win i lion at Cold Harbor he
w*« mrt by th<* ebaplaln of the 169th Regiment, bearing the dead body of
hi? brother. Col. Joon MoConibe, who bad tly killed
snemy a few mon . while in command of his regimont,
■*h. The lone line of offloon and soldiers in the re.ir paused for s
few moment' in th^-ir mar<*h to battle and to death while C.il.
'C dismounted from bis horse to view tho remains of his beloved
brother, his constant companion in youth, his unselfish friend in matal
years. The scene was most affecting. His grief was irrepressible, ft
from the eyes of many a stalwart soldier long accustomed to scenes of n
ness and horror flowed tears of sorrow and sympathy.
Dec. 17, 1864, " Samuel MeOonihe was commissioned colonel of t
93d Kegimcnt New York Volunteers, vice John ?. Crocker, resigned."
Feb. 15, 1S65, he was mustered out by reason of expiration of tci
of service, having served three years and three month?. He was co
Btantly on duty in the field, and was in every engagement (except one)
which his regiment participated. At the "Wilderness he was in comma i
of his regiment soon after the battle opened on the first day. the color
( Crocker) being placed in command of the brigade, the brigade command
(Gen. Hays) having been killed at the commencement of the battle, and t
lieutenant-colonel being absent. His regiment suffered severely, both
officers and men, but stood theirground manfully during both days' fighlin
and received n complimentary order from Maj.-Gen. Birney, comiiiandit
3d Division, 2d Army Corps, for its gallantry and good conduct.
He was in command of his regiment most of the time from the bs
the Wilderness down to Petersburg. The following are the names of t
battles in which he has been engaged in their order: Yorktown, William
burg, Antictam, Fredericksburg, Cbanrellorsvillc, Wilderness. Sp.ittM
vania, North Anna, Tolopotoiny, Cold Harbor, Strawberry Plains, Do
ttottom, Poplar Spring Church. Petersburg, Boydton Road (1st), Hatchet
Run, Boydton Road (2d), — seventeen in all.
The following are the commissions held by him in the volunteer sonic
viz. :
Captain 93d Regiment New York Volunteer?. Dec. 3, 1861 : mnjo
Nov. ?,, 1863; colonel, Dec. 17, 1S64: brevet brigadier-general of volui
teers, April 8, 1864.
Tho following arc the commissions held by him in the United Stati
Army :
2d lieutenant 1 Ith Infantry. Fob. 23, 1866; lsl lieutenant. Feb. 2.
iSfifi; brevet captain United States Army. March 2, 1867. (For gttllai
and mcritoriotti services at th> battlt of ft" fViVcfernett*)
Br. -vet major United States Army. March 2. 1867. (For gallant**
meritorious teiTice* at the battle of Spotfeylvania,)
Brevet lieutenant-colonel United States Army. March 2, 1867. [/"
gallant and meritortOM service* during the war.)
Captain United States Army. Feb. 25, 1876.
'.'•II. Samuel McConihc is a man of fine physique: a conscii
brave, and ambitious officer. He has been stationed at various (bill i
the B astern States as well as in the new States and Territory
California, Wyoming, Utah, etc. He is now in the field in tho war will
the Uto Indian-. In a letter lately received by his mother, hesayetiie;
suffer severely by the cold during the march, and adds. " He who think
thai the life of an army officer is one of case should be subjected to »om
of the hardships and dangers through which I have passed while in th
service of my country ."
(TIT OF TROY;
jxpedition was most successful. The Finlians were routed
and put to flight, and afterwards a treaty of peace was
made, which was faithfully kepi by them.
In this expedition he evinced all that endurance and
bravery that characterized him in the marches and battles
of the licbellion.
Animated by a patriotic desire to serve his country, at
the breaking out of the Rebellion he raised a company for
, the 1st Nebraska Regiment, and as captain of the company
participated in all the stirring incidents of the .Missouri
campaign.
In February, 18G2, he was sent to Washington bn offi-
cial business connected with the military department of
Missouri. While there he was taken sick and came to
Troy, where he was confined at his father's house with
typhoid lever for nearly six weeks. When he had re-
covered sufficiently to travel, he hastened to rejoin his
regiment, which he reached the day before the bloody
battle of Shiloh. Although an invalid, he participated in
that battle and was in the thickest of the fight. He was
severely wounded in the left arm, the ball completely
shattering the bone below the elbow-joint. Prom this
wound he suffered for over twelve months before ho re-
covered the use of his left hand and arm. While in Troy,
awaiting the healing of his wound, he was appointed
lieutenant-colonel of the 160th Regiment, New York
Volunteers, then being raised in the city. He went with
the regiment to Washington, in October, 1862, where it
remained in and about that city for several months, doing
duty as provost-guard. Subsequently the regiment was
ordered to North Carolina, then to Florida, with Gen.
Gillmore, then to Fortress Monroe, where it joined Butler's
column and marched to Bermuda Hundred. Col. Mc-
Conihe participated in all the battles in which the regiment
had been engaged, including that of the Edenton Road, in
North Carolina, when Col. Buel was wounded, and when
the command of the regiment devolved on him ; in the
siege of Charleston ; in Gen. Butler's battles at Bermuda
Hundred, and in the army under Gen. Grant, in the battle
of Cold Harbor, where he lost his life. On the resignation
of Col. Buel he was promoted from the lieutenant-colonelcy
to the command of the regiment.
While lieutenant-colonel, be displayed such marked
bravery and indomitable energy at the siege of Charleston,
before the belching cannon of Forts Gregg and Wagner,
that his townsmen of Troy, as an appreciation of his gallant
services, presented him with a most magnificent sword, gold-
mounted and studded with jewels.
Col. McConihe's regiment formed a portion of that gal-
lant corps at the battle of Cold Harbor, whose charge was
so fierce, so irresistible, so deadly, that it appalled treason
and made rebellion quake.
He died almost instantly, exclaiming, " Oh !" as he fell.
His last order as commandant of the rejriment was given an
instant before his death, in these words : " Cease firing ; fix
bayonets and charge again. Dress up on the colors — don't
leave the colors!" The order was wisely given to meet a
sudden emergency, and was necessary to prevent the regi-
ment being mowed down. The colonel fell instantly after
giving the order.
To give a complete history of Col. McCouihe'fl military
life would In- in Bketch an outline of the' marches, priva-
tions, and battles of the regiment and ann\ with which he
was connected. Col. McConihe's remains were brought to
Troy, where his funeral took plao The arrangemi
were under direction of Lieut.-Col. John I. I.' Roy, and the
order of procession as follows :
Plati 't' polioe, forming on Third Street, neat D nndcr
Chiof Barron.
Schreiber's Band.
Twenty-fifth Regiment \. Y. s. S. G., Col. Walter B. ' nureb.
Doring's Band.
Twenty-fourth Regi ol V 1T.S. V G., Col. John I. Lc Roy.
Hi arso.
Troy City Artillery a- guard of lienor.
M ilitary mourni
Mount of Zion Lodge "i" Masons, X". .'ill. of Troy, as mourners.
Relative of deceased.
Gov. Seymour and Stair.
i i< ii. Wiin] and Staff.
Gen. Allen and Staff.
Mayor and ('i.iuth.iii Council of Albany.
Mayor ami Common Council of Troy,
Civil- associations.
Citizens in carriages.
The funeral services were performed at St. Paul's church.
Flags were at half-mast and business generally suspended
during the services, in honor of one who " lived like a man
and died like a hero."
The very high esteem in which Col. McConihe was held
by those who had known him from childhood may be better
expressed by quotations from resolutions and addresses
made by the Rensselaer County Bar, the Common Council,
and other public bodies of Troy.
By the Common Council :
" lieaoloed, That in the early demise of our fellow-townsman, Col.
Mi-i 'nnihe, the nation has lost a brave and patriotic defender, his regi-
ment an accomplished and efficient commander, and the city of Troy
one of its best beloved and most popular sons, who had, by his known
integrity, recognized scholarly attainments, and fine social qualities
of head and heart, conquered the respect and won the confidence of
the masses of his fellow-citizens, and particularly those whose happi-
ness it was to have known him intimately. ..."
By the Rensselaer County Bar :
" Resolved, That as a lawyer he had achieved an honorable positi-m.
and was rapidly rising into eminence. Deeply read in the theory of
the law, he possessed every qualification to iusure its successful prac-
tice; zealous and indefatigable in behalf of his clients, conscientious,
high-minded, and fearless in the discharge of his duties towards them ;
and that in abandoning, at the call of his country, a profession he
was so welt fitted to adorn, and in sacrificing its fast-accumulating
rewards of wealth ami honors, we recognize the attributes of the hero,
the self-denial, the sterling worth, and the enthusiastic zeal that pro-
claims the devoted patriot."
By Mount Zion Lodge of Free Masons :
" liesoloed, That . . . For though cut off in the flower of his youth,
and away from those he most loved on earth, his was a soldier's death
amidst the carnage of a battle-field. ... As a friend and companion
he was ever genial and kind: as a citizen in his daily intercourse
with his fellow-men of unsullied character."
At the reception given to the regiment on its return by
the citizens of Troy, the late Wm. H. Merriam, a former
lieutenant and a war correspondent of the iV«o York
Herald, in a fervently-eloquent address of welcome, re-
ferring to the dead heroes, alluded to Col. McConihe as
follows :
278
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
■■ Foremost among the n >b!o fallen, lol us on (his auspicious o
sion not fail to remember the patriotic services of that fresh young
child of the republic, whose hooorod remains to-day rest, in the
in yon lor Oak wood. Lei us not forget thai to the
at Col. John McConiho was accorded the immortal privilege of
lallin » on the Bold of battle, 'in tha front rank of the peril,' in de-
af an indispensable principle, and lot it bo .>ur- to see to it that
the memory »>!" one who, in life no less than in death, twined around
the historic featu One Hundred and Sixty-Ninth
fork -■ many amaranths of sempiternal fame and glory and
honor, be not forgotten in all the hours that are to oome and go. I'n-
ilv offering his life up. m the altar of his country an 1 it- cause,
let fragrant memories, ever duster around the grave ol our young,
daring, an 1 horoi
JACOB LANSING VAN SCHOONHOVEN
was bora in the village of Waterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y .
Sept 12, 1807. The founder of the Van Sch hoven
t'.itnilv in this State cam • from Holland, and was among the
lir-t settlers of New York, and members of this family were
among the original proprietors of the soil on the Ilud-
above the Mohawk. " Captain Goosen Gerritse Van
Schoonhoven had permission, with Philip Preterse Schuyler,
t.. buy what is now Waterford of tlie Indians, to prevent
I '.Hi now buying it.'' This is no doubt
the firsl purchase of Waterford, and the Schoonhoven men-
tioned is tin- first of a long succession of that name north
of the Mohawk, extending down to the present time.
It is recorded, Nov. -'■). 1669, that Goosen Gerritse Van
Schoonhoven sold lands in Half Moon to Philip l'ieter
I it. tloosen Gerritse Van Schoonhoven's first
wife was Gertie, daughtei of Brandt Peelen Van Nieu-
kerke, and his second wife was Annatie Lievens, whom he
married July 2. L657. He had three sons, Gen-it, An-
thony, and Sybrant, and also. three daughters, Gocrtruy,
i ; . • r r i 1 1 • ■ . and Margaret.
In 1715,1 tpl Jacobus Van Schoonhoven commanded
B company, a- appears by his muster-roll, the original of
which i.> on file in the office of the Secretary of State at
Albany, vol. Ix. English manuscript, page 4S.
.11- Van Schoonhoven, grandfather of the subject of
this narrative, v> is horn Feb. 29, 1744, and was a man of
prominence prior to and following the Revolution, lie was
mel of the 12th Regimen I New York Militia, commis-
. 0 I 20 1775 In 1785 his name is attached to a
bill of sale asjusti fthe peace. He was the first super-
ir of Half Moon, holding that position in IT". 17>'.i.
I, while a- yel all this territory was a part of Albany
II was one of the purchasers of the village plat
in 17^1. and one of the I'n.-t trustees. He was also a met
chant ami dealer in produce. II was a member of the
mbly in 1786 and 1791, judge of the court of common
in 1 7:1 1 . and State senator fir Hair M 1 from
1795 He died in 1814 at Waterford, leaving two
Troy.
n Sol, hoven was appointed justice of the
.1 no' 1-. 177-'. by the provincial government and
reappoint! - eminent, 17:'-Y I7!>7. 1800,
1802, in 17!'- !»-iti_' assistant justh f th uri «f ram.
B l I commissioner from 17'."
1799, was State senator in 1815. and judge of the court
of common pleas \n 1823.*
James Van Schoonhoven, father of J. Lansing Van
Schoonhoven, was born in 17S1, and practiced law in Water-
ford with the late John Cramer for about twenty-five yean.
He was supervisor of Waterford in 1817-1S, and was one
of the judges of the court of common pleas in 1820. lie
was one of the founders of the first hank established in
Troy, "The Farmers' Bank.'' situated between Troy and
Lansiugburgh. He removed to Troy about 1820 to accept
the position of cashier of this bank, and subsequently
came president, which office he held until the closing out of
tin bank. For many years he was one of the managers of
the Troy Savings-Bank, and was president of the Rons
laer and Saratoga Railroad soon after its completion.
In 1SO0 he married Alida, daughter of Jacob A. Lan-
sing, whose ancestors were early settlers here, and gave
name to " Lansiugburgh." His wife died in 1824, at the
age of thirty-five, and for his second wife he married Kliza-
beth, daughter of Jacob Lane. lie died at Poughkecps
tit the residence of his daughter, Sept. 9, 1805.
Of his six children, William, his second son, was a
prominent lawyer of Troy for many years. He was om
the founders of the present free-school system and a man
of brilliant oratorical ability, and represented the city for
several terms in both brandies of the Legislature, lie was
a member of the Constitutional Convention of IS 10, and a
stroDg advocate of the abolition of what was known as the
quarter sales in connection with the anti-renters, and wi
man of great influence in the old Whig party. He died
in 1S55 at the age of forty-five.
Jacob Lansing A "an Schoonhoven was the eldest son. He
received a good education while in early life, and for
year alter he became sixteen was a student at Union Col-
lege.
Desiring to lead a business instead of a professional life,
he left college; was for five years a clerk in wholesale dry-
goods houses in Albany and Troy. In the latter place he
was with II. & G. Vail,— the first house of the kind estab-
lished in the latter city.
Soon after reaching his majority he became a partner,
under the firm-name of George Vail & Co. After a few
years .Mr. Vail retired from the business, and Mr. Van
Schoonhoven. with Ebenezcr Proudfit, continued the wli
sale dry-goods trade in Troy until about the breaking out of
the late Rebellion. Dunn- these many years the firm of
Van Sch hoven & Proudfit controlled the whole-ale dry-
goods trade of Troy, and were leading merchants in this
part of the State.
Mi Van Sch hoven was principal among the organi-
of the Central Lank or Troy in is;..;. He was presi
.1, nt of the same lor twenty years, and still remains a di-
rector. He was director and largest stockholder of the
Rens.-elaer and Saratoga Railroad for many years, and is
president of the Linen Thread Company of Mcchanicville,
Saratoga Co., N. Y. He has always been a supporter of
the educational and religions institutions of the city; was
for m an\ years connected with the Young Men- A-
• Hist. Saratoga Co., bj V B. Sylvester.
/^ ^UW^^tt^/^,/^
r \
■
<^^y/z<&A
CITY OP TROY.
279
linn of Troy, :n ul for one year was i t m president. Ho was
one ill 'a few who built the Second Street Presbyterian church
edifice, and lias been for many years an elder of that church.
Mr. Van Sthoonhoven is a man of sound judgment, of
broad and liberal views. He has always avoided the bick-
erings of politics and refused to accept nflice, although lie
has ever been interested in all questions of local or national
import affecting in any way the rights of the people, lie
WU8 formerly identified with the Whig parly ; was a sup-
porter of the Union during the Rebellion, and has since
supported the Republican platform.
Mr. Van Schoonhoven has been married three times.
His first wife, Harriet M. Yvonnet, was of French extrac-
tion, and died Aug. 1, 1842. His second wile, Mary Jane
Height, died Feb. 19,1858. For his third wife he mar-
ried Elizabeth Huntington, daughter of Dr. John Chester,
who was among the early presidents of the Rensselaer Poly-
technic Institute of Troy. His children are Harriet M.,
James, Jane Elizabeth (deceased), Francis Y., Mary, Wil-
liam H., Elizabeth L. (deceased), Alida L., and Lansing.
JAMES BUELL,
president of the Importers' and Traders' National Bank of
New York, and also of the United States Life Insurance
Company of New York, was born at Glen's Falls, Warren
Co, N. Y., March 23, 1820. As long ago as 1030, a
William Buell, of Wales, crossed the ocean, and, after a
short stay in Massachusetts, settled in Windsor, Conn.
The New England families descended from him have had
several members prominent in the history of the country.
Among them were Maj. David Buell, the late Bev. Dr. Wil-
liam Buell, of Albany, Gen. Don Carlos Buell, a commander
during the late civil war, and Mrs. Sarah Joseph a Hale, the
well-known authoress. At the time of her death, which oc-
curred in Philadelphia in May, 1879, she was about ninety
years of age, and had retained her mental faculties to a re-
markable degree. In November, 1877, she resigned her
position as editress of " Godey's Lady's Book," which she
successfully conducted for fifty years. Her brother, Ho-
ratio Buell, a graduate of Dartmouth University, who was
for many years a judge at Glen's Falls, was the father of
James Buell.
Before James Buell had reached the age of fifteen years,
he had lost both his parents. The four following years
were spent on the farm of his grandfather. He then en-
tered a dry -goods store, in Troy, N. Y. After several years'
experience as a clerk, he commenced business for himself
in the same city, and for eight years was a successful mer-
chant, acquiring a high reputation for fair dealing and saga-
cious enterprise. At the expiration of this time, he became
cashier of the Central Bank of Troy. His connection with
this institution lasted five years, when he accepted an invi-
tation to fill a similar position in the Importers' and Traders'
Bank of New York City. He entered upon his duties in
1857, succeeding Mr. George It. Conover. His diligent
labors to promote the interests of the bank were appreciated,
and in 18G5 he was unanimously elected president in place
of Lucius Hopkins, who had then just resigned, after filling
the position sino the organization of the bank, ten
before.
When President Buell was elected, the b
surplus of about one hundred and fifty thousand doll
and the market value of he shares was about eight percent
above par. Under his management the surplus has in-
Oreased to more than a million ami a half of dollars. Dui
the same period the market value r»f the Block hat risen to
two hundred and six dollars per share of one hundred dol-
lars, while for several years an annual dividend of fourteen
per cent, has been paid to the stockholders. A distinctive
feature of the institution is its allowance of interest on ac-
counts of 1 ks anil bankers. Under this system tie de
posits reach at times the enormous aggregate of over
twenty millions of dollars, an amount much in excess of
that held by any other bank in the United Sta
Probably no one of the many very able financiers at the
bead of New York bank institutions enjoys a larger reputa-
tion throughout the country than Mr. Buell. While in a
measure this circumstance is due to the exceptionally good
results of his management as a bank president, and to the
liberal and extended nature of the relations fostered by him
between bis own bank anil provincial institutions, the high
estimation in which he is held at all the money centres is,
in a still greater degree, a recognition of bis earnest efforts
to harmonize and systematize the banking institutions of
the Union, and to establish the national finances upon a per-
manent and secure policy. In the furtherance of his well-
considered scheme of gradual and sure redemption, Mr.
Buell's public address and written papers upon the subject
of currency have added largely to the literature of bank-
ing, winning for him a professional credit hardly less pro-
nounced than that awarded to the more pretentious treatises
of Gilbart and Goshen in England.
In 1874 the committee on banking and currency of
Congress invited Mr. Buell to visit Washington and unfold
his views of a proper remedial policy before that body. His
theory of national credit and currency so impressed the
committee and the public that it was subsequently embodied
in 1875 in the measure known as the Sherman bill for the
resumption of specie payments, and which has so success-
fully accomplished that desired result.
In July, 1875, the first meeting of the American Bank-
ers' Association was held at Saratoga, and Mr. Buell was
placed at the head of the committee on resolutions. Before
the adjournment of the convention, a committee on perma-
nent organization was formed, with Mr. Buell as chairman,
and he was afterwards made president of the executive
council.
In the latter part of 1875, Mr. Buell was appointed
president of the United States Life Insurance Company of
New York, which office he now holds, as well as that of
president of the Importers' and Traders' National Bank of
New York.
JONAS C. IIEABTT,
son of Philip Heartt, was born in Tiny, Aug. 12, 1"
and at the time of bis death. April 311. 1ST I. \\a> (ho
oldest native-born inhabitant of the city. He was the first
■
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
child baptised by the first pastor of tho Troy First Presby-
terian Church, and for this reason he was given tho name
of the pastor, — Jonas Coo. His life was closely interwoven
with the intcr..-i- ofTroj ; be grew up with it, and helped
t., make it. what it is. To bis intelligent counsel can be
attributed many of the successful enterprises, both moral
and educational, that are now the pride of the city. He
was do! ■ Beekerof public position, but be was sought for
do peculiarly fitted to represent the city, both at home
and in the Legislature, where he was mad ■ Speaker by a flat-
tering vote. His c lection with city affairs began in 1S22,
when he was elected assistant alderman for the Second Ward.
He was also supervisor of this ward for 1833, '35, and '36,
and in 1838 he was elected mayor, and re-elected each fol-
lowing year until 1843, when be declined the nomination.
During these years many advantages were gained to Troy
which were due to bis prudence and quick-sightcdness.
He saw the necessity of • -j '< -i i i mlt direct communication
with the West, and during his mayoralty measures were
adopted for building the Troy and Schenectady Railroad.
It w.i> through the united efforts of Mr. Hcartt and Jon-
athan Edwards that Troy was mad.- the terminus instead of
a branch of the Hudson River Railroad. Mr. Hcartt was
instrumental in having a direct line of steamboats from
fork, and t'..r twelve years was a director in
the River Steamboat Association. He was a director of
the Troy and Boston Railroad from the time of its con-
struction until his dc ase. He was the first president
of the board of trustees of the fire department, and for
many vears was a member of the hoard of fire commis-
si, hi. i-. Alt. r the death of Mr. Marshall. Mr. Ileartt was
mad., president of the hoard ol' governors of the Marshall
Infirmary, and through bis efforts a debt of eighteen thou-
sand dollar- against the institution was paid off in one year.
I m the formation of the Mutual Rank he was made a
director, which office he held in connection with the prcs-
idency of the Mutual Savings Bank until the time of bis
II.- was always ready to afford assistance to edu-
inal interests. II'- was interested in the Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, of which for years he was a trustee,
and a) f tlo- Troy Female Seminary, of which he long
was the honored president.
With all these interests, so beneficial to the city, he for
more than forty years was actively engaged in tin- hardware
business, which was founded by bis rather in 1798. Mr.
i v*.i- chosen a member of the vestrj of Si. Paul's
Church on Easter Monday, 1831, and i stautly until
1861, when he « is chosen church-warden, a- successor to
II n David Buel, Jr.; and -he was a member of that
church for marly fifty years, and aided ii with wise couo-
• ■ exertion, and liberal contributions. He »
: friend, remarkably siron-.- in hi- attachments, and
ble in hi- business relations, II. ■ was genial
rtainiog, and rarely can a man be found bo free
from deceit. At tin- tit f his death meetings wi re held,
itioni | i--..|. and fitting addresses madi by the mem-
owing institutions, in honor of him whom
all had learned tor- . n Sei tor Poly-
llC Institute; tin- directors of the Mutual National
Hank ; lb ib, of which he lent; h.ardof
trustees of Troy Female Seminary; Troy and Boston Rail-
road; Governors of Marshall .Infirmary ; Troy Gas-Light
Company. Mr. Ileartt was married Aug. 30, 1S14, to Cath-
erine Lamberson, a lady of rare womanly qualities, and who
was horn at Jamaica, L. I., Aug. S, 1793. Of their nine
children only three are living. — Jonas S. Ileartt, of Troy,
Mrs. Edward Scbcll, and Mary W. Ileartt, of New York
City.
JONATHAN' W. FREEMAN
is a lineal descendant of Edmund Freeman, who came from
England; was at Saugus, alias Lynn, in 1(135, and pre-
sented to the colony twenty corslets, or pieces of plate-
armor. This armor he had brought with him under an
impression that in possible conflicts with the Indians it
might be effective. It was said of him '-that he came
over as agent of men of the first respectability in England."
He was admitted freeman at Plymouth, Jan. 2. 1037, and
with nine associates obtained leave of the colonial govern-
ment to commence the first English town on the cape.
The grant is indicated by the record, " Plymouth, April !!,
1037.'
Col. Edmund Freeman, of the seventh generation from
the emigrant, is found at Hanover, N. H., as the firsl
tier, in 1705; was first known as " Captain'' — afterwards SB
" Cohnul" — Freeman. He commanded a company in the
Revolutionary war, and was at the surrender of Burgoync.
His brother, Hon. Jonathan Freeman, was grandfather of
the subject of this narrative, and was horn March 21, 1745.
He was for forty years treasurer of Dartmouth College, and
occupied a leading place in all public affairs. He was rep-
resentative in the I'liited Slates Congress 1797 to 1801 .
was also of the House. Senate, and Council of New I lamp
shire, and enjoyed through life an enviable reputation in
the State of his adoption. He died Aug. 20, 1<.IS.
Hi- wife. Sarah Huntington, horn in Norwich. Dec, 15.
174S, survived him thirty-eight years, and died Sepl \
1 S III. >he being nearly ninety-eight years old. She was an
intelligent and devotedly pious woman. An incident is
lated in a biographical sketch of this interesting Christian,
written for the Boston RecorJrr, characteristic of her piety.
A clergyman who visited her two or three years prior to
her death, on kneeling to offer prayer, " requested her in
her infirmity to remain seated in her chair, hut she an
and placed herself upon her knees at the age of ninety-five,
uttering these memorable words, ' It never yet hurt mi
kneel in prayer.'
Jonathan Freeman, father of J. W. Freeman, was horn
May 28, 1777, and. besides filling important offices, woa
justice of the peace and quorum in New Hampshire for
more than forty years. Hi.- Iir>l wife, Mary Whitebo
of Pembroke, wl i he married Nov. 8, 1803, died I'
23, 1829, aged fort} live. He married, second, Eliz.ib.-lh
Digby Belcher Oliver, daughter of a for r rector of the
church in Sal. -in, Mas-.. Ma) 1. 1833. She -lied April .8,
1852, Mr. Freeman did Jul) 27. 1858, highly esteemed
and much lamented.
Jonathan W. Freeman i- •■Mi st son of Jonathan and
Mary . Whithouse Freeman, and was bom in Hani
.
yum. ♦
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<w a&.
r^K
^
THOMAS COLEMAN
is born Juno 16, 1808, in the town of Barnstable, Barn-
iblo Co., Mass., of an English ancestry that was among the
rliest settlers of Plymouth colony. His father, Nathaniel
ileinnn was also born in the same town, and was engaged
rouehout bis life in arduous seafaring pursuits, mostly in the
asting trade. The father died in 1848, at the age of sixty-
dit years.
Mr. Coleman's opportunities of acquiring an education in
rlv life were limited to attendance upon the common district
hool of bis native town, during the winter months only, until
was sixteen years of age. In 1824 he became a clerk in a
iiv at New Bedford, Mass., in which position he remained
itil 1827, when he removed to Troy, N. Y., where be has
106 resided. In 1832 he formed a copartnership with Cornelius
huyler in the oil, paint, and
S-staff trade, and retained that
nuection until 1S37, when be
andoned it to engage later in
0 wholesale lumber business,
om 1840 to 1866, Mr. Cole-
in was prominently and success-
ly identified with this mercan-
2 interest, which he conducted
West Troy. From 1852 to
G3 he was a director of the
ink of Troy, resigning there-
im to assume the presidency of
3 First National Bank of Troy,
which institution he was one
the founders. He still main-
ns this relation with the bank,
d is widely and justly known
au honorable, sagacious, and
udent banker. He is also presi-
ut of the Star Knitting Com-
ny, an extensive manufacturing
terprise at Cohoes. In 1856
was made one of the board of
vernors of the Marshall In-
uiary, and upon the death of
m. Jonas C. Heartt was elected
'sident of the institution.
Although his life has been one of incessant business activity,
has not remained a silent observer of events, or of the growth
1 prosperity of the city, but has borne a conspicuous part in
works intended to promote the causes of morality, religion,
1 education, to further the interests of society, and to ad-
ice the sway of law and the prevalence of order.
He was one of the organizers and early friends of the Young
;n's Association of Troy ; served on its executive committee
several years, and was its president in 1844. Upon attaining
l majority, in 1829, Mr. Coleman attached himself to the
itional Republican organization, and went with his party into
' ranks of the Whigs. When the American party was
med he joined that organization, although not a member of
secret orders, and subsequently connected himself with the
publican party, of which he has long remained an honored
i a useful member. In 1S57, Mr. Coleman was elected alder-
n of the Third Ward of the city of Troy, and served his con-
sents and the city generally most faithfully for four years.
e?^h^y-\ i <^3 * -yP^C*^^
In 1858, by a union of the American and Republican parties,
he was chosen to represent the city in the Assembly of tint State,
and was re-elected the following year. In tin- Assembly of 1859
he served on the committee on banks, ami was chairman of the
select committee that reported the bill, which subsequently
passed and still remains on the statute book, revising ami re-
enacting all the laws relating to the Onondaga Salt Springs.
In the Assembly of 1800 he again served as chairman of the
committee on banks. When the Capitol police district was
formed, in 1805, be was appointed by Governor Fenton a mem-
ber of the board of commissioners, and served as such and
also as treasurer of the board until the law creating the district
was repealed. He was also a commissioner of the Rensselaer
police force. In 1872, Mr. Coleman was chosen a Presidential
elector of the State, and cast the
_ vote of the Twelfth Senatorial
and Congressional District, com-
posed of the counties of Rensse-
laer and Washington, for Gen.
Grant. In 1875 he was nomi-
nated by acclamation by the Re-
publicans of the above district for
the office of State senator, and
was elected by a large majority.
Throughout the term be per-
formed efficient service as chair-
man of the committee on banks,
public buildings, and grievances,
and as a member of the committee
on commerce and navigation.
Mr. Coleman conducted the
investigation which the Senate
directed to be made into the
charges preferred by the Governor
against the Hon. D. W. C. Ellis,
superintendent of the banking de-
partment ; and it was largely due
to the care, deliberation, and
judgment with which the inquiry
was directed, and its entire free-
dom from all partisan or personal
bias, that the removal of that
official was effected by the nearly unanimous vote of the Senate.
Mr. Coleman declined a re-election to the Senate upon the
expiration of his term. In January, 1839, be was united in
marriage to Miss Catharine Jane Richards, daughter of Lewis
Richards, a merchant of Troy. He is a member of the Uni-
tarian Church, and one of its most liberal supporters.
Mr. Coleman possesses a strong and vigorous mind, with in-
tegrity of purpose and great firmness of character. He has
discharged the duties of important public trusts with conceded
ability and conscientious fidelity. As a citizen he enjoys the
universal confidence and respect of the community. He has
always acted upon the policy that whatever is worth doing at
all should be done thoroughly and well. Without pretension as
a speaker or writer, few men are able to present reasons and
arguments more forcibly or tersely. In every work committed to
his hands, in public or private life, Mr. Coleman has labored
with diligence, perseverance, and efficiency, and wholesome
practical results testify to the value of his services.
*w/
Photo, by Atkinson, Troy, N. Y.
WUjlI
CX^v^K
William Barton was born in Troy, N. Y., Feb. 7,
1805, and was next to the eldest in the family of three
and three daughters of Robert and Mary (Carpenter)
Barton, the former a native of Dutchess County, and the
tatter a native of Ulster Co., N. Y. His parents came to
Troy in lsn3. His father at that time was a fanning-
mill maker; was afterwards in the grocery and provision
business, and still later in the manufacture of soap and
candles. He was an active business man, was connected
with various enterprises in the early history of Troy, and
was in politics one of the old Federal party. He died
in Troy, in the year 1836. aged fifty-nine. His wife died
in 1866, aged eighty-six. Both were members of the
Society of Friends.
William Barton received a good education at the Friends'
School, at Nine Partners, Dutchess Co., N. Y. For many
- he was connected with his father in business in Troy.
In l>:i'_' | having previously studied engineering with Amos
E '"ti and others he became assistant engineer in the con-
struction of the macadamized road from Troy to Benning-
ton. In 1833 "I be was assistant engineer on the Rens-
selaer and Saratoga Railroad, and in the construction of the
bridge al Troy, over the Hudson River, for that road.
1 339 he was engaged in the surveys for
the nd Albany Railroad, and subsequently
tractcd to build sections of thai road, and also to build the
wharves and accommodations for the depot on the cast side
of the Hudson al Albany.
In May, 1839, Mi Barton married Mary A., daughter
of James and Rebecca Wells, of Springfield, Mass., and
nster of David A. Wells, of Norwich. Conn. Returning
to Troy the same year, he was appointed city surveyor, am
held the office almost continuously until 1S59, — a term 0
nearly twenty years, — during which time, in 1858, he madi
the first complete map of Troy, embracing the whole city
and was also the engineer for the extension of the wharves
along the city front.
In 1S59-60 he was one of the organizers of the Arba
Reid Steam Fire-Engine Company, and was its first presi-
dent. In 1S60-61 he organized the Troy and Lansing-
burgh Street Railroad Company, and the Troy and Cohoes
Street Railroad Company, and was the engineer and superin-
tendent until 1S67. He has been one of the directors
since the organization of both roads, and is now one of the
executive committee. From 1S70 to 187S he was engaged
in the coal business, at the corner of Jacob and River
Streets.
Mr. Barton has taken an active part in the politics of
his city and county. Was formerly a member of the Whig
party ; is now a Republican. For two years, 1847—18, he
represented the Seventh Ward in the common council of
Troy. He has ever been interested in all enterprises tend-
ing to the prosperity of the city where he has spent most
of his life as an active business man.
Reared under Quaker influences, he in early life held
that belief, but about 1836 he became a Unitarian, ami
after returning to Troy he became one of the founders of
the Unitarian Church in that city.
Mr. Barton is well known in Troy as an enterprising,
upright, and judicious business man. II is correct habits,
integrity, and honesty of purpose in all his relations of life
have won the confidence of all who know him.
Photo, by Schoonmaker, Troy, N. V.
John Le Grand Knox was born at Norwalk, Conn., Nov. 15, 1S03.
lis grandfather, Rev. Hugh Knox, deceased, was a native of Glasgow,
Scotland, where he was liberally educated and became a minister of
.he Scottish Kirk. He had a strong, well-trained mind, accomplished
literary powers, rare ability in the pulpit, and was the author of
several works, of which "Sermons," in two volumes, Glasgow, 1776,
and " Essays," in two volumes, of later date, are the most valuable.
For many years prior to 1800 he was settled as a minister of the gospel
at Bass End, Santa Cruz, W. I., and there married a Danish lady, the
daughter of the governor of the Danish West Indies. At this time he
became acquainted with Alexander Hamilton, then a boy in a counting-
house at Bass End, and discovering his remarkably bright intellect,
both taught and aided him, and finally sent him to a friend in New
Jersey for the promotion of his education and future welfare. This
gentleman procured him a situation in a lawyer's office, and secured
his admission into Columbia (then King's) College, which were the
preliminary steps in the history of one of the greatest men of the
age.
Dr. Knox died in the island of his adoption, about the year 1800.
By reason of the insurrection of the negroes in Santa Cruz, in 1802,
the family was obliged to leave the country. In their hasty flight
they left behind their estate, property, and records, and sailed for
Scotland. Hugh Knox, son of Dr. Knox, was born at Santa Cruz,
I in 1780; he was sent to Norwalk, Conn., at the age of eight years,
and placed under the tutorship of his father's friend, Rev. Matthias
Burnett. D.D. Here he grew up, and was graduated from Yale
College in the same class with the late Samuel B. Huntington, of
Troy, Roger M. Sherman, of Connecticut, and others. He married
Henrietta, daughter of Samuel Cannon, of Norwalk, Conn., and sifter
of Le Grand Cannon, of Troy, N. Y. He was a lawyer by profession,
yet on account of feeble health never practiced much. His wife died
in Norwalk, in 1812, but he subsequently married Martha Keeler,
daughter of Stephen Keeler, of Norwalk, and moved to Troy about
1840. He died in Troy, in 1S58, aged seventy-eight.
John Le Grand Knox was the only son of Hugh and Henrietta
(Cannon) Knox. In early life he received a good education and such
practical training as develops a large and honorable type of man-
hood. In 1816 he was sont to Troy to the school of Dr. Stoddard,
and March 9, 1820, began business life as clerk in the dry-goods house
of Southwick. Cannon A Warren, where he became conversant with
every detail of that business. After seven years spent in this house
he embarked in trade for himself, and for many years was familiarly
known to the citizens of Troy as a prominent dry-goods merchant,
retaining (by the strict integrity and good judgment manifested in
all his business operations) the full confidence of the business public.
He had associated with him at different times Francis Morgan, John
H. Whitloek, and Gould Rockwell.
After his retirement from mercantile trade he assumed a position
of trust in the extensive manufacturing and commercial interest of
the Troy Iron and Nail Factory of H. Burden & Sons, which position
he retained from 1S57 to 1876, when he retired from the active duties
of life.
Mr. Knox early became impressed with the principles of the old
Federalists, a party with which his father was connected in its early
history ; he was subsequently a member of the Whig party, and
during the latter years of his life he cast his vote with the Republi-
cans, although taking an independent position in politics.
He was never active in politics or solicitous of political preferment,
but always interested in all questions pertaining to local or national
legislation. Upon the whole, there have been few men in the com-
munity who, for so long a term of years, have gone in and out on
terms of confidence and intimacy among the most influential, culti-
vated, and worthy people of the city as Mr. Knox, who was a marked
gentleman in deportment and at heart, amiable and kindly in every
feeling towards others, and deeply interested in every true interest of
his fellow-citizens.
Mr. Knox was twice married : first, to Mary M., daughter of the
late Stephen Warren, of Troy, N. Y. She died without issue. His
second wife, Elizabeth Carter, daughter of Charles and Jane (Carter)
Sigourney, of Hartford, Conn., was born Aug. 6, 1813. She is a
lineal descendant of Andrew Sigourney, who lived in Rochelle, in
France, when the edict of Nantes was revoked, Oct. 22, 1685, and
who came to Boston with other Huguenot emigrants in the winter of
1686, where he died April 16, 1727, aged eighty-nine.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Knox have been the following :
Mary E., wife of C. E. Dudley Tibbits, of Troy (deceased) ; Chas.
Sigourney, assistant master in St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H. :
John Hugh, merchant in Troy, N. Y. ; Stephen Warren (deceased) ;
James Carter, assistant master in St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H. :
and Henry Cannon (deceased).
John Le Grand Knox died at Troy, N. Y.. August 21. 1879, in the
seventy-sixth year of his age.
Photo, by A. Cobden, Troy.
Liberty Gilbert, for upwards of half a cen-
tury a resident of the city of Troy, is seventh son
and eighth child of Humphrey and Elizabeth
(Bond) Gilbert, of North Brookfield, Worcester
Co., Mass., where he was born April 25, 1806.
At the tender age of ten he left the parental roof,
and until the age of twenty resided with his uncle,
Dr. Joseph Bond, of Walpole, X. II., where he
received a fair education. For some three years
prim- to reaching his majority he was a teacher.
In March. 1827, he came to Troy, N. Y., and
engaged as a clerk in the dry-goods house of 10. ov
W. Carpenter, where, by integrity in all his busi-
ness relations and an inn-easing l>u-iness ability, he
won the confidence of hi- employers, and remained
ten years. In 1838, the copartnership of the Car-
I »« - 1 1 r • -r- lieing dk-olved, a partnership was formed
l»t ween E. Carpenter and himself, under the firrn-
lKime of E. Carpenter & Co., which linn carried on
the wholesale and retail dry-goods trade in Troy
until 1848, when Ix.tli member.- of the linn retired
from the business, since which time Mr. Gilbert ha
given his attention largely to his own private attain-
Interested in the prosperity of the city, he ha
been somewhat connected with its improvements
He was water commissioner for ten years, superviso
of the Fourth Ward in 1855, a director of tin
Union National Bank of Troy, and trustee of tin
Orphan Asylum.
lie has ever avoided any active part in politic
and has never sought political preferment. For-
merly a member of the old Whig party, he ha-
been steadfast to its principles, and has been identi-
fied with the Republican party since its formation
His life has been one of activity, confined largely t'
business pursuits, and he has always been interested
'in educational and church interests, and the es-
tablishmenl of law and order.
Feb. 4, 1836, he married Lucia, daughter of
William Carpenter, of Strafford, Vt, They have
an only daughter, Mary Elizabeth, now Mrs. David
H. Montony, of Troy, N. Y.
PD.B
UorL^///aJ-
CITY OF TKOV.
281
. 11., March 7, 1S0G. In 1830 he married Sarah A.,
iu»htcr of Hon. Jonas ('. March, of Rochester, N. II.
is wife died Feb. 15, 1877, leaving six children, viz.,
[aj. Charles Freeman, a graduate of Williams College
id of Cambridge Law School ; Mrs. Walter 1'. Tillman ;
eorge, a lumber-merchant of Troy ; Mary, John \V., and
red. 11.
Mr. Freeman has been extensively engaged in manufac-
iring and mercantile business at Great Falls, N. II.. and
leu's Falls and Troy, N. Y. He was one of the originators
f the Union National Hank of Troy, and director for
lany years. lie was one of the incorporators of the Union
Vast Company of New York, and is vice-president of the
[arshall Infirmary. His life has been one of greal activity,
Imost wholly given to business operations, and his far-seeing
ml correct judgment has won for him in his business re-
itions rank among the first who carve out their own
ortunc.
In middle life he took quite an active part in the great
lolitical question's of the day. Affiliating with the Whig
larty, he became a staunch Republican. For some years
ie was a member of the "Republican State Central Com-
uittce." and was a delegate to the Chicago Convention that
lominated the late Abraham Lincoln for President of the
United States.
During the late Rebellion he freely gave his time and
aoney and did much to render assistance to the needy
amilics of soldiers. In the erection of churches and sup-
port of church and school interests he has always been
'known as a liberal giver, and a staunch supporter of all
that tends to elevate society.
HANNIBAL GREEN.
Mr. Green was born in Sheldon, Vt., in 1811, and came
to Troy in 1S^5, where he secured a position as clerk in
the office of Craft, Hart & Pitcher, in the iron and bard-
ware business, then a leading house in that trade. Though
young and inexperienced, by energy and industry he soon
occupied a high place in the respect and esteem of his em-
ployers, and in 1832, on the withdrawal of Mr. Craft, the
senior partner (an old and respected citizen of Troy), a
new firm was formed, composed of Messrs. Nazro, Tburber
& Green. In 1834, Mr. Thurber retired, leaving Messrs.
Nazro & Green to continue the business, which progressed
prosperously till 1838, when Mr. Nazro retired and Mr.
George H. Cramer, son of the late Hon. John Cramer, be-
came associated with Mr. Green, under the firm-name of
Green & Cramer. Largely owing to Mr. Green's influence
and business capacity this firm became widely and favor-
able known throughout the Northern and Western States,
and existed until 1S52, when Mr. Cramer withdrew. In
1855, with keen and judicious foresight as to the direction
local business would follow, he erected the fine iron ware-
house and stores ou Broadway (now occupied by bis suc-
cessors), and took possession of them the same year ; be also
erected in 18G5 a large steel-spring factory in the upper
part of the city. He retained sole control and owner-hip
of both establishments until a few years before his death,
when he associated with him his son, M. C. Green. By
3G
untiring perseverance, fair and h 'able di aling, and -t
devotion to business Mr. Green made bis firm one of the
I. H I n ilthi and most respected houses in the trad
and at the time of his demise il was recognized as one of
the leading iron bouses in the Northern States.
As a merchant, Mr. Green was a brighl example fur the
young men of our day to imitate. As a citiz in, no one was
more highly respected. He never soughl public ]ii;. or po-
litical honors, though often urged to accept the nomination
of the Democratic party— to which he belonged for mayor-
alty and other offices of trust. In private life be was a
kind husband and indulgent father; a Staunch friend, who
never refused money or service where either Or both were
deserved. 1 1 is charities were unostentatious, but large;
his was a life of active and positive usefulness and quiet
benevolence. After the death of the late Hon. John A.
Griswold he unwillingly accepted the presidency of the
Troy City National Bank, and to his excellent judgment
and sound business knowledge much of its present success
is to be attributed. A large bolder of real estate, he took
great interest in all projects likely to prove of public benefit,
and his influence was always felt in any cause he. either
espoused or condemned. The death of such a man is a
calamity to any community, and if we may judge the feeling
of our citizens by the in nse throng which congregated to
pay to bis memory their last tribute of respect, we are con-
vinced that Mr. Green's death was sincerely mourned, and
that Troy had indeed been deprived of a representative man
she could ill spare. Mr. Green died at his home in Troy,
March 29, 1875.
HENRY E. WEED,
son of Alsop Weed, born in Troy, commenced as clerk, in
1837, for Weed & Thurman, wholesale grocers and lum-
ber-dealers; admitted partner in 1S43; 1845 to 1852 in
wholesale grocery business with L. A. Battershall, under
the firm of Battershall & Weed; from 1S52 to 1872, in
the wholesale boot and shoe business, under the firm of
Weed, Stow A* Co., which was the first bouse in this part
of the State in that line of business; August, 1855,
elected a director in Manufacturers' Bank; March, 1864,
elected vice-president ; January, 18G5, elected vice-president
of Manufacturers' National Bank; January, 1877, elected
president of Manufacturers' National Bank ; 1857, elected
county treasurer, by Board of Supervisors, to fill vacancy
occasioned by death of Mr. Hamblin.
URI GILBERT.
The history of Troy City would be incomplete without
giving in its pages a narration of a few facts connected
with the life of one of its leading and substantial business
men, — Mr. Uri Gilbert, who for over fifty years has been
an important factor, not only in the manufacturing interests
of Troy, but. of the United States.
His ancestors were among the early settlers of Connec-
ticut. His father, Rev. John D. Gilbert, was born at
Reading, Conn., Aug. 20, 1782; married Susan Thomas,
a native of Savannah, Ga. Of this union .were born five
II l.STORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
children, — four Bona and one daughter, of whom he is
second son. burn in Broadalbin, Fulton Co., N. Y.. July
10, 1809. For some forty years his father was a devoted
Episcopalian minister, and died at Painted Post, N. V..
March 11. 1857. Bis mother died March 22, 1864, at
the :il'>- "!' eighty-eight.
Mr. Gilbert's boyhood was spenl at home in the usual
routine of school life. At the age of fifteen he came to
Troy and commenced learning the trade of carriage-making
with Orsamus Eaton, and iu 1830 was admitted to ;i part-
nership with that gentleman. This firm, styled " Eaton &
Gilbert," carried on the trade already begun more exten-
sively, and .supplied largely the mail-coaches for the South
and West by contract with the United States mail contrac-
tors, and the term "Troy stages" became a synonym for
strength, elegance, and durability, and the work of the
cern was in be found running in all parts of the Union,
ami also in Mexico. This firm also nearly monopolized the
manufacture of omnibuses for New York and surrounding
cities. Upon the introduction of street ears they furnished
nearly all the ears used in Boston and for many of the
leading lines of New York ; and from the beginning of
steam railroading their ears have held a leading place in the
United States. In 1862, Mr. Eat. in retired from the firm,
and in 1864 Mr. Walter R. Bush became a partner, under
the firm name of Gilbert, Bush & Co. This firm is known
in foreign countries, and has furnished one-half of the cars
in use in South America, and made large .shipments to Cuba.
Australia, and New Zealand, thereby making strong com-
petition with English manufacturers.
Mr. Gilbert has lived tn watch the progress of American
steam railroading from a mere experiment to its present
wonderful proportions, and also has the gratification of
knowing that the establishment on "Green Island, of
which he is the head, has kept pace with that marvelous
growth, and traces its origin to the modest little carriage-
works of sixty years ago.
In matter.- oflocal interest he is among the first to assist
in enterprises tending towards the prosperity of the city or
the educational institutions of its people. He was one of
the organizers of the " Young Men's Association of Troy,"
— an institution the influence of which has been felt be-
yond the limits of the city, — and i irwas its prcsi
dent. Be officiates on the board of trustees of the
Tmy Polytechnic Institute, of the Orphan Asylum, and
i- one of the governors of the Marshall Infirmary. In
bis business relation he was a director in the Farmers'
Bank until its close, and has been a director of the United
ional Bank sin, miration. Mr. Gilbert has do-
I his life almost wholly to business pursuits, h, his
never been on active politician, yet always interested in local
ami national legislation.
II formerly identified with the Whig party, ami has
been unswervingly a supporter of the Republican platform.
tn 18 10 he was chosen to represent the Third Ward in the
1 I mcil, which office he held continuously for Bcvcn
1 mayor of the city
i ro
Mi Gilbert i- a man of wide breadth of thought in
i'.us, and
that positive element as a characteristic which enables hiu
to engage in large enterprises and carry forward to a sue
eessful completion whatever be undertakes. His integrit'
in all business relations, bis sound judgment and even tela
peranum, his social and genial qualities, have wou for hin
the confidence of his fellow-citizens.
In 1832 he married Frances Harriet, daughter of Josial
ami Polly Granger, of Schenectady. Their children ari
Mary, William L. deceased . William E., Frances Ade
laide, Edward G., and Josephine Louise (deceased i. Hi
two sous. William E. ami Edward C. are associated witl
him iu business.
BARVEY SMITH
was born in Middlesex Co., Conn., July 29, 17%. He i:
tilth child and fourth son of Michael and Mary ( Hall
Smith ; the former, a native of Connecticut, — a shoeuiake
by trade. — was a soldier in the war for independence, am
at. .1 as a privateer ; lost one of bis legs in an engagemen
on Long Island Sound. lie died in East Hampden, Conn.
March. 1S2S. at the age of sixty-nine. The latter was als.
a native of Middlesex Co., Conn., and died at the age
seventy-three, about the year 1S43.
Mr. Smith's opportunities for an education from book:
were very limited. At the tender age of eleven lie left th.
parental roof to care for himself, and at the age of six;
engaged as a weaver in a woolen-mill, and remained then
until after the close of the war (January, 1815). Tin
same year he came to Rensselaer County, was with Cibb;
& Hurlbut, of Nassau, for one year as a weaver, and it
1 SI G he became a clerk in the grocery-store of bis uncle a
Utica; and. after some three years spent in other busines
in the western part of the State, he came to the city o
Troy, September. 1S20. For one year he was with Town
send McCoun as a teamster ; for two years a porter in hi:
store; from this be engaged in the truck business will
Mr. Raymond, which was carried on under the firm-nami
of" Raymond & Smith" until 1S31, when he bad accumu-
lated sufficient to begin business, and entered a partnershi]
with Joseph A. Wood in the grocery business. The firm ol
Smith & Wood did business until 1S50, when his partnci
1, It the concern, and Mr. Smith carried it on for anothct
year, and disposed of the business. In 1852 he entered
the firm of Wager, Richmond & Smith in the uianufactun
i.f stoves, which continued business until 1855, and Mr.
Smith formed a copartnership with his son-in-law, with tin
firm-name of Smith & Sheldon, and about three years later
the linn became Smith, Sheldon & Co. and continued until
I860, when he retired from the active duties of life. This
i- another example of a struggle with poverty in early life,
resulting in a successful busin i. nice and
care.
Mr. Smith has been a voter for threescore years, was in
council, in the earlier days of his life, with the Silver Cray
Whig-, and never identified himself, subsequent to the dis-
organisation of (be Whig party, with either the Democratic
or Republican parties. For eleven years in succession be
acted on the board of* water commissi rs, beginning with
the yeat 1855, and for the same number of years be repie-
'rT^f "TO^
v.-
Sr&lrL^e^c, ^ST^z^^/l
■
^IK
ro*
'
CITY OP TKOY.
jeotcd al difforenl times the Second and Third Wards in
I,,, City Council as alderman, and for many years was one
,!' the directors nl' the Hank of Troy.
In the year 1825 (December 19th) he married Jane,
daughter of Mordccai and Catherine -lane (Anderson)
McLeod, of Broadalbin, Pulton Co., N. V. Her father
was a native of the Isle of Skye, Scotland, who came to
this country as a soldier in the English army, and served
„,uler Gen. Burgoync at the battle of Saratoga. She was
born Aug. 19, 1804, and has been a member of the Baptist.
Church for fifty years. They have an only daughter, Mrs.
Frederick A. Sheldon, of Troy.
HENRY WRIGHT STRONG
was bom at Amherst, Mass., Dec. 11, 1810. He was a
descendant in the seventh generation from Samuel Strong,
of Northampton, Mass., who was a son of Elder John
Strong, — noticed in the records of Massachusetts as a resi-
dent there in \i\'.\~i.
Members of this time-honored and old family have been
representatives in State and national legislation, advocates
of freedom, and soldiers and officers of rank in the war for
independence, founders and promoters of educational insti-
tutions, and defenders of the Constitution and Union estab-
lished by the fathers.
His father, Hezekiah Wright Strong, was one of the
founders of Amherst College, having taken up bis residence
at Amherst in the year 1810, where he practiced law and
resided until his death. He was a near relative of Caleb
Strong, Governor of Massachusetts.
Henry W. Strong was a member of the first class that
took a full course of study and graduated at Amherst Col-
lege in 1825. (He was then fourteen and a half years of
age, and graduated with honors.) Two years afterwards,
in 1827, he came to Troy and became a student of the law
in the office of the late Judge Isaac McConihe.
In 1830, at the January term, he was admitted to the
bar, and immediately opened an office in Troy for the prac-
tice of law, where he remained until his death, and where he
rapidly rose in his profession and ranked among the most
eminent of the Rensselaer County bar. He was connected
with the law-firms of Baker & Strong and Strong & Kellogg.
Early in life he took a deep interest in politics and was a
strong advocate of Democratic principles, his addresses and
writings being characterized for that maturity of judgment,
soundness of thought, and ripe scholarship, more common
to men of riper years. While yet only twenty-five years
of age he was appointed recorder of tho city of Troy,
which honorary position, for one so young, be filled with
ability and to the satisfaction of the people for six years.
For five years he represented Troy in the State Senate, a
part of which time he was chairman of the judiciary
committee. In the Constitutional Convention ot 184b'
he was one of the secretaries. For one year he was presi-
dent of the Young Men's Association of Troy, and was
one of the founders of that time-honored institution. As
a speaker Mr. Strong was ready, dignified, forcible, and
earnest; as a writer he was clear, terse, and correct.
While a member of the Senate he married Sarah Eliza-
beth, daughter of Latham Cornell, of Troy. Hi- children
are Henry Wrighl i deceased i and Latham Cornell, a gradu-
ate of Union College in 1868, a student of law at Heidel-
berg, Germany, in L869, and now a residenf ofTarrytown,
N. V., and already distinguished as a writer and a |
The character of Mr. Strong, a- it appeared to hi- M
eiates of the profession, may be better expressed by quota-
tions from addresses made at a meeting of the Rensselaer
County bar, Feb. 29, 1848, the day after his death.
Hon. II. P. Harl was called to the chair, and A. I''.
Wheeler appointed secretary-
On motion of Hon. Martin I. Town-end. the Chair ap-
pointed A. B. Olin, James M. Stevenson, David L, Sey-
mour, Gardiner Stow, and Henry Z. Hayner a committee
to prepare resolutions.
"Resoked, That in the doath of tho Hon. Henry W. Strong tho
members of this bar are called to mourn the loss of one o
honored and distinguished members ; that his amenity and private
worth are well known to those who have had tho pleasure of an inti-
mate acquaintance with him. In tho public station he baa filled,
he has been alike faithful and distinguished. His run- qualities as a
judge will be long remembered by those who praotioed before htm.
No man had fewer prejudices to combat, or ap] bed any subject
for consideration and decision more free from bias. is a senator ho
was ever watchful, faithful, and industrious, ana tho legislative halls
have rarely echoed to moro dignified and effective eloquence than his.
All regret— deeply regret— that he has been called thus early away
from among us, from tho midst of his high hopes and higher use-
fulness."
CAPTAIN EBENEZER H. VIRGIL.
Among those who first engaged in the express business
in this State, and the real founder of the National Express
Company, is the subject of this narrative.
Captain E. H. Virgil was born in the town of Egremont,
Berkshire Co., Mass., Sept. 26, 1S0S. He is eldest son
of Abraham Virgil, who was a native of Connecticut, and
of Scotch and French descent, His father removed from
Massachusetts in 1810, and settled in Fabius, Onondaga
Co., N. Y. In 1820 he removed to Richland, Oswego
Co., where, with his family, he settled on a wilderness
tract of land and built a log cabin. Subsequently the fam-
ily lived at Union Square, in the same county, where both
parents died, his father at the age of fifty-two, and his
mother at the age of thirty-two.
When twenty years old, Mr. Virgil went into the busy
world for himself, without pecuniary assistance, but pos-
sessed of that resolution and will-power to do something
which so characterized him in his maturer manhood. He
began as a stage-driver for John M. Sherwood, on the
route from Auburn to Geneva. In 1829 he came to Al-
bany, and was for three mouths a driver and for two years
a clerk in the office of Thorpe & Sprague. He was en-
gaged in the construction of the Mohawk and Schenectady
Railroad in 1832, and upon its completion he became a
clerk in the office of Baker & Walker, stage-men, of Al-
bany. He remained with them until the completion of
the Boston and Albany Railroad. The express business
was then in its infancy, and Harden & Co. controlled the
* A sketch of the life of Latham C. Strong will be found on anol her
page of this work.
284
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
business Prom Albany t" Now York and From New York
In the winter of 1841, Samuel Jacobs made a
trip in Montreal, with a view of establishing an express
line !>v stage between Albany and that city. A second
trip \v.i~ made, but very little encouragement was given by
business men to make the enterprise a success. On June
30, 1842, Mr. Jacobs again scl out for Montreal, taking
with him Capt. Virgil, whose experience in stage-routes
ami the shipment of goods led him to urge the necessity of
the establishment of sm-h a line with the business men of
Monl il The result was successful, and they returned,
bringing four money packages to Troy. Jacobs withdrew
in the winter of 1843. Capt. Virgil then took in Mr.
Howard as a partner, who, however, also became discoui-
iul his interest to Heury V. dice, of Albany.
The firm of Virgil .V Rice s in winter and
. ts aii'l .-■ luring navigation. In 184G they
nded the line t<> New York, and until 1849 carried on
a largely-increasing business. Mr. R 1 of his
interest in the business in 1849 to Charles Darling, and
the firm of Virgil & Co. continued its management for one
, when Mr. Pullen became a partner, and the company
was known as Pullen, Virgil & Co. until 1853. In I
the business had so increased that n stock company was
form National Express Company, with 1). M.
Ran it and Capt. Virgil as general manager,
transhipment of packages being more convenient at
than at Albany, Capt. Virgil, in 1 S IT, located his
in i In' former city, where lie still retains it.
During the early history of this express line, and soon
the Canadian rebellion of 1838, Capt. Virgil ili'l a
large business between Montreal ami New York as a broker,
and from 1843 to 1853 he made weekly trips, being very
rer of large sums of money, and acting as
stodian for Montreal and New York banks.
The ' this company was done by stages and boats
until the completion of the Northern Railroad, from which
time until lsii.j the company used -cars for their
Is, when their extensive business required greater ac-
■ the Hudson Railroad furnished four
rs "ii the line.
The business, still increasing, now requires eight express-
id Trunk Railway of Canada, lo secure
more i.ipid transit, put down a third rail, whereby the
r the Victoria bridge and de-
liver ilmir g 1- in the city. The express business during
the | li.t^ im rcost d with the d inlands of the
public, and tin lations now required to
meet the demands of trade were, in the middle of the
nineteenth century, represented by a -in.de carpet-bag or
trunk. S that
; tradesmen can foi ward the small
with equal safety with oi k, and at the lowi -t
■
Capt. Vii ian. Ue was
identified with the Whig parly until lection of
which tin with the
•v. Iii 1 - IT I
ircr for four yi are, « hi n he
Guards, lie resigned this position and raised a company
called the Jackson Guards of which he was elected cap-
tain. Subsequently he rejoined the City Corps as lit men.
ant under Captain Shields, which place he resigned in
IS60. In Is;;."] he married Lorana, daughter of Jonathan
Austin, of Albany. Their children are William and
Henry Clay, deci i- d. and an only daughter, — Mrs. William
Paschen, of Troy.
WILLIAM GURLEY
is of New England origin, and a descendant of the eighth
generation from William Gurley, the founder of the family
in this country, who was horn in Scotland. 16(35,
brought here when young, married Hester Tngcrsoll. daugh-
ter of John Engersoll, of Westfield, Mass.. and became one
of the first settlers of Northampton, Mass. He was acci-
dentally drowned in the Connecticut River at the age of
twenty-tun. leaving an only child, a son. about one fl
Mr. i lurley's father.
Ephraim Gurley was a native of Man-field. Conn. He
was born in 1789, and married Clarissa Sharp, a nativi
Willington, Conn. In the year 1S13 he settled in West
Troy, Albany Co., N. Y., where, in 1SIG. he started an
iron-foundry, and two years later removed to Troy, then a
newly-incorporated hut already thriving city, where, in
connection with Mr. Alphcus Hanks, he established the
first iron-foundry in Rensselaer Country, — a business which
has now grown to be a most important interest in this
section of the State.
William Gurley was horn in the city of Troy, March 16,
1821. Ilis father dying in 1829, he and a younger
brother, Lewis K.. and sister. Clara A., were left to the
sole cave of a widowed mother, of comparatively feeble
health and of small pecuniary means. Rightly judging
that knowledge and virtue were the foundation of all troB
excellence, she gave her children not only a careful res-
training at 1 ;' also the best education affoi
by the schools in her immediate vicinity.
William, choosing the profession of a civil engineer.
attended tie Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, — then and
now an excellent scientific school. — from which he WtU
graduated with the usual honor in 1839.
After following the business of a surveyor for SOtM
years, he turned his attention to the manufacture of the
instruments with whose use he was already familiar, learn-
ing the business in the shop of Mr. Hanks, then a wcll-
known maker of surveying instruments and church bells in
;. of Troy.
He remained five years with Mr. Hanks, and en
into partnership with Jonas II. Phelps, in the year 1845,
and with him prosecuted the same business much more
usivcly for the next seven years, at the end of which
time the firm was changed by the withdrawal of Mr.
Phelps and if n of liis brother, L. K Gurley.
The i,"W firm, under the Mat I' W. & L. K '■
itly increased their facilities: and for I lie pa-t
thir: they have been by far the most extens
manufacturers "f engineers' and surveyors' instil nts i»
the Unitt IS fli it (ire of May 10, 1802, entirety
\ /y^T'-^c^,
m
wKHrrannof-"
'HOIS'
i ^man one
M*k
'aits~a^?L
(MTV OK TROY.
285
•onsuuicd their establishment ; but, nothing daunted, even
"or an hour, (hey at once commenced to rebuild on a scale
icarly lour times larger than the first, and have since been
ibundautly rewarded for their courage and foresight.
The prominence of Mr. Gurley as a business man, and
his well-known intelligence and integrity, have long been
recognized by the community with which bis life has been
identified ; and, though always refusing to seek any position
in public life, he has never shrunk from what, he conceived
to be liis duty as a man and a citizan, and very few in the
community have been more actively engaged in all enter-
prises which lend to elevate mankind. But few years of
his mature life have passed free from the cares of public
office; and lie has ever been interested in, and a liberal
contributor to, the educational and religious institutions of
the city. For many years he was connected with the
Young Men's Association, and in 1851 was elected its
president. As alderman of his native ward he served with
general acceptance from 1SG0 to 1804, and as fire commis-
sioner he helped, in 1801, to inaugurate the greatly-im-
proved system now so much approved in all our larger
cities. In 1867 he represented the city of Troy in the
Slate Legislature, and was a member of the committee on
the affairs of cities.
As a recognition of the mechanical ability of Mr. (Ittr-
lcy, he was in 1808 appoiuted by the Secretary of the
Treasury to act on a commission, in connection with Prof.
Henry and other scientific experts, in examining the best
meter devised for determining the products of distillation,
to be subsequently adopted by the department.
Mr. Gurley is the oldest trustee of the Rensselaer Poly-
technic Institute, having been elected in 1851. He was
secretary of that institution from 1801 to 1S72, and
has been vice-president since 1872. He was a trustee
of the Troy Female Seminary for many years, and in
1872, when its existence was imperiled, be appeared
before the Common Council of the city and obtained a
resolution giving power to purchase the same within one
year. By the personal efforts of himself and brother —
they being among the largest contributors to the fund —
the large amount of fifty thousand dollars was raised and
raid to the city within the specified time, thereby perpetu-
ating an institution so widely celebrated and so tenderly
cherished, on the very spot where its prominence had been
attained.
He was one of the directors of the old Market Bank of
Troy until it. was closed, and was elected president of the
National Exchange Bank of Troy in 1877, and, enjoying
the confidence of the community, as well as that of the
Stockholders, he was enabled to retrieve its losses and close
up its affairs with a success which has been rarely wit-
nessed in any similar undertaking'.
HON. EDWARD MURPHY, Jr.,
was horn in the city of Troy, Dec. 15. 1838, and can be
justly called a representative citizen of a representative
city. Troy has a world-wide fame for vigor, activity,
enterprise, and versatility of productions. The character-
istics which distinguish his native city have marked the
life of Mr. Murphy. His career since I reached man-
hood has been identified with public matters. Educated
in St. John's ( 'oil, ■,., he « i i udent.
< )n the completion of hi I udie he rel urned to his n
city and embarked in mercantile affair-. At this time
Troy had a volunteer lire department, composed of the
best of Troy'i I, rain and brawn. Mr. .Murphy identified
himself with this coosl popular branch of public service,
and bis associates soon discovered the qualitie of hi- head
and heart. Notwithstanding his pi I ts chosen to
several positions of trust and honor in the department, An
ardent Democrat, he early commanded attention as a
sagacious leader, ami in b-Oi was elected alderman of the
First Ward. In this position Mr. .Murphy, although a
young man in a body which was made up al si entirely
of the oldest and most experienced citizens, was influential
from the start. He studied to secure needed improvements
without bearing too hard upon the class which was obli ;ed
to pay for them. The constant growth of the business in
which he was engaged demanding bis entire time, he
retired from office to devote his strength and energies to
building up a concern which has since become the largest
of its kind in the city of Troy. In 1S74, Mr. Murphy
was elected a fire commissioner by the Common Council.
The term of this office was for six years, but in March of
the next year Mr. Murphy was elected mayor by a majority
of twenty-six hundred. In 1*77 he was re-elected by an
increased majority, and in 1879 he was for the third time
called to the same post. During the last campaign the
JjnUi Star, a prominent Democratic paper, mentioned Mr.
Murphy in the following merited terms:
"For four vear.- Hon. Edward Murphy, Jr., has held the office of
mayor, and has discharged the duties with great ability. In this
office he has by common consent assumed the position of 'a first
among equals' in the leadership of the Democratic party, lie- is a
young man. full of life and energy, and one of the most vigorous,
determined, and persistent defenders of Democratic principles that
ever lived in Rensselaer County. Mr. Murphy is just at that ago
when lie is endowed with the vigorous strength of early man 1 1,
possessed of an ample fortune, and not unlikely ambitious of higher
honors. His power ami influence is dreaded by the Republicans as
that of no other man in the Democratic party. At the same time he
is earnestly hate,! by some of 1 lie old leaders of liis party in Rens-
selaer County. When once lie determines on a line of policy he pur-
sues it with all the vital energy of his nature. He not only strikes
when the iron is hot, but makes the iron hot by striking. His subor-
dinates catch his enthusiasm, and it spreads like contagion among
the pai ty."
Political leaders are always judged according to the re-
sults of their leadership. Tried by this standard Mr. Mur-
phy's record is extraordinary. Hohas been since 1871 a
prominent leader in the Democratic party of Rensselaer
County. Sir. Murphy is one born to command. In any
sphere of life be would occupy a prominent position. As a
force in politics, he is pre-eminent in bis locality. As a
business man he has been unusually successful. The Ex-
celsior Brewery, of which the firm of Kennedy & Murphy
are proprietors, is among the most noted of its kind. The
success of the firm, and their pride in the city, are testified
to by numerous and beautiful edifices which they have
erected. Ilis integrity and business capacity is so highly
esteemed by those intimate with him in commercial affairs,
286
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
that lie was selected and now is a director of the Manu-
facturers' National Bank.
Like ;ill other successful men. Mr. Murphy has a strong
will. Immediately alter his first election to the mayoralty
Mr. Murphy urged the building of a city hall for the offi-
ofthe municipality. A strong combination was formed
to induce the city to purchase another building, and to pre-
vent the erection of a new corporation house. Mayor Mur-
phy worked day and night in behalf of Ins project, and at
last IkuI the satisfaction of seeing completed a structure
which in convenience of appointments and character of
workmanship will compare favorably with any in the coun-
try used for similar purposes. In his personal relations
Mr. Murphy enjoys the respect of all classes. His loyally
to friends knows no faltering. He despises treachery, aid
the man who once deceives him need never hope to regain
his confidence. A man of spirit, he never seeks a contest,
hut when it seeks him his blows are vigorous and telling.
ll i~ no wonder that Mr. Murphy's personal popularity out-
runs parly hounds, and that some of the best men in the
party opposed to him have often been supporters of his
candidacy. Mr. Murphy is married to an estimable lady ;
n children are the fruit of their union. Mr. Murphy
i< in the full vigor of manly health. He looks the man he
is. — frank, cpiiek, intelligent, and honest.
WILLIAM KEMP
was horn iii Troy. N. Y.. Jan. 1 I. 1-1".'. His father, James
Kcnip, was a native of Fitchburg, Mass.. horn in 1791,
and settled in Lansingburgh about the year 1S1T, when
he married Elizabeth Haggerty, wdio was horn in that vil-
lage in I-1" Before coming to this city he carried on
tic boot and shoe business in Waterford. He removed to
Troy in 1821, and during the remainder of his business
life followed the occupation of ;i paver. II di >d in lSllil,
his wife having died in 1835. Of their five children.
William Kemp was fourth. His school-days were closed
at tic- a.'.- of nine years, hut his subsequent life has fully
di monstratcd that, although his opportunities for obtaining
an education from 1 k-. while young, were very limited,
In- lias 1 n a careful student of general information.
and | iind. practical education, which has
ripened with his years, until he rank> among the most
intelligent and sagacious of the business men of Troy.
I»uiiic_' tic remainder of his minority he is found in vari-
tl ir in the office of the Troy Host
for a short time, as a clerk in a drug-store at Watertown,
N. V.. for tw nd for a shorl ti as a clerk in a
I a- an apprentice, journeyman.
and foreman of a machine-shop, where he became not only
familiar with every department, hut was able to construct
any • engine On the site of one of the early
man i of Troy, the old Troy Bell-Foundry, — the
small concern in which Ezra S. Howard made guu-trim-
mings mop- than a half-century ago,— Mr Kemp, in I — -~« 1
in a small woodi n sh( p. for which he paid an annual rent
of twenty-five dollar?, commenced llic business of brass-
founding. Willi no capital worth mentioning,
sesscd of a determination to achieve success on his personal
merits solely, he sought no outside aid, relying entirely
upon his native energy and ability. His operations in this
branch of manufacture have gradually increased in extent,
and for many years have been among the most successful en-
terprises of Troy.
Notwithstanding the cares of a rapidly-growing business,
and its heavy requisitions upon his time and attention, Mr.
Kinp has ever practically manifested an unselfish interest
in educational progress. In 1S55 he was elected a member
of the hoard of education of Troy, which position he held
until 1S72. and for fourteen years of that time he was the
presiding officer of that body. During the late Rebellion
he was paymaster of the Second Regiment, formed in Troy.
For two years he represented the Fourth Ward of the city
in the Common Council, and from 1873 to 1S75 was mayor
of the city. While connected with the public offices of
Troy he was a strong advocate of retrenchment in the ad-
ministration of its finances, when compatible with its in-
terests, and in keeping with the prosperity of its citizens;
and in all his public duties he has never shrunk responsi-
bility, or withheld either labor, influence, or money to carry
forward to successful completion important public enterpris
He is largely interested in the extensive chain-works located
between Troy and Lansingburgh, established in 1S66, and
now carried on under the firm-name of J. B. Carr & Co.
Mr. Kemp is interested in and connected with various
other institutions of the city. He has been for many years
one of the board of trustees of Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, the Troy Female Seminary, the Troy Orphan
Asylum, and the Church Home, a director of the Citizens'
Gas-Light Company and of the Troy and Boston Railroad
Company, the president of the Troy and Lansingburgh
Railroad, and be was one of the organizers and is a director
of the Citizens' Steamboat Company, organized in 1870.
He has been a director of the Mutual National Bank -;
its organization, was for a few years its vice-president, and
upon the death of Calvin llayuer. in 1S78, he was ch -
president of that hank, and he is also president of the
Mutual Savings-Rank of Troy. Mr. Kemp's genial v.
sturdy character, and generous d Is have made him one of
the most popular of the citizens of Troy.
BREVET M U.-OEN. JOSEPH BRADFORD CARR,
U.S. v.,
was horn in the city of Albany, N. Y., on the Hlth of
August, 1828. His parents were natives of the Emerald
Isle, and came to this country in 1824. His military
career dates from 1849, when he joined the ranks of the
Troy Republican Guards, then organizing. Carrying tho
musket for a year, his soldierly conduct and efficiency won
for him a commission as second lieutenant. He rapidly
rose, through the intermediate gra li -. to the command of
tho 24th Regiment New York State Militia, which position
he accepted on the 10th of July, 1859, and retained until
the insult to our flag at Sumter.
On the breaking oul of tho Rebellion Col. Can- was one
of the first to offer bis «nr< to his country. On the
'y&Ct^a
i < ,
c ' " j
CITY ()K TKOY.
287
15th of April, 1SG1, the 2d New York Volunteers was
organized in Troy, N. Y., and on the 10th of May, Col.
Can- was elected its commander. Four days later its mem
bars were mustered into the service of the United States for
the term of two years.
Col Carr left Troy with his command on the 18th, and
sailed from New York for Fortress Monroe on the 22d of
May, arriving on the 24th, where he disembarked, and
marched to the north side of Mill Creek, near the village
of Hampton, where his counnaud bivouacked, this being
the first regiment to encamp on the "sacred soil" of Vir-
ginia. The colonel was most assiduous in the performance
of his duty here. The men were instructed in their various
duties, such as drilling, marching, picketing, policing, cook-
ing rations, etc., and taught to feel that much depended
upon their vigilance and discipline. A beautiful and well-
regulated camp was formed, which was frequently alluded
to by the department and other commanders in compli-
mentary terms for its precise, military, and cleanhj appear-
ance. Col. Carr participated in the battle of Big Bethel,
and with his regiment supported the heroic Greble until
the fall of that accomplished officer, when he sought author-
ity to charge the enemy's works. This being denied, he
was soon after ordered to retreat, which movement was ex-
ecuted in a masterly manner. The distance covered on this
occasion was thirty miles, the longest continuous march
the 2d ever made. On the 1st of August the regiment
was ordered by Gen. Butler, commanding Department of
Virginia, to proceed to Newport News. Here it remained
for more than nine mouths, nothing occurring to break the
monotony of the daily routine of camp-life save an occa-
sional skirmish with the rebels, and the remarkable and
ever-memorable conflict between the " Monitor" and " Mer-
rimac." On the 10th of May, 1802, by order of Gen.
Wool, Col. Carr removed his command to Portsmouth, and
took position on the exterior line of defenses. His imme-
diate commanding officer, Brig. -Gen. Viele, assigned him
to the command of a provisional brigade, consisting of the
2d and 10th New York Volunteers and Howard's Battery
of light artillery. In just one month thereafter he was or-
dered with the 2d to report to Gen. McClellan at Fair Oaks,
on the Peninsula. He proceeded to the extreme front,
when he was immediately assigned to Gen. Frank Patter-
son's brigade, Hooker's division, Ileintzleman's (3d I corps
of the Army of the Potomac, and placed upon the picket-
line. The old regiments at the front were numerically so
weak that the 2d appeared to them like a brigade. In con-
sequence of the absence of its regular commander, Col.
Carr was temporarily assigned to the command of the 3d
Brigade, familiarly known as the Jersey Brigade, which he
led throughout the battle of the Orchards, June 25th , and
the historical fight which continued with such sanguinary
results for seven days, and embraced the desperate struggles
at Glendale and Malvern Hill. On Gen. Patterson's return,
Col. Carr resumed command of his regiment at Harrison's
Landing ; and on the 2d of July, while engaged with the
enemy at Malvern Hill, Gen. Patterson, by order of Gen.
Hooker, was superseded by Col. Carr, who promptly
charged and routed the rebels, a number of whom he cap-
tured, lie remained at the head of his brigade during the
retreat to Yorktown, and until promoted bj th Pi dent,
upon tie- personal recommendation of Gen. Hooker, " fo*
gallant and meritorious services in the field, to !"■ a bri
dier-general of volunteers, to date from Sept. 7, L862.
'I'll,' intn piditj of to n. Carr was well illustrated during
the battle of Bristoe Station, one of the most brilliant i n
gagoineuls of the war. During the heal of tie- conflict, in
a murderous storm of iron and lead thai burst upon his
brigade, < ren. < larr conspicuously moved about, cheering on
his men, and otherwise encouraging them by his kindly
manner and unflinching courage. A singular coincidi a
occurred at a moment when the brigade was pr< id
by the foe. Gen. Carr had directed Capt. Benedict, his
adjutant general, to bring up reinforo ments At that mo-
ment they both fell, their horses having been shot simulta-
neously. The general coolly mounted the horse of an
orderly, and successfully charged the enemy. His bravery,
skill, and dash in this affair gained for him the sobriquet of
the '■ lino of Bristoe," by which designation he w.i- sub-
sequently known.
Gen. Carr took part in the battle of Bull Run, on the
30th and ::ist of August, and Chantilly, where Kearney
fell, on the 3d of September. In these conflicts be had
many hair-breadth " 'scapes" and thrilling experiences.
On the 17th of September, Gen. Carr was transferred
from the 3d to the 1st Brigade, composed of Pennsylvania,
Massachusetts, and New Hampshire troops. lie soon
after marched to Falmouth with the corps, and partici-
pated in the terrific struggle at Fredericksburg, on the
13th and 14th of December, where he lost very heavily in
officers and men. On the 12th of January, 18(13, he was
intrusted with the important command of an expedition to
Rappahannock Bridge, the object being to sever the com-
munication afforded the rebels by the bridge, and scatter
the enemy at that point. The troops engaged in this ex-
pedition were the 2d Division of the 3d Corps, and also
fourteen hundred cavalry and three batteries of artillery,
who suffered greatly from the severity of the weather, but
returned to camp crowned with victory. On the 30th of
March, Gen. Carr was officially notified by the Secretary of
War that, the Senate having failed to act upon his nomina-
tion, he had ceased to be an officer of the army. On com-
municating the fact to Gen. Hooker, commanding the
Army of the Potomac, the latter immediately proceeded to
Washington, and on the following day telegraphed Gen.
Carr that the President had reappointed him, to date from
March 3, 18G3. The spring campaign was commenced on
the 30th of April, and at this time Gen. Carr moved for-
ward with the rest of the army to Chancellorsville, where,
on the 3d of May, a sanguinary battle was fought. Here
he displayed most admirable judgment in the disposition of
his troops, and cool, calm courage in leading them. Suc-
ceeding to the command of Hooker's old division — the
white-patched heroes — after the fall of the chivalrous
Berry, Gen. Carr sustained the enviable reputation he had so
nobly earned on other fields, and was made the subject of
special mention in the official report of that battle by Maj.-
Gen. Sickles, the corps commander.
Directly after this campaign he was notified by tie Sec-
retary of War that his reappointment would receive the
---
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
date of his original appointment Maj.-Gen. Humphreys
aied '"i and of the division on the 1st of June, 1 863,
and G ' returned to his brigade. On the 15th of
the same month Gen. Can- moved with the army to Gettys-
burg, and participated in the memorable battle foughl at
thai place on the 2d :ui<l 3d of July, after a march of nearly
two hundred miles. Here his valuable horse, presented by
his friends in Troy, fell pierced with five bullets, and in his
fall injur., 1 the general's leg. Though scarcely able to
stand, lame and exhausted as the general was. he refused to
retire from the field, and. mounting another horse, contin
to dirccl the movements of his brigade. In no battle of
this war did the rebels fight with more determined fury than
;ic Gettysburg, as shown by the great loss sustained by the
two armies in killed and wounded. Nearly fifty thousand
red the battle-field and made it an awful scene of car-
nage. Re] lated charges were made and resisted. Tie- vast
armies in motion resembled the undulating waves of the
in. Carr lest heavily in officers and men. — nearly two-
thirds of Ins force, — while not one of lus staff, orderlies', or
headnuarl iped the enemy's fire. After the
battle the division general and nearly all the officers of Gen.
Carr's l»i - mblcd at headquarters, complimented him
for his gallantrj and •_• 1 judgment, and congratulated him
mi his livery from the fiery ordeal. Maj.-Gen. A.
A. Humphreys, in Ins official report of that battle, spoke
of him as coming under his own observation, and. said. I
wish particularly to commend to notice the i 1 com
-mi nation, and skillful handling of their troops of the
two brigade commanders, Brig.-Gen. Joseph B. Can- and
Col. William 1!. Brewster, and to ask attention to the
I by them as distinguished by their con-
duct."
Moving from Gettysburg, G n. Carr took pari in the
battle of Wapping Heights, and pushed on to Wnrrenton,
whci blished a temporary camp. On the 1
1 to Culpepper Court-House, and on the
5th I head of the -'>d Division
of the 3d Corps, a comparatively new organization recently
arrived from tie- Shcnnndoah, and advanced to Warrenton
Junction, and subs iqucntly participated in the engagem
md Kelly's Ford. < Irossing the Rapidan
in t! r, he was one of the principal
I G R iuson's T r. em,
and Mine Run. After the latter engagement he' returned
tion, where he remained until the reorganiza-
tion of the army in April, 1864. At this juncture Gen.
Carr was relieved and assigned t" the coini 1 of the Ith
2d I 0 This position he retained
until directed by the lieutenant-general to report to Gen.
immanding the Army of the James, who ] |
him in command of th line of di '■'■ ns on the
I' . rktown.
I in .In!;. i
'town, and report in him at the
front for assignmci rder, he was sen! to
I'. 0 C 0 I who i ' i ■ d him in command of
fur the b
wlii iwing day, im-
i of the Burnsid - mine. On
the -1th of August he was given the command of the 1st
Division of the sane' corps, and occupied the right of the
line iii the front of Petersburg. This position he retained
until October 1st. when he assumed charge of the defense
of the .lames, headquarters at Wilson's Landing.
During the seven months and more that he was stationed
here, he strengthened the defenses of the river and built
two serviceable and important forts.
On lie- 20th of Ma;. G ii Carr was transferred to City
Point, on the dames River, where he remained until after
the close of the war. and until our forces were reduced to a
ne re handful at that place. On being relieved from this
< inland he returned to Troy, and was subsequently mus-
tered out of the service.
On the 1st of dune. 1865, he was promoted to be a
brevet major-general " for gallant and meritorious sen
during the war,'' to rank as such from the 13th of March,
Remaining in Troy, the place of his former residence, lie
embarked in manufacturing pursuits, and while on a busi-
ness tour at the West, without any previous knowledge thai
the honor was contemplated, he received intelligence of his
appointment by the Governor as major-general of the 3d
Division. N. Y. S. M., to date from Jan. 25, I ?
In this position, which he Still retains, he render.
- of incalculable benefit to the State, during the rail-
road riots of 1S77, which were fittingly acknowledged by
1 1 vernor Robinson. Although threatened with the greatest
danger from the infuriated rioters, the citizens of Albany
had the extreme gratification of witnessing the dispersal of
the mob and restoration lo peace and order without the
sacrifice of life -or property, — in fact, without the firing of
a shot, — a result achieved by prudence, determination, and
skill on the part of Gen. Carr, and the brave officers and
is of his command.
Gen. Can- has risen to his present honorable position
v upon the claims of merit. His promotions have been
awarded him without the asking on his part, indeed, with-
out any knowledge that they had been applied for until
after they were conferred. They were si cun d u] on volun-
tary recommendations of superior officers, who had observed
ability and gallantry of (Jen. Can- amid the fury of
quinary battle-. Compliments thus bestowed, honors
thus awarded, are testimonials that possess substantial
value, and which unmistakably show the deservings of the
till ' soldier.
M si creditable ami brilliant i- Gen. Can's record made
during the war. The tributes of lien. Hookei
• The following quotation IV.. m :i r nt letter add
r.irr by 0 ii. He ikcr shows llic ojlimal • a- ;i man and ^ soldier in
wbioli In- «u< bold by "
".; i s City, I.. I.. 0.
"Mi DBA!) OEM. Cvnn,— ] formed my estimate of your civil and
■uili ' 'Ii I was lea liki
I..- deceive 1. for it tier,' i- in nil ol ''">!•
unci i or than thai presented "ii lie- field of until'- I
lini i' never found it, and my opinions formed <■! men in Hi"- i
:: ver had
My indelibly i
mind. . . '"> opinion
indanl opporlunii I !>} nm laic war.
In a word, thi n, u thai you are eurc ol my vo
s fC C .
■^C-
CITY OF TROY.
Meade, ami < ! in. 1 1 miipti n-y.-s arc evidences of his hero
ism, ami proof of his abilities and suceess as a commanding
officer. lie has won distinction by real work, by gallant
performances on the field of battle, by the exhibition of
eool courage and superior abilities amid the dangers of
bloody contests. The Trojan general, without adventitious
aids, rising from the ranks of the working people, and by
diligence in study, zealous labor in his vocation, and
fervent patriotism to stimulate bis endeavors, has secured
ilie plaudits of our ablesl commanders and the honorable
recognition of the government. His arc well earned lam vis.
and bis example is one ill all l'espeels creditable to himself
and vindicating the claims of honest, patriotic rit.
Gen Carr received the unanimous nomination for Secre-
tary of Siaie at the Republican Slate Convention, held at
Saratoga on the 3d of September, 1879, which nomination
was ratified at the polls on the 4th of November. His
well-deserved reputation justifies the prophecy that an
honest, intelligent, and faithful discharge of the important
trust imposed upon him by the people of this meat State
will characterize his administration of the affairs of that
high and honorable office.
WILLIAM CLUETT
was born in the county of Salop, England, Dec. 6, 1S06.
lie was eldest ami only son in a family of four children
of William and Mary ( Harris) Cluett, both of whom were
also of English birth.
Mr. Cluett received a g 1 education while young. For
several years be taught a private school, ami for twenty
Jgars he was a bookseller in England. In the year 1828
©married Ann, daughter of Thomas and Mary Bywater,
of Salop County. She was bom in the year 1805.
This sketch is being written on July 17, 1879, it being
the twenty-ninth anniversary of bis residing at Troy with
his family, consisting of his wife and six children, viz.,
John William Alfred, George B., Mrs. Rev. J. X. Mulford,
Edmund. Fred. II., and Robert. His eldest daughter, Mrs.
Cadby, remained in England ; but upon her decease her re-
mains were brought to this country and interred in Oak-
wood Cemetery, Troy. N. Y. Upon reaching Troy the ill
health of his wife prevented his carrying out bis intentions,
— to settle in one of the Western Slates. — and after a short
time he opened a grocery-store, which, however, be only
continued one year. For three years he was a bookkeeper
for Mr. L. Van Valkenburgh, a shirt- and collar-manufac-
turer. In 1804, Mr. Cluett again entered into business for
himself, and opened a book- and piano-store, which he
carried on until 1858, when he associated with him in
business his son, J. W. A. Cluett, with the firm-name of
William Cluett & Son. Their business rapidly increased ;
the firm became widely and favorably known, and was con-
tinued until about the year 1862, when another son, Ed-
ng election, and that I intend to -it cross-legged in your be-
half until I hear of your success. . . . Representatives who have
"'""' -"(l "u tli'' I'M the cost el' ..ur institutions mil be likely to
revere ilicni. Sincere!} 3 oui ~.
•■ .1. Hooker,
" Mnjifl -ilcuciitl."
37
niund 1 ken into the partnership, and 1 he lii m-
11. one changed to < 'lie it \ Sons,
In the year 1870 the I L d> partmi nl of the trade was
dropped, and the piai el 01 an bu im - •.-. liicti iva -till
becoming more extensivi ntinued. The Grin-name
is still retained, although only the junior member of the
firm remains w illi his father in lii' 1 ii
Mr. Cluett. has nevei b en ictive in politics or public
matters, yet, interested in local and State legislation, he
irds the righl of suffi p-eal boon of the Ameri-
can people, lb li,~ been unswervingly identified with the
lb I'IiIhi, an party since ii- formation, and ime,
after coining to this country, was a member of the Whig
party, lie has avoided all public notoriety, being conti nt I
with the quiet routine of a business life. His industry and
judicious management have given him rank among tin:
substantial business men of Troy, and bis integrity and
correct habits have secured (be confidence of all who know
him. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and a
liberal contributor to all enterprises having fa- their object
the good uf society.
Mrs. Cluett died in January, L876.
ELEAZER A. PECK
is a lineal descendant of William Peck, who was one of the
founders of the New Haven colony, in the spring of 1638.
With bis wife. Elizabeth, and bis son. Jeremiah, be emi-
grated from England to this country in the company of
Gov. Eaton, Rev. John Davenport, and others in the ship
"Hector," arriving at Boston, from London, June 26,
1G37. They bad suffered much from the intolerance and
persecution of Archbishop Laud dining the reign of
Charles I., and the object of their emigration was the un-
molested enjoyment of civil ami religious liberty. He was
born in the city of Loudon in 1601, and was there married
about the year 1622. He was one of the original pro-
prietors of New Haven, bis autograph signature being af-
fixed to the fundamental agreement or constitution, dated
June 4, 1639, for the government of the infant colony.
He was admitted a freeman of the colony Hit. 20, 1640 ;
was a merchant by occupation, and a trustee, treasurer, and
the general business agent of the Colony Collegiate School.
established on the basis of the Hopkins' fund. From 1659
until bis decease, Get. 4, 1G94, be was a deacon of the
Church in New Haven.
His descendants in every generation have been promi-
nent in both civil and military affairs of the country,
wherever they have been found.
Eleazer A. Peck was born in West Stafford. Conn.. Dec.
.15, 1815. His father, Dr. Daniel Peek, was a native of
Lyme. Conn., and married Persis Ladd. a native of the same
State. Of this union were born four sons and six daugh-
ters, all of whom were married and bad families. Klcazer
A. is the ninth child. Dr. Daniel Peck prai ticed medicine
during his life, was a member of the State Legislature, and
died in 1828, at West Stafford, aged fifty-eight.
His third son. Erasmus D . adopted the medical |
sion, lor which he was well educated, and was highly re-
spected and esteemed, not only as an able, kind, and skillful
290
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
physician, bat as an enterprising business man and a most
valuable citizen. Be was a representative in the Ohio
I. gislaturc fro in 1 >.">.") in 1S5!) inclusive, and in the Forty-
first and Forty-si d Congress from the Tenth l
M.inal District of the State of Ohio.
Eleaxer A. Peek received a g 1 education in the com-
mon Bchool and in the Hartford Grammar School. At the
age of thirteen he wont into the busy world for himself,
owing to the death of Ins father. Following the age of
en, lur three years he was a dork in a drj g Is store
nt Hartford, t' i.. and for two years in a wholesale job-
biog-housc in New York. In 1837 he went to Hartford,
Conn., and for a short time was enga itton com-
mission merchant, followed by five years in the tl- >n r trade.
In 1845 he came to Troy, X. Y.. where he again engaged
in the fluiir trade, but by mismanagement in the firm of
which he was a partner he lost all he had. With un-
daunted resolution, he began again at the foundation of busi-
i --. accepted the agency of the C ticut Mutual Life
Insurance Company, which then had been organized only
about two years, and began busiuess in a small way in the
city "I" Troy. Shortly alter his beginning, he associated with
lii in in business Mr. Joseph Hillman, under the firm-name
of Peck .V Hillman. This firm was the first to engage in
operations in real estate, stocks, and insurance in Troy,
which, after carrying on for several years, the latter busi-
ii>-: — si i that they dropped the real estate and
stock interests and directed their whole energies to that
of life insurance. Subsequently, Albany was added to
the territory under the supervision of this firm, ami about
_' the company gave them full control of the State of
. e|,t the city, which they still retained. 1>\
the fire of May 10, 1862, Mr. Peck was again stripped of
y his entile property. He at once sel about rebuild-
ing mi Fifth Street, where now may b ■ seen a block of some
ill" the finest residences of the city of Troy.
He has devoted his whole life to business affairs, giving
little attention to the bickerings of politics. Identified
formerly with the Whig and now with the Republican
he has ever cast hi* vote to establish firmly the prin-
ciples of those pariies. and t" support the strongest advo-
if reform.
He married, .June I. 1839, Lucy E. Wildman, of Hart-
ford, Conn. They have three children, — a daughter and
two sow Parents and children are all active members of
the Presbyterian Church.
WILLIAM II. FREAB
i- eld •■ in ■ family of eight children of William and
I1 rah \ Davis Frear, and was born in Coxsackie,
X. V . M irch 29, 1841. His father is a native of N
I'.ne. England, and his mothor is a natii
Long l land, X. Y. Ho received a g I education in the
1 and the Coxsackie Academy, and while
youi marked proficiency. At the age of sixteen.
1 a clerkship in a Btore
in his native village, and after t»
hoi I i I then a leading merchant
of Tr ■-. X Y During his six years' clerkship with Mr.
Flagg lie mastered every detail of the dry-goods trade,
developed superior aptitude for business, and won the
unlimited confidence of his employer.
In 1SG5, restive under the restraints incident to a subor-
dinate position, he took the i\'\\ hundred dollars he had
saved from his earnings, by an economy approaching hard-
ship, and embarked in mercantile life as the partner of Mr.
Haverly, under the firm-name of Haverly & Frear. They
opened a store in an unfavorable location, but the extraor-
dinary energy of Mr. Frear bore fruit in sales aggregating
three hundred thousand dollars during the three yeai
istcnee of the firm. In 18GS the firm of Haverly <-v; Frear
changed into Flagg. Haverly & Frear, with Mr. Frear as
managing partner, and the new firm opened business in the
Cannon Place building. Mr. Haverly retired in 1869. In
the following year a large cloak, shawl, and suit department
was added, and, in 187 I. Mr. Frear became and still con-
tinue* to be the sole proprietor. His increasing trade
caused him to add a contiguous store to his dry-goods house
in April, 1875, and still another otic, with an entrance on an
adjoining street, just one year later. Mr. Frear lie
trols a corps of nearly two bundled competent clerks, ami
his dry-goods house, in all its various departments, shows that
systi hi and order in its management, and that care for in-
tegrity in every business transaction, which bespeak the espe-
cial characteristics of the head of the concern. Mr. Frear
is unassuming and genial in his ways, public-spirited, and
liberal towards all enterprises tending to make society belter.
educate the rising generation, and establish law and order;
and his self-denial, resolution to accomplish whatever he
undertakes, integrity, correct "habits, and enterprise |
to the struggling youth an example worthy of imitation.
Ill 1864 lie married Fannie M., daughter of Charles
Wright, of Pittsfield, Mass.
ALBERT L. HOTCHKIN
was born in the town of Chatham, Columbia Co.. X. Y..
March S, 183:!. His grandfather, Geo. M. Hotchkin, was
a native of Madison Co.. X. Y.. where he lived during his
life.
His father, Geo. M. Hotchkin. settled in Columbia
County about 1830. He married Harriet Curtis and
reared a family of three sons and one daughter. He WU
a farmer by occupation, in politics a Whig, and was hon-
or, il with various offices of trust in his town. lie removed
t.i Troy iii 1846, where he died one year afterwards, ai the
age of fifty-three. Hi* wife survived him only six week-
Albert L. Hotchkin was the third son, and received a
fair education in early life. Ill the year 1S!."> he came to
Troy, and was for two years a clerk ill the drugstore of
R. 1, ,\ i. Drake. His father, possessing only limited
means, Was unable to render pecuniary assistance to hi-
childrcn, and hence young Hotchkin, ai the tendi
twelve year-. Bel oul for himself, and. unaided and alone,
with only a single sixpence in money, reached Troy, there
intend for position with y g men of wealthy parent-
and trained business ability. I pon the conclusion of
hi- clerk-hip In the drugstore be returned to Columbia
o fr&s&ve/t/i/e?
CITY OK TROY.
291
County, and worked for three years on a farm. Subse-
(uently he was with \V. <\ L. K. Gurley for a liw months,
ind for (wo years with the celebrated Dr. Green (throat
and lung physician), of New York. Returning to Troy,
he spent several years as a clerk in the lial store ol A. 1'
Barringcr, where he became so familiar with the business
thai, in 1861, he stalled the hat and eap business for him-
self in Harmony Hall block, on River Street.
In 1862 be removed bis business into the place formerly
occupied by James 11. Harrow, where, in the great confla-
gration of that year, he lost all the property be possessed.
In the year 1861 be married Delia M., oldest daughter
of Leonard Smith, an extensive furniture-merchant of Troy.
With no capital but experience and undaunted resolution,
Mr. Hotchkin began again to work out a fortune for him-
self. For six years he was the general manager of the fur-
niture-house of his father-in-law, whose death, in March,
1868, necessitated a change in the management of the busi-
ness, and a copartnership was formed by Mr. Hotchkin,
, Geo. D. Smith, and Otis Smith, with the firm name of
Smith, Hotehkiu & Co. In March, 1876, Otis Smith
withdrew from lb'1 (inn. and .Inly 1. 1878, Gefl l> Smith
also retired, leaving .Mr. Hotchkin sole owner of the busi
ness, which In' continues.
His indomitable perseverance, active business habit
integrity in all his dealings with other men have given bim
a worthy place a ig the business men of Troy. In poli-
ties .Mr. Hotchkin was formerly a Whig, but i- now a
member of the Dei sratic patty. For nineteen years, and
until January, 1879, In' was treasurer of the Troy fire
department, and held various other offices ol' trust. Be
represented the Tenth Ward in the Common Council of
Troy for the years 1863-66. lb- \\.» I lire com-
missioner, and held the office for six years. In the fall of
lsTi! he was elected county treasurer, and held the office
for three years. He is now the sheriff of Rensselaer
County, having been elected in the fall of 1876. Since
1864, Mr. Hotchkin has been a member of Apollo Lodge,
and is a member of high rank in the Masonic fraternity,
has also been a member of the board of trusters since
the building of the Masonic temple. He served seven
years in the 2-lth Regiment of the National Guard.
HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.
LANSINGBTJRGH.
I SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AREA, TITLE
Tub town of Lansingburgli lies upon the west border of
tin- county. It is bounded north by Schaghticokc, east by
Pitt-town and Brunswick, south by the city of Troy, and
by Watervliet, in the county of Albany, and Water-
ford, in the county of Saratoga. The farm acreage of the
town is stated in the census reports of 1 sT."i as 18!
but tins i> only an approximate statement of the true area.
: iwn in. -hull's portions of territory from two distinct
land patents. The northern portion of the present town of
Lansingburgli was set off from Schaghticoke in 1 81 D, and is
a pari of the old "Schaghticokc tract," so called, first set
apart to certain Indians in 1670, and afterwards acquired by
the city of Albany, and sold to the Knickerbocker colony,
who settled the valley of old Schaghticoke in 17n7. The
southern portion of the town of Lansingburgli, extending
h to the Fiscawen Kill, in the city of Troy, is a part of
the "Stone Arabia Patent," more fully explained below.
The title to a portion of the town of Lansingburgli was
grant I ! Robert Saunders, Sept. 1, 1670, by Francis Love-
in ■ ' of the province of New York under James
II. This tract was called by the Indians Tascamcatick.
- ith of it was thru a piece of woodland known by the
Indiai - Passquassick. This woodland, together with
Whale-fishing Island, was also sold to Robert Saunders,
M rch 22, 1679, by Gover 'Sir Edmund Andros. Aquit-
iwn of three bushels of good
winter wheat, to be paid annually, if ever such payment
should be demanded. < >n the 19th of September, 1681,
R 3 ild a portion of the woodland Passquas-
rick, which lay soutli of the Piscawen Kill, to Peter Van
Woggelum, tin creek being thereafter recognized as the
dividing line of the two proprietors. Whale Island is now
submerged by the increased depth of water above the slate
■ 1 .in 1 rived from a tradition that, in the
month of March, 1647, o whale ascended the river in the
time of an immense freshet and stranded u| this island,
aiel that citizens ol R k captured it. and cut it
ap. This tradition, related by Mr. W< issc in his Bkctch of
I. in the authority of Van dcr Donck,
the early historian of New Motherland.
I iii.-k t.. Joanm - W
and Wendell afterwards added to this pur-
of woodland which extended along the
■ northward to a kill which the Indians called Paensic
.- W, i,l. | i patent from Governor
Thomas Dongan, dated July 22, 1086 ; and the name of the
patent in common use was Steene Arabia, that is, "Stono
Arabia," — and this name was retained for over one hundred
years.
June 21, lTti:',. Robert Wendell, heir of Joannes Wen-
dell, sold to Abraham Jacob Lansing, for the sum of L
the thorn portion of the patent. The tract sold was
bounded on the south by a line beginning on the river, op-
posite the middle sprout of the Mohawk, and running east-
ward as far as the Stone Arabia Patent extended, and the
northern boundary must have been the Paensic Kill before
mentioned. From this conveyance there was excepted a
tract already sold to Simon Van Antwerp, and then in
possessi if William Rogers.
Abraham Jacob Lansing, in the year 1771. had a por-
tion of his farm surveyed by Joseph Blanchard, and laid
out into lots, with streets and alleys, and named the ]
"The City of Lansingburgli."
The map on file in the county clerk's office of Albany
County bears the following indorsement:
" This map desoriboth a tract of land lying on tlio • n-i side of
Hudson's River, about eight miles above the city of Albany, and is
laid .oil in :i regular square for the erecting n city by Ilie nai
Lansingburgli. The lots arc one hundred and twenty feel long and
fifty wide. The streets aro seventy feel wide, and the allej
twenty feel wide. Tlic oblong square (Green or Park) in Ibe <
served for public use. Laid down by a scale of ninety feet to 10
inch.
"Juno 7, 1771. iKi'ii lii.vxcii vun. Su
"May 11, 1771. A. Jacob Lansi.vo."
This plat is included between North and South S
and between the Hudson River and East Street. It con-
stitutes but a small portion of the prcsenl village of Lan-
singburgli.
Tl i north boundary of the St > Arabia Patent is Statod
above as the Paensic Kill. This statement somewhat con-
flicts with the Supposition that the north boundary of the
Renss laer Manor, extended to the river, was the north
boundary of the Stone Arabia Patent. This may, perhaps,
bo explaim d through a subsequent adjustment between ths
proprietors by which the straight lit f the ma
tended, « I of the irregular lb f the
creek.
u \ \ i i i: \i ri \Ti i:i -
The topography of this town is marked 1 peculiar.
The portion constituting the Lansingburgli of old timci
consists of a narrow plain lying along the Hudson ltiver,
To\V\ OF LANSING BURGH.
293
n,] includes on the easl a high range of hills thai presents
i sharp i trast to the level tract below, The hills lis,:
ihruptly, bnl are not to any great extent rocky. Kven the
iteep slopes are available as g I grazing-lands, while above
ire exccllenl farms of level or gently-rolling surface. The
lorthern portion of the town, taken from Schaghticoke in
1819, i« broken and undulating. The small creeks flow
hrough deeply-worn channels. In the northeast the hills
rise limr hundred to six hundred feet above the river.
The Hudson, flowing along the western boundary of the
own, assists in forming a landscape of great beauty as -ecu
from the eastern hills.
Several small rivulets flow into the Hudson. The north-
irn boundary is traced by the Deep Kill, separating the
town from Schaghticoke. The kill known in (he early
deeds as Paensic Kill empties into the Hudson a short dis-
tance above the Waterford Bridge. The Piscawen Kill,
mentioned frequently in the early documents as forming
the south boundary of the Stone Arabia Patent, is now
within the limits of the city of Troy. In later years it,
has been known as Mill Brook, and is a short distance
south of the old Bull's Head Tavern, now the Laureate
Souse.
III.— EARLY SETTLEMENT— SUBSEQUENT
CIJOWTH.
It is not easy to state who was the first actual settler
upon the present territory of Lansingburgh. In the north-
cast part, bordering upon Pittstown and Schaghticoke, there
were pioneers who opened up the country some years before
the Revolution.
Simon Vanilercook, now living in Lansingburgh, at the
age of ninety-two, states that his father settled in what has
since been called Cooksborough fourteen years before the
surrender of Burgoyne, — that is, he came there in 1763.
The traditions of the family do not make him absolutely
the first settler in that neighborhood, though nearly so.
Cooksborough is just over the line in Pittstown, but the
same neighborhood really includes a portion of what is now
Lansingburgh, the village of Speigletown being only about
two miles distant. But early as may have been the loca-
tion of these settlers in the vicinity of Cooksborough, still
the site of the present village of Lansingburgh must have
attracted attention a hundred years earlier, even if no settler
built on that fair and beautiful plain beside the river.
Henry Hudson entered the bay of New York Sept. 4,
1609. During the same month he sailed up the river that
now bears his name, and anchored near the present site of
the city of Albany. He sent a boat farther up, and prob-
ably to the head of navigation. It is safe to conclude that
Lansingburgh was " discovered" in 1609. There is suffi-
cient evidence to prove that Half-Moon Point, now Water-
ford, was settled within, at most, a period of forty years
following this date. The Rensselaer Patent was granted in
H530. Albany, at first only a fort, soon developed into a
trading-post, and to a colony of some extent. Some of the
early emigrants destined for the Rensselaer Manor passed
teyond its limits and located at Half-Moon Point. Travel
between that point and Albany was largely by water, and
must have constantly passed and repassed along the shore
of w hat is Hon I, msingburgh. Bui it is no i ded th ><
any .me settled here in this eai 1;. pei iod, Tl
tians of settlement have been alluded to in speaking of the
title. And even then previous writers ,1 t intimati
Robert Saunders, the purchaser in 1670, either settled him-
self upon this tract or induced others to do so. If- sold in
1C81 that portion which was south of tin- Piacawen Kill,
and in 1683 the portion north, and hi- name disappi
from the annals of the place, The purchaser of the
northern portion, who added to it another tract, was
Joannes Wendell, and his purchase as a whole became the
"Stone Arabia Patent." What he did about settling his
purchase and rendering it productive docs not appear. The
title, however, remained in his family for eight?/ years.
During this loii^ period Old Schaghticoke had been settled,
in 17(17. Old Hoosac at. North Petersburgh and Si. Croix
at Wallootnsac were also settled. They were in communi-
cation with Albany, and by way of the present sit,- of Lan-
singburgh. It is only a reasonable conclusion that some-
thing was (lone at Lansingburgh in the way of settlement,
but this period of eighty years before the arrival of
Lansings seems to lie a prehistoric age.
There is some light thrown upon this point by the excep-
tion in the deed from Wendell to Lansing in 176!. viz.:
"a (rait already sold to Simon Van Antwerp, and then in
possession of William Rogers."
It is quite evident that here are two pioneer names. By
reference to the well-known Bleecker map of 17o7. regarded
as standard authority, the name of William Rogers appears,
and his location is given as about opposite the entrance of
the second sprout of the Mohawk. The evidence furnished
by the deed and the map thus decides one point of early
settlement. Some distance back from the river and on a
line but slightly north of east from Mr. Rogers' place ap-
pears also the name of Hy Van Arnam. Mr. Lansing's
name appears upon the map, at the point where it showed
the well-known Lansing homestead, now owned by Nathaniel
Powers. There are two other names in the north part of
the present village, as shown upon the old map of 1767.
They are Peter Howey and Hubert Wendell. The latter is
the grantor who sold to Abraham Jacob Lansing in 1763.
The name of Lavinius Winne appears to the south, on
the tract not sold by Wendell to Lansing, back somewhat
from the river, and not far from the present south line
of the town. The conclusion is that three names may be
given as earlier settlers than Mr. Lansing, — Van Antwerp,
Rogers, Wendell.
Leaving this not exactly fabulous but somewhat uncer-
tain age, we reach a fixed and definite point from which
Lansingburgh dates its known origin. The purchase bj
Abraham Jacob Lansing on June 21, 1763, was followed
soon after by his actual settlement. Two or three other
families were already here, as shown above, and several
others soon followed. In seven years quite a settlement
was formed.
The map of the city plat laid out by Mr. Lansing was
tiled May 11, 1771. The survey bad taken place a year
or two earlier, for quite a number of lots were sold in 1770,
and the town-meeting that adopted the " proposals" had
met in January before the map was tiled.
- I
BISTORT OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Tlint settlement was rapid is shown by the papers which
follow.
>lr. ;,;,„. n . If not a city, yet a fine village, grow-
ing an. iiml liiin a> the Frail of his foresight and enterprise.
To the first Bettlers opon his tract he gave the rights of
"commons" in the surrounding lands,— right of pasturage,
right of cutting firewood and timber. This was a liberal
course, resembling Boraewhat tin* method of settling tli<'
N - England towns. His liberality was further shown
after the village was organized by actually transferring the
title t.i these "commonable lands" to the village. They
me the vested property of the village, were afterwards
and were the source of the vested fund siill held by
the village.
The following schedule of lots sold and the dates of trans-
fer furnishes in a condensed form much information upon
early settlement, both names and location, also dates.
Twenty settlers, it will be noticed, purchased in 177" and
1771. The lots can be found on almost any map of Lan-
angbnrgh.
No. "f Lot.
Will lMl
James Abaci, Juno 20, 1 T7J 3, 153, 154
acker, Juno II. 1771 '13
kcr, June B, 1771 169 to 183, I-:, to 192,
and Water Lot, 25
John Barber, Jan. 26, 1771 240
Abr . 1770 5, 211
Wal I June, 1771 >, lxl
gs, Jr., Nor. 18, 1788 231, 232
.. Aug. 24, 1771 66, 212
m BrinkorholT, June 22, 17<".J 159, 160
t.i Burnham "1
Iwoll -'■'• ■"■"
. June 1". 1786 :;7
Joy Cbambors, March •.'. 1 7> I Is
■'■k 84
Win. I'onklin. June 28, 1777 '•'. 1"
. March II. I7ss Water Lot, 19
I oopcr, Oct. 30, I7sii 71. 72
Curtinu*, Juno 11. 1771 -
; 3, 177:: 205
Ban , July 23, 1772 12
'. 177H 81,82, 152
March 20, 1770 17. is
rt I i-nl.i. Dec. ::. 1771
D. Fonda, Dec. 27, 1771 9! m •.".'
b. 21, 1777.
>, 1771
I, Doe. l". 177" In:'
r, March ::". 1771 22... 233
Hum. July 22. 1772 >'■»
■ 16, 17-.: i»
64
.. 168
-I
II 17. 48
17-7 18
177:: 206
I, April 28, 17-.. 19
-. April 24, 177'.' I l. hnll of 15, 261
Kr:,' tpril 27, 1775 ..25,26, II. 17.
pril 24, 1772 16
16, I77i.
1771
J». .7. 177" I
Lei d. 14,1790 115
' 1 *"•
: l
■7. 1771
77
-. 1777
7li
. 1771 II
■.1777
A»r
Onderkirk, March '■. 177.. 131
PI. II A William*, April 24, 1786 W.ter Lot, 17
No. of fjQt,
Maria Rosa, Maul, 7. 17SC -i>
Anlbony Kutgcra, June S, 1771 105, 129
Sol Ilote 10S, 1«9, 132, I
William Scott 134, 133, I
Cornelius S. Scoring, July '-"-'. 1772
Jonathan Sewers, Feb. 22, 1772 209, 21"
John Skiffinglon, April 7. 1771 127
Patrick Smith, Juno 3, 177-1 U
Smith A Whitney M
Benjamin Snyder, July 18. 17SI1. J
Elinor Tnvlo'r, May 23, 1770 1,2
liaronl Ten Eyek I
John Tibbit, Oct. 27, 17811 II, U
Jobn Tilliiinii. Auir. s. 1771 .'
Margaret Tillman, Aug. S, 1771
.linn.- Thompson, April 15, I77S 6S
Hubert Thompson, llec. 21, 7:: 1
llendriek Van Amain
John Van Cortland, Nov. 1. 1783 S3, 8«
us Vnndcnburgh, Sept. Ill, 17S0 193, 1SI1
John Van Rensselaer. June I. I7SC. 16 Water 1
James Van Vnrick. July 22, 1772 88
Abram K. Van Vlcek, Jan. 31, 1772. ..21, 22. 23, IC, with Water Lots
21 to
rind Catharine Van Wie, Aug. 27. 177" 130, 11
Aaron Ward, July 17. 17S6 t
Ralph Watson, Sept. 1 I, 177::
Frederick Weaver
Pi tcr Weaver, 1 9, 1771 7
Jonathan Wickwire, Dec. 9, 177a '
John D. Wilt, July, 1772
Jonathan W 1 1"
Wynkoop A Ten Eyck.Muy 3, 1775
• Yntcs, March 7. 177" *
Pctor W. Yates 34, 52, 104
Joseph Young. April 6, 1775 123, 121
Under tlic village organization, formed in 1771, annual
meeting were held.
To still further show early settlement and continuance
of residence, we add from the records of the earlier town-
meetings the following names :
177-.— William Spottcn, William Pemberton, Ralph
Watson, Jacob A. Lansing. Isaac Lansing, John D.
Fonda, Benrich Lansing, Ishma Austain. Josiah R
Abraham Stephens. Nathaniel daks. John Walker, Archi-
bald Campbell, Eldart Funda, Francis Lansing, Levinus
Lansing. Anthony Van Schaick, Justus Brown.
177:!. — Other names appear, — Abraham K. Van Vleck,
Floras Bancker, John Tillman, Roger Noble. Henry Van
Ariiuni. John Brassing, Stephen Marvin, William Carr,
dames Wills. .11. .lames Hoggs. Benjamin Evans. Joseph
Joy, Obadiah Benthouse.
1774.— David Callender, Christopher Tillman, John P.
Wynkoop. Cornelius Lansing, Michael Housewirt, John
Follett, Daniel Toneray, John Clark. Adonijab Stanborougll,
Cornelius Noble, Robert Thompson, Frederick Weber.
1777. — James Wilson.
17s- 1. — Albert Pawling, Jeremiah Hoogland.
17-"'. — lohn Van Rensselaer, Horace Seymour, Sidney
Berry, Samuel Cogswell.
Th« facts with reference to settlement and the del
nioiii of business appear in the following memorandum of
the business of the place in 17-7. 17--. 1789
There wore merchants in Lansingbiirgh doing bu
in 17^7 as follows: Aaron A: Derrick Lane. Ezra Hickok,
Jams & Dole. Piatt & Williams. Nathaniel Jacobs, Jr.
Thomas Bassell, William Bell & Co.. William Chas. I
well ,V Selden, Selden A Jones, Hoogland & Sey "r.
John Van Rensselaer, James Hickok, James Ma '
Flora Bancker, W. A. S. Brayton, George Tibbits, Wil-
liam Davis, Robert White & Co., William Spotten, Stephai
,v Shubael Qorham.
TOWN OF LANSINGBURGH.
Oilier business men were William Willes, gunamitli
and brass-founder; Julin Still well, tavern keeper; Matthew
Lyne, land-office; Samuel .limes, joiner and tool-maker;
Smith it Whitney, also Vates & lloekwell, silversmiths;
Caleb Smith and Enos Westover, coopers; Gideon llin-
iiKin, apothecary.
In 1788 other merchants were Ephraim Morgan & Co.,
Ephraim Morgan, Jonas Morgan, John Bordmat), Samuel
Chase, John Tibbits, Goddard Spencer, John T. Arden,
Joshua Burnham, Collins & Sherlock, Caleb ,V T. Street.
Other business men were Ananias Piatt, then proprietor
of the Bull's Head Tavern, but soon after of the old Village
Hotel, on the site of the Phoenix; Thomas Dilks, bums
and shoes; Aaron Noble, a batter; William (iucst, leather;
Stephen Jackson, manufacturer of cut nails; William
Carter, land office.
In 1 7S;» other merchants wore George and Benjamin
Tibbets, Christopher Tillman, Nathaniel Williams, Benja-
min Wintbi'op, Bedfield & Bradley, Jonathan Burr, John
llarbeck.
Oilier business men were William Disturnell, clock- and
watch-maker; Andrew Glass, furniture.
Passing over a period of tea years, a similar view gives
the following results:
In 17U8 the following merchants were doing business in
Lansinghurgh : Charles Seldeu, Joshua Burnham, Elijah
.lanes, Joseph I). & Roger Sclden, Joseph Mabbett, Cus-
kaden & Rutherford. Tiic following were apothecaries, or,
as they would be called now, druggists : Abiel Bugbey,
Russell, Forsyth & Co. ; booksellers, Lord & Sherman ;
manufacturing leather, William Powers; brewers, George
k Mat. Gill ; clothing, Eli Judson, Samuel Bontecou ;
bookbinding, John Shaw ; tavern-keeper. Asbbel Root, suc-
cessor to Ananias Piatt.
In 1799 the merchants not before mentioned were James
F. Carpenter, Alfred Richardson, Taylor Fordham, Alex-
ander Walsh. At this time there were advertised letters in
the post-office for a large number. Probably many of
them lived beyond the present limits of Lansinghurgh, east
and northeast: Simon Averill, Benjamin Armington, Philo
Barber, Roswell Bingham, Joseph Burr, Bush & lloogland,
Jcau Bonne, Thomas Bassell, William Chase, James Fenn,
Matthew Finlason, William Frazer, John Gaston, William
C. Gooding, Benjamin Gillespie, James Humphrey, Joseph
Huff, David Henry, William Hamilton, Silas Kellogg, Jer-
emiah Landon, Benjamin Lord, Zebulon Neal, Jedediah
Pendergrass, Josiah Parker, Elias Parmalee, Daniel Pine,
Keating Rawson, John Rogers, J. B. Regnier, John P.
Rensselaer, William Scott, Andrew Smith, John Stillwell,
Cornelius Sebrins, Alexander Thompson, Peter Van Ness,
Lewis Van dive, Major White, Walter White, Judson
Webb.
1800. — Merchants advertising and not mentioned in
previous lists were Thomas Wallace, Jonathan Choate,
Simeon Johnson ; furniture, Seelye & Skinner; boarding-
school, Mesdames M. E. & A. Sketchly. There were let-
ters in the post-office advertised for Nathan Brownson, John
Bull, Jesse Brush, Daniel Champion, Ezra Connuff, Fran-
cis Choate, William Chase, Zachariah Garnryck, William
Gilliland, Andrew Gillespie, Aaron B. Ilinman, Arthur
rJotchkiss, Silas & l>. Kellogg, Richard Lane Jonathan
Post, Jeremiah Stillwell, John Smith, Peter Wyckoff.
Upon a list of freemen in 1803, Mr. Ban I Bontecoo
furnishes the following memorandum : David Smith was a.
silversmith, as jewelers were called in those times, and his
simp was on the west Bide of State Street, opposite the
present Phoenix Hotel, lie was • eeded by his son,
Sidney D. Smith. It was by the clock al this jewelry-
store that the freemen regulated the time of their meetings
for more than thirty years. Thomas Wallace was a mer-
chant on the corner of Market and State Streets, the build-
ing where the school-library is now kept. Levi Coley was
a merchant, corner of State and North Streets, where
Marcus Fillcy now resides. He was of the linn of Gorhaui
& Coley. Noel At wood lived near the centre of the block
between North Street and Market Street. A daughter of
Mr. Atwood is still living at the old 1 testead. Taylor
Fordham kept a grocery-store in the centre of the block
east side of State Street, between North and Market Slreets.
John Winehell was a blacksmith. His shop was on State
Street, between Market ami North Slreets. Hi: lived
adjacent to the shop. Jonathan Choate had a blacksmilh-
shop on the east side of State Street, between Hoosick and
Lansing Streets. Elisha Janes was a merchant on the cor-
ner of Elizabeth and River Streets. lie bought produce
largely. Samuel Bontecou was a merchant. He came to
Lansinghurgh from New Haven, Conn., about 1794. His
homestead was on the west side of State Street, three doors
north of Market Street. Two sons of Mr. Bontecou are
living in Lansinghurgh at the present time | October, 1879),
— Hamlet Bontecou, at the age of eighty, doing business
every day from morning to night at the National Express
office, and Charles II. Bontecou, at the age of eighty-two,
vigorous and active. It is said that he can still run down
a horse-car, and spring on about as easily as the young men of
the village. John Wolcott kept a public-house at the south-
east eorner of Lansing and State Streets. Russell Arming-
ton was a ship-carpenter, and had a ship-yard on the corner
of Hoosick and River Sheets, and resided there. Lewis
Putnam was a cabinet-maker, and did business at the north-
east corner of Lansing and Congress Streets. Seth Seelye
was a cabinet-maker. His shop was on State Street, west
side, between Market and Elizabeth. He lived at the cor-
ner of Congress and Elizabeth. Samuel Sherrill was a nail
cutter and header, making nails in the old-fashioned style.
William Hedges was a partner of Mr. Sherrill, and con-
tinued the business after Mr. Sherrill left. Elias Parmelee
was a soap- and candle-manufacturer. His residence was
on the corner of Congress and Richard Streets. His fac-
tory was in the rear, on the alley. Levi Wand was a car-
penter, and lived on John Street below Lansing.
Upon the names of other freemen ^1S03 to 1820) the
following commentary will be found of much interest :
Daniel Seymour was a druggist ; store on the west side of
State, three doors above North Street. Joseph B. Coin-
stock was afterwards clerk in the Lansinghurgh Bank when
it was first organized in 1816. William Spa fiord was a car-
penter, and afterwards in other business ; he lived on River
Street, between North and Huosiek. James Dougrey was
a merchant, dry-goods ; traded at comer of Elizabeth and
BISTORT OF RENSSELAEK COUNTY, NEW YORK.
- ■ , and afterwards in other pirn J ua Griffing was
:i shoemaker; shop on the east side of State, between
North and Market John Rutherford was a merchant on
the corner of Richard and State, — the | n sent American
Esek Hawkins was a ahip-carpenter and caulker,
in partnership with Armington; the firm buill ship- for
ill.- West [ndics in those days ; he lived east side of River,
ecn II —irk and North. James Giles was a clerk in
i nelius Lansing's store. John Stewart was of the firm
of Mabbetl A Stewarl : stoic cornerof Market and State, —
ner. Sylvanus J. Penniman was a druggist ;
tirsi located east side of State, between Market and Eliza-
beth. John Gaston was a saddle- and harness-maker;
shop the present building of J. Fox, corner of Elizabeth
and State. Keating Rawson was a tanner and currier;
vanl was on Canal ami River Streets; residence in front,
on State. James Hartncss was a dry-goods merchant; west
side of State, between Elizabeth and Richard Sti
Frederick Forsythe was a tanner and currier; yard on
River Street, between Jay and Canal: In. use on State
Street James C. Wadsworth was a painter of houses and
- ; had a shop near the pn sent bakery of Mr. Ft
tween Elizabeth and Richard Streets, John B. Chipman
was a merchant, and had a store on the corner of North
and State, succeeding to Gorham & Colcy, already men-
tioned. William Adancourt, grandfather of Nathan Adan-
court, now of Troy, kept a tavern on the comer of 1 1 ■ ■• ..~i<k
and Congress, — southwest corner. David Dale was a black-
smith, and afterwards a merchant on the northwest corner
of Market and State. Andrew Thompson was a teller in
the Bank of Lansingburgfa ; he went to Vermont, .lames
Hodge, dr.. was a boatman, and lived on the turner of
Market and River, — southeast corner. Hugh Thompson's
father kept a public-house west side of State, between
Richard and Elizabeth, at the sign of the Black Horse, i
■ rendezvous during the war of 1812 for teamster-.
Meld rum was a brewer, of the firm ofParmelce
.V Meldrum. James Vail was a dry-goods merchant on
the of State Street, between Elizabeth and Rich-
ard. — part of the present American House block. Walter
Chipman was a clerk for In.- brother, John B. Chipman.
Richard Hanford was a sloop captain, and afterwards a
merchant on the southwest corner of Market and State.
h St. John Foster was a clerk for Lansing & Alvord ;
he lived .iii the southwest corner of Avenue and Market.
\\. add a similar memorandum in reference to Beveral of
lie. office! it the first annual meeting of the town
• Lai iii irglt rj inized in 1807: Ebenezcr W. Wal-
brid{ lawyer; lived on the east Bide of river, be-
i Elizabeth and Richard 8 Cornelius Lansing
i merchant, firm of Lansing k Alvord. He was
tween whom tl Id Lansing estate was
divided, Cornelius having the northern, Lcvinus the mid-
the southern. The store was the ]
bank building, northwest le .and Richard.
Aaron If Ilium physician; lived on east
River Street, between Market and Elizabeth. David
I m< an apoth n WCSl side of State
• 1 North, d. din Williams was
i ly living on tie
dames Adams was a lawyer; office on the west side of
State, between Elizabeth and Market. Shubael Gorham
was a merchant corner of North and State. Allen Me-
Lean was a grocery-merchant on the southeast comer of
Richard and State. Charles Seldeu was a merchant, firm
of Charles & Dudly Seidell; store on the west side of
River, corner of Elizabeth Street Asa Burt was a tanner:
yard on the cast side of Congress, corner of South ;
dence on State Street. David Thomas kept a public-house
at the northwest corner of Jay and State. James Hickok
was a merchant southeast corner of North and State
Streets.
Abraham .1. Lansing, the founder of the village, lived
where Nathaniel Powers now resides, next north of the oil-
cloth factory. This was for years the old Lansing li
stead. He died Sunday. ( let. II. 1 TIM . ill the seventv-
second year of his age. His wife. Catharine, died the
morning of the day before, in the sixty-ninth year of her age.
They had three sons. Jacob A. Lansing succeeded to the
old homestead, but he survived his father only ten yeare,
dying Feb. 25, 1801. Lcvinus Lansing's residence
the present residence of David Judson, No. 3 Grove Street,
coiner of River. He died in 1837. Cornelius Lansing
lived to a great age, dying April 23, 1VI2. aged ninety
years. His residence was at the north end of the vill
where now is the residence of E. D. Beach. The plac
commonly known as the Abbey property.
li BLIC-HOl SES.
fn the early part of this century the following taverns
were kept in what is now the town of Lansingburgh :
There was one at Speiglctown, now Mr. [{ice's house.
kept by J. Vanderspeigle, and from him the place received
the name it has borne down to the present time. At the
top of the hill was another, kept by William Holt. This
was on what has been known as Holt's Iliil, a little beyond
Oil-mill Hill. At Dwelly's Eddy, afterwards called Lan-
sing's Eddy, Asa Dwelly kept a tavern. This was before
1800; not kept long after, if any. George McCarthy kept
a public-house in what is now known as the Widow Lan-
sing's mansion. Opposite this, on the north side of the
creek, was a tavern kept by John Dunbar before 1-
Jonathan Wickwarc kept a public-house at the com.
Congress and Washington Streets; kept in later years by
Simon Vanden k. William Brown kept tavern at the
corner of ('anal and State Streets. That has been con-
tinued to the pn -cut lime, and is now kept by Matthi
Butler. It is an old stand. John Fitch also kept a public-
bouse on the corner of State anil Ja\ Streets. This has
been continued to the present time, or nearly so. At the
corner where tie- Lansingburgh (•'<r;ii/r office is lot
was the old tavern of William Hurstfield, and afterwards
kept by David Lamb; burned in 1834. Robert GeltJ
kept tavern where Charles Clarke'- paint-shop was recently
located. Mrs. Barton kept a place of entertainment wl
James Lea now ha.- a stove-store. 'flu- large hoiisi
.1 ph I on the corner of Elizabeth and State Sn-
has a peculiar history. It was built by a Frenchman for a
public-house, but about the time it was completed be
sailed fm I -,.| never returned. No heirs nor legal
TOWN OF LANSINGBURGH.
297
representatives ever appeared to claim possession, and
John Gaston, who had owned the lot, re-entered in posses-
sion. On tin; site of the present l'lm-nix stood the old
Village Hotel, a well-known hostelry of early times. That
site has been occupied for a public-house more than a
hundred years. The old Village Hotel was destroyed by
fire in 1834. The Phoenix was erected upon the site by
Esck Hawkins. For ten or fifteen years before 1800
Ananias Piatt was the landlord of the old Village Hotel.
He started the lir.st line of stages between Lansingburgh
and Albany, lie went afterwards to West Troy, and kept
a hotel known as the Ferry House; then to Albany, and
kept the Tontine, lit; afterwards retired to alarm hack
from Van Wic's Point, and died there. Nathaniel Jacobs
kept the hotel some time, and after him Robert Waud. The
tavern of David Judson stood where .Moss and Brooker
have built their residences, on the east side of State Street,
between Market and North. Tobias Loring kept a tavern
where John Ames' factory was located, — the one recently
destroyed by fire. Joseph Souza kept a public-house on
the corner of Hoosiek Street and the avenue where George
llilley lately resided. Nathaniel Guild's tavern was on the
site of John Zahn's present saloon. Capt. John Wolcott
kept tavern on the corner where Capt Wraven's meat-market
is now located. Robert Montgomery's tavern was on the
site of the present Wilson House. There were also several
other taverns in other parts of the village.
This list might be largely extended. There were thirty-
four or thirty-five public-houses in Lansinburgh, and they
were not sufficient to accommodate the traveling public.
There was scarcely a house between Burkert's Bridge and
Lansingburgh that was not used at one time or another as
a tavern, and then farmers were obliged to sleep wrapped in
buffalo robes or blankets in their wagons or under sheds
and on the floors of public-houses where they were stopping,
their teams being fed in the streets for want of accommo-
dation.
Yarey Hoffman kept a tavern above Waterford Bridge,
before 1800.
51 KRCHANTS.
In the latter part of the last century, and the early part
of this, the following merchants did business for longer or
shorter periods in Lansingburgh :
Charles W. Douglass was an early merchant in the
north part of the village. Samuel Hickok's store was on
the east side of State Street, corner of North. Timothy
Leonard's residence was ou North Street, corner of Ann.
Capt. Wm. Chase's store was on the east side of State
Street, between Elizabeth and Richard. Joseph Alexander
was on the east side of State Street, corner of Market.
Thomas Carpenter's residence was on River Street, between
Richard and Elizabeth. Elijah and Elisha Janes, on west
side River Street, corner of Elizabeth. Shubael Gorham,
store on the west side of State, corner of Hoosiek. Parker
Weaver was a shipwright and calker. Lansing & Alvord's
store was on the west side of State Street, corner of Rich-
ard. I. & J. Hartness. Cook & Squires' store -was on the
west side of State Street, between Elizabeth and Richard.
Alexander Walsh, Sr.'s, first locatiou was on the west side
38
of Stair Street, between Markel and Elizabeth; kepi a
great variety of everything. Alexander Wal I. Jr.
Ceeded his father; his lather dealt largely in fur-. John
B. Chipman'e store was on State Street, between Market
and Elizabeth. The stores of Jonathan Burr .and J
Morgan were on the west side of State, between North
ond Market Streets. Ajmn A Derrick Lane' tore was
on the east side of Stat.- Street, between Hoosiek aid
North ; the posl office was kepi there a short lime. Ruth-
erford & Dougrey's store was on the we i side of State
Street, corner of Richard. Clossey, Hardy \ Co. had a
fancy dry-goods store on the wesl side of State Street, be-
tween Elizabeth and Richard. Dcnnison & Couch's store
was on the W3*fcside of State Street, corner of Elizabeth.
Mabbetl A: Stewart's store was on the west side of State
Street, corner of Market. Gorham & Coley and John
Keating. George & Elisha Tihbits' store was on River
Street, corner of North; they went to Troy. Charles &
Dudley Seidell's store was ou River Street, corner of Eliza-
beth ; they kept the post-office for a time ; afterwards they
went to Troy. Joshua Burnham had a hardware-store,
the only one specially devoted to that trade ; most of the
other merchants kept a full assortment of dry-goods, gro-
ceries, and hardware. His store was on the southwest cor-
ner of State and Grove Streets. Other early merchants were
William Tillman, Aaron Ward. John Follett, John Keat-
ing, William Martin, Thomas Bassell, and James llickok.
LAWYERS.
John Lovet was an early lawyer; lived on the east side of
Congress, between Hoosiek and North. Office at his resi-
dence. John D. Dickinson lived on the east side of Con
gress, corner of North, and had an office northwest corner
of State and Market. He is said to have been the first
lawyer in the county in point of time. He went to Troy.
Alanson Douglas resided on the corner of Market and John,
now the Catholic pastoral residence. He went to Troy
about 181S. David Allen resided on the east side of State
Street, corner of North. He was a prominent lawyer;
lived and died here. Walbridge & Adams had their office
on the west side of State, between Market and Elizabeth.
The firm afterwards was Walbridge & Lansing (Jacob C.).
Hiram P. Hunt was on the west side of State, between
Elizabeth and Market. He went to Troy. William Row-
ley was on Elizabeth Street, between State and River. Mar-
cus L. Filley was a lawyer ; studied with Jacob C. Lansing,
and practiced for some years. Stephen Hunt was a brother
of Hiram ; studied with him, and kept the office after his
brother went to Troy; practiced until his death.
The present lawyers of Lansingburgh (1S79) are the
following : Hyatt & Cotnstock (Eugene Hyatt, Albert C.
Comstock), G01 State Street; Eugene C. Davis, 15 First
Street; George H. Hearman, 651 State Street; Charles J.
Lansing, 641) State Street; R. B. Stiles, 632j State Street;
C. E. Keach, 523 State Street ; and Charles C. Parmelee,
616 State Street.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Willard was a very early physician, practicing before
1800. He lived on the east side of River Street, between
Market and Elizabeth. Dr. Timothy Cone lived ou the
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
side of State, between North and Market. He prac-
: f.ir many years, aud down to the time of his death.
Dr lliiniun practiced only a few years, and then removed
I Bat stown and went into other business. He lived while
. between Market and Elizabeth Streets.
I>r. John Taylor lived on the west side of State, betv
Market and Elizabeth, and practiced for twenty years or
more, and np to the time of his death, 1825 to L830. Dr.
Michael Henry was a prominent physician of early times,
iry with Dr. Willard, and practiced down i" about
1305 or 1806. Helived on the west side of State, bctn
Market and North Streets.
Since these have been Dr. Frederick 1 nard, from 1830,
for ten or fifteen years; Dr. Brinsmade, still earlier
ind then removed to Troy; Dr. Burton, for
b part of the time in partnership with Dr.
I. nard.
The present physicians of Lansingburgh (1879) arc:
E. W. Capron, located at 543 State Street; E. II. Davis,
:.T I - Street; [ra 0. Crazier, is:' Congress Street;
Henry P. Holmes i Homoeopathy i, 613 State Street ; S.P.
\V IcI d ntist, 573 State Street; Daniel D. Bucklin and
Aubrey C. Bucklin, 575 State Street ; I'.. II. Puller Homoe-
opathy . 612 State Street: A. I'. Hull. Milton M. Lamb,
ami 1'. Ni wc imb ; Alt King (Chinese i, located at 595 State
: Louis D. Bryan, veterinary surgeon.
DRUGGISTS.
Titer.' were known as apothecaries in the old times —
1800 t<. 1-^'J't — the following: Daniel Seymour had his
mi the west side of Sti - between North and
Market Calvin Barker had his store where the National
are in. w. in tin tiding, which he put
up in the place of an older one. Deacon Thomas Hell's
sid State Street, corner of Market.
P iiimaii A Blake's store was on the east side of S
ii Market anil Elizabeth, David Henry's
ry-shop was on the west side of Slate Street, be-
am! North. Elias K. Parmelce succeeded
Pcnniman & Blake. Win. ': aery's store was on
the west side of Sta tier of Elizabeth, lie was
: in later Charles W. Hasbrouck, his
nephew, ami th : t up until a Ii since.
UISCEl i.am o
In 1 80 I tie- Union I'.ii I n Lansi bur h and
i. was built le. I Joseph Sturgis
wa- tie- ; ndcr, and so remained for many
until hi- health failed under Ion and exposure.
Tie amount of travel in those times, by day
and by night Mr. Mariner succeeded Mr. Sturgis, and
remained gate-tender until his death. At that time the
. turned "IT at Richard Street, and ran along the river-
hank to the bridge. Th" banks were lined with I
ami 'he river. It was the
';.' promenade, and a plea oplc,
who did ihcir "sparking" on tl dk. The
lull- of the river, and Mr. Sturgis kept
a ro-nu lor <'' ti if the public, who "'ii'
th. ! I and drink small-beer, for which
his small place had become famous. He kept a splendid
article, and would, in the summer-time, draw two or three
barrels a day. Mr Sturgis was apparently a little deaf
sometimes. Persons approaching the gate would say.
1-morning, Mr. Sturgis." "Three cents" was the
reply. "How far to Middletown ?"' "Three cents" was
After getting his three cents he was ready
enough to talk andanswer questions, but his "three i
was the first subject that held possession of his mind.
There was at this time an immense trade with A'onnmit
ami all the northern par! of this Stale in grain, heel', pork,
butter, cheese, lumber, and all kinds of produce. Thero
were twelve warehouses on River Street for storing grain
only one of which is now left to mark the former extent of
this trade. That one is Van Buskirk & Pitchett's. The
have all been destroyed by incendiary fire-. A
large portion of the business of the village was done on
River Street. Charles & Dudley Seldon occupied the old
malt-house, and the post-office was kept there. On the
south side of the - Ii ijah .V Elisha Janes kept a gen
eral merchandise store on the other corner. On the corner
of North and River Streets was the old grocery-store of
& Elisha Tibbet, and her.- was laid the founds!
lion of the wealth of the family in after-years. That
building is very old, and is said to have been used as a hos-
pital in the " old Pr< nch war."
The old King's road is still visible on Van Schaick's
Island. It ran along the brow of the bill, iu front of the
woods and the old barn. The ford was at the point of
Havre Island where a fort was built, the remains of which
may he seen at the present time. Lansingburgh had one
general market-place, located on Market Sir..'.
State, near where the old pump now stands. There w. re
five or six stalls, which were occupied by David McMurray,
Moses Jaulin, Stephen Titcomb, Lloyd Hoardc, and
others. William Bradshaw kept a small market
John Anus' shop. After a time small markets -prang up
in different parts of the village, and the old market wa- .le-
3i rted. The market building was removed to the col
River Street, and wa- occupied by Henry Mercer and
John Purdon, and was then abandoned. It was after-
wards used by Hose Company No. 1 : after they were
disbanded, by the Hook-and-Ladder Company; and lately
has been the resting place of the old No. 1 engine ol
There the venerable relic of other days now rests alter its
long sen ice.
Mr. Hamlet Bontccou, to whom we are indebted for
many of these items, states that his personal recoil
of this old engini vetity years. When a
hoy his father occupied the bouse next above the c
on Market Street, where Mrs. Eddy now lives. It v
lire, and the little hoy llamlcl was .allied out of the burn-
ing bouse to a neighbor's across the street, and saw the
inc at work on the tire in front of the house. The
scene w.i- impressed on hi.- mind, and clearlj I now
at the age of eighty. The engine was built iii Philadel-
phia, and came to Lansingburgh in IT'.H. It had n
lion. That' was something science had not then applied t"
fir Line-. |i wa- supplied by buckets from the pumps
, or from the liver. The company consisted of .-tout and
TOWN OK LANSINGBURGH.
299
st;il\v:ii'l men. In case of fire ;i line was instantly I
to the nearest supply of water, a lino of tuen pas in i full
packets hand over hand, a line of ivomen passing back the
t-iii] 'i -, buckets. 'I'lic old engine has been I servant
to the village, and has rendered valuable service in Troy
and Waterford. In the great Troy fire of L820 this en-
fine did effective service. It was placed in fronl of Buel's
store, opposite the Troy House, the spot where the fire
received its check. It was bravely worked through the
rays of the sun and the scorching heat of the burning
building, the men having their hair singed and being
obliged to have we( blankets in front of them for protec-
tii.n. The old engine retains to this day the marks of that
severe battle with the flames of Troy. Lei the old relie
be tenderly cherished. It is worthy to he polished and
kc] >t in good order as the earliest engine in all this section
of country. The old bugle that called the company to-
gether is gone, stolen by some one for its few cents' worth
of copper.
STATE HAM.
In 1823 the State dam was completed, ami the lock. A
grand celebration was had in honor of the occasion. The
lir.-t craft that passed through the lock was the little "Fire-
Fly," with several vessels in tow. After passing through
they till formed a line and sailed tip to Waterford, and re-
turned to the lock. During the firing of cannon at the
Celebration a singular phenomenon occurred: the smoke as
it rose in the air look the form of a balloon and remained
visible for some time, finally exploding.
BATESTOWN-.
In 1S3S that portion of the village called Batestown was
set off to Troy. The boundaries of the village, before that
change, began at the mouth of Mill Creek (the Fiscawen
Kill of the old deeds), ran east to the foot of the first
lower range of hills ; thence north to the foot of Oil-mill
Hill, so called, and then westerly to the Hudson River.
REMINISCENCES OP SIMON VANDERCOOK.
He was born in 17S8, September 29th, in the Cooksbor-
ough neighborhood, Fittstown, and is therefore now in the
ninety-second year of his age. He is still active, hi
elastic and firm. His mental faculties are well preserved,
and he successfully conducted a lawsuit in his own behalf a
few months since. His father was a native of Holland, but
came to this county from New Jersey in 17G3. He was a
millwright, and soon after he came here he erected both
saw- and grist-mills on the Deep Kill, at the point where
the east line of Schaghticoke intersects the stream. His
children were Michael S., who spent his life in Pittstown ;
who lived in Cooksborough, but later in life went
to Ohio, and died there ; Feter, who lived in Cohoes the
latter part of his life, and died there; Simon, who relates
this history of the family (October, 1879); Mrs. Joel
Northrup, of Lewis County ; Mrs. Smith Filkins, of Pitts-
town; Mrs. Jacob Snyder, of Lansingburgh. Of Simon
we add the following: He was married to a daughter of
Christopher Snyder, Sr., of Towhannock. The mat
ceremony was performed March 12, 1812, by Rev. Jonas
Coe. Mr. Vandercook lived until about 1830 on a farm
near Tow hannock, on v, ha . n o t lie Middle road.
II then come to Lan in ;burgh and bought the old Vil
l i ern, which he kepi al five years. He then bought
1 old Wickwu f and kepi it lie
Mr. Vander k had twelve children, eleven of whom
lived t.i in. mi Seven of them, and al o hit wife,
have since died, four are now living, Simon Adolphus,
in the Southwest; Mrs. Kcndrick, of Troy ; Mrs. Baker,
of Ohio; and Mrs. Mariner, of Lansingburgh. With the
latter Mr. Vanderi k resides.
When his father came to Cook bo gh, Mr. Alexander
Weatherwax was there, having come just before. Mr.
Vandercook had brothers, who came with him to Fittstown
at that early date.
Simon Vandercook n ' name- of earlj settlers at
Speigletown as John Vanderspiegel, William Fullett, Wil-
liam Douglass, the Storms family, and the Stingcrlands.
In the war of 1812, Simon Vandercook was order]
grant of ('apt. Samuel Storms' company, in the I55tll R
nient. Col. William Knickerbocker commanding. In the
alarm previous to the battle of Plattsburgh, Simon Vander-
cook, orderly sergeant, received orders to warn out his com-
pany and make the draft. He left his plow in the field, and
was four days warning the company and making the draft.
The draft took place at the tavern of Henry Vandercook, on
the Middle toad to Towhannock. The names of the men
were put into a hat, and one in four drawn out by Sergt.
Doty. I'he drafted men were turned over to Capt. Downey ,
one of Col. Knickerbocker's captains, selected to make up
the drafted company. 'Sly. Vandercook states that after the
whole brigade was called out, they broke camp at Troy two
thousand two hundred strong. After their perilous march
of fourteen days to Granville, Washington Co., they were
reduced to fifteen hundred, having lost seven hundred men
on the way. Mr. Vandercook thinks those who survive d
are entitled to a pension.
He confirms the common story of the slow march, forty-
four miles in fourteen days, but he gives an explanation in
part, which has never traveled as far as the joke has. The
next morning after reaching Speigletown it began to rain,
and fairly poured for three days and three nights. March-
ing was next to impossible, and the roads were bad after the
rain stopped. Mr. Vandercook served about seventeen days,
and is therefore entitled to a pension, under the law of 1878,
if the facts can ever be worked through the routine of red
tape at Washington. The officers of his company were,
Samuel Storms, Captain ; Henry Vandercook, First Lieu-
tenant; Thomas Weatherwax, Second Lieutenant; Simon
Vandercook, Orderly Sergeant ; Feter Doty and Thomas
Follet, Sergeants.
Mr. Vandercook remembers as an early teacher at Cooks-
borough Mr. Baxter, grandfather of Dennis Baxter; also a
Mr. Daly.
STATISTICS FROM THE CENSUS OF 1875.
Total population, G924 ; of these 1G27 were foreign
boi it, SI were t 19 females : of
school ag i een, IS 18; over twenty-one and
unable to read or write, 2; owners of laud, 721 ; number
of dwellings, 1238; value, §4,082,000. Population at
300
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
periods as a town, 1810, L658; 1814, 1599;
1820, 2035; 1825, 2423; 1830, 2663; 1835, 2268
1-1". 3330; 1845, 3982; 1850, 5752; 1855, 5700;
I860, 5577; I-::'. 6072; 1870, 6804; L875, 6924
The census of 1870 gives the population of the village as
6372.
IV.— TOWN ORGANIZATION CIVIL HISTORY.
The territory of Lansingburgh, excepting a portion of
the northern pari, was originally included in the old town
of Rensselaerwyck, — a town that appears to have comprised
the whole oi th i: selaer Manor cast of t lie river and
the patent of Stone Arabia.
The town of Troy was formed March 18, 17IM. and for
sixteen years it included Lansingburgh. Tn IStiT tlioro
i general reorganization of this part of Rensselaer
County. Brunswick, Grafton, and Lansingburgh were in-
corporated, and the civil history of the -town" of Lan-
singburgh begins with that date.
All the more important public affairs wore provided for
through the village organization, and its records, so far as
they can be found, extend back to ITT".
The full record of the town-meeting of 1807 is as fol-
low.- :
" At an annual town-meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of
the town of Lansingburgh. began and held at the houeo of Robert
Wand, on the 7th day of April, i.n. I807. the following persons were
elected to office for the ensuing year, viz.: Ebenczer W. Walbridge,
Town Clerk; Cornelias Lansing, Supervisor; Blias Parmolce, Aaron
B. Hinman, David Henry, Assessors; John Williams, Collector; James
. David Henry.' if the Poor; John Gaston, Shubacl
Qorham, Allen HoLean, Commissioners of Highways : Charles Scldcn,
Thomas Wallace, Commissioners <■!" Schools; John Williams, John
tt. William Bancker, I Aaron B. Ilinmun. John
Asa Hurt. Pound-Mastor; David Thoi
District No, I. James Hickok, District No. 2, Aaron B. Uinman, Dis-
trict No. ."■. Overseers of the Highn
" Lawful fence, four feel and three inches in height. Hogs to be
I and * wrong,' or not suffered t<< run at la
•• /:....;-..('. That this meeting bo adjourned till the first Tuesday in
April. 1 808, to be held at the house of Robort Wand, innkeepor, in the
town of Lansingburgh. in tho Coun clocr."
PLACES WHERE TOWN-MEETINGS HAVE BEEN HELD.
1807.—" At the house of Robert Waud,and 1808 also;
•i in 1-1" and 1 - 1 1'." This was on the site of the
nt Phoenix.
1809. " At the house of Eli Judson, innkeeper ;" again
in 1811, 1815, 1819, 1--'". 1821, 1822; and at the house
Mr. Judson, 1826. I i side of State
Market and North.
1813. — "Al tli.' In. ii icupied by Mr. Souza." This
•i the Dorthwcsl corner of Boosick ami State.
1814. -"Al the house of Thomas Hill." Thiswastho
old Village Ilot.-l. on tin- site of the present Phoenix.
1816. — "At the house of Russell Armington." This
illage Motel, oil the site of the I'hiellix.
1 - 1 7. — " At tho house of Adolphus Walbridge ." also in
1-1-. This was th.- game Village Hotel.
1823.—" At i: 3 In, Pitch." That v
. | j 3treel
l-.'l - At the house of Alonzo Hawley." That was
on t he i '11
-
1825.— "At the house of Philip Van Buskirk, inn-
keeper." and also in 1S27. The Village Hotel, site of
the Phoenix.
1 B28. — " At the house of Gershom F. Holmes." Also
in 1829-1832, 1836-41. That was on the cast side of
Stale Street, between Hoosick and Lansing.
1S30— " At the house of Simon Vandercook." This
was the Village Hotel, on the site of the Phoenix.
1833.—" At the house of Henry S. Tracy." Also in
IS!!."). That was the northeast corner of Richard and
Stale.
1 B34.— " At the house of William Carson."
1S42— " At the house of M. S. Van Buskirk." The
Phoenix Hotel.
1S43.— " At the Phoenix Hotel." Also 1844-40; and
again, 1854—61.
1850.— "At the Clinton Hotel." Also in 1851-53.
This was the present American House.
1 362.—" At the Central House." Also in 1863. This
was also the present American House.
1SG4. — "At the store of Turner Barton." That was
on the east side of State, between Richard and Elizabeth ;
now a tin-shop.
1SG5. — "At the office of George II. Herman." Also
1SGG-7G.
1S77.— " At Fireman's Hall."
1S78. — " At the office of George II. Herman.'' Also
1-7:'.
TOWN OFFICERS.
Suporvison). Town Clerks.
1807 13 Cornelius Lansing. Eben'r W. Walbridge.
1S14-15 lames 11 ickolc. " "
" " JnmcsAdams.
1S17-18 Levi Coley. " "
I SI 9-23 " " Jacob C. Lansing.
ls-ji Ta.-ob C. Lansing. Eben'r W. Walbridge.
1S25-2G " " Jul../. F. Parmclec.
1827 LTias Parmclec. " "
30 Eben'r W. Walbridge. " "
2 facob C. Lansing. Cornelius 1.. Tracy.
I.ihn C. Filkins. Jnboz F. Parinclco.
John M. Caswell.
1 840 13 ronathnn E. Whipple. John C. Neal.
l-ii Edwin Filley " "
1845 lohn C. Filkins. " "
1846 Charles C. Parmelee. " "
1-17 Edward P. Pickett. John V. Lansing.
1848 ■• " I renzo I). Al.li
1849 Thomns II. Fisher. .1. I-'. Knickerbocker.
fames I. Adams. " "
1851 William Bradshaw. Isaac Ransom.
Oorotb'n W. Cornell, tlomo D. Aldrich.
1853 " " Charles Clark.
1854 " " Jacob M. Adai
, •■ " Milford L. Funchor.
1856 Marcus L. Filley. ('has. W. Ilasbroaok.
I-..; lam os I. A. lams. James W. Mills.
1858 " " Daniel King.
1850 Ml. .it E. Powers.
I860 1.'hn S. l'ako.
1861 Edward I'. Pickett, •• "
1862-64 1. .nil E. Whipple. " "
1865 " " Francis Rising.
1866 Wm. A. Flack. John Hill.
1807-68 lames Dongroy. Wm. Davenport.
Peter 1'.. King.
1870-72 " Josiah E. West
ls;:i " ■• John A. .tones.
I-7| A. A. Peel John R. L'nglc.
1st.. lohn C. Push ee. Jos. K. O'Keilley.
1876 " " ' " tlroesbeok
Is;; ■■ "
\. A. Peel Charles E. Porter.
lailll - II. -| ■ II' li. Wm. II. .Shuimviiy*
• Resigned Sept. 2. 1879, and William Gillespie appointed in hi
place by tin- T mn Hoard.
TOWN OK LANSINGBURGH.
30]
JUSTICES OP THE PEACE POn THE TOWN 0] LANSING DC RQ II.
Appointed by the courts or choeen (it gri neval clectioue.
Jonathan Choato, sworn in Feb. 20, 1828.
Andrew Follott, Bworn in Feb. 24, 1823.
Ebenozor W. Walbridgo, sworn in Feb. 25, L823.
B. W. II. hi. Bworn in Maroh 22, in:'::.
John Ball, sworn in Dee. 22, 1827.
11. \V. Horr, sworn in Deo. 31, 1 s - 7 .
Jonathan Choate, Bworn in Deo. 81, 1827.
Charles Tibbet, sworn in Jan. ::. 1828.
Jaoob C. Lansing, sworn in Deo. 18, 1828.
Andrew Follott, sworn in Jan. I. 1830.
B. W. Hon, Bworn in Deo. I I. 1830.
Augustus Filloy, sworn in Feb. ::, 1S32.
a mi i [iwja.*
Turner Barton.
Chauneey W. Famhani.
Marcus L. Filley.
Charles .1 . Lansing.
James AV. Mills.
[soao Ransom.
Daniel King.
Charles J. Lansing.
George II. Herman,
rsaao Ransom.
Daniel King.
Charles J. Lansing.
Eugene Hyatt.
George II. Herman.
Abel Whipple.
Charles J. Lansing.
Alfred Seaman.
Juhn George Neal, Jr.
George II. Herman.
Charles J. Lansing.
Thomas C. Davenport.
Alfred Seaman.
George II. Herman.
C. II. Denio.
Thomas C. Davenport.
Henry E. Hawkins.
Edwin R. Smith.
Robert B. Stiles.
Charles .1. Lansing.
Robert B. Stiles.
NOTICES OF SLAVES.
Aug. 20, 1807, Thomas Turner certifies to the birth of
a child named Henry, born of Lana, a black girl, of whom
" I have been the owner better than a year." March 20,
1808, Mary Mabbett, executrix upon the estate of Joseph
n. Mabbett, deceased, manumits and forever sets free Pen-
dee, a negro woman " belonging to the estate of the said
Joseph H. Mabbett, and his property at the time of bis
death." Other similar notices of birth or manumission
appear, signed by Levinus Lansing, Jacob L. Lansing,
Timothy Leonard, John Gaston, Isaac Baker.
V.— VILLAGES.
LANSINGBURGU.
The village of Lansingburgh is thirty-six years older
than the town. The name City of Lansingburgh was the
ambitious title conferred by the proprietors when the first
survey of a plat was made and filed in the office of the
* Where the town-records indicate it, the first named in this list is
the one chosen for the full term.
Klutiil ni the iiiuuiii/ limn
[830.
Benjamin W. lion-.
1858.
1 B3 1 .
Augustus Filloy.
is::-.
Jacob ('. Lansing.
1833.
.Marcus L. Filley.
1854.
Andrew Follott.
1855.
1834.
Andrew Follett.
1856.
1835.
John M. Caswell.
1857.
John S. Fake.
1858.
Daniel Whiting.
1859.
1S36.
John S. Fake.
1860.
is::;.
Marcus L. Filley.
1861.
1838.
Andrew Follett.
1S62.
Richard L. McDonald.
1863.
1839.
Richard L. McDonald.
1864.
1840.
Philip T. Heartt (2d).
1865.
1841.
Marcus L. Filley.
1866.
Charles C. Parmelee.
ISIJ7.
1342.
Stephen S. Hunt.
1868.
1st:;.
John F. Miller.
1S69.
1844.
Charles C. Parmelee.
1870.
1SJ5.
Marcus L. Filley.
1871.
1846.
Stephen S. Hunt.
1872.
1847
John F. Miller.
187.-..
1848.
Isaac Ransom.
1874.
John G. Neal.
1875.
Ebenezer C. Barton.
1876.
John Heartt.
1877.
1849.
James Dougrey.
1850.
John Heartt.
1878.
1S51
John V. Lansing.
1879.
1852
Isaac Ransom.
oountj clerk id' Albany County. The original village or
city was comprised within narrow limit lying bel - •-•-••
North Street ami South Street. \ form of local govern
in' nt was agreed upon under a compact called Propo :il-.
This was inaugurated Jan. 1, 1771, and was somewhat
similar to the New England town organization. An an-
nual board, consisting of live selectmen, was chosen, called,
however, " the Committee." It was also provided thai a
clerk, a pathmaster, ami three fence-viewers should ln-
chosen. In tlir original proposals it was agreed that
Abraham Jacob Lansing or his heirS,fon '. ' r, should be one
of the "Committee," and equal to any one of the oilier four
selected. This board undoubtedly acted as assessors, high-
way commissioners, and overseers of the poor.
At the first meeting Ebenezer Marvin was elected mod-
erator, and Thomas S. Diamond clerk, and the first com-
mittee consisted of Abraham Jacob Lansing, Isaac Bogart,
John Barber, Ebenezer Marvin, and Benjamin French.
Abraham Wendell was chosen pathmaster, Robert Wendell,
Levinus .Lansing, and Isaac Van Arnuni fence-viewers.
These proceedings are of so much interest that we add
the record in full of the adoption of the " Proposals" as a
constitution for the village government, and the proceedings
of the meeting under that constitution. This was local
home rule without the authority of any legislative body.
"Stone Arabia, Jan. 1, 1771. — The first meeting held for the town
and borough of Stone Arabia.
"Proposals.
"1st. That a clerk be nominated by Abraham Jacob Lansing for
the present meeting, and forever after to be chosen by tin- eominitti e
and a majority of the people of the town, and to be inspected ur even
to lie put out of office for ill conduct by the said committee.
•' 2d. That four committees for the town shall lie chosen by the in-
habitants and freeholders of the town yearly, forever, if it be agree-
able to the General Court: and that Abraham Jacob Lansing or
his heirs, forever, shall be one committee, equal to one of the four
chosen.
" 3d. That the fees of said clerk shall be stated by the committee.
"4th. That the said committee annually chosen shall have power
to regulate the woods and commonable lauds belonging to the borough
of Stone Arabia or to the inhabitants of the said place.
"5th. That there shall be a pathmaster chosen yearly by the in-
habitants of the said place, to take care of the highways, and also to
take a proper method to regulate the public highways to the com-
mons, for the benefit of the inhabitants.
"6th. That three fence-viewers be chosen at said meeting; and
that no inhabitants shall receive any damages of his neighbors ex-
cepting his fence be found not in lawful repair.
" 7th. That no hog shall run common without being ringed and
yoked.
" 8th. That no fish, flesh, or fowl that is caught shall be let lay by
any person in their inelosure, highway, or by the riverside-road, to
become a nuisance to the inhabitants of the town, mi ler the penalty
of what the committee shall think proper."
These "Proposals" being accepted by the people as the
basis of a village government, they then proceeded to
further business, as follows:
"1st. Voted, by the inhabitants and proprietors of the town of
Lansingborough, Thomas S. Diamond to be town clerk tor the en-
suing year.
"2d. Voted, Ebenezer Marvin to be i ierator of this meeting.
"3d. Abraham J. Lansing openly delivered up to this said meet-
ing, before the inhabitants ami proprietors, that lo- win (in as short a
time as possible that he can get his lawyers to draw the writings)
give over his power, right, title, and interest of the commons belong-
ing to the town, exclusively of those farms already laid out.
302
BISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNT!', NEW YORK.
•• till. Voted, Thai in ilii- il in all others in this place
■. ili..- 111.1 i .ri tv of voices then |u
im-iir ill '".■ voted
i J, Lansing, bis lioi
rcr, shall he one of the oomni
iri to bo i!> raittco.
••7il>. Voted, John Barbor i- oommittco.
"8th, Marvin to bo the tliir.l of the i unittco.
" th. \ '■•■■ ■ 1. Bonjatuin French lobe the fourth of the oommitti
" 10th. Voted, Abraham Wendell to be pathmaster for the highways
of this patent for the onsuing yoaf.
" 11th. \ noral map of tho'town bo lodged in the
clerk's
•• IJth. \ idoll, Levinus Lansing, and tsoac Van
Arnom t-- bo reneo-viowors for the ensuing year.
■• 13th. \ - shall he appraisers of all
do by any o ii 1 patent."
It will be noticed that tin' expression used is "town and
borough of Stone Arabia." It is not "village" nor "city."
Still, the word " town" is not used in the legal sense of a
civil corporation. All tlii> territory was ;i part of the town
of Rcussclaerwick, notwithstanding this voluntary village
iniiatioD, and it is difficult to see bow any decrees of
the | pi 1 iu village meeting, or of the commit-
ould have been legally enforced. It must have been
.mm. nl by universal consent, with no other authority.
We add :i few notes from the proceedings. This voluntary
village organization lasted twenty years.
•• Mo* dat, April .".. 177'.'. —By the rcquosl "f Abraham Jacob Lan-
the commil I this day. Present, lions Banckcr,
obainnan, Abraham .1. Lansing, Abraham Van Vlcok, liendricb
Van Arnuin. Daniel Toncray. Abraham J.Lansing moves to this
: that the bogs, by running at large,
-tiiil private property, which was Beconded and carried in the
affirmative; then
'■ /. . : : thai are Buflorod lo run at largo sliall bo
I an I ringod; a full-grown bog to have a yoke two feet and a
ball", and all other hogs in proportion. Penalty upon the owner for
■ to comply, rourshillings a bog for each offence ; .ml
■ M at public vendue by the person whose property
ipon, unless the ownor redeemed him and paid the
lays after not
ips the lawmakers th imselves fell victims to their
own statute. This jg indicated by the following receipt,
though it docs not specify the injury for which they paid
irea Banckor
fine ; "I Ucnry Van
il Chi - topbei Tillman, oighl ,-hil-
23, 177'.'. the people voted by ballot whom they
wished appointed in tho commission of the peace. Christo-
pher Tillman had 33 votes, Albert Pawling had -'■* votes,
and Jeremiah Hoogland had 1G vol
Property qualification for office was required, as it ap-
. in 1785. Sidney Berry and Albert Pawling, el
1 the town committee, were not allowed to take
thei Abraham Ton Eyck and
II w,.|,. chosen in their 1 1
April 28, 17-7 rmincd to require Mr. '
ice, For they appoint
and Elijah Jam
1 (•■
' inch), an 1 inform him that i
surveyor will be appointed, and ii" compensation be allowed
Mr. Bancker for what he has done.
April 28, L787, a petition was granted to persons living
iijum the eastern hounds of tlie patent of Stone Arabia to
have a piece ol' land lying upon the commons lor the pur-
pose of erecting a school-house and a house of prayer. A
writer, in 1833, describes this site as" being a few rods
north of Mr. Jacob Van Arnum's residence, in Brunswick,
on the road leading past William Van Vleck's to Speigle-
town, and still occupied by a school-house."
LIST OK OFFICERS, 177 2 TO 1790.
Jan. 1.1771'. — Committee: Abraham J. Lansing. Jr.,
1'. I in-art, Thomas S. Diamond, Benjamin Goodrich, and
[saac Van Arnum; Constable, Abraham Stevens; rath-
master, Benjamin French; Fence-Viewers, Ebenezer Mar-
vin. John Dunbar, and Robert Wendell; Town Clerk,
Jonathan Sever. This annual meeting was held at the
house of John Brusing, innholder, in Stone Arabia, and
the officers were sworn in before Anthony Van Schaick,
Justice.
Jan. 5, 177J. — Town-meeting held at the house of
Joseph Norris. Committee: Abraham J. Lansing, Thomas
S. Diamond, Benjamin French, Abraham K. Van Vleck.aiid
Flores Banckcr ; Town Clerk, Thomas Diamond; Consta-
ble, Stephen Marvin; Fence-Viewers, John Brusing, Isaac
Van Arnum. and Obadiah Bentbouse; Pathmaster, Henry
Van Arnum.
Jan. I. 1771. — Committee chosen: Abraham J. Lan-
sing, Flores Bancker, Benjamin French, Abraham K. Van
Vleck, David Calender; Town Clerk, Christopher Tillman;
able, Stephen Marvin; Pathmaster, Stephen Mar-
vin; Fence-Viewers, John D. Wynkoop, James B02
( lornelius Lansing.
Jan. 3, 1777). — Committee chosen: Benjamin French,
Abraham K. Van Vleck, John D. Wynkoop, John Barber,
Levinus Lansing; Town Clerk. Christopher Tillman;
Pathmaster, Henry Van Arnum: Constables, Stephen
Marvin. John Barber; Fence-Viewer, John Clark.
Jan. 2, 177t'i. — Committee chosen: Abraham J. Lan-
sing, Flores Bancker, John D. Wynkoop. Jonathan Sever,
Daniel Toneray; Town Clerk, Christopher Tillman; Feucc-
r. John Clark.
Jan. 2, 1777. — Committee: Abraham J. Lansing,
Flores Bancker, Jonathan Sever, Daniel Toneray. Abraham
K. Van Vleck; Town Clerk, Christopher Tillman: Path-
master, John Clark: Fence-Viewers, John Barber, Henry
Paddock, John Clarke; Constable, John Smith.
Jan.6,177S. — Committee: Abraham J. Lansing, Flores
Banckcr, Daniel Toneray. Jonathan Sever. William Conck-
lin; Town I , Christopher Tillman ; Pathmaster, Isaao
Van Arnum.
Jan. 5, 177!». -Committee: Abraham J. Lansing, Flores
Bancker, Daniel Toneray, Abraham K. Van Vleck, Henry
Van Arnum; Town Clerk. Christopher Tillman; Path-
master, Abraham J. Ondcrkirk.
No ■ nd tin officers
of 177-1 undo utinucd.
Jai . : Abraham K. Van Vleck,
Daniel Toneray, John Van Rensselaer, Levinus Lansing,
fioN. Samuel Bolton.
RESIDENCE &. BREWERY OF S.BOLTON &. SONS , LANSINGBURGH, N
5f»
• —
TOWN OF LANSINGBURGH.
303
Florcs Banckcr; Town Clerk, Christopher Tillman ; I'.ith-
master, Barnet Stillwell ; Fence- Viewers, Llendrick Van
Aniiini, Robert Thompson, John Stillwell.
Jan. 5, 1784.- Committee: Levinus Lansing, Flores
Banckcr, John Van Rensselaer, Roberl Thompson, Ran-
dall Pierce; Town Clerk, Christopher Tillman ; Pa th mas-
ter, Zach. Gamrigh ; Fence- Viewers, Henry Van Arnuni,
Barnet Stillwell, Cornelius Lansing.
Keli. 7, 1785. — Committee: Abraham J. Lansing, Sid-
ney Berry, Allien Pawling, John Van Rensselaer, Horace
Seymour, Christopher Tillman.
April 18, 1785. — At a special meeting to el se two
members of the committee in the plai f Col. Sidney
Berry and Albert Pawling, there were elected Abraham
Ten Eyck, Samuel Cogswell. Messrs. Berry and Pawling
were not qualified by reason of not being freeholders.
Their future history was sufficiently eminent without this
honor, Albert Pawling becoming the first mayor of Troy
and Sidney Berry the first surrogate of Saratoga County.
No meeting for L786 recorded, and the officers of 17S.~>
held over.
Jan. 16, 1787. — Committee: Abraham J.Lansing. Col.
John Van Rensselaer, Capt. James Hoogland, Elijah Janes,
Aaron Ward ; Town Clerk, Aaron Ward ; Chimney-Peepers,
Sidney Berry, Christopher Tillman; Directors, John Stil-
wcll, James Boggs, Enos Westover, Lathrop Allen, Jona-
than Sever.
Jan. IS, 17S8. — Committee and Town Clerk same as
previous year ; Chimney-Examiners, Derrick Lane, Albert
Pawling ; Directors, Nathaniel Jocobs, John Stilwell, James
Boggs, Sr., Robert Montgomery, Jonathan Sever; Town
Treasurer, Christopher Tillman ; Town Collector, David
Henry.
No meeting for 1789 recorded, and the above officers
probably continued until the new village government was
organized.
Incorporation. — The following is the act of the Legisla-
ture legally establishing the village of Lansingburgh. No
boundaries are given, and it is inferred that the old Patent
of Stone Arabia was really the village territory, though the
"city," as founded by Mr. Lansing, twenty years before,
only included the small plat lying between North and South
Streets.
As- Act to appoint Trustees to hike and hold certain Lands therein men-
tioned, and for other purposes. Passed 5th April, 1790.
"Whereas, in that part of the town of Rensselaerwyck, in the
county of Albany, hereinafter described, a considerable number of
houses are already erected, and occupied by merchants, mechanics,
and others, to the advancement of commerce and manufactures in
this State: and in order to enable them to regulate their internal
polico, and to secure the benefits of certain commonable lands lying
within the same, have prayed that they might be enabled to appoint
Trustees ; Therefore.
"I. /.'. it enacted by tin People of the State of Nem Voi-Jc, represented
in S, n,ii,- ami Am inhli/, ,,,,,1 it it I,, r, Li/ enacted by the authority of the
tame, That John Van Rensselaer, Christopher Tillman, Elijah Janes,
Aaron Ward, Stephen Uoreham, Ezra Hickcosk, and Levinus Lan-
sing, shall be, and they are hereby, dcclai e I In be the first, trustei s for
the freeholders ami inhabitants .,t' that part, of the town of Rensselai r-
Wyck, commonly called Lansingburgh, an 1 shall continue to be trus-
tees until the third Tuesday in M;i\ next : and that it shall and may
be lawful tn and fin- the said freeholders ami inhabitants qualified bj
law to vote at town-meetings, to assemble on the third Tuesday of
iMay next, and annually on the third Tuesday of May thereafter, at
«UOh plftCO an. I at -ueh li .1' tl
1 J, or tho major part oi I , by public advorlisoraont, ap-
point, an. I under i he di I
ball be pi . ni. v. b . ... ttion,
then and there, by a t eel inhabi-
tant , being froch i aid, who shall oonl
in offii o until tho third I in i.< . in the mot I i next
ensuin
"II. I nd In it i : the
said tin toes In. el... appointed, and In.
ablcd to t« oi •! mi i, looffm ml andi
lying and being in Lansingburgh al i nd to hold thi
them and thi i in cut. to and for th mmon use
and benefit of the freoholdet ■ and inbab lid.
"III. 1 nd be itfiti thi r ■ im< '■ / by thea
sai l frci holdi r i and inhabitant . al their annual I. eld
as afnri -aid, and at Such othoi line in I tecs,
or a majority of them, may think noooseary and adve i pur-
pOSO, ball be, and 111... . . ,, I , n. . | i I from
time i" lime, I., make, ordain, c m titutc, an I teh pruden-
tial rules, orders, and regulation .. .. majority of Idcrs
a in I inhabitant o o tembled, and having a righl to vote, ball
necessary an 1 convenient, for the better improving "t their en mmon
lands, and for ascertaining and directing the use and management
there. if, and respecting the cutting of wood on the -nine; and also to
ordain and establish such prudential ruli and i tho
Cleaning an I keeping in order and repair the common streets and
highways of Lansingburgh aforesaid, and inces there-
from; an! also to make and ordain rules and regulation
compel the houseki opers in Lansingburgh aforesaid, to furnish them-
selves with a sufiicicntnumber of proper fire-buckets, and with necessary
tools and implements for extinguishing of tires ; and to impose such
penalties mi the offenders against such rules, orders, and regulations,
in any or either of them, as tin- majorit) of such freehold* rs and in-
lia'i ■ 0 a nil i led, shall, from time tn time, deem proper, not ex-
ceeding forty shillings for any one offense, to lie r< vcred by the -aid
trustees for tho time being, in their own names, with costs of suit, for
the use of said freeholders and inhabitants, by action of debt, before
any justice of the peace residing in the said county id* Albany.
"IV. Ami he it further enacted by the authority aforesaid. That tho
said trustees hereby appointed, and their successors, shall and may.
from time to time, constitute and appoint one lit person to be a com-
mon clerk for the said freeholders and inhabitants, whose duty it
shall lie t i record all rules, orders, and regulations made by the said
freehold* rs and inhabitants, at their meetings as aforesaid, in a proper
book, In be by him provided for such purpose, and also to do and pre-
pare all such matters and things as the said trustees, or a majority of
them, shall, lawfully, from tune to time by writing under their bauds,
appoint an 1 direct.
" V. And be it further enacted by the authori '. That it
shall and may be lawful, to and fur the .-aid trustee-, or the major
part of them, and they are hereby required with all convenient speed,
to elect, nominate, and appoint a sufficient number of men, willing to
accept, mil exci oding fifteen in number, out of the inhabitants resid-
ing in Lansingburgh aforesaid, to have the care, management, work-
ing, and use of the fire-engine or engines belonging to the said
freeholders and inhabitants, and also the other tools and instruni
for extinguishing fires: and the said trustees or the maj ir put of
them an- hereby authorized and empowered to remove or displace all
or any of the firemen, so as aforesaid to l»e elected, nominated, and
appointed, when, and as often as they shall think lit. and others in
their stead t.. elect, nominate, and appoint, and also to make, estab-
lish, and ordain such rules, orders, and regulations for the govern-
ment, conduct duty, and behavior of such firemen as to them shall
appeal n Ql -ary and proper.
"VI. Ami be it further enacted by tin authority oforeeaid, That such
persons as shall be elected and appointed firemen, and each and every
one of them, during the time such person or pel sons -ball remain tire-
men, and no longer, shall, and hereby are declared to be freed and
exempted from serving in the office of eon-table mil overseer of tho
highways, and >>( an 1 from Serving as June's, and of and from serv-
ing in the militia, except in cases nf invasion or other imminent
danger.'**
:;: Laws of New York, ebapt i !\i\.. Thirteenth Session.
304
HISTORY OF RENSSKLAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The subsequent acts relating t.> Lansingburgh, down to
the passage of the charter of April 16, 1864, are given in
the following list :
•• An act directing the paving certain streets in the
village of Lansingburgh, in the county of Rensselaer."
I' IF b. 1". IT
■■ An act to vest certain powers in the freeholders and in-
habitants of the villages of Troy and Lansingburgh, and for
other purposes therein mentioned." Passed Kcb. III. 17'.'*.
" An act i" vest certain powers in the freeholders and
inhabitants of the villages of Troy and Lansingburgh."
P . \ till •_'. 1801.
•• An act authorizing the comptroller to loan moneys be-
longing to the school fund, and/or othi r purpox s." Passed
April 12, 1813.
•• An act i" incorporate the Eagle Volunteer Fire Com-
pany in the village of Lansingburgh." Passed April 12,
1813.
•• An act to confirm the sale of en-tain common lands
made by the trustees of the village of Lansingburgh."
; Feb. I. 1816.
\;i act amendatory of ibe last named." Passed April
7. 1820.
■• An act in addition to the several aets relative to the
village of Lansingburgh." Passed April 7. 1824.
■■ An act i" amend the charter of the village of Lansing-
burgh." Passed March 29, 1825.
■■ An act to incorporate the Lansingburgh Dry Dock and
Hydraulic Company." Passed April 15,1826. Amended
April 17. 1-::". Amended May 1. is:;;,.
■■ An act with reference to draining certain lands in the
village of Lansingburgh." Passed April 14. lsi'7.
■ An act further to amend the charter of the village of
Lansii Passed Feb. 15, 1S31.
•■ An act to incorporate the La Fayette Fire Company in
the village of Lansingburgh." Passed April 17, 1S:!3.
A nded April 19, 1834.
•■ An act further to a nd the charter of the village of
Lansingburgh." Passed March 3. 1834.
•• An act for the relief of certain taxable inhabitants of
the village of Lansingburgh." Passed April 24, 1834.
•• An act further to relieve certain taxable inhabitants of
the village of Lansingburgh." Passed May I. L835.
•• An act i" vest certain powers in the trustees of the \ il-
lage of Lansingburgh." Passed May 9, 1835.
■ An ad to set "IT a portion of the town of Lansing-
burgh to the city of Troy." Passed M ■;. 24, 1836.
11 An mend I several acts relating to the village
gburgh." Passed April 1.1- 12.
for lie- i ■■ effectual organization of the fire
department of the village "f Lansingburgh." P
April 17, 1-1 I.
\n icl to amend the charter of the village <'f Lan-
singburgh P I M neli 29, 1849.
act i" amend the act entitled ' An act to amend the
charter "I the village of Lansingburgh.'" Passed June
25, 1851.
i amend the charter of the vill I insing-
burgh, and the several nets amending the - m P
13, !-•'. I.
•■ An act to amend the charter of the village of Lansing-
burgh, and the several acts amending the same." Passed
April 15, 1859.
The charter enacted by the Legislature, April 16, 1864,
was quite full in its provisions for all departments of the
village government and all the public interests of the
place, but several subsequent amendments have been re-
quired. The election of a receiver was provided for by
an act passed May •"). 1*70. May 6th of the same year
the Legislature also passed an act to organize and establish
a police for the village of Lansingburgh. May 14, 1872,
there was an act passed •' to provide the village of Lan-
s'lDgburgh, in the County of Rensselaer, with a supply of
pure and wholesome water." Feb. 9, 1874, an act was
passed to amend the village charter in several particulars.
Feb. 26. 1 -7"). a further amendment was passed. May 13,
1-76. the act appointing a receiver was amended, and,
May 1!'. 1-77. the same act was further amended.
The first meeting under the charter of 1 TOO was held
May 18, 1790. It was opened by the members of the old
board, — Ezra Hickok, Stephen Gorliaru, John Van Rens-
selaer, Levinus Lansing. The act of incorporation was
read. The trustees were then chosen, mentioned elsewhere.
The new board held "a meeting the same day and chose
John D. Dickinson ''common clerk." The meeting of
1791 was held at the house of Lucy Tillman, innholder.
From the old treasurer's book of the village of Lansings
burgh thc-following appears to be the first balanced account
with the collector:
L.vNSixfiM itcn, Sept. 26, 1793.
David Henry, Colli Dr.
Xo a tax bill put into your hands to collect, lcvieit 26th
of Juno, 1790, for the purpose of raising money t<>
],r..,ur^ Bro-buckcU for the engine and company.
Amounting to £-15 o*. 0'/.
Cr. By cash p:»id.
William Bell, per order of the trustees, dated Feb. 10,
1791 £1 15«. Id,
By ilitt". paid William 6ui st, pr ord< r of >litt<>. dated
May 29th 28 00 0
By ditto paid Thomas Turner, j>r order of ditto, 10th
.Mmv.IT'.H 2 'J 5
By your collecting fees on £35 U». 9r/ 1 la '»
By cash, being :» balance in your hands pr .Mr. Aaron
!,,,..;■ !«th of September, 1793 Ill '■•
By Ihe balnn t the tax bill returned by Mr. Henry
not being colleete I, by reasons of p< 'ngtn
}>"'!. ih'ul. or runaway, which i er t>»
Thomas Turner to colled 9
n«. n./.
[iAXSiNOBiwGn, 26th September, 1793.
Lano. Dr.
Xo <':i-li in your hands, collected tor fines fi>r pc
trespassing "it tho landing £2 10t. OoV
i paid you bj David Henry, being a balance in
In- hands of a i.w bill levied on tho inhabitants
of Lansingburgh, nmountin for cngi no-
buckets, etc ''I '.'
.*: i i*. '■
Supra. Cr.
By caab paid oror t<> Wm. Bell, as per order rrom the
trustees, date I Sept. 26, 1703 '- * : __
Tbomas Turner. Dr.
T ■ :i tax bill given into yoar bands to col leal for the
town ol Lansingburgh, it being tho remains
t..\ bill i ii mi i ly )■ H into tho hands •■: David
il. th of June, I 700, to i tiso tho pum
etc. Tho tax
bill no a gi> en Tumi I dated this
<: Xit
i I'll! put into your ban I- t-> nsl tho
inhabitants <>f Lansingburgh, r<>r being defb
in pi Oto of the
11^
C12T II*. "-'•
jHOUWNOM S30TIX
QNV X0N3T
aoxsv
juman onana
TOWN or LANSINGBURGH.
305
Then follows the credit side of'tliis account with William
Turner, by which, among other things, Mr. Turner, or the
town, paid for fire hooks and ladders, £18 Is. (>>/.; eight
narrow axes of Gorhams, Seidell & Jones, £3; two I ks
purchased to keep the- records in, Ms ; one quire of writing-
paper, Is. t'n/.
April 7, 1841,on the death of the President, William
Henry Harrison, the village board passed a series of resolu-
tions, and directed the bells of the several churches to be
tolled from noon until half-past one o'clock, and that sixty-
eight minute-guns be fired (being the number of years in
the ago of the President), and that the members of the
board wear the usual badge of mourning lor thirty days.
At the death of Abraham Lincoln the village hoard took
appropriate action, and voted to attend the funeral services
in Albany on the passage of the funeral cortege through
thai city.
LIST OP VILLAGE. OFFICERS.
1790. — Trustees, Abraham J. Lansing, Zachariah
GaJinryck, James Dale, William Guest, Stephen Gorliam,
Julm Van Rensselaer, Ezra Hickok ; President, Abraham
J.Lansing; Clerk, John D. Dickinson; Treasurer, Aaron
Lane.
From 1791 to 1879, the presidents, clerks, and treasurers
have been as follows :
Presidents. Clerks. Treasurer*.
17 '1 \i>i ih mi J. Latisiog. John 1>. Dickinson. Aaron Lane;
la-vimis Lansing. " " " "
17!) I Umn Lane. " " Win. Bell.
IT'.U Ti.lin V . 1 1 1 Rensselaer. " "
S795 Jauies Hickok. " " " "
179R-97 " " Joseph Alexander. Joseph Alexander.
111IS " " " " Wni. Bell.
IT'JO Elijah Janes. " " CharleB Selden.
180(1 " " "
IRol-o Ii.lm D. Dickinson. " " " "
ItSUti 8 David Allen. Gharles Selden. E. W. Walbridge.
1809 I: w Walliridge. J;. s Duugrey.
ISln James Hick I " •■ ' " "
181 1 '.I Records are missing from the office of village clerk.
IS32-&J lolm M.Caswell. Marcus L. 1'illey. Horace janes.
ls;t " ■' Jaliez F. Parmelee.
1 ■ ■ ■ Win. McM nrraj " " " »
1836 John M. Ca-M ill. Richard McDonald. " "
j|S7 " " M. L. Filler.
1838 E. W. Walhriilge. R. McDonald. " "
Nicholas Weaver. Cornelius L. Tracy. Gerrit Fort.
184(1 John It. Clii|.nian. Richard McDonald.
18*1 Nicholas Weaver. " ': " "
1-1: lolm li. Chipinan. Stephen S. Hunt. " "
[843 John S. Fake. Waller Chip n. " "
1S44 " " Stephen S. Hunt. " "
1845-46 " " Chailes C. Parmelee.
1-17 lohn C. Filkin. " " B. G. Hathaway;
jW8 John B. Chipman. I soar Ransom. " "
1849 lohn G. McMurray. J.F. Kuickerliocker. Charles Hitchcock.
1850 lohn E. Whipple. "
Is'". Bailej G. Hathaway. Isaac Ransom John Mains.
Is"': John G. McMurray. Hiram Bleekman. Eihv. 1'. Pickett.
Is"' 1 Henry A. Mercer. B. U. Hathaway. Stephen Heimstreet.
ls"'l loseph Fox.
F. li Leonard.
1856 lolm (i. McMurray. William .1. Lamh. Edw. P. Pickett
1857 Thomas Currau. James D. Comstock. "
1858 Henry A. Mercer. Daniel King. " "
1859 B. G. Hathaway.
I860 Charles Cla k.
W61 I.E.Whipple.
1SI'- Robert Dickson. " " Patrick Fitzgerald.
'-' ; '• " " " B. I'. Pii k.tt.
•«W Edward P. Pickett. " " Edwin Adams.
--•• It rt Dickson. Louis Ransom. M. I.. Fan. her.
'-" William Allen. John W. Gaston. B. G. Hathaway.
lsl's " " John HiggiliB. E.P.Pickett,
1SI'' Seth P. Welch. s B. Kirkpatrick. Edwin Adams.
1 " " John M. Chambers
ls;- " " John U. Burke. " "
1 s; '■ Robert Dickson. Milo Thompson. " "
]sI+-7:' " " C. W. Witheck. Thomas Ronrk.
ls'6 James McQuide " " " "
ls"< Chas. 11. Duiichy. John Qiiinn. " "
ls7s " " C. W. Witheck.
ls',J Frederick E. Draper. " " J. E. West.
The other officers for 1879-80 are as follows: John T.
A an Arnam, Francis Tcson, R. M. De Freest, Edward A.
Skillman, Francis McCabe, D. C. Sippell, George Marshall,
Trustees Hyatt & Comstock, Village Attorni i i II.
Spollen, Supervisor of the Town; Henry E. Hawkins.
Edwin K. Smith, Police Ju tio P. E. Draper, William
Bolton, David II. Humphrey, Police Commissioners; John
Alexander, Sealer of Weights and Mi n Alexander
Kin;j, Captain of Police; .lam.- ('. Comstock, Superin-
tendent of Schools; R. C. Haskell, David II. Humphrey,
.lames II. Weaver, School Tin!..-. Charles I, Puller,
Village Surveyor; John 1!. Lavender, Superintendent of
Public Burial Grounds.
Tli.' following is a list of the police justices of Lansing-
burgh, first chosen at a special election, April, 1866, and
certified to, April 26th of that year, by the board of tt
ins: 1866, Charles -J. Lansing, George II. Hearman,
chosen for four years; 1870, Charles .1. Lansing, Alfred
Seaman, for four years; 1874, George II. Hearman, for
four years; Cole H. Denio, fa- two years; 1876, Henry
E. Hawkins, for four years; 1878, Edwin It. Smith, liir
four years.
The present police department (October, 1879) consists
of the following officers: Commissioners of Police, Presi-
dent, Frederick W. Draper, ex officio; David II. Hum-
phreys, Secretary ; Wm. Bolton; Chief of Police, Alexan-
der King ; Patrolmen, Abrani Longstaff. .lolm Daly, James
Comesky, William Gillespie. Mosher Burnham, William
Shumway.
The principal business of Lansingburgh 1 B79 may be
summarily stated as follows: Edwin Adams, dry-goods
merchant; James H.Adams, druggist; George Adams,
painter; John Alexander, butcher; John A. Alexander,
tinsmith ; Willkm Allen, carpenter; Jesse. B. Anthony,
grocery-store; Daniel D. Askins, butcher; George H.
Babcock, painter; Edward M. Babcock, flour- and provision-
store; Sidney M. Babcock, painter; Thomas Ball, drug-
store ; Bank of D. Powers & Sous; Bank of Lansingburgh
(uot now doing business); Warren E. Banker, hardware-
store ; Samuel Bolton & Sons, brewers-; William Brown,
hotel; Mrs. William S. Carr, dealer in fruits; Crasto M.
Clark, merchant tailor ; Comesky Brothers, brush-makers :
David Comesky, grocery-store; William Cooper, restau-
rant; G. W. Cornell, postmaster; Corse .V Co., stove-manu-
facturers; Richard Cross, dealer in liquors: John Dater.
livery-stable; C. H. Dauchy & Bro., oil-dealers; Daven-
port & Chambers, grocery-store; Thomas C. Davenport,
dealer in paints, etc.; Horace W.Day & Sons, Yankee
notions, wholesale store; Richard De Freest, baker; Eu-
gene D. Demers, grocery-store; Derrick & Smith, grocery-
store; William H. Deuel, real estate and insurance agency ;
Philip A. Deuel, insurance; Mrs. C. Allen Dretes, bakery ;
Dickson, Howard & Co.. drug-store: Joseph Douglass,
shoemaker; S. Draper & Sous, manufacturers offish-lines;
Jacob Dudden, sewing-machine agency : Richard Duff,
harness-maker: Michael Dwyer. grocery-store ; John Ebert,
Jr., meat-stall ; James I. Eddy ct Bro., lampblack-manu-
facturers ; Walton M. Eddy, lampblack-manufacturer;
Arthur B. Elliott, publisher of Lansiitgbttrgh Gazette;
Friend W. Esmond, confectioner; John Farrell, fancy
goods; Sirs. Emily Flan.lrau, millinery; Flynn Bros.',
brush-makers; James A. Flynn, grocery-store; Joseph
Fox & Sou, bakery ; Charles L. Fuller, civil engineer and
30G
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
village survey [s Gardner, grocery-store; Chai
Ganther, meat-stall j William Gilmore, Jr., grocery-store j
Samuel Goldey, real estate agene; I liarles M. Elalsted,
apothecary and chemist ; Robert Harrison, drag-store;
Robert C. Haskell, oil-cloth manufacturer; William M.
Qaskell, grocery-store; Joseph V. Hollis, grocery-store;
Benry Huh/. & Son, shoe-store; Frederick M. Boyt,
brushes; Mrs Cornelius Kelcher, grocery-store; J. 11.
Kendrick, Rensselaer Park Bouse; G ge II. Lempe,
boots and shoes; Benry Leech, baker ; Lilly & Co., sash
ami blind manufacturers; J. G. McMurray & Co., brush-
manufacturers ; James McQuide, brush-manufacturer;
Merrill & Spicer, tailors; Edwin Moss, Troy and Lansing
burgh Express . M iss & Stones, real estate brokers; Simon
Newcomb, insurance; S. li. Noyes, coal and wood yard;
Pcabody \ Parks, lumber-dealers; Oliver Peartrce, Old
I: Bouse Mrs Frederick Plamp, fruit and confection-
ery; D. Powers & Sons, floor oil-cloth manufacturers; D.
. Sons' Bank; Lawrence Salisbury, tailor; Sim-
mons .V Rogers, ice-dealers; Adam C. Snyder, druggist;
Southwick & Arnold, scale-manufacturers; William II.
Towne, photographer ; Charles M. Towne, harness maker;
Van Voasl & Engel, Lansingburgh Courier} Lawrence
Vog Isg sang, cigar-maker ; Elisha Waters & Sons, paper-
boat manufacturers; Edwin ('. Weaver, meat-market;
James II. Weaver, crockery-store; J. 0 Franklin, drug-
gist; Enoch Hum. blacksmith; John Engel \- Suns, boots
and shoes; Jabez Bowlett, Knots and shoes; Jonah E.
West, box-maker ; Dennis S. Baxter, brick-maker ; Amos
W. Brown & Sons, brush-makers; Thomas Curran, brush-
making; Peter B. King, brush-making; John O'Bryan,
brush-making; J. ('. P •' & Co., brush-making ; George
8 '. brush-making; E. .V ('. Wood, brush-making; Wil-
liam I licks, builder ; Francis McQuade, carriage-builder;
I; Trulan, carriage-builder; Carl dumber, tobacco-
. Arnold Grillo, cigars; William B. Jacobs, cigars ;
McAuley, clothiug-dealer ; George II. Allen, coal
and W 1 : John P>. Lavender, undertaker; Zina P. Green,
missioner of deeds; Thomas Mills, confectioner ; A.
- ■• r. per: A. W. Aldrieb, crocket v. -tore ; l>avid
Robertson, dry goods; Mrs. Mary S. Cobb, fancy g Is;
Herman Leiderly, florist ; Fred. Wnrmpt, florist ; Morris
S Van Buakirk, flour, feed, etc.; II. 1!. Millard, furni-
ture; William K. Barton. gT ry -tore; Thomas J. Leav-
Joseph A. Rayber, grocer; Rourke
Bi .:, Bans Schmidt, grocer ; Samuel W.Smith,
American House; Elijah II. Powell, Phoenix Hotel;
G Ifoung, Vail Avei House; J. P. Wilson, Wilson
Hon- . T B Walsh, insurance agent; S. .-' Magill, jew-
eler; Edward Tracy .\ Co., maltsters ; John McQuide, mar-
ble-dealer; Henry Leloup, meat-stall; William O'Connor,
meat-stall; Charles Pittman, meat-stall; G. W. Willson,
■ stall; 1' Fountain, merchant tailor; Mary I! & B.
I'. Davenport, millinery; George Tuner, new- depot;
Henrietta Ames, news depot; M. L. Fancher, real •
ton Adams, rope and cordage; Western
Uni I |-b ..flic.' . ||. J, Caswell, hardware; Mrs,
I Filly, tin and hardware; William II Lea, tin
and hardware; II •' Ma in .v Son, undertaken ; John
w it. hunker.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
As early as 1790 systematic arrangements were made for
protection against fire. It is probable they were even ear-
lier than that date. The department still keep, as a ven-
erable relic, an engine purchased in 1701. As it stands
"on lie- retired list" after a career of brilliant service, it
reminds one of the days when the "boys run icith the
fane." To compare it with the beautiful polished
steamer of the present time is to compare one age of civi-
lization with another, and the progress of inventive art is
clearly shown with the two machines side by side. There
are few or no records before 1S0II of the work of the tire-
men. It is evident, however, that there was a regular
company, and that they were equipped for their work, ac-
cording to the means obtainable at that time.
' The following records .show something of the earliest
action relating to protection from lire:
Jan. 15, 17S7, a vote of the town was taken and pa
unanimously that the committee should provide a sufficient
number of ladders and fired ks, to be deposited in the
most suitable place that the committee may think proper
for the use of the inhabitants, and to be under the imme-
diate direction of the foreman for the time being, which
ladders and hooks are to be used in the ease of fire only.
The payment to be made by a tax according to property, to
be levied by the committee according to these directions.
Afterwards. January 20th, the committee decided to have
two ladders 50 feet long each, one 40, one 30, and one
20.
May IS, 1700. at the first meeting of the new board of
trustees it was determined to appoint "fifteen firemen to
manage the fire-engine." Their names are not given. This
indicates the possession of an engine a year earlier than the
date usually claimed for old No. 1 .
June 26, 1790, a tax of E45 was voted by the inhab-
itants for the purpose of procuring buckets, fire-books, and
other instruments for use in extinguishing fires.
June 8, \~'.'-'>. it was voted that every householder hav-
ing two fireplaces in his bouse should procure two lire-
buckets of the same size as those used by the fire company,
also that '» two hoaze" be procured for the fire-engine im-
tin diately.
Oct, 0. 170!!. there is the following record: "The trus-
t© - obscn ing that the greal loss of property in the distress-
ing lire of last Saturday was in a great measure due to the
want of a sufficient number of hooks and ladder,-," ete.|
i od to oiiler more.
Deo. 18, 1793, a full set of regulations was adopted for
the fire department, and fire-wardens were appointed as fol-
lows : John Lovelt, Ananias l'lalt, Janes Hickok, John
Keating, Thomas Turner, and Elijah Jam
Jan.."). 1701. Shuluel (birham was a]. pointed supcrin-
tcndenl of the fire department. Matthew Perry was ap-
pointed to lake command of the fire-engine, and Mr. Wil-
li, mi i lui ■< ad in command.
The fire-wardens chosen May L'n. 1701. were Aaron
Noble and William Guest, Southern Ward; Aaron Line
and Peter Sim. Middle Ward; John Gaston and William
Bradley, Northern Ward.
Fire-wardens of 1795, Addison Bigclow, Joseph Vies
TOWN OF LANSING BURG II.
307
ouder, Benjamin Tibbels, Joshua Burnhaui. David M click,
George F. Tenery.
In searching ampng the old papers of the village clerk's
office, the writer was fortunate enough to discover the old
Bremen's hunk, commencing in L803, from which the fol-
lowing memorandum is compiled.
The roll of the Lansingburgh Fire Company for the year
1803 is as follows: David Smith, Thomas Wallace, Levi
Coley, Noel Atwood, Taylor Fordham, Josiah Sherman,
John Winchell, Jonathan Choate, Elisha .lanes, DaDiel
Lyman, Samuel Bontccou, John VVolcott, Russell Arming-
ton, Lewis Putnam, Sctli Seelye, Do 1'ue Itosecrans, Samuel
Shenill, William Hedges, Elias Parmelee, Levi Ward.
An annual meeting was provided for the first Monday
evening of January in each year. Regular monthly meet-
ings of the company were to be held on the last Saturday
Of each month, " sun half an hour P.M."
The list of captains of this company were as follows:
L804-9, David Smith; 1810-11, Elisha Janes; 1812-17,
Seth Seelye; 1818-34, Samuel Bontccou; 1835-41, Rich-
ard Hanford ; 1842-43, John D. Dale.
In 1S12 the admission fee was fixed at 620. For most
of this period " David Smith's clock and almanac" regu-
lated the time of the monthly meetings.
This brings the history of the original company down to
the formation of the more complete department.
Of the first list of members given above, Samuel Bontc-
cou remained until Aug. 30, 1834, a period of over thirty
years. At the time of his resignation he was the sole rep-
resentative left of the firemen of 1803.
Of the separate companies formed, our space will allow
but a brief statement. The original fire company of Lan-
singburgh became Engine Company No. 1, as shown above.
The Eagle Volunteer Fire Company was incorporated by
the Legislature April 12, 1813. The Lafayette Fire Com-
pany was incorporated by the Legislature April 17, 1833.
The other companies are of more modern date.
The village was divided in these earlier times into ten
fire wards, and two wardens were appointed in each.
The fire department was reorganized by an act of the Leg-
islature, passed April 17, 1844. Members were admitted
to the several companies by ballot, upon the recommenda-
tion of the chief engineer, and subject to the approval of
the trustees. The department thus constituted held an
annual election for officers, and those chosen were also sub-
ject to the approval of the trustees of the village. Each
company also chose two representatives to constitute a
board of directors. This system continued in force, though
occasionally changed in some minor particulars, down to
the time of the establishing of the paid fire department.
The engineers and assistants were members of the board of
directors. The department at this time was a much gov-
erned institution. For some years there were still chosen
twenty-five wardens, and the board of directors consisted
of sixteen members. Besides, each of the six companies
had a full set of officers of their own.
The first thing in order under the new system was to
determine who were members, and this was done by a res-
olution of the board of trustees. It appears, however, from
the dates, that this first board of directors was chosen by
the old companies as they existed before il rganizn-
I lull
The firsl election under the act was lei. I May 2, I- I I
The record, .Inly 20, 1844, shows thai tie trustees, on
the recommendation of the chief engineer, approved the
following list id' members for the several fire companies
mentioned :
Engine Company, No. 1. -Taylor S. Fordham, Gerry M.
Field, John 1). Dale, Thomas Curran, John U. Chipman,
Anson Grocsbeck, Shubael G. Lansing, Henry A. Mercer,
William Bontccou, George McAuley, Samuel W. Goodwin,
James Hodge, John 15. Lavender, John D. Felshaw,
Joseph Underwood, Samuel S. Bingham, Daniel Ring,
Randall A. Follett, Hiram Cole, Sidney Seelye,
Engine Company, No. 2 — William Bunnell, Pclatiah
Bliss, William Allen, William Cooper, Charles W. Ilas-
brouck, Edward Tracy, Henry Seelye, Patrick Conner,
James X. Barker, George Still, John T. Green, William
McMurray, Charles A. Clark, David Penman, Benjamin
15. De Wolf.
Engine Company, No. 4. — James Penman, Joseph Mc-
Farland, John Bowden, John McMurray, James McFar-
land, Schuyler Striker, Henry Edicar, Oliver Porter. John
Cozzens, Henry Valentine, Isaac Hunt, Francis D. Follett,
William Maltby, Amos Porter, William R. Barton, H. S.
Philips, B. Van Vleck, James Bradshaw, James Kelvie,
William Bradshaw, Michael Smith, John Lockton, Michael
Doyle, John Ames, Jesse Morris, Henry Smith, L. P.
Aldrieh, Seneca E. Sterry, A. Sawyer, James McMurray,
T. McClenahan.
Hbok-and- Ladder Company, No. 1. — John Dezandorf,
Peter D. Goewy, Michael lliggins, John S. Wheaton,
Stephen Hemstreet, Richard Johnson, John M. Caswell.
Jr., Thomas H. Miter, William B. Corey, Richard B.
Hanford, John Wilder, Joseph Fox, Jr., David Pira,
Alpheus Warren, Moses Sayles, Loring A. Pelton, Nelson
Adams, Charles G. Neal, Stephen R. Noyes, Walton M.
Eddy, Alanson Wing, Henry S. Tracy, William L. Han-
ford, Ezek Hawkins, Jr.
July 27th, the trustees further approved as follows :
Lafayette Fire Company, No. 3. — James B. Smith.
Albert E. Powers, Nathaniel B. Powers, Alexander Walsh,
Jr., Hiram A. Caswell, Charles Hitchcock, Thomas II.
Fisher, Orrin Iloyt, Henry Stilson, Robert Van Dusen, A.
Pierce, George W. Reid, Edwin P. Smith, G. W. Cornell,
Nicholas Weaver, John II. Willet, John Weaver, Jr.,
Elijah C. Wickwire, Samuel B. Comstock, Jabez Hawkins,
Leonard Ransom, William Gilmore (2d), John Ellwanger,
Abel B. Eaton, Horace W. Day, Jeremiah Ahern, Abra-
ham J. Lansing. Jonathan Brooks.
Hook-and- Ladder Company, No. 2. — Watson Striker,
James Erwin, Israel Tanner, E. Dorvol, E. II. Parmelee,
Parker Peets, Joseph Follett, Matthew lliggins, A. Sham-
beaux, Alexander King, Francis D. Follett, John Hum-
phrey, Caleb Smith, John King, J. Warren, Ambrose
McCodict, William Dubridge, Cornelius Ham, Isaac Shel-
fler, William Virgo, Charles Ladue, N. P. Jones, Horace
Potter, Charles Corey, Arthur Kingsley.
The first board of directors consisted of the following
members, and they held their first meeting May 13, 1 S 4 4 :
::.i-
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
Thomas <'. Davenport, Chief Engineer; John U. Waud,
I - Assistant Engineer; Jonathan E. Whipple, Second
• ■.hi Engi r; John I'. Dale, Third Assistant Engi-
neer; Jai Joseph Undcrw 1. Representatives
of Engine Company, No 1 : Charles W. Basbrouck, Pela-
ti.ili Bliss, Rcprcscntativi - N 2; Hoi ice \V. Day, Al-
bert E. Powers, Representatives of No. 3 ; Win. R. Bar-
ton. Alphcus Corbin, Representatives of No. 4; John M.
• II. Jr., Henry S. Traey, Representatives of Hook-
nnd-Ladder Company, No. 1 ; Horace Potter, James Irwin.
9entattvcs of Hook-nnd-Laddcr Company, No. '1.
The by laws were adopted June 1 I. L8J I.
In 1846 :i hose company was formed, with the following
members: James N. Atwood, David Allen, Edward I'.
Pickett, John II. Will, 'it. Augustas I'. Van Schaick,
II rman Knickerbocker, Hamlet Bontecou, Gilbert B.
Vanden k. Tin- name adopted was Hose Company No. 1 .
The following is :i li.-i of the chief engineers of tin Ere
department, commencing with L844:
I- 1 1 -IS.— Thomns C. Davenport. 1860-61.— Jami - Lea.
1849. John B. Cliipmnn. 1862-03.— iMichad Doylo.
I-.. I. Samuel Kil 1864-65.— A. C. Snyder.
John McMorrny. 1866-68.— Willium M. Lea.
! IS69 <0. — Bobcrl Dickson.
IS71-74. — Thomas II. .Mason.
In 1874 tin- vnluntecr fin- department of Lansingburgh
to mi end, having served the people from 171*1, — a
i of eighty-three years. During the summer, under
notice from tin- commissioners elect, all the companies
disbanded, and their property was turned over to the new
di partment.
Tin- paid fire department was organized pursuant to an
act of the Legislature passed Feb. 9, 1874. Under its
provisions the trustees of the village appointed a board of
tire commissioners. They are three in number, ami bold
office six years. They are so classified that one is elected
every two '■
The commissioners receive no compensation for their
and .ire not eligible to any other village office
during their term "I' service as lire commissioners. They
appoint all the officers of the lire department, ami the
members of the -aim-. Bubject to the approval of the trustees.
Tiny fix the Mm. .nut of compensation to he paid to the
officers and the employees, and purchase all apparatus
to the fire department, subject to the approval
1. 1' tin- trustees, ami subject to the general limitations of the
charter with reference to the expenditure of money. In
time -of fire tb immissionen hove power to pull down,
blow up, destroy, ami remove buildings for the purpose of
sting the progTi .ml of extinguishing the same
whenever they shall deem it necessary so to do; ami the
like power i- by the president of the village by
aiel with the advice of the chief engineer, or. in his absence,
the assistant engineer. Under the amended act of L879,
full power is vested in tl mmissioners, instead of acting
jointly with the trustees \ yearly fund .■! 85000 is pro-
I for the support "f the department, half raised by
1 taxation, and half taken from the six mill fund.
I i lire department took j ession I1
1-7 1. Tie- ! r.- lie- following: ConiUlis-
sioners, A. E. Towers. Chairman; Charles 8. Holmes,
Secretary; Thomas Higgins, Treasurer; Chief Engineer,
Thomas II. .Mason; First Assistant. John Franklin; Fore-
man of Hose, Win. M. Lea; Assistant. Mil ford Osborne;
Superintendent of lire-alarm and Engineer in charge of
steamers, .lohn Brooks ; Assistant. Frank Spotten.
1876-77. — The official list was the same, except that
W. S. Warnoek was appointed foreman of hose, and the
office of assistant foreman was abolished.
1877—78. — Commissioners, A. E. Towers. Chairman;
Charles S. Holmes. Secretary; A. C. Snyder, Treasurer.
The officers remained the same.
1878-7!'. — Present organization: Commissioners, A. K.
Towers. Chairman: A.C.Snyder, Secretary; Charles II.
Fisher, Treasurer; Thomas II. Mason. Chief Engineer;
John Brooks. Superintendent of the fire-alarm ami Engineer
of the steamers ; Frank Spotten. Assistant Engineer; John
II. Ingram, Captain of Hose Company ; Eugene N. Sippell,
Captain of Hook-and- Ladder Company; David Hannah.
Jr., First Assistant Captain; C. Chapman, I'd Assistant
Captain; C. A. Bell, Secretary; William McCailum,
Treasurer.
The department has the following apparatus : the J. K.
Whipple Steamer, No. 1, seven men ; the J. Fox Steamer.
No. 2, seven nun; the John S. Fake Hook-and-Ladder
Company, with twenty-nine men. The superintendent of
the fire-alarm and two men as drivers and assistants are on
duty steadily at the Firemen's Building on Market Street.
Other officers and members respond to the fire-alarm signal.
The training of the men and of the horse.- is very thorough
and efficient. At the striking of the signal, the ho
have often been attached, and the steamer in the street, in
fifteen seconds, and they have reached State Street in forty-
two seconds.
The J. E.Whipple steamer was bought in l^til. and
the Joseph Fox steamer in 1 865.
We are largely indebted to the courtesy of Superintendent
B ks for much of the information concerning the tire
department.
Under the system of the paid fire service, fires ami lire
alarms were reduced in the first two years to about one-
third of what they had been the two years previous.
SI'KICI I.H'W \.
This hamlet is in the northeast part of the present town
of Lansingburgh. It is in that portion annexed from
Schaghticoke in ISC.I. The names of the early settlers ale
largely given in the sketch of that town. The name Spei-
gletown is derived from the Vandcrspeiglc families who
located here ill the early linn s.
71.— SCHOOLS.
The "city of Lansingburgh" having been settled in 1 T TO,
and a local government established in 1771. the educational
interests of the growing settlement soon demanded atten-
tion.
'I'hi' work of a teacher ami a minister wen- combined in
the same person at first. There is an agreement pi 1 . -I.
which hears dale May '_'. 1771. ami by which Man- I!. Vail
VYuuka stipulate. 1 for the sum of fifty pound-, lawful moll >J
TOWN OF L.ANSINGB1 RGII.
309
»f the Shite of New 5Tork,"to teach such and onlj such »
gumber (not exceeding forty) reading, writing, and ariih-
liictic in the best manner," and "on every Sunday through-
(nit tlir year, excepting four Sundays reserved for himself,
tn read one Knglisli and one Dutch sermon." The first
ajhool-house stood near or on " the Green."
Tliat considerable uttention was given in schools in these
rarl\ times is evident IV the fact that, in little more than
twenty years afterwards, an academy was established to
supply the demand for higher education.
LANSINGBUKGD ACADEMY.
The charter of this institution was granted Feb. 20,
17%. The petition for incorporation was signed Dec. 24,
K95, by Benjamin Tibbits, William Hell, ami twenty five
other persons, ami it was stated in said petition that they
had at great expense ami trouble erected a spacious house
in Lansingburgh tor the express purpose of a seminary of
gaming, and that two lots of land had been granted for the
benefit of the same. The charter conferred by the regents,
in accordance with the petition, is signed by John Jay, chan-
cellor of the university, and by De Witt Clinton, secre-
tary. It is a venerable document, written out in full upon
ttrchment, and, with the heavy waxen seal attached, is some-
thing of a curiosity at the present time. The first trustees
of Lansingburgh Academy named in the instrument were
Jonas Coe, John 1). Dickinson, John Lovell, Win. Bradley,
Nicholas Schuyler, Michael Henry, George Tibbits, Christo-
pher Hutton, Ananias Piatt, Elijah Janes, Cornelius Lan-
sing, Charles Selden, Ilenloek Woodruff, Jonathan Brown,
Philip Smith, Josiah Masters (of Schaghticoke), and John
Thompson (of Stillwater).
The first building was erected about midway between
Ilonsick and Lansing Streets, west of the alley, and fronting
towards "the Green." The conveyance of the property
bears date Oct. 21, 1790. The parties conveying the same
were Levinus Lansing, Jacob A. Lansing, Cornelius Lan-
sing, and " the trustees of that part of the town of Troy
called Lansingburgh."
The academy, erected upon lots 132 and 133, was a plain
building of wood, only a story and a half high. In it a
School was maintained nearly twenty-five years. This old
academy building became a dwelling-house, and stood until
a few years since, when it was taken down. The second
Ideation of the academy was upon certain property belong-
ing previously to the Baptist Church. It was transferred
to the trustees of the academy May 3, 1S20. Upon this site
was erected, in the summer of 1820, the commodious build-
ing now in use. Here for nearly sixty years has been a steady
educational work, and here the academy still flourishes under
its old charter of 1796. There are few academies that equal
this in age, and none that surpass it in valuable results to
the community and to the State. The following catalogue
for the fall term of 1804, preserved with other valuable
papers among the records of the trustees, shows the goodly
company of boys and girls who studied in the old academy
seventy-five years ago, and played at youthful sports upon
the " Green" before it : Horace Janes, Charles Burr, Charles
Morgan, Henry Davis, Henry Selden, Thomas Trainer,
Hugh Wm. Henry, Jacob Lansing, Edward Boss, Howard
Ro Shubael Gorhain, Philip Rcdficld, Sidney Rcdficld,
Suel Mil Henry Morgan, Wm Morgan, Julia Alex-
ander, I'cjl'n Lararay, Mar} Selden, Charlotte Corharn
Tainan. i Sm bei land Vim i Sul In i laud, Anna Guest I
Bell, f/ucretia Johnson, Nancy Hawkins. Mo, Henry,
Anna Aubrey, Emily Gal pin, Sally Lorin Beta ( llickok,
Cynthia Hickok, Eliza Hickok, James Hickok, Nancy
Cook, Benjamin Abbott, David Welch, Sally Phinn
Charlotte Whitney. John Morgan, Henry Edson Richard
McDonald, Peggy Derick, Nancy Foreythe, William John-
son, Thomas Danforth, Robert Rawson, Sail) States, Nancy
Peck, Sally Morgan, Betsey Seymour Ebcnezer llickok,
Bridget McManus, John Van Schaick, William Bell.
The first principal was Chaunco} Lee Among tbe papers
of the board is his report (dated Dec. 11, 1 7 1>T y of the
fall term then closed. There wen- twenty three scholars;
thirteen of them studying the languages. It appears from
some other papers that a school had hi en kept in this build-
ing before the organization of the academy, — that is, the
academy was the outgrowth of a select school. The fall
term of 1797 seems to have been the first academic term.
The following list of principals is believed to be approxi-
mately correct: Chauncey Lee; Rev. Samuel Blatchford,
formally years; Nonas Bull; George A. Simmons, since
a member of Congress, Pittsburgh District ; Alexand r
M. Call; E. B. Janes, 1835 to 1838; K. G. Foote, 1840,
named as " teacher" in the regents' reports; II. White, L841
to 1842, "teacher;" Ebenczer D. Mahbie, principal, 1842
to 1S47 ; C. G. Pease, 1S47 to 1849 ; Rev. Cyrus Bolster,
1849 to 1851 ; J. Hooker Magoffin, 1851 to 1854; Rev.
John Smith, 1854 to 1850;* Daniel J. Mann, 1859 to
1860; Peter R. Furbeck, 1860 to 1865; Rev. Alden B.
Whipple, 1865 to 1870.
This was a united arrangement with the then existing
Female Seminary :f Mrs. Emma O'Donnell, 1870 to 1873 ;
C. T. R. Smith, 1873 to the present time.
The present organization, October, 1879, is as follows:
Trustees, Rev. A. M. Beveridge, President ; Horace W.
Day, Secretary and Treasurer; John Ames, David Judson,
Thomas Moss, Joseph Fox, George A. Lally, C. C. Parma-
lee, Rev. B. J. Hall, A. W. McMurray, Rev. G. P. Tyler;
Teachers, C. T. R. Smith, A.M., Principal; August Iloltz,
Teacher of German ; Miss Nellie J. Fancher, Teacher of
Piano; Mrs. C. T. R: Smith, Preceptress; Miss Mary F.
Dunham, Teacher of Primary Department and Drawing.
IM I5LIC SCHOOLS.
In 1807, the first year of the town organization, Charles
Selden and Thomas Wallace were chosen commissioners of
common schools. This was in accordance with the earlier
laws relating to schools. From this date until 1812, inclu-
sive, others served one or more years each, as follows:
Timothy Leonard, David Allen, Horatio Hickok, and
■ For tour years from 185fi no report was made to the regents,
although a sohool is said to have been continued in <«>iih: form.
f Lansingburgh Female Seminary \\;is established by Rev, Mr.
Smith. This was on the southeast coiner of Market and Ann Stir t-.
It was erected l>y Mr. Smith for that purpose. The Bchool was a
private one.
310
HISTORY <>F RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
James Pierce. At t lie annual town-meeting of 1813 it
was voted to comply with the provisions of the school act
1 Jan.- 19, IS12, and the following commissioners
were chosen thai year: Timothy Leonard, Cornelius L.ins-
iii". Asa Hurt. l>tiriii'_' the next thirty years others served
one or more years, each as follows: David Allen. James
ms, Elijah Janes, Gardner Tracey", Ebenezer W. Wal-
bridgc, Walter Raleigh, Gencl Peebles, Elias I!. Parmelee,
Horatio G. Spofford,* John Ball, Horatio Hickok, Charles
Cole, John G. Ncal, Hiram P. Hunt. Amos ('. Holden,
('.■melius L. Tracey, Augustus Filley. Wooster Brookins,
Hi, Tuner, t Irlo Beals, Jumcs Austin. Philip T. Heartl
2d Rufus Pisher, John S. Pake, .lane- II. Jones, Pliny
M t lorbin.
During the same period the following persons served as
inspectors of common schools one or more years each :
Thomas Bassell, James Reid, Abraham ('. Lansing, Seth
- ye, John Dully. Walter Raleigh, Charles Cole. Andrew
Pollett, Thomas Turner, Jr., Stephen Germond, Horatio
Hickok, Hlias R. Parmelee, Smith Germond, John Ball,
[saac Wallace, Horace Turner, Hiram P. Hunt. William
Powers, Wooster Brookins, Cornelius L. Tracey, John G.
Neal, Augustus Filley, Barenl Adams, John S. Fake,
Elisha B. Janes. William II. Gray, Jonathan IS. Whipple,
John Cole, Sidney D. Smith. Samuel S. Bingham, John
Montgomery, Alpheus Warner. Jesse Tain. an, William D.
Perry, Stephen S. Hunt. George W. Reid.
I'nder the system of school supervision by town super-
intendents the following persons were chosen to that ofliee:
annual election. IS 14— IT. John <!. Neal; biennial elec-
tion. 1848-50, John G. Neal; 1851, Jonathan E. Whip-
ple i to till vacancy and holding for two years); 1853,
Jonathan K. Whipple ; IS.")."). James Comstock. In June,
1856, the system of supervision by school commissioners
succeeded, and all control of the schools by the towns
- d.
The old red school-house on Congress Street, north of
A. W. McMurray's residence, was a well-remembered Feature
of the olden time8. It was built very early. Daniel Keii-
drick was a noted teacher there, and also his brother, Sam-
mi Kendrick.
There were various select schools from time to time.
Mr. Rowley taugh I over the Lansingburgh book-store, where
Welsh's salo.m is now located. This was continued from
the year 1813 to 1815. Joseph B. Comstock taught in
0 -mall building next to Hannah Atwood's llOUSC, and
in the old Fields building on the corner of Market and
also in the north part of the old Village
II tel This school was continued for Beveral years bi
the war of 1812. Mr. < ' Btock was a native of this town,
and spent bis life here. William Powers taught ina build-
ing on Congress Street, where Mr. S. Van Buskirk now
lee lb introduced what was known as the Lancaste-
rian plan, over which then was so much discussion among
il men fifty years ago. Mi P nren iftcrwards
ted the oil-cloth factory. His scl 1 was probablj be
F M I; iwley and Comstock. Tin
I in 1800, kepi by Mesdamcs M K and A.
• Autlior "f the w.lt-known gaistll
Sketchlcy. Orla Beats kept a sehojl at tlu southwest cor-
ner of Richard and John Streets in early times.
The modern system of public schools in Lmsingburgh
has been marked b}' system an 1 thoroughness, and by an
intelligent willingness on the part of the people to bear
taxation for school purposes.
In IS 17 there was passed by th_' Legislature an act
permitting School District No. 1, in Lansingburgh, to
raise by taxation money sufficient, in addition to the public
money, to pay teachers and other expenses, thus making a
free school. This was a year before the " free-school sys-
tem" was attempted in the State by the act of 184S. and
srci-rtif years before the more fully-d 'vclnped system of
1851 was adopted. In securing the passage of the act of
1S47. Mr. James C. Comstock, the present principal of the
grammar-school department, was particularly active, and he
was ably sustained by. a constituency wisely determined on
having l'ooiI schools. The act was largely drawn by Mr.
Coinstock. and it undoubtedly furnished a model upon
which the subsequent general State law was drafted.
On the inauguration of the new system Mr. ComstooIS
was made principal, and has retained that position to the
present time. He had already taught several terms, and
now, after nearly forty years of continuous service, he is
very probably entitled to be ranked as the senior teacher <;/'
the Slute.
The success achieved by the schools of Lansingburgh is
no doubt due very much to the unity and efficiency secured
by retaining one teacher for so long a period. Ho has had
time, as few teachers have, to sec his earlier plans develop i
and their value tested.
In later years all the public schools of the village have
been united under one management, — the district at the
north and the district at the south being attached to No.
1. under the same graded system. The different deparl-
m nts and the gradation are shown briefly in the following
catalogue of the present teachers and the work assig 1 to
each :
Central School, corner of Market and Avenue. — Gram-
mar Department : James Comstock, Principal and Super-
intendent of village seh iols ; Miss Anna Qiiackenbush, First
Assistant; Miss Helen F. Hawkins. Second Assistant.
Intermediate Department: Mrs. En t Kinney. Princi-
pal; Miss Ella B. Walsh, Assistant.
Powers Primary Department :f Mrs. ('. A. Waters.
Principal; Miss Fiances Shook, First Assistant; Mi-
Nellie Cobdcn, Si nd Assistant; Miss Florence Morso,
Third Assistant : Miss Frances Olger, Fourth Assistant,
Whipple School, north part of the village.* — George II.
Mollory, Principal; Miss Alice N'orthrup, First Assistant;
Mi— L. Alida Lewis, Second Assistant; Mi>- Alice M.
Duddeii. Third Assistant : Miss Minnie Shook. Fourth
Assistant.
Fourth Ward iSc/ioo/.— Miss Kate E. Smith. Principal;
Miss Nina Oliver, First Assistant; Miss Kate E. Miter,
I Assistant . Miss Hattic Clark. Third Assistant
1 The expense of additional buildings fur I li i h department w*i
> j tie Poh di - I onily.
. Ur, Whipple deiiwi d Iho land for a sii<'.
TOWN OF LANSINGBURGH
311
The Central School building is a large brick edifice, con-
veniently adapted to school purposes, and supplied through-
Wit with excellent school furniture. The building in the
north part of the village is a new one and in g 1 condi-
tion. The building in the Fourth Ward is also a very fine
one. The studies of all these schools and departments are
arranged cm the same plan as those in (lie subordinate
schools d|' Troy, and scholars from Lansingburgh are ad-
mitted by examination to (lie Troy High School, though
they are obliged to pay for tuition, net being within the
limits el' (he city.
For (lie convenience of those desiring to attend the
high school of Troy, the company operating the Street-ears
have arranged a low rale of fare for scholars.
st. Augustine's free institute.
This is a Catholic school under the charge of the Sisters
of St. Joseph.
TUE PRESS OF LANSINGBURGH.
Monday morning, May 21, 1787, there appeared the first
number of the Northern Centlnel and Lansingborough
Advertiser. Tins newspaper enterprise was undertaken by
" Claxton and Babcock in King Street, between Hoosack
and South Streets." This sheet with so ponderous a title
was seventeen by twenty inches in size, and it was justly
regarded as a distinguishing proof of the progress of the new
village.
The printing-press in Lansingburgh is older than the
Federal Constitution. It chronicled the inauguration of
Washington as the first President of the Union, and it
survives yet to chronicle the elected chief of 1880. This
newspaper was the first one printed in Rensselaer County,
— the first one in all the territory of the State north of
Albany. It would be thought a very dull affair in the
light of our modern ideas of a live newspaper. There was
not an item of local news in it save a brief address by the
publishers to the people, if that could be called nt ws.
There were several columns of European news three
months old, a few brief accounts of events in New York
and Philadelphia, and these occurred three weeks before
the publication in Lansingburgh. A quantity of miscella-
neous reading matter and a few advertisements completed
the paper. The absence of all local news, or nearly so,
continued for many years. Even as late as 1825 a copy of
the Lansingburgh Gazette lying before the writer has no
local news except advertisements and notices of marriages
and deaths.
Oct. 15, 1787, the proprietors changed the name in the
title-page to Lansingburgh, with this explanation: "The
publie will please to notice that the printers through misin-
formation (being strangers when they first established their
business here) have called the town LansingWojy/i, but on
consulting the records they find it to be Lansingburgh, by
which name they shall in future publish it. They beg the
public to pardon the error into which they have been inat-
1 tentively led."
1788.— The Federal Herald, Monday, May 5, 1788,
weekly, by Babcock & Hickok, corner of King and
II sack Streets. Files extant to Maj 17,1790. I'
Federal.
L791. American Spy, Friday, April 3, 1791, by Syl-
vester Tiffany, a little south of Douglass' tavern. An
2,1792,bj Sylvester Tiffany and William W. Wand-. Dec
21, 1792, b\ W. W. Wands. Filesextanl toJune 6, 1797.
1797. The Northern Budget, Tuesday, June 20, L797,
by Robert Moffitt A Co. Oilier removed to Troy,and first
paper issued there, Tuesday, .May 15, 1798.
1798. — Lansingburgh Ga ette, Sept. 12, 17'1
by Gardinci Tracy ; "Hire on King Street. Oct, 1 I. 1806,
Gardiner Tracy and Luther Bliss. April 21, 1826, it
Bold t<i Augustus Filley, who transferred it to Jesse C.
Young. The latter then changed the name to The Rens-
selaer County Gazette. Under this title it was published
by Jesse ('.and Jeremiah Young, the first issue being Maj
2, 1820. Subsequently, the name was changed t" The
Lansingburgh Democrat and Rensselaer County Gazette.
This was discontinued in the fall of L828. But meanwhile
Edward J. Van Clove had, in December, 1826, commenced
a new series of the paper under nearly its old name, The
Gazette, and this, saving the few months between May and
December, became the continuation of the old paper of
171)8. In 1832, Walter S. Fairchild became proprietor of
the paper. December, 1833, William H. Gray became its
editor, and remained until Sept. 30, 1838, when a firm
succeeded him consisting of William B. Ilarkness and
William II. Winans; with them was associated Edgar A.
Barber as editor. July 9, 1843, the building in which
the Gazette was published was destroyed by fire, and the
files of the paper were burned. The Gazette was, for a
few months following, and until Sept. 7, 1843. published
at the Whig office, in Troy. Dec. 4, 1846, William B.
Ilarkness became sole proprietor and editor. Dec. 1, 1847,
it was again published by a firm, — William B. Ilarkness
and Alexander Kirkpatrick. Oct. 30, 1849, Mr. Kirkpat-
rick became sole owner. This management continued for
twenty years. July 1, 1S69, it passed into the hands of
Samuel B. Kirkpatrick and J. D. Ayres, the former being
the editor. November, 1872, A. Leslie Elliot became
editor and proprietor. Sept. 1, 1S73, he associated with
himself I. I. Van Voast. Aug. 22, 1874, C. G. Coutant
became publisher. July 31, 1875, John J. Benson. March
17, 1877, George E. Babcock. June 16, 1877, John
Quinn, and a week later, June 23, 1877, Eugene L. De-
mers became associated with Mr. Quinn. Dr. A. B. Elliot
is the present publisher.
1803. — The Farmers Register, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 1803,
weekly, by Francis Adancourt, opposite Jacobs' (now Phoe-
nix) Hotel ; politics, anti-Federal ; removed to Troy in
1806.
1838. — The Democratic Press and Lansingburgh Adver-
tiser, Jan. 13, 1838, by William J. Lamb; subsequently
changed to Lansingburgh. Democrat, and continued until
Mr. Lamb's death, Nov. 7, 1850. It was then published
by his widow, N. Maria Lamb, under her husband's name,
until Jan. 20, I860; then by Joseph D. Comstock until
April 0. 1861, when S. V. R. Young and Thomas Rubin-
son published it, and changed its name to the iVeio Adver-
tiser, until July 12, 1861, when it was discontinued.
315
HISTORY OF RENSSELAEB COUNTF, NEW YORK.
1841. — / v Cusket was commenced bj James
.] P ik, November, 1841.
]-ll Tin Golden Rub was commenced as a monthly,
,l:in. 1. 1844, by Rev. Rolla .1. Smith. It was edited bj
M ■ M A. Smith, in connection with the Golden Rule
Institute, a female seminary conducted by her, and located
at the corner of Market and Ann Streets. In 1-17 it was
changed '" 'he Young Ladies .'/■-.
\-\~ — Tin Antiquarian ami General Review wascom-
menced as a monthly by Rev. William Arthur at Schen-
ectady, the first number being issued in March, 1845. In
Mnrch, 1-17. it was removed to Lansingburgh, Rev. Mr.
Arthur remaining its editor until 1848.
I860 TheL insingburgh Daily Gazelle was commenced
I i-l. i\. Jan, '■'<. LSGO, by Thomas Mitchell and Alexander
Kirkpatrick. Feb. 6, I860, A. Kirkpatrick and lid ward
K. Hawkins, till discontinued, Feb. 11. I860.
L864 — Tht Semi- Weekly Chronicli by J. 1>. Comstock,
printer for the publishers) was first issued April ('.. 1864 ;
itli vcr the Rensselaer County Hank, [t appeared Wed-
ii- - 1 lys and Saturdays. Dec. :!1 . 1 86 I. it was merged into
the Lansingburgh Weekly Chronicle, conducted by J. 1'.
Comstock, until July 4, 1866; then Daniel Cady became
the owner, and the name was changed to the Lansingburgh
Chronicli and Family <•'>;.!, .- then tt became the Weekly
< and Watchman, which was afterwards removed
iioes.
1 872. — Our Little Paper was a small weekly, first
Friday. Sept 13, 1-7 J. by E. D. Ayres. It was published
f. ir a little more than a year, being discontinued in Decem-
ber, i -::;.
]~-~'.'t — 7'//- Enterprise, a small weekly, was first issued
Nov. 20, 1-7:!. by J. C Comstock, chief editor, assisted
by Milo S. Thompson and ('. W. Witbeck. It was dis-
tinned Feb. 28, 1-7 1.
1 -7."' - -Tlu Lausingbnrgh Courier — weekly — was com-
mend i I' c. 24, 1875, by Isaac I. Van Voasl and William
II Y.
VII.— CnURCIIES.
lilt. PROTESTANT REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH.
early settlers were wont t" attend church, as they
and felt disposed, at Bevcrwick, or New Orai
OrOS nOW Called, Albany ; and sometimes at a place on the
Mohawk, beyond tin- present .-ii\ of Cohocs. called the
B .M. Bui '-n tie- 25th day of September, in the year
17-1. a religious society was organized under the title of
"'I'l' I' R rmed Dutch church, in Lansing-
burgh." 1' consisted of 12 members, Zachariah Qarryvk
nckcr being ciders, and Alfred Pawling and
Christopher Tillman deacons. Nov. 1';. 1788, the R
it Schuyler Lupton was installed as its pastor, and
ned until removed by death, about the year 1792.
Forty-two persona united with the church during his min-
i -i those d firel
ln-ld in a building 'bat -t 1 upon ground now occupied
by tie- dwclling-hou J ph Miter, on the weal Bid
d Lansing and South, and they »
di my," locati d on the
H Mi.
Lupton, the church began to decline, and finally broke
up. - rvices by this church probably closed in 1790 or
17'.'1. It became absolutely extinct about the beginning
of this century, its pulpit being declared vacant by the
synod of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. The
name of Ezra Hitchcock is mentioned as an elder in this con-
ation in 1791. Perhaps it may be said that this church
really became the First Presbyterian by reorganization.
Those interested in the first were largely the same persona
who formed the latter.
SinlVH SKi'F.UI'.lts' Clll'RCII.
There was a society of ibis denomination existing for a
few years in Lansingburgh. They built a house of wor-
ship ali-iin 17IHI; it stood on ground now occupied by the
brush factory of .1. tl. M. Murray & Co. Rev. John
Gausman was pastor, and William Thompson clerk. The
latter led the singing and lined off the Psalms. Lan-
singburgh was visited by the eccentric Lorenzo Dow, and
he preached in the Secedcrs' Church. Tt was there that
mischievous buys tarred his umbrella, lie thanked them
kindly, saying that it would shed rain much better than
before. This society was soon scattered by death and re-
movals. The house stood until a few years ago. when it was
destroyed by fire and replaced by the present buildings. It
is not supposed that there are any records of ibis church
preserved. The building of the meeting-house above men-
tioned is incorrectly attributed by some authorities to the
Reformed Dutch Church. Mr. .Samuel Bontccou, excel-
lent authority on historical matters in Lansingburgh, -
the above OS the correct view.
TIIK. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LANSINGBURGH.
This society was organized Aug. !>. 17!>2. The church
was constituted Dec. 5, 1793, William Bell the first elder.
The first house of worship stood at the north end of the
"Green," and was dedicated dune 22, 1791. The lirsi
pastor was Rev. Jonas Cue. 1».I>.. who was also pastor of
the First Presbyterian Church of Troy. Tin- certificate
of incorporation bears date May 1-1. 1799. It is signed
by John 1>. Dickinson and Charles Seldcn,and the trustees
nai 1 therein are James Hickok, D. llosecrans, Michael
Henry, donas Morgan, Elijah .lanes, and Thomas Basse!!
This church appears to have been in some respects the
successor of the Reformed Dutch Church. The latter WB8
idualTj becoming extinct as the former developed into
Btrcngth.
The Presbyterian society is older than the legal certificate
quoted above indicates. The first date mentioned, Au;
1792, i- the correct date, and the trustee5 then elected
Levinus Lansing, John Lovctt, John 1>. Dickinson, Jams
Dali -1 n, and Shubacl Gorham. Proposals for
building a meeting-house were advertised for in the -
papers on Feb. 22, 17'.':!. It was ill by 50 feet. Tbc
. i.ne rsl. me was laid July .">. 17'.»:',. b\ Rev. Jonas I
pastor of the united churches ol C and Lansingburgh.
The dedication took place in dune of the next year.
Tie- church was built of brick shipped from Holland.
They were imported by Levinus Lansing to be used in the
erection of a house for himself. He, however, gave them
TOWN OK LANSINGB1 RGU
313
in the church and contented himself with a dwelling buill
of wood, and the site of the church had also I n donati 'I
\i\ Mi. Lansing and his two brothers, Cornelius and Jacob.
The following additional items arc taken from a histori-
cal address by Rev. A. M. Beveridge, delivered in I^Tii:
"The First Church of Lansingburgh and the First of
Troy, Imtli very feeble, united together for llie support of
Bie gospel ; and Aug. 30, 1792, subscribed a call to Mr.
Jonas Coo, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New STork.
The call was accepted, and Mr. Cue was installed pastor of
tlie two June 25, 1793, by the Presbytery of Albany,
within whose bounds these churches then were, lie re-
mained pastor of the Lansingburgh Church for eleven years,
and then continued with the Trey Church alone until his
death. 1822. The second pastor of this church was the
Rev. Samuel Blatchford, D.D. lie was boru at Plymouth
Dock, County of Devon, England, in the year ITiiT.
"On the 19th of .July, 1804, he was installed paster of
the churches of Lansingburgh and Waterford. lie re-
mained in this position until removed by death, which
occurred on the 17th of March, 1828, in the sixtyvsecond
year of his age, and the forty-first of his ministry, —
twenty-four of which were spent in this place. Messrs.
Matthew Harrison, Ezra Hickok, Thomas Basset, Samuel
Hickok, Michael Henry, Seth Seelye, William Hedges,
Jonathan Wickwire, and Elias Parmelee became members
of the Session during Dr. Blatchford's administration, and
Samuel Hickok and Jedediah Turner, deacons. Elias
Parmelee, James Heed, Seth Seelye, John B. Chipman,
Ebetiezer Walbridge, and Jacob C. Lansing were the trus-
tees of the church at the time of his death. And as we
go backward and forward a little from this date, we find
associated in the official board, and co-workers therein, I >epu
Rosekrans, Gardiner Frazer, George Tibbits, Alexander
Walsh, David Allen, Luther Bliss, Abraham C. Lansing,
Samuel Bontucuc, Horace and Elijah Janes, William
Knickerbocker, and many other leading citizens of the
place, all of whom have long since gone the way no traveler
ever returns."
The subsequent catalogue of ministers is as follows :
Rev. Isaac Mcllvaine from Oct. 2, 1828, to 1S30. During
his pastorate Timothy Garfield was chosen older. Rev.
John W. McCullough from Sept. 8, 1830, to 1832.
Ebenezer W. Walbridge, David Fancher, and Elias R.
Parmelee were made ruling elders during Mr. McCullough 's
incumbency; and Benjamin W. Horr, Leonard Ken ly,
William Van Vleek, and Nathan Stratton, deacons. Rev.
Henry Benedict from Nov. 6, 1834, to 183G. Rev. Philo
F. Phelps from 1836 to 1S39. A kind of interregnum
occurred here. The pulpit, however, was supplied by Dr.
*ates, a professor in Union College, and some others.*
Rev. J. II. Symtus from October, 1840, to Aug. 24, 1813.
Rev. Villeroy D. Reed from 1844 to 1S5S. Rev. A. M.
Beveridge, the present pastor, began his labors with this
church July 8, 1858.
The second church edifice was commenced in 1S44, and
opened for service April 25, 1845.
* It was not far from this time, ton, that the church found seasonn
blc help in her straitened circumstances from a bequest of $1000 by
Abr.im C. Lansing.
40
Since the first organization of the church it lias had.
including the incumbent, nine pastors, six ciders, and
t wenty four ruling elders. All the pasti
three .ill i lie di aeon and all but Bis of the i wenty
elders, have died.
The present organization (October, 1879 ie as follows:
Rev. A. M. Beveridge, Pa tor; Joseph Fox, Orville K
Thomas Richardson, Alfred W. McMurray, and David II.
Humphrey. Elders; Joseph Fox, i I ■ 1 1 1 \ Parmelee, David
II. Humphrey, Charles Lansing, James Buel and James
II. Adam-. Trustees; Warren T. Kello titendenl
ofSundaj school ; Joseph Fox, Superintendent of Bethany
School, a mission enterprise.
Within a few years the old chapel has been i ehan I
for the present large, simple, hut neat ami commodious
chapel, erectedin 186G-67, at a cost of some $8000. The
church edifice proper has also been enlarged and remodeled
to meet growing necessities. These additions and repairs.
including furniture, organ, and bell. — the lull the munifi-
cence of the late and lamented John (J. McMurray, —
amounted to $20,000. This last work was entered upon
in the fall of 1869, and completed the summer following.
And the edifice, substantially new. was rededicated to the
service of God, the sermon on the occasion being preached
by the Rev. Dr. A. Upson, now id' Albany.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This society was organized in 1S27. Tin- first house of
worship stood near the river, at the foot of Elizabeth Street.
The first pastor was Rev. S. D. Ferguson. The meeting to
effect incorporation was held "at the meeting-house.'' July
23, 1827. The officers of this meeting who signed the
certificate were Jacob Hcmstreet and Edwin Filley. The
paper was sworn to before Judge David Buel, Jr., and
contained the names of the following trustees : Ephraim
(ioss, Jacob Hemstreet, Edwin Filley, Alexander Van
Pelt, Thomas Ward, and Benjamin Case.
Methodist work in Lansingburgh was. however, much
earlier than the above formal organization would indicate.
In 179S a class was formed which was included in Troy
circuit. In 1803, Rev. Laban Clark and Martin Ruter
preached hero. Rev. Joel Ketehum and Rev. Elijah Chi-
chester, who had retired from the itinerancy, and were living
in Lansingburgh, took an active part in the work. In 1810
the house spoken of above was erected, — the society used
it for about twenty years. On the 15tb day of February,
1 328, Derick Lane sold to the trustees of the church lot
96, on the corner of North and Queen Streets, where a
church was soon after built. Still earlier than the above
dates, it may be noticed that in 1788 Freeborn Garrettson,
the great apostle of early Methodism in the Hudson Val-
ley, preached in Lansingburgh.
Mr. Samuel Bontccou, in a newspaper article, gives the
following particulars: The Methodists first worshiped in
private houses. The first Methodist class was organized in
1798, by Elijah Chichester and Joel Ketehum, local
preachers. They were in partnership, and kept a general
grocery-store in Barkei's Row; they had a little of every-
thing in the store, including good liquors. It was not
thought disreputable to sell or drink liquor in those days,
314
HISToltY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and the liquor was pure and considered wholesome. Bvery-
. including ministers, drank ; almost every family kept
it en the sideboard. In 1810 the Methodists built a house
of worship .11 River Street, where in recent years stands
the bouse of John W. Bates, li was built mostly by
Chichester and Ketchum, with their own workmen and
their own means. In a few years the society increas i .
another church was l>uih on the corner of North and Con-
I one removed next to Noycs' eoal-
yard, where it now stands, occupied as a dwel i
The society was somewhat persecuted, and had some
trick.- played on them. ( me Sabbath morning thoy found a
tied up to tlii- altar and a goose on the desk. Brotlier
Chichester often preached "ii dress, although he had re-
tired from tin- grocery business and gone int.. the dry-
Is trad.-. He sold ribbons and all kinds of fancy g Is
notwithstanding. On one occasion at a revival meeting
ral young people with Bome extra finery on came to the
altar for prayer. Brother Chichester rose to address them,
and .-aid. "when people gave up keeping tavern they
usually to.>k down the sign."
At the formal organization of 18J7 there were about 60
members. Jacob Hemstrect and Edwin Filley were class-
leaders. In 183-1 the same two were class-leaders, and also
Charles Hummer. Charles A. Clark. Jonathan Barlow, and
0 Bennett; and the stewards of that year were .lacob
II. ni-tr..t. Edwin Filley, Anson Groesbeck, Simon Freiot,
B ijamin Stearns, and Andrew Follett. The name of
Philip Wickwaro is prominent among these early na -.
The charge was at first Troy and Lansingburgh. In
1834 Lansing! ame a separate charge, and has re-
mained so t.. the ]. resent time.
The present houseof worship was built in 1848. It has
been extensively remodeled and improved in later years, and
i- a large and commodious church. It is on the northeast
corner of Elizabeth and Cougress Streets.
The record of the pastors is as follows: Samuel Luckey,
Bancroft, L818; William Anson, Jacob Hale, 1819;
Sherman Miner, John Lovejoy, 1820; Sherman Miner.
John Lovejoy, 1821 ; Jacob K man. John Clark, 1822;
>min Griffin, Jacob Beman, 1823; Benjamin Griffin,
John C. Green, 1-Jl: Nathan Rice, William II. Norris,
Sherman Miner, Nathan Hire. 1826; S. D. Fer-
;. L827 28; Seymour Landon, 1829-30; Timothy
I: nedict, 1831 , Cyras Prindle, 1832; W. D. Stead and
Tobias Spicer, 1-:;:;; Chorlea P. Clarke, is:: i : \. M. Os-
boni ~ M.-riiti Bates, 1836; James Caughey,
1837; \ M Osb rn< 1838; J. All. v. 1839; W. Bullard,
1840; J. Fnuxer, 1841 ; O. Emerson, 1842 13; 0. Devol,
; 15; William Griffin, 184C-J7; 8. Parks, 1848; B.
II rley, 1850 51 . II. W. Ransom, 1852 53; W. P.Gray,
1854 55; D. Starks, 1856-57; L. Marshall, 1851: I I
\V. Cnsl >;il Q Bidwell, 1862 63; S. Me
W i: Brown, 181 J 69 II - rj Graham,
1-7" 71 . U B Mi i 1872 7::. W. II. Hughes, 1-71
M D. Jump, 1-77
Itowing is the t
Rii hard M. D< 1'
William \. Flack, William I 3. Parks,
N 11 N yes, William M Lea, John Am.-. Trust
George C.illmrn. Thomas M. Dunham, Walton M. Eddy,
David II. Flack, Felix Fountain, Isaac G. Flack, John A.
Stover, S. N. Ide, J. II. Weaver. Stewards; Rev. M. D.
Jump, S. V. Arnold. Robert Constable, Ira E. Davenport,
H.J. Mason. Thomas Moss, C. II. Van Annuo, Samuel
Wlliley. Class Leaders; Superintendent of Sunday-school,
E. W. Capron. There are about 700 volumes in the
Sunday-school library. The communicants of the church
number about 159.
JOHN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
The history of Baptist work in Lansingburgh dates back
to the early part of this century. The legal certificate
bears date dune 11. 1803. It was signed by Francis
Cboate and Moses Willard. The trustees named therein
were Daniel Seymour. Aaron B. Hinman, Francis Choatc,
Nathaniel Jacobs, and William Spafford.
The first bouse of worship erected by this society was on
the cast side of State Street, between Lansing and Iloosick
Streets. The second bouse of worship was a plain but
convenient building erected on the corner of North and
John Streets. Sept. li. l>ol,the society purchased of John
Kennedy ground on the northwest corner of Congress and
Richard Streets, whereon they erected a church edifice that
afterwards became the property of the Second Presbyterian
Society, and was known as Olivet Church. It is now the
well-known concerjt-hall and free reading-room.
The earlier history of the Baptist Church is not easily
obtainable, for the reason that the first volume of records
are lost or destroyed. The second volume, in possession
of the treasurer. Mr. Franklin, commences with 1S43,
though it contains the articles of faith and the covenant
adopted May 17. 1804. In 1S43, Elder Thomas S. Roj -
was pastor. L. Mills was church clerk, and John C.
MeMurray was often called to the chair in church-m
ings. In 1844, Elder N. N. Moore became pastor, and
continued about three years. Before the .-lose of 1846,
Elder W. Arthur accepted a call as pastor, and remained
about three years. Stephen Bull was chosen clerk the
same year. In ISIS, Elder C. W. Hughes was elected pas-
tor, and continued for seven years, preaching his farewell
sermon June-".. 1855. Thomas Lavender became clerk in
1851. and kept the records about six years.
lie was succeeded by Nicholas Wallace, Feb. 16. 18572
About this time the church and society were laboring
under a pressure of debt, and bad been for several 3
It impaired their efficiency, discouraged the membership,
and finally the church edifice was sold under forcclosuri of
mortgage. The church was virtually dissolved, though
nol formally disbanded. This half-century of Christian
work by the Baptists bad many scenes of interest. \
old of the first members and the succession of deai
w.re they obtainable, would be of great value in a histori-
cal s< Use.
Notwithstanding the disastrous termination of the fira
i\ the friends of the Baptist denomination soon rallied,
and constituted a new church Jul} 28, 1858. The I
certificate bears date Aug 28, 1800. It is signed by Gid-
eon Buckingham and Joshua S. Lewis. The first trus-
Thonias W. Brooks. Jahez llowlett, Jabcsb
TOWN OK LANSINGBURGH.
315
G. Skulley, Warren Alger, and William W. Watts. The
church rallied with renewed energy, and bought the house
now occupied by them of the Second Presbyterian Church.
The succession of pastors since that <i has been the
following: Elder A. I!. Whipple, Elder Sellick, Elder J.
J;. Barlow, Elder Merriman, Elder A. B. Whipple, a sec-
ond pxstorate ; Elder S. I>. Gregory, lahors commenced
May 1, 1875, closed Nov. 8, 1876; ElderC. W. Kay, from
April, 1ST", to March, 1878; Elder A. ('. Ferguson, the
present pastor, commenced his labors with this church Oct.
1, 1878.
The present organization (October, 1879) is as follows:
Taster, Rev. A.C. Ferguson; Clerk, C. T. K. Smith; Dea-
fens, Jabez Bowlett, Daniel Goewey, Norman P.Taylor,
A. I>. Newman; Treasurer, J. C. Franklin; Trustees,
Babez Hewlett, J. C. Franklin, Norman Taylor, Jonas
Buckingham, Mr. Vanderwerken ; Superintendent of Sun-
ny-school, llev. A. U. Feymor. Church located on John
Street.
TRINITY' CIIUROII (PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL).
This parish was organized Jan. 5, 1804, and the first
house of worship was erected at the corner of John and
Market .Streets, llev. David Butler, D.D., was the first
pastor. The church was destroyed by fire Dec. 23, 1S(38.
This society was incorporated the same day as the organiza-
tion, Jan. 5, 1804. The certificate was signed by William
Bradley, John Young, and David Smith. It was wit-
nessed by John Walsh, and included the names of the fol-
lowing wardens, John Young and David Smith ; vestry-
men, John Rutherford, Stephen Ross, John Walsh, Joseph
S. Mabbitt, John Stewart, Win. Bradley, Jonathan Burr,
and Henry Davis (the last named of Waterford). In the
employment of a pastor the church united with St. Paul's,
of Troy, and Rev. Mr. Butler was the minister of both con-
gregations. The first house cost about $5000, and had
about 300 sittings. This was in the year 1800.
Record of Paslors. — Rev. David Butler, D.D., from Jan.
9, 180G, to 1814 ; Rev. Parker Adams, for a period of four
years ; Rev. George Upfold succeeded Mr. Parker, and con-
tinued until 1818; Rev. Benjamin Dorr succeeded Upfold,
and continued as pastor until May 18, 1829; Bev. P. L.
Whipple, from 1829 to 1841); Rev. A. T. Twing, from
1840 to 1803 ; Rev. William II. Cooke, from 1804 to 1807 ;
Rev. Byron J. Hall, from Dec. 16, 1867, to the present
time.
The following is taken from an article written by the late
Charles Hasbrouck :
About the 1st of January, 1S04, a call was issued for a
meeting of all persons in the village attached to the Prot-
estant Episcopal Church on the 5th of said month, at the
house of David Smith, for the purpose of organization.
This was the David Smith by whose clock the meetings
of the fire company were regulated for more than thirty
years. On the 30th of April of the same year a committee
was appointed to purchase lots on which to erect a church
edifice, and in May a committee was raised to procure plans
and estimates. On the 14th of the same month a seal was
adopted, having for a device a ship and star. The church,
45 by 50 feet, was erected the same year.
On the 19th of June the Rev. David Butler was called
to tho rectorship. He was tori lOOforthr lighthe
of his time, the remainder bein d oti •! to St. Paul • par-
ish, of Troy. Trinity Church, of New fork, gave $2500
towards building the Trinity, of Lansingburgh. In I
ii was resolved to fix the rental of the pi it 1300 per
annum. Dr. Butler was a man of mind and muscle, emi
ncntly calculated to care for and train an infant chinch.
In 1807 the church-yard was inclosed. In 1842, Dr. Butler
died and was buried in the church j ird I Rev. Parker
Adams called in his stead. In 1818, Timothy Leonard
died and left to the chinch, by will, the sum of $1 000. I D
the same year Mr. Adams resigned, and a call was extended
to the Rev. < • 'ge W. Upfold, afterwards bishop of Illinois,
which call was accepted, lie was to receive $300 for half
of his time, and the remainder was to be devoted to Water-
ford. Dr. Upfold is said to have resigned about 1 826.
He was succeeded by the Rev. Benjamin Dorr. Mr. Don-
remained but three years or less, resigning in lS2!t. He
was a man of education and ability, an author of church
works, and a successful pastor. The next pastor was Rev.
Phineas W. Whipple. He remained until 1840. His
whole time was given to this church, the union with Water-
ford having been discontinued. Several legacies were re-
ceived during Mr. Whipple's administration. In 1840
the Rev. A. T. Twing was called to the rectorship of the
parish. His ability as a writer, bis genial methods of pas-
toral work, and his impressive manner and voice in the
pulpit, are still spoken of with admiration among the people.
During bis term of service the church was enlarged and
rebuilt. He resigned in 1863 to accept another important
position in the work of the church. The Rev. William H.
Cooke succeeded him for four years, lie left in 1867 to
take a position in Trinity parish, New York. His place
in Lansingburgh was filled by the choice of Rev. Byron
Hall. A sou of Rev. Mr. Twing, above mentioned, was
one of the soldiers of Lansingburgh during the war for the
suppression of the Rebellion. He afterwards entered the
ministry of the Episcopal Church.
The fire that destroyed the church in 18GS occurred
early on Christmas morning. The church had been fully
trimmed for the services of the day. At the hour of service,
only the ashes of the old church were left. There were
many sad hearts as they looked upon the ruins and recalled
the tender associations of sixty years of worship in the
venerable edifice.
The parish took immediate steps to rebuild. Services
for a short time were maintained in the Female Seminary.
But a chape] was very soon erected ready to be occupied,
and the present church edifice was completed in about two
years. It is in the best style of church architecture, —
chaste, beautiful, and impressive. Tho offerings were lib-
eral, and the entire expense was nearly or ipiite §60,000.
The following is the present organization of the parish :
Rev. Byron J. Hall, Rector; Horace W. Day,* Warden;
James McQuide, William R. Barton, Jacob Dudden, James
M. Snyder, Peter B. Kiug, Edgar R. Betts, Eugene Hyatt,
and Charles S. Holmes, Vestrymen ; Superintendent of
* One vacancy occasioned by the recent death of Alexander Wal&h.
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Sunday-school, Edgar Betts; Superintendent of Infant-
.]. — u v, tv interesting department, held at a separate
hour, — Miss Marj Leonard; Organist, Edward McCoy.
I'lilNITY OHUB( 11 'il U,D.
This organisation meets every see,, ml ami fourth Tuesday
of each month in Trinity Chapel, on John Street T. Or.
P P iidcnt; II. Perkins, Vicc-Presidenl : II. Day,
tary; G. W. Lcnipie, Treasurer; 11. Day, Organist.
This society; is an active organization, doing a largo amounl
of benevolent and missionary work among the poor of the
villaj
llli: REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF TROT AND
LANSINGBURGH.
This society was incorporated Deo. 21, 1831. The cer-
tificate was signed by Robert McKee and John Miller,
witnessed by Joseph Windmill, and verified before Judge
Samuel G. Buntington. The following trustees were named
in the instrument, viz. : Robert Crookshanks, Joseph Wind-
mill, and Ebenezer Miller. This church appears to belong
Troy, though it is not in the catalogue of churches given
in Mr. Weisse's history. The trustees named were not
Lansingburgh men. It was the natural successor, probably,
of the old Seceders' Church, changing its name and its
tion, and disposing of the property in Lansingburgh, as
stated by Mr. Woisse, to George Olsaver in 1832.
1 NIVERSALIST I HI RCH.
Tl iganization of the church took place in the year
1833. A house of worship was erected at the corner of
North and John Streets. The first pastor was Rev. Charles
Wi odhouse. The trustees named in the legal certificate
were Reuben Field, John M. Caswell, Aaron Lamed, and
Christopher Van Pelt. May 1.'!, is."! I, the society leased
lots 1 13 and II I. in the lirst ilivisi f the village, on the
southwest corner of John and North Streets, and erected
at that place a small church edifice of w 1. The associa-
tion did not have a very prosperous career, and this prop-
erty was afterwards transferred to the ownership of St.
John's Roman < latholic ( lliurch, and the Qniversalist soci ity
cease: ;. The several pastors were Rev. ('hails
W Ihoui i: William Bell, Rev. I. Cook, and Rev.
I
•■Mi PRESBYTERIAN CHIIRCil NOW OLIVET).
This society was organized June -1. 1835. It was
formed mainly by the members of the First Church who
favored tl new school" views, which, two years later,
led to a disruption of the Presbyterian Church of the
I'll-' Subsequent to the division al Philadelphia
this church was denominationally " new school," while the
Fir-- S ii after their organization this
f worship on the east side of John
II hard and EHz ibeth • It was ;i
brick building, and the same now occupied by the John
■ Baptist Church. Tie rtificate bears date'
inizntion stated above. The name
First Fi P ibyterian Society of Ran
burgh." The trustees were William Van Vleck, Jona-
than Wickware, Nathan Stratton, Lemuel Kennedy, Wil-
liam McMurrav. and Chaunccy Ives. During the pastorate
of Dr. Spear, the first minister, it was decided to change
the name to •' The Second Presbyterian Church of Lan-
singburgh." A new certificate was accordingly filed, hear-
ing date Dec. 20, 1S37, signed by Lemuel Kennedy and
lli uben Doty. It was verified before J. C. Lansing, and
the trustees named were Jonathan Wickware, Lemuel
Kennedy, Richard McDonald, Thomas II. Miter, Nathan
Stratton, Reuben Doty.
Feb. 11, 185S, the church at a duly called meeting re-
solved that the session he directed to take immediate steps
to legally dissolve the church existing under the name of
Second Presbyterian, and forma new one under the name
of Olivet Church, and that all members wdio were con-
nected with the Second Presbyterian Church should 1c
recognized as members of the new society if they desired
to unite with it. This change was made. The same
members constituted largely the new church, with sonic
additional names, and at the first meeting the elders recently
in office ill the previous church were elected to the same
position iu the new. The new society soon alter purchased
the property now owned by them, on the northwest corner
of Congress and Richard Streets. This had been formerly
the Baptist house of worship, as elsewhere mentioned.
The first volume of records belonging to this church is
lost. From the second, commencing in 18-17, it appears
the elders at that date were A. W. King, 11. A. Nelson,
Joseph Fox, Jr., Stephen C. Noble, William Van VI
and Lemuel Kennedy. Joseph Fox, Jr., was clerk of
session. The following were the ciders at the formation of
Olivet Church: Thomas II. Miter, Matthew Hedges, S. P.
Welch, William Van Vleck, Lemuel Kennedy. Stephen C.
Noble. May 28, 1SG2, David Judson and Martin Lilly
were chosen elders, and Joseph Childs was elected in 186 I.
Record of Pastors. — 1st. Rev. Samuel P. Spear. His
services c rnenced with the organization of the church
and continued until 1S43. lie went to Brooklyn and has
remained there since, and las become widely known as a
minister and as the editor of the New York Independent.
2d. Rev. Horace Winslow. From 1843 for about two
years. 3d. Rev. Charles T. Boynton. He succeeded Mr.
Winslow, and was in Lansingburgh about two years. Ho
has since been for many years a Presbyterian minister in
Washington, D. C. Ith. Rev. Mr. Lyman. He supplied
th<- pulpit for about six months. 5th. Rev. C. G. Lucas.
lie commenced his labors here in 1S47 and preached about
three years. Temporary supplies were then obtained for a
time. Gth. Rev. Edward Taylor. From January, 1851,
to August, 1855, about four and a half years. 7th. Rev.
P. M. Bartlett. He was the first after the organization of
Olivet, and n niained something over two years. 8th. Rev.
: n Hayncs. A temporary supply for six months. I'th.
Rev. John P. l!oc. His labors continued for over two
Nov. 1. 18ti4. 10th. Rev. A. D. Axtell.
II commenced his labors here .June 10, 1805. Ilia
health failed. If- resigned in the summer of 1800 and
want West, wit on after died. Resolutions ol
and sympathy were adopted by the church Oct. 22,
18C6. Illh. Rev. J. B. Ha I. for iwo years from March
TOWN ()!•' LANSINGBURGH.
317
11,1867. 12th. Rev. George P. Tyler. His labors coni-
henced the 1st of May, L869, and were continued for
several years and until services were suspended at (ho
Olivet Church. They have nol yc( been resumed,
Since that time, however, meetings have I n held by
this society in a mission chapel which they erected on the
corner of Congress and Clinton Stints, and which was
dedicated Sept. 1, 1S77. This field of work has proved
an interesting one. A Sabbath-school is maintained in
the afternoon and meetings in the evening. Mr. David
pndson has been active in this vcment, superintending
tin.' Sunday-schools, conducting the evening meetings, and
doing whatever may he necessary tn carry forward the
work.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE VILLAGE OF LANSING-
BURGH.
Lansingburgh was a very early point of Catholic work
iii the valley of the upper Hudson. There were earnest
and devoted laymen here, and there were priests who la-
bored with that persistent energy which compels success.
From here, too. they went nut to other points with missionary
, zeal ami founded other churches. These early fathers left
the impress of their labors upon many surrounding towns.
The meeting-house formerly used by the Baptist society,
on the corner of North and John Streets, was purchased by
the Catholic society. It was repaired and consecrated as
st. John's church
, by the Right Rev. John McCloskey, in the year 1844. It,
was incorporated, according to the record in the office of the
county clerk, June 5, 1842. The title determined was
"The Catholic Church of the Village of Lansingburgh,"
and the trustees named in the instrument were Keating
Rawson, John Higgins, James B. Smyth, James Halligan,
George T. Gillespie. Barnet Evers, John Doorley, John
Driscoll, and Daniel Murray. The paper was signed by
George T. Gillespie and John Higgins, and was verified
before S. S. Hunt, commissioner.
The pastors of St. John's Church have been Rev. W. P.
Hogan, April, 1843; llev. Anthony Farley, June, 1344;
Rev. Hugh Quigley, D.D, June, 1854; llev. Daniel 1J.
Falvey, August, 1855; Rev. P. E. Moriarty, D.D., of the
order of St. Augustine, succeeded the last named. At this
time Lansingburgh, together with some smaller neighboring
towns, was given to the charge of the priests of the Augus-
tinian order, wdio organized parishes. Rev. M. Crane suc-
ceeded Father Moriarty in January, 1859. Rev. T. A.
Galberry, O.S.A., became pastor in January, I860, and
served about ten years. He was made bishop of Hartford,
but scarcely two years had expired when he died. He was
a man whose standing in the Church was very high, and who
was generally appreciated. He was followed by J. H.
Dever, in February, 1870, and M. J. Collins, January,
1877, who still remains pastor.
st. auuustine's church
was founded in 1804. Up to that time service was held
in St. John's Church. The latter building is now known
as Rawson Hall.
The large and commodious edifice now occupied by this
church is located on the en I idc of John Street, between
Market and Elizabeth Streets. [I was i rectcd in 1864 and
1 865 at an expense of S 10 000. It wi 3l
Augustine I Ihurcli Maj 6 1866, by the Rt. Rev. John J.
Conroy. bishop of Albany.
The pastors of St. Augustine's have been aa follows:
Rev. S. 1 1 allien y, who became bishop of Hartford, Conn. ;
Rev. J. II. Dever, Rev. M. J. Collins, who weut to Phila-
delphia.
St. Augustine's schools opi ned Sept. '-'m. I860, with five
of theSistersof St. Joseph as teachers: Firsl Superior
Sister M. Scholastica; Second Superioress, Sister M. t'a-
millus; Present Superioress, Sister M. Immaculate Con
(■option.
GERMONDVILLE UNION cm lull, NORTH LANSINGBURGH.
A society hearing this title was incorporated .Inly 23,
1844. The certificate was signed by Isaac Brust and John
F. Miller. It was sworn to hi fore Judge Archibald Bull.
The trustees named in the instrument were John Storm,
Aaron Perry, Nicholas Lape, Charles T. Overoeker, and
William Miller. This seems to he tin; organization that
built the house of worship at Speigletown now occupied
by the Methodist Church.
AFRICAN METnODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
A society of this denomination was incorporated in Lan-
singburgh, May IS, 1846. The certificate was signed by
Philip Owens and Frisby Way. The trustees named in
the instrument were James Hall, Jacob Brown, John J.
W. Jcmison, Frisby Way, and John Brown. This society
worshiped for a time in the building now known as No.
5 19 Whipple Avenue. The society maintained services for
about twenty-five years and then dissolved.
Earlier than the above date the colored people organized
a society to be in connection with the " Methodist Episco-
pal Zion Church" of the United States. This was in
1843, and considerable discussion arose over the question
of connection, a part desiring to belong to the " African
Methodist Episcopal Church." Those in favor of the latter
course prevailed, and tiled the legal certificate above given.
This difference of view somewhat weakened the society
from the first. The presiding elders of the Troy district
were really in charge of this church, but generally supplied
the desk by local preachers, among whom may be mentioned
Mr. James Hall, of Lansingburgh, one of the trustees men-
tioned above, an earnest Christian worker, and much re-
spected in the village.
The presiding elders in charge were Revs. Richard
Noyes, Samuel Giles, Edward Bishop, John Wells, Demp-
sey Kennedy, Jacob Matthews, Henry A. Thompson, .lames
Reese, John Wells (a second term), Jacob Thomas, and
William A. Decker.
FREE METHODIST CHURCH.
This society is a modern organization, having been
formed in 1866. The bouse of worship was erected on
Ann Street, south of Elizabeth, and was dedicated Nov. 15,
1807. The first pastor was Rev. George E. Ferrin. The
31S
BISTOKE OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
certificate of incorporation bears date Oct. 15, L867. Ii
is signed by Joseph Sherman and Elijah Goodell. The
first trustees Were Joseph Sherman. Elijah Goodell, and
Thomas Robinson.
Daniel Sinclair (from Saratoga, it is thought) Grst
held a series of meetings in Lansingburgh advancing the
views of this denomination, and a small society was formed,
who took the steps for legal organization, as shown above.
They have maintained services until the present time,
though now temporarily suspended until the next Con-
ference appoint a minister in the place of the one whose
labors recently closed before the end of the conference
year.
•"»•.-•. — Rev. George E. Ferrin, one year ;
R .. Olio Owen, one \ n . Rev. William Dickson, two
years; Rev. William Steegar, one year ; Rev. David Demp-
Rev. William Clark, one year ; 1!' v. Orlo
^1 1 1 ae 1 his services through sickness in the summer
ami died in the Call of 1878 ; Rev. L. Kelly, tin' last min-
one year, — September, 1-7- to September, 1879.
'I'll.' present officers are Robert A. Hail, trustee and re-
i ; Robert Hall. Francis Hasty .mo vacancy),
trust
This society constitutes one charge with that located at
Bath-on-thc-Hudson.
VIII.- BURIAL-GEOUNDS.
In the early settlement of this village the Lansing family
ipart for themselves a burial-plat a short distance
below the old homestead and mar the river. At the pres-
ent lime this may be found south of the oil-cloth factory,
across the street, in the ..pen field at that corner. The por-
tion that was more especially devoted to burial purposes
may still he traced by the peculiar surface of the ground in
the vicinity of the four trees standing there. Mr. C'l.
■I Lansing states that the whole was used, however
DC The remains were mostly removed many
• -inc. am! there is now neither stone nor memorial
left to iell the story of burial. I hie. in sight of the beauti-
ful Hudson, an. I on (he grassy slop,- above its hank, the
family brought their dead. The years have glided on with
tit- ' change, the Lansing homestead is in other
han. Is. an. I only tradition marks this place of burial. The
with its perpetual current, still murmurs along
iting the fancy of the poet, —
•• Men limy .-..in.' nn I in. n I.
TIIK PRINCIPAL l.\\'-ivi;i:i i:,,n BURYINQ-QROUND.
This is a large, line square lying a short distance hack
from the river, and southeast of the Lansing plat jus) meu-
liom rt of this was used for burial at quite an early
1 rident that the older portion is /«// with the
long \ i.lll few -I
not many .1 itcs before the year 1800.
Among them m iv I..- mentioned the following:
" In >
I."
" Abigail, daughter of Rufus Riley, died Nov. 21, 1795."
"Charles Galpin, .lid Aug. 19, 179S."
" Johial Galpin, died Nov. 17. 1793."
•• Pranois Cboato (son of Francis), died Sept 2S, 1795."
•• Csoaa Johnson, died .Inn. 27. 1891."
" Hannah J. Johnson, died Aug. 24, 1804."
"John S. Jolin-'nii. .lio.l March 11. 1S05."
■' Col. Cj prion Howe, died Dee. 21, ISOli. — A lover of his country—
A relation to relations — A frien 1 to mankind."
"John Dickinson, died .Inly I. 17'.'.'.. and John II. Dickinson, dim
Aug. 19, 1804, infant ohildron of John 1>. nnd Eliza Diokinson."
"Cnpt. Ann. ii Noble, .li.'.I July II. 1824, ago I 6 I years."
" . apt. Joseph linker, died Sept. 2::. 1832."
There is one sjrave marked with a board on which is
simply written "a suicide," — neither name nor date.
This ground is still used for burial. The village authori-
ties have recently erected a secure fence, which will sacredly
guard the place from intrusion for many years.
Till'. i.I. Ii CATHOLIC BURIAL-GROUND.
This is situated near the last one described, and sadly
needs the care ami the work suggested for the others. In
this there are many fine slabs, and there is much carved
work of exquisite design and delicate tracery. In the
midst of rubbish, and in close thickets of interlacing under-
bush, the historian studying old dates will suddenly come
up. .ii a beautiful monument. The cross — blessed symbol of
devout faith — gleams above the name of the sainted mother
or the departed child. Around it are wreathed /. //. > .
telling in three letters the story of redemption, and often
carved above is the triumphant song of Christian faith,
G ria in eoccelsis. Then below is the inscription, telling
with full ami loving tenderness that the one sleeping there
was horn in County Limerick. Ireland, or in some other
county of the Green [sle beyond the sea ; and it closes with
the universal voice of humanity. " Rcijui'escat in pace." It
is a noted feature of these memorial stones that they nearly
all tell with great exactness nol only the date of birth, hut
the county and parish of Ireland of which the decea- .1 was
a native.
In this Catholic burial-ground were buried, from 1830
to 1860, a large number of those earlier Catholic fami
that made this Hudson valley their home. Here are the
names of Curley, O'Neill, Moran, Ryan, Ratehford, Ilan-
nigin, Lynch. Mai ey, Heavcy, Sullivan. Manning,
Huckett, Ready, Matthews. MeConnell, Higgins, 15m
Kelly. Short. in. Dugan, Lucy, Lincham, Hayes, Agar,
Conaly, Crowley, McGuire, McEncrncy, Ransom, Buck-
ley, Barren, Boylson, Powers, O'Coi r, Fitzgerald, B
gnn, Farrell, McGrath, Cusack, Purgle, Brinnon, Kaftcr,
Devlin, Kennedy, Donovan, Duffy, Flood, Ha. file. Men
M e. Tracy, Qanarvno, Harrow, Barrett, Riley, Daly, and
many olhers.
In a religious sense, the Catholic Church owe to this
ground a devout and loving care. This is a sacred plai
and the intensity of Christian faith is seldom so univer-
sally expressed as in this now neglected cemetery. Left in
its present condition, families are tempted to remove theil
dead. This is a necessity to be avoided if possible. Better,
by far. mak jrund effort to arouse the li\iiii' authori-
ties, whoever they may be. to clear out the ground, secure)!
TOWN OK LANSINGBURGH.
319
(fence it, and honor the dead, without disturbing their sacred
dust.
Tn connection with the Episcopal Church there is a
burial-place, in which rest the remains of many of the early
Battlers, and the graves are nearly all supplied with Btones.
They date back, in a few instances, earlier than 1820. The
place shows evidence of loving care. With its neatly-
shaven grassy plats, its trim, erect gravestones, it is an ex-
cellent specimen of what all old graveyards should be. It
is undoubtedly best to stop all further burial in the midst
of villages and cities, but that is no excuse for neglecting
the care of tli" grounds that have been used, nor for allow-
ing them to be desecrated and torn to puces before the
demands of trade and business. Neatly kept, tenderly
cherished, they need never be ghastly, desolate places, offen-
sive to the eves of those living near.
The Catholic cemetery belonging to St. Augustine's
Church is beautifully situated upon the slopes and heights
of the range of hills in the rear of the north part of the
village. It requires considerable labor and expense yet to
bring it into that fine condition which its proprietors design
for it. Sufficient labor and money laid out upon it will
make it a place of beauty. It has, at the present time, a
few lots and walks properly graded and cleared. .Several
costly monuments have already been erected ; those of
Rourke, McManus, and Colmey are especially fine. One
inclosurc, with its four graves, attracts the close attention
of visitors. The flags within tell their own story of patri-
otic sacrifice, and the inscription on the humble stone gives
the touching incidents of family history :
" Johannah O'Keeffe erects this stono to the memory of her hus-
band and sons —
" Ti thy o'KrrlVr, a native of County Cork, Ireland, died April
16,1853, aged forty-seven years.
"Timothy, died Oct. 20, 1852, aged seventeen years and six
months.
"Owen, killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1S63, aged
twenty-two years and six months.
"Thomas F., died Sept. 1*7, LSG2, at Keedysville, Va., from wounds
received at Antictam, nged twenty years and eight months.
"William II., died at Washington, D. C, March 2:'., 1S63, aged
eighteen years and ten months."
To-day, in the bright sunlight, the colors of the flags
wave in beautiful contrast with the green grass beneath,
and, as we stand beside those graves, the tender home-his-
tory of that household rises in a clear picture before us.
The father dies in strong middle life, following to the grave
the beloved boy of seventeen, who had been laid to rest on
this breezy summit six months before. Then the mother is
left, sad and grieving, but her three stout, manly boys are
around her, and she yet looks to the future with much of
hope and heart. Eight brief years roll on ; the dread
sounds of war are heard in the land, and these three sons, iu
all the lusty strength of youth, — eighteen, twenty, twenty-
two, — go forth to battle. Thomas falls at Antictam, William
dies in the hospital at Washington ; and then, amid the car-
nage of Gettysburg, Owen completes the sacrifice with his
own life-blood. Had St. Augustine's Cemetery no other treas-
ured memories, this spot alone would consecrate it forever.*
* It is said that t" this patriotic record should be added a, fourth
son who serve 1 in the army, returned, and died a year or two since.
OAR WOOD CEMETERY
is situated in the town of Lansingburgh, \< pn enl offi-
cers are the followin Ti u Lei Ad. mi K. Smith, Pi
ili-iii ; .1. I [obarl Warren, VI r?r< lent ; P P. Allen,
Secretary and Treasurer; P. Thallmer, Win. Gurley, N. S.
Redder. John Boetcher, Superintendent. The offii
at No. 2."> first Street, Troy. For a description of this
beautiful cemcterj 31 e chapter on the city of Troy.
In the vicinity of Speigletown is a bui and of
■ -'■ii- iderable age.
IV SOCIETIES, ASSOCIATIONS, HANKS. CLUBS.
MASONIC.
A paper read by Past Master Eugene Hyatt at the dedi-
cation of the new .Masonic Hall in May, 1*77, condi 1
into a brief space SO much valuable information upon the
history of the order in Lansingburgh thai we quote lai
from it :
"Aug. 1(1, L787, a lodge was instituted in Lansingburgh,
for many years known as Hiram Lodge, No. !!:"). This was
probably the first lodge established in this vicinity. During
the latter part of the last century and until 1S1I), Hiram
Lodge was generally represented in the Grand Lodge of the
State, most of the time by .John Wells as proxy. Brother
Wells was also for a long time Grand Secretary of the
Grand Lodge. It would seem that Hiram Lodge went out
of existence soon after 1810, and its members have long
since all passed the dark valley and joined the Celestial
Lodge above.
" Next we find Phoenix Lodge coming into existence,
and of this lodge I propose principally to speak.
"A dispensation was granted by the Grand Lodge to
Benjamin W. Horr as W. M., Chauncey Ives as S. W.,
Nathan Morey as J. W., and others, in September, 1822,
and on the 2(!th day of that month Phoenix Lodge, under
dispensation, held its first meeting, ten brethren affiliating
with the lodge at this meeting, to wit : Benjamin W. Horr,
Chauncey Ives, Nathan Morey, Alvan Hawley, .Samuel II.
Mulford, Samuel S. Bingham, David Reading, Ephraim
Goss, B. B. Stearns, and Jonathan Choat. Four petitions
for degrees were received at this meeting, and on the 24th
day of October the eutered-appreiitiee degree was Worked
for the first time in Phoenix Lodge. At the June com-
munication of the Grand Lodge in 1823 a warrant was
issued to the lodge, bearing date June 2.'!, 1823, and the
lodge was numbered 361. This was our number until
1839, when it was changed to 58, our present number.
"During the first five years following the organization
of the lodge its prosperity was all that its friends antici-
pated, seventy-four members having joined. But in the dis-
astrous years following the Morgan troubles, during which
time so many lodges succumbed, and so many members set
their faces against the institution they had solemnly prom-
ised to support and maintain, old Phoenix had her trials.
In 182S only four members joined; in 1829 only one, an
affiliation ; in 1830 only one, an affiliation; in 1831 none;
in 1832 none; in 1833 only one, an affiliation; in 1834
none; and in 1835 none. For seven years following 1828
no work was done, and during all these years the lodge
was struggling for an existence.
:.:>
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
M • - - vercd their co ictioo with the institution,
many others only nominally remained members of the
lodge, while but wry few continued active. The load
me too heavy for the few who remained true to their
professions to carry, and on the 6th day of January, 1S36,
the charter was surrendered.
•■ Masonry, ho* ild not long sleep in Lansing-
burgh. June II. 1838, a meeting was held by the late
members. W. M. John S. Perry, whose genial face may
yet be seen among our Trojan neighbors and brethren, and
who is still active and enthusiastic in the g 1 work, was
present and in the chair as Grand Visitor.
•■It was resolved to reorganize the lodge. Officers were
elected, ami work began. In 1 "-■'•' twelve candidates were
initiated, passed, and raised. From that time Masonry has
continued to prosper in Lansingburgh.
"During the lifetime of Phoenix Lodge twenty-seven
Worshipful Masters have presided : B. W. Borrin 1822-24,
three years; Bphraim Qoss in 1825-27, three years; Ales.
M Call in 1828-32, five .war-; S.S.Bingham in 1833,
::."i 38, '39—41, six years; A. L. Lansing in 1835, one
year: no one in L836-37, and to .Tune 14, 1838, two
vcar--. Daniel King in 1842-44, '49-51. and 1853, sevi d
years; A. Whipple in 1845 e year; N. Weaver in
1846 and 1855, two years; James N. Austin, our present
Grand Secretary, in 1847— 48, two years; Daniel N. Van
Pelt in 1852, one year; John Gilmorc in 1854, one year;
A G. Mitchell in 1856-57, two years ; James II. Weaver
in 1858, year; Wm. J. Newman in 1 Soil, one year;
Samuel Kiug in 1860-61, two years; Charles Weaver
in 1862, one year; Alexander King in 1863, one year;
Eug :. Hyatt iii 1864—65, two years ; Charles S. Holmes
in 1866-67, two years; Charles W. Derrick in 1868, one
. I>. P. Chesbrough in 1869, one year; E. A. Skill-
man in 1870-7 1. two years ; Richard A. Derrick in 1S72-73,
two years ; Eugene A. Van Pelt in 1874, one year ; John
I! Engel in 1875, one ;■■ ir; Charles E. Derrick in 1S7G,
y.ar; P. A. Brewster in 1 877. present Master.
■• < if these Masters, ten have died, two demittcd to assist
in organizing and building up new lodges, and fifteen are
still mi tubers of Phoonix Lodge.
Down to the tin f ih • surrender in 1836 eighty-one
members joined the lodge, of whoi ly three are by me
known to be now living, to wit : Bro. Nicholas Weaver,
who is with us this evening — fifty-four years a Mason,
and never a member of but one lodge; Bro. Esek Hawkins,
still living in the flesh, although much debilitated in both
body and mind, raised in Phoenix Lodge, March 17. 1825,
and is still an honorary member of the institution; and
Dennis 8. Baxter, who was raised Oct IG 1828,
till hah- and hearty, and has ever b nized a- a
member of tl raft.
'The whole nuinlier who have hen members of the
lodge sin inization i- 162, of whom 160 are still
members in good standing. Our active m mbcrs are prin-
mng men. < >r the first ifficcrs of
the lodge, only one ha- been a member ten yi
■In 1854, under the administration • ■! Vf. Bro. John
Gilmorc, Jem- n I. '• 155, was organized, Bro.
the iir-t M ist,r. in 1 867, \ iclor
Lodge, of Hart's Falls, was organized, — each working on
territory formerly under the exclusive jurisdiction of
Phoenix Lodge, and each having built up healthy, pros-
perous lodgi :
" Iii 1S41 the lodge furniture was damaged by lire, and in
July. 1843, the rooms then occupied by the lodge in the
building then situate on the southwest corner of State and
Richard Streets were, together with the building, destroyed
by fire. The present American House was erected on the
same -it,'. ;uid the lodge met on the third floor of this
building until the fire of February. 1847, when it was
n moved to the Lansing building, now called the McMurray
row, on State Street. Here Phoenix Lodge met in con-
junction with Phoenix Chapter until 1S67, when the lodge
was incorporated under the general law providing for the
incorporation of Mas mic lodges and chapters, and jointly
with Jerusalem Lodge and Phoenix Chapter furnished, also
helping to lit up, the rooms in the National Exchange
Rank building, at an expense of about $2000. The three
institutions have occupied these quarters for ten years to-
gether in perfect harmony. We have now jointly leased
our present rooms for ten years.
" Our sister. Jerusalem Lodge, lias elected seventeen Mas-
ters since its organization, in 1854, of whom only two have
died. John Gilmorc was Master from November 18th, in
1S54. and during the year LS5."> ; 15. G. Hathaway, in
1 - ."' ; ,"i \ "Mi um way, in IS. ")7 and 1 Si in I 'harlcs Lap-
ham in 1869; Stephen Lavender in 1SG1 ; Daniel Fergu-
son, in 1S62; Felix Fountain, in 18G3-GI; John I?. Iekc,
in 18G5-66 ; William II. Shumway. in 18G7; E. Buiiin-
ganic, in 18G8; E. J. Evans, in 1SG9 ; Lee Chamberlain,
in 1S70; J. G. Ncal, in 1871-72; J. M. Chambers, in
1>7:!; J. M. Snyder, in 1874-75; George E. Shumway,
in 1S76; D. ('. Sippell, in 1S77. present Master.
'The whole number who have been members of the
lodge since its organization is 246, of whom 115 are still
members in good standing."
The present organizations (October, 1S79) are shown in
the following statement ;
/' ■'... 13 Lodge, iVo.58. — Masonic Hall, 635 State Street
Stated communications, first and third Thursdays; annual
communication, Dec. 18, 1879. Officers : Edward \.
Skillman, Master ; Eugene A. Van Pelt, S. W. ; Rol
B. Styles, J. W. ; Eugene Hyatt, Trcas. ; William Jordan,
Sec; .lame- Gillespie, S. D. ; James Orr, J. D. ; 1». P.
Chesbrough, John Butler, M.ofC; Thomas Graham, An-
drew McMurray, Stewards ; William A. Fiack, Chaplain;
Richard A. Derrick, Marshal ; Norman Remington, Tyler;
D. P. Chesbrough, one year. Eugene Hyatt, two years,
John Q 0 Bryan, three year-. Trust* s
./■ usalem Lodge, A 355 Masonic Hall, G35 State
Stated communications first and third Mondi
annual communication, Dec. 15, 1879. Officers ; John
\|. Cham' re, Mastei Charles Sassegrant, S. W. ; John
F. Smith. J. W. ; Felix Fountain. Trcas.; Ilenrj K
Hawkins, Sec, . James M. Snyder, S. 1» ; George II. Allen,
.1 D ; Edwin J. Evans, Fred. M. Iloyt, M.ofC Hiram
.1 Caswell, Crumble Bolton, Stewards ; John 15. Lavender,
Chaplain; William H. Wiley, Organist ; Felix Fountain,
Marsl \ Remington, Tyler; John II. Icke, one year,
TOWN OK LANSING BUttG II.
'I
C. \V. Ca , two years, .James II. Spotten, three years,
Trustees.
Phoenix Chapter, No. 13.'!, A*. .1. .)/. -This society first
met under a dispensation granted bj the Grand High Priest
of the Grand Chapter of the Stale, Nov. 22, 1849. The
dispensation was issued to Samuel S. Bingham, II. P.;
Daniel King, K. ; and Sidney D. Smith, Scribe. The
charier hears dale Fell. .">, lKf)0. The same ofheers were
lamed in the charter, and the same were also chosen at the
first election, Dec. 2(1, 1851. The following list comprises
the several incumbents of these three olliees to the present.
time :
High Priest: Samuel S. Bingham, 1849 to 1852 ; Daniel
King, 1853; S. S. Bingham, 1854-55; W.J. Newman.
1856 to 1859; Charles Laphani, I860; Eugene Hyatt,
18G1 ; T. W. Sands, 1862 ; Alexander Kirkpatrick, L863 ;
Charles Weaver, 1864-65 ; Felix Fountain, 1866 to 1869;
William II. Shumway, 1870-71 ; Edward A. Skillman,
1872 to 1ST.". ; Eugene A. Van Pelt, 1876 to 1878.
King: Daniel King, 1819 to 1852 ; Thomas C. Daven-
port, 1853 ; William J. Newman, 1854-55 ; A. George
Mitchell, 1856; Eugene Hyatt, 1857; Alexander Kirk-
patrick, 1858-59; P. S. Mooney, 1860; Charles Weaver,
18(11 ; Alexander Kirkpatrick, 1862; S. Lavender, 1863;
Felix Fountain, 1864-65; Jesse Stone, 1866 ; Warren T.
Kellogg, 1867; W. H. Shumway, 1868-69; Frederick
Weaver, 1870; Arthur Cobden, 1871 to 1875; John M.
Chambers, 1876-77; Daniel P. Chesbrough, 1878.
Scribe: Sidney D. Smith, 1849 to 1851; James M.
Austin, 1852 ; C. S. Houghton, 1853 ; T. C. Davenport,
1854 to 1856; John M. Mott, Jr., 1857; P. S. Mooney,
1858 ; Charles Lapham, 1859 ; N. P. Jones, 1860 ; Stephen
Lavender, 1861 ; G. W. Holden, 1862 ; James H. Weaver,
1863; William H. Skillman, 1864; Jesse Stone, 1865;
David Lusty, 1866 ; James H. Ronalds, 1867 ; John A.
Lea, 1868; Fred. Weaver, 1869; Samuel Derrick, 1S70 ;
W. S. Younglove, 1871 ; William Jordan, 1872 ; Daniel
C. Sippell, 1873; John Butler, 1874-75; Daniel C. Sip-
pell, 1876 ; D. P. Chesbrough, 1877 ; William A. Flack,
1878.
The present organization is shown by the following :
Phoenix Chapter, No. 133.— Masonic Hall, 635 State
Street. Regular convocations, second and fourth Thurs-
days; annual convocation, Dec. 25, 1879. Officers: Eu-
gene A. Van Pelt, High Priest; Daniel P. Chesbrough,
King; William A. Flack, Scribe; John G. O'Bryan,
Treas. ; Eugene Hyatt, Sec. ; John M. Chambers, Capt.
H.; Charles W. Derrick, P. S. ; John Butler, R. A. C. ;
Charles W. Cannon, M. of 3d V. ; E. A. Skillman, M. of
2d V. ; Robert B. Stiles, M. of 1st V. ; Eugene Hyatt,
Chaplain ; Felix Fountain, Organist ; N. Remington, Tyler ;
Edward A. Skillman, one year, Alex. Gillespie, two years,
John M. Chambers, three years, Trustees.
The Masonic bodies of Lansingburgh are united in
maintaining the Masonic Hall, and their present organiza-
tion is as follows :
Board of Trustees of the Masonic Bodies of Lansing-
hmjh. — Regular meetings, first Friday of each month, at
Masonic Hall; annual meeting, Jan. 2, 1880. Officers:
Eugene Hyatt, President ; John M. Chambers, Sec. ; E.
41
L Skillman, Treas. Members: Phoenix Lodge John G
O'Bryan, E. Hyatt, Daniel P. Chesbrough; Pho
Chapter, . I. M. Chambers, A.Gillespie, Edward A. Skill-
man; Jerusalem Lodge, J li. Icke, James II. Spotten,
( 'harles W. ( 'aniioii.
BETHLEHEM REBECCA DEGREE LODGE, NO. 49, I. O. 0. V.
This institution meets on the second Fridaj of each
month, at .MeMurray Hall, Lansingburgh.
POST DARGEN, NO. 42, GRAND ARMY OP THE REPUBLIC.
This post existeil for ;, lew years, bui finally surrendered
its charier. It was named in honor of one of the brave
sons of Lansingburgh who fell at his post of duly. Since
the disbanding of the post a Vetera. i Soldiers' Association
has been formed, which annually, with the help of the
ladies of Lansingburgh, decorates the graves of the dead
soldiers of the republic in Oakwood, and in the other
cemeteries of the town. It is also perfecting a list of the
graves that have no memorial stones, preparatory to avail-
ing themselves of the offer of the government to furnish
grave stones for all such.
DIAMOND ROCK TEMPLE OF HONOR, NO. 35.
This society was organized a few years since, and has
wielded considerable influence in favor of temperance.
No statistics have been received from the society in reply
to inquiries.
SANS SOUCI YACHT CLUB.
This association was organized Oct. 12, 1867, and incor-
porated Oct. 25, 1875. The first officers were S. P. Welsh,
President; W. C. Groesbeck, Secretary; E. H. Leonard.
Treasurer. The company have a club-house on River
Street, corner of Market. The present officers ( October,
1879) are the following: C. II. Dauchy, President; E. H.
Leonard, Secretary and Treasurer ; P. Malliner, J. Hobart
Warren, William Gurley, N. S. Vedder, A. 11. Smith, and
F. P. Allen, Trustees; John Boetcher, Superintendent.
THE FILLEY BOAT CLUB.
Their club-house is located at the foot of Hoosick Street,
Lansingburgh. The present officers (October, 1879) are
Win. S. Flack, President; E. P. Ames, Financial Secre-
tary ; M. H. Fancher, Corresponding Secretary ; C. F. Me-
Murray, Captain; G. D. Pushee, Treasurer.
THE LANSINGBURGH CHORAL UNION
organized March 20, 1879, and meets every Thursday night
in Trinity Chapel. Rev. A. C. Ferguson. President ; J. M.
Snyder, Vice-President; T. G. Peck, Secretary; C. S.
Holmes, Treasurer; H. Day, Librarian; H. Cropsey, P.
Brewster, and H. Perkins, Executive Committee; M. L.
Fancher, Conductor; E. L. McCoy, Accompanist.
CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION OF LANSINGBURGH.
The present officers of this society are George Scott,
President; S. Parks, Vice-President; C. T. It. Smith, Cor-
responding Secretary ; H. C. Hill, Recording Secretary.
This society is an outgrowth of the modern forms of
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
temperance work, known as "gospel temperance," in which
tin- reformation to be secured i- Bought upon religious
grounds, and the means used ess Dtially religious.
THE HANK OF LANStNGBl RGB.
This institution was incorporated March 1'.'. 1813, and
■i business, a- provided by the charter, in the compact
part of tin- village, al Mo. 531 State Sunt. The building
i- known, in late years, as the residence of Mrs. John G.
M Murray. The first board of directors were Elijah Janes,
Shubael Gorham, Abraham <\ Lansing, James Dennison,
Gardiner Tracy, James Hickok, Ja 9 Adams, Jonathan
Burr, Timothy Leonard, Sylvanus .1. Pcnniman, Elias Par-
melee, John Stewart, Calvin Barker, .lam.- Dougrey, and
\-l Burt. Elijah Janes was chosen president, and James
K 1 cashier. The amount of capital, as authorized by the
act, was 8200,000, of which 560,000 was paid in at the
time tin' bank commenced business. In 181 I it was in-
creased to 866,000, and in 1816 i.' 872,000. Byanaet
nf tin- Legislature, passed Feb. 24, 1832, the charter was
renewed to July 1. 1855, and the capital was increased to
8120,000. At it- separation the bank was reorganized
under tin' general banking law pas-oil April 1. ls:;s. The
•mount of capital was increased to 8150,000. On the
20th of June its nana- was changed to The National Bank
of Lansingburgh, but it changed back to a State bank
March '.". 1869, and was thereafter known as The Bank of
Lansingburgh, having a capital of S1">0.0()0. The hank
building is on the northwest comer of State and Richard
ets. Owing to embarrassments resulting from the
immense shrinkage in the value of its assets, this hank
was compelled to close its doors on the 19th of March,
1877. It- last officers were Horace W. Day. President;
I. nard J. Abbott, Vice-President; Alexander Walsh,
Cashier; E. II. I ard, Teller; William C. Grocsbeck,
Book k. eper; Edward 11. Leonard, Whitman Joslin, Joseph
I ••in. Leonard .1. Abbott, Francis Pruyn, Horace W.
.ml William V. V. Reynolds, Directors.
During n- long career this hank has had 7 presidents,
."> vice-presidents, 3 cashiers, 10 tellers, and !> book-keepers.
i III 111 NSSELAER COUNTY BANE.
Thi- institution was established under the general bank-
ing i April 18, 1-:;-. Ii commenced business
.1,1. I, 1853. The amount of capital stock was 8200,000,
isting of Iiiiiii shares at $.~>ii each. John S. Fake was
the first president elected by the directors. The latter
wen I id, John S. Fake, Alson l>. Hull, Henry A.
M ■ -I urn - I Adams, Edward Tracy, Jacob Pake, An-
son G G McAuley, John <i. McMurray,
D ill Flack, Alphcus Warren, William McKie, James
II -i -l nathan II". il'. Nathan Gifford, Christopher
I Mc( lonihe, Jr . Thomas D.
lie, Daniel Fish, John If Haner, Bedford Pilktn, J .
V K ; t . .1 II irris.
In June, 1866, il was converted into a National hank.
hut in 1*71 it took its former title. The business no)
pn.'. d desirable, notice of discon-
tinue J ily 13, l-7i'. and the hank ceased to
THE FARMERS HANK OF LANSINGBURGH.
This institution did business for several years, but was
finally closed.
BANE OF D. POWERS & SONS.
This is a private hanking institution, established .March
20, 1867. The solo partners arc Deborah Powers. Albert
B. Powers, and Nathaniel B. Powers.
V PLACES OF HISTokic INTEREST OK OF SPE-
CIAL NOTE.
The i iiizens of Lansingburgh were eye-witnesses of the
movements of the American army during the most critical
period of the Burgoyne campaign, but those movements
were across the river, within the counties of Saratoga and
Albany. They were not executed on the territory of this
town, yet they were separated only by the Hudson, and the
encampment of the army on Van Schaick's Island was at
the very gates of Lansingburgh. There was. of cou
close communication with the village during the encamp-
ment. It will be remembered, by those who have studied
the campaign, that Gen. Schuyler had retreated steadily
before Burgoyne's advance, as he was obliged to do, with
only five thousand Continental troops matched against
Burgoyne's splendid force of ten thousand nun. He had,
however, delayed the British army by the most skillful and
scientific tactics possible; he had thrown such difficulties in
the way of Burgoyne that the army of the latter was rapidly
becoming destitute of supplies. But Gen. Schuyler, mind-
ful of the 1'ael that his own force was dwindling. — that dis-
couragement, dismay, aud Toryism all around threatened
to prevent any reinforcements reaching him, — evidently
made what he considered the best final stand for the defi
of Albany. He may have been mistaken in his military
judgment. It may very likely be true that he could have
been successfully attacked by an enemy appearing on the
heights east of Lansiughurgh,or on those north and west of
Waterford. Yet no one doubts now that Schuyler was
true as steel to the interests of the patriot cause, and that
his skill as a tactician during the summer was unsurpn
in ancient or modern annals. He encamped on the island,
making his headquarters directly opposite Lansingburgh, at
the old Van Schaick mansion, now the residence of W. I..
Adams. The remains of the intrenehments thrown up for
defense are still visible, and are in better preservation than
any work- al Bemis' Heights, wdiere the great decisive bat-
tle- were afterward- fought.
While encamped there, picket-guards held the cast side
of the Hudson and scou ting-parties swept over the terri-
tory of Lansingburgh, as so careful a c mandcr could
never have permitted his army to be exposed to sudden
ick from this side of the river. Here the army was
■ in .nop. d when the battle of Bennington was fought and
won by the brave Yankee troop- under Gen. Stark, .lu-t
at that eri.-i.- i ;.n. Schuyler was removed from the com-
mand. It was at Van Schaick's Island, in front of I.an-
siugburgh, thai Gen Gates arrived on the 19th of Au
1777. and superseded Schuyler by order of Congress. Onlj
three day- had elapsed since the battle of Bennington, and
the re.-ult was unknown at Philadelphia. Congress had
TOWN OF LANSINGBURGH
hastily done the deed thai makes the pulses of all who
study that campaign throb with indignation. Schuyler's
tactics had been successful. Burgoyne, c polled by the
delay to seek supplies, had sent oul Baum's expedition to
Bennington, and failed. St. Leger was about retreating
from Fort Schuyler, at Rom •. to relievo whioh (Jen.
Schuyler had sent out a force from Stillwater. Tlie favor-
able moment had come. Success at Bennington had senl
new life iiitu all the doubtful ami despairing towns along the
Hudson; and in the Mast recruits were ready ; the militia
were ready in heavy force; the hour for which Gen.
Schuyler had watched and waited had come, but it was
Gen. Gates who was to have all these favorable conditions
to waft him on to success. Gen. Schuyler, with that high-
Bouled patriotism that marked his whole career, yielded
gracefully to the situation, and assisted by his advice in the
future movements.
Van Schaiek's Island in sight of Lansingburgh, con-
nected now with Lansiugburgh by the new bridge, must be
counted as a historic place of Lansingburgh, whatever the
geographers or statute books may say about its location or
its civil jurisdiction.
A noted point on the hills of Lansingburgh is Diamond
[lock. The rock itself and the geological .specimens to be
gathered there are of much interest, while the view to be
hI. taiiied from this place, and other heights near it, is un-
usually fine.
At the foot of the hills below lies the long, narrow vil-
lage of Lansingburgh. It extends from above the bridge
at Waterford, miles away to the south, until it is merged
in the city of Troy. The thick trees in many places
almost conceal the buildings, and afford only glimpses of
the Hudson River beyond. Across the river are the islands
formed by the sprouts of the Mohawk, suggestive of his-
torical reminiscences, as well as supplying many features of
beauty to the landscape. Beyond them is the city of
Cohocs, with its immense factories. In the south the
towers of the Provincial Seminary at Troy are outliued
against the sky, and other public buildings are clearly de-
fined.
Northward there is a distant view up the valley of the
Hudson, embracing the hills northwest of Waterford, and
sweeping around to the heights in the northeast of Lansing-
burgh.
The view, as respects natural scenery, is delightful ; but
viewed as inclosing a busy population engaged in active life,
it is seldom surpassed. Waterford, Cohoes, Lansingburgh,
Tiny, Green Island, and West Troy, all daily growing nearer
and still nearer together, include a large amount of busi-
ness,— a costly investment of capital, of which only per-
sonal inspection and a study of statistics can convey any
just idea.
The Phoenix Hotel, or at least the site upon which it
stands, must be considered a place of considerable interest.
There stood the early Village Tavern erected more than a
hundred years ago. Within its old rooms were many
Scenes of festivity which were never recorded for future
writers to gather up. In its civil relations, it was the
birthplace of the county of Rensselaer, for the record
shows that on the 15th day of April, 1791, the new
county officers mel "at the house of Ananias Platl in Lan-
singburgh," and took the oath of office.
Here were gathered hal auspicious occasion the first
sheriff, Albert Pawling; the first clerk. Nicholas Schuyler;
the first surrogate, Moss Kent; and the fit I coroners,
Silas Week-. Abraham Ten Eyck, John l>e Wandclaer,
.lames Smith, and Annul Ostrander, together with a I
array of justices, judges, and leading citizens interested ia
the organization of the new county. This was also the
point of the arrival and departure of stages from and for
Albany. This was a grand advance movement in the way
of communication for those times; and we can well im-
agine with what a dash of the team and a flourish of the
whip the driver, l'latt Titus, reined up to the Villagi I
alter having made the lung trip to Albany and returned
the same day.
The county courts were also first opened in Lansing-
burgh, and this was at the old tavern of John Wolcott,
corner of- Lansing and State Streets. When the county
officers met and qualified, April 15, 1791, they made ar-
rangements for the court to be held on the 3d of May.
The appointment was kept, and at the corner of State1 and
Lansing Streets, in that ancient hostlery, the first session in
the long series of Rensselaer County courts was opened in
due form. They soon after adjourned to meet in Novem-
ber, at Ashley's tavern, in Troy. For some time after, the
courts met half the time in Lansingburgh, but after the
first session the place seems to have been the old Village
Hotel kept by Ananias Piatt.
The county clerk's office was also kept in Lansingburgh
at first, by the clerk, Nicholas Schuyler.
There are several very old homesteads in Lansingburgh
around which cluster many historic associations, many
family traditions, many legends, which written out would
illustrate again the old adage that " truth is stranger than
fiction," so fascinating and delightful would the stories
prove.
A very old house, if not the oldest of all in Lansing-
burgh, is the large two-story building on the east side of
River Street, the second north from Hoosick. This was
the residence of Esek Hawkins, Sr., purchased by him
sixty or seventy years ago. Tradition assigns to this house
a date as early as the French war. In the Revolutionary
war the owner was a loyalist, and suspected of aiding the
British army. His property was confiscated, and retained
by the State for many years, but finally sold to Esek Haw-
kins, as above stated.
The house next south, on the corner of Hoosick and
River, was the Armington homestead, and this is also very
old, dating back before 1800. The firm of Armington ec
Hawkins were shipbuilders, and from their yard at the foot
of Hoosick Street was launched many a craft, not only for
the river service, but for the broad ocean beyond. The Ar-
mington house was the residence of the Lte Esek Hawkins,
Jr.
Beyond the Hawkins house, north on River Street, is
also an ancient building. This was the William Spafford
house, and Horatio Gates Spafford, editor of the Grozetteer
of the State in 1812, died there of cholera in 18.12.
On the corner north from the grounds of the Troy City
::\
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Base-Ball Club is an old two-story house, once painted
yellow, and formerly a public-house. Its age is uncertain.
In early times it was the farm-bouse of Mr. McDaniel, a
relative of the Lansings. Later, Mr. Goldwin kept tavern
there.
On the west side of Congn -- Street, first door north from
South Street, is another old landmark in Lansingburgh.
Tradition assigns to this building a date equal to the Haw-
kins homestead, — viz.. the " "1.1 French war, — and it is
Baid at that time to have heen a rendezvous for troops.
On the bank of the river, between Market Street and
Elisabeth, is the old Hr. Binman house, now occupied by
David II. Flack. This dates back before 1800 to some in-
definite dale.
On the east side of John Street, below Lansing, is a very
old house, the homestead of John Dunbar, and retained by
his descendants to the present time.
Another old dwelling is the David Wilson house, of old
times, west side of Congress, between Lansing Street and
South Street. It is still owned by the descendants of Mr.
Wilson. It was in this building that Mr. Powers lived at
the time he commenced the making of oil-cloth. His first
shop was the barn upon this place.
There is an old building on the northwest corner of
Boosick Street and the Avenue that must date back
earlier than \<(H) by many years. It was unoccupied at
the time of the war of 1812, and was taken for barraeks
t;>r the soldiers.
The Swartwout building, opposite the Powers oil-cloth
factory, is also an old landmark.
Tbe Leach house is a very old building. It was the resi-
dence of Cornelius Lansing before he built the Abbey, and
the latter is itself an ancient edifice.
I. ■:. but not least in interest, we mention the house of
Nathaniel Powers. This, as already stated, was the home-
stead of the founder of the village, Abraham Jacob Lan-
sing. It i- an old building, and. with its ample grounds,
forms a marked feature in the history of Lansingburgh as
well as in its modern appearance. Those passing by may
think the beautiful location ought to have a magnificent
i lern edifice to fitly adorn tin' place; bul there is an air
of delightful antiquity about the modest building, a pleas-
ant look of homelike retirement, as it stands back from the
dusty street, a charm of historic association, all of which
would be somewhat rudely dispelled by tearing away the
ancient building and replacing it by a modem one.
Mr. Samuel Bontecoa relates an incident of his boyhood |
memories. An old-time funeral, with the Dutch custom of j
furnishing entertainment to the attendants, took place at
this house. It was then owned by Mr. Peebles, and the
deatli was of a member of the Van Schaick family. The
Win Schaicks were Ml buried in those times on the island
bearing the family name, but the state of the ice prevented
> 1 ■ temporary burial took place in the village
ground. Almost the whole village attended, as well as many
from ,i distance. Tables wen- get in tl Iso in others
omI the raj abundant ; wine and e.ike and a
whole array of tempting viands made it an occasion thai
impre 1 itself strongly on the memory of the children
tb.it gathen d th
There are many other buildings undoubtedly built about
1 Sim and earlier bul the limits assigned this chapter forbid
enlarging upon this prolific and interesting theme.
There is a wealth of family history, too, which might be
garnered up in Lansingburgh, amply sufficient to tempt citi-
zens of wealth to furnish the means for publishing a volume,
instead of a single chapter in a county history.
XI.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The town of Lansingburgh has but a small area of farm-
ing-lauds compared with many other towns in the county.
The agricultural productions, the crops raised, and their
value are shown in the statistical tables in chapter xxii.
of this work.
TANNERIES.
The leather business was of great importance fifty years
ago. and numerous tanneries were in operation in Lansing-
burgh, namely : Rating Rawson had a tannery on Canal
Street, near the malt-house; Frederick Forsyth, on the
ground now occupied by Capt. Noyes as a coal-yard ; Asa
Burt, at the corner of Congress and South Streets; Wil-
liam Guest, at the head of North Street; and Cornelius
Lansing, on Hoosick Street.
SHIP-BUILDING
was an important industry. In early times cpuite a num-
ber of sea-going vessels were built and launched at the
yards of this ancient town, besides numerous smaller craft
for river navigation.
Armington & Hawkins were an old firm engaged in
this business. Their yard was at the foot of Hoosick
Street; John Stilson also had a yard located on South
Street. At one time he built a vessel, sparred, rigged, and
loaded her on the stocks, and launched her for the West
Indies. This yard was very early, — before 1S00.
SLAUGHTERING AND PACKING HOUSES.
These were extensive, and were mostly located near the
head of Canal Street. Ives & Wilson packed 15,000 bar-
rels of pork one winter, — a large business for those times.
Noel Atwood also did a large business in packing pork for
merchants. Tobias Loring kept a slaughter-house near
Doctor Leonard's residence ; and Thomas Turner did a
luge business iu Batestown. Turner's Lane took its name
from him.
THE OIL-CLOTH in SIN] SS.
" As you approach Lansingburgh from the south, noth-
ing more specially attracts attention than D. Powers & Co. 'a
floor-cloth manufactory, a spacious establishment of one
hundred and fifty feet it) length and Wvv stories high, on
the wot Bide of State Street, at the south end of the
village.
"The manner in which the manufacture of floor-clottaj
Was introduced into Lansingburgh is not a little curious.
William rower.-, now deceased, an ingenious, enterprising,
and active Yankee, in boyh 1 carefully saved all the little
ot- and perquisites he received from his parent- or
other-, which having accumulated to a sum less than fifty
dollars, was put at interest. Subsequently, when the col-
lection of it had become precarious, to save it he was in-
TOWN OF LANKIN»;i:iu;i;iI.
325
laced to accept an offer from the individual accountable For
it. (who gained a scanty livelihood by painting oiled tahle-
clntlis in a small way) to aid him to obtain his debt b\ ae
KBting liim i" paint table-cloths to the amount of it. This
bcident first turned his active and ingenious mind to the
subject of the manufacture of floor-cloths. For some time
Afterwards he was occupied in investigating the processes
and improving the implements for making these fabrics.
In this way be went on quietly and noiselessly for a number
of years, realizing a handsome profit from bis labors. Hut
the public knew but little about bis operations till the erec-
tion of the large and imposing building spoken of above,
at an expense of $8000, first gave intimation to the staid
inhabitants of Lansingburgh of what the Yankee was do-
fog. Mr. Powers was one of the most useful and respected
citizens of the village, but he died in the midst of bis use-
fulness and on the highway to wealth. In some of the
ebemical processes connected with his business a vessel of
heated varnish took fire, and in endeavoring to extinguish
it he was severely burned, and survived but a few hours.
"The manufacture of oiled floor-cloths is prosecuted to a
considerable extent at the same place by D. Powers & Co.
There have also been erected two other large buildings for
the same manufacture in this village within eighteen months
past, — one by the Messrs. Fordhams & Bingham, on John
Street, and the other by 0. & R. Ferris, on River Street."*
It is the old story over again of an immense business
growing up from a small beginning. The demand for the
skillful handiwork of Mr. Powers soon increased, and de-
veloped, as stated by Mr. Yates, into enlarged manufac-
turing at home, and finally to the building of the factory on
State Street. In after-years this first building was con-
siderably enlarged. In modern times the immense build-
ings farther east have been erected, and the business has
been developed into a magnitude that can scarcely be ap-
preciated without entering into detailed statistics too exten-
sive for our limited space.
At the death of Wm. Powers in 1829 the two sons were
in early boyhood, one six the other eight years of age.
Mrs. Powers, by the assistance of a brother, determined to
continue the business. Her energy triumphed over all ob-
stacles. For a time she was assisted by Jonathan E. Whip-
ple. Soon, however, the two sons were trained to the
business, and a half-century of continuous enterprise is the
record of the mother's success and the life-work of the sons
in Lansingburgh. Mrs. Powers, now at the age of ninety-
two, is still associated with her sons. The firm's name—
"D. Powers & Sons" — means, as it meant years ago, Deb-
orah Powers &, Sons.
T. C. Davenport had an oilcloth factory on Bunker
Hill, which was destroyed by fire a few years since. Fer-
rin's manufactory was also destroyed by fire, and the enter-
prise not renewed. Jonathan E. Whipple built the oil-cloth
factory now occupied by Robert Haskell, and manufactured
there up to the time of his death.
RIFLE-MANUFACTORY.
Mr. Caswell carried on an extensive rifle-manufactory,
constantly employing about 25 workmen. He had three
* William Yates, in the Truy Pott, in 1833.
shops, i situated on State Street, the other two fronting
on Boosick Street, and with the boarding I intended
i;,r the accommodation of the workmen, extended ca I to
Congress Street. From twentj five to thirty rifles were
made weekly. This business was begun about L812. \
sun of Mr. Caswell carried it on for some years after his
lather's death.
BEUSH MAM PACT1 BINO.
The fust brushes manufactured in Lansingburgh were
by David McMurray. He had five sons, William, John
(i., Robert, David, and Moses, who w.re all brought up to
the business. David McMurray, the father and founder
of the brush business, bad bis first factory on the corner
of Jay and State Streets, in the south part of the building
occupied in recent years by John II. Campbell as a hotel.
William McMurray, the oldest son, bad bis shop on lots
now vacant, owned by G. W. Cornell, on State Street.
John G. had his first shop in the old Seceders' Church,
corner of Richard and John Streets, which was burned
down some years ago and replaced by the present buildings.
Robert and David went to Troy, and did business on River
Street below the Troy House. John G. went to Boston
and started the brush business, but not succeeding as well
as he desired returned to Lansingburgh, and at the time
of bis brother William's death bought out the business,
which be has since built up to be the largest in the United
States.
This business has given employment to many families
through a long series of years. Many men have passed
all the working portion of their lives in the employment of
the McMurrays.
chamberlin's carriage-factory
was founded by F]dwin Cbamberlin about the year 1837.
It was first located in Troy. In 1858 he removed to Lan-
singburgh and erected the present extensive buildings. He
is still the proprietor and active manager after forty years
of successful business. He has at times associated his sons
with himself in partnership. His line of work consists in
the manufacture of all descriptions of wagons and carriages.
Mr. Chamberlin has also brought to his enterprise a good
degree of inventive genius. He devised and is the owner
of some of the most valuable patents for carriage-springs.
In connection with this business should bo mentioned the
manufacture of whip-sockets. This was established about
18G5, by the firm of Mcrriam & Chamberlin (John 0.
Merriam, E. Chamberlin). They were succeeded by the
firm of Chamberlin & Randall, the latter having many
years' experience in connection with the manufacture of
whips at Westfield, Mass. Their catalogue offers some
twenty-five varieties of whip-sockets, and it is interesting as
showing how large a business has grown up in the making
of this single attachment,— something that only a few years
since was scarcely recognized as a necessary part of a car-
riage.
THE LUDLOW VALVE-MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
This is known abroad as a Troy establishment, their
principal office being in that city, and their correspondence
and advertising dating from thence. The company origi-
32G
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
nally established their works at Waterford. Henry G.
Ludlow was president, and M. D. Schoonmaker secretary
and treasurer. Th -■ same officers are -till occupying
their respective positions, and i ducting the business,.
The in] >:niy removed to their present place in Lansing-
burgh in 1^72. purchasing the buildings occupied previ-
ously by the horse-railroad company. They manufacture
the ■■ Ludlow Sliding-Stop Valves," for water, steam, ami
also "Ludlow's Patent Fire- 1 1 \ drant v" Tlie pro-
ducts of their manufacture are found throughout the
country in the establishments of the principal lms, water,
and manufacturing compauics. 1>. J. Johnston is the
vice-president of the company.
MILLS
The Lcversee Grist-Mill was an early affair, — before isno,
—on the creek thai empties in above the Union Bridge.
The mill was near the well-known Leverscc residence, not
far from the Brunswick line. There was another grist-
mill back of the John Bacon place i the old Janes nursery-
Lnd . This mill was on the stream that (lows from
Oakwood Like, ami was a small affair. Another mill, on
the stream thai empties into the Eudson at Lansing's
Eddy, was built before 1800. There was also a grist-mill
at the head of Turner's Lane, on the Piseawen Kill.
Flour in early times but somewhat later than these
old mills) was brought to Lansingburgh from Waterford.
Johnny Connell, with his one horse and an old wagon,
hauliug flour for sale by the bag, is a well-remembered
feature of those years.
NAIL-MILLS.
Nail-CUtting was carried on by Sherrill & Hedges, who.-,'
mill was on the Erst stream above the Union Bridge, below
the grist-mill. Hedges >V Mulford, a little later, had a
grist-mill at the foot of Oil-mill Hill, on the wesl side of
the road. This building was afterwards converted into a
thread-mill by Fisher & Co., but it was carried on only a
XII. MILITARY.
The following patriotic document, on record in the
archi I Lansingburgh, shows the position of the people
on the political questions involved in the opening of the
11 ilutiunary sti uggle :
•• I. msisont nan, May 22, I 775.
I t" .oil lubsoribcd by the Frccmon,
of lie town of Lansingburgh and I'
■bio.
" P i ili" Mlralion of the rights and libcrtici of America
il ii- inhabitant! in a rig
iffclj m ii 1 "I tin-
' iun b biob attend a dis-
Hi. »'-. the ] iholders,
»n<l • ii ami Potent «if Stone
.ii -a tin- Briiiih
the lil I.v
■■riiin.'iit. in the most
n manner
"I i '-. .-^. mi lor
all thr liat of religion, hon ir, nn I lore to mir country, i
fe-n whatever mi iom-
- nur Provincial
ml arbitrary ami oppressive »<•(> of t lie
British Parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and
Amerioa on Constitutional principles can be obtained, than which wo
wish fur nothing more ardently : and wc do hereby covenant, promise,
an 1 agree that wo will in all things follow the advice of our general
committee rcspo :ting the purposo aforesaid, the preservation of pi
good order, and safety of the individuals and private property.
"AbravJacob Lansingh, Christopher Tillman, John D. Wrn
cook, Abraham Ten Evck, Benjamin I-'nr.N. ii. John Barbi n, ,1 ens
Selkirk, Daniel Toneray, Jonathan Severs, Henry Pollock,
Michael Hoi'sewortr, John 1-'i\i:, Stephen Marvin, James Boi
Ann vii am Onderkirk, Ephraim Griswold, Samcei Uii:i:ins, Jauss
Willson, Justus Brown, John Clark, David Lavten, Francis
II. mi. i:. Jons Sloan, Gerry Lane, Samcei Burns, Is \ \. Van
Arm m, Robert Wendell, 1'ennell Brown, Freiierick Weaver,
Levinus Lansingh, William Tompkins, Joseph B von. John Hi n.
bar, Pki.atiar WiNi-nELL, John YniNfi. Levinis Lev erse. GEiisnoil
French, Joseph Jones, John Skiefincton, Thomas Cook, William
Nichols, Alexander Boyd, John Winn, Josiah Rose, Iivmii Shaw,
varon Ward, Wm. Conklin, Edward Brcster, Samuel Bruster,
.1 v on A. I. LNSINGn."
"A true copy of this original association paper, drawed this loth
day of June. 17 7.'.
•■ Clllt. 'I'll mi vs. y.orii Clerk."
The following Revolutionary rolls include names beyond
the present limits of Lansingburgh, but they bear the name
of the town, and are appropriately given in connection with
its history :
A roll of the Lansingburgh company of Col. Stephen I. Schuylor'i
militia. Feb. 17, 1777 :
Captain, Christopher Tillman ; Lieutenants, Abraham Ten Eyck, Jon-
athan Sever; Ensign, John Clarke: Sergeants, Daniel Ton.
Aaron Ward, William Conklin, Jonathan Douglass; Corpoi
William Willoughby, James Barber, James Sloan, Stephen -Mar-
vin, Jr.
Privates, George Lane, Abraham .1. Onderkirk, Henry Van Arnum,
Robert Thompson, Samuel Burns, Levinus Lansingh, William
Tompkins, Samuel Bennet, Michael llouswirt. Comfort Shaw, Geo,
Mastin, Robert Armstrong, C"iir:n! llcntlcbeckcr, John Lluub.ir,
Robert Dunbar. John Hogg. Pelatiab Winchcll, Henry Campbell,
Benjamin Bruster, Samuel Brustor, John Young, Levinus 1
Solomon Goewy, Francis Uogcl, Isaac Van Arnum, Thomas Mar-
tin, Ephraiin Griswold, Jabcz Griswold, William Carr, John Wood,
Chri.-i ipher Paxnscr, John Barber. Job Paddock, William Spottcn,
Nicholas Fisher, Justus Brown, James Perkins, Joseph Perkins,
John Walker, George Van Vlcck, George Boyd, Leonard Miller,
William Boyd, John Follet, Phineas Bacon, William Douglass.
Pay-roll of dipt. Cornelius Noble's I pauv in Col. Stephen I.
Schuyler's regiment of Albany militia t" Aug. 11. 1777:
Captain, Cornelius Noble: Lieutenants, Samuel Shaw. John i '
Ensign, John Byly; Serge. mis. Hugh McMnnus, William Green-
Gold, Samuel Lope, ll./.kiali Hull. William Norton; Corporals,
James Barber. Stephen Marvin, Samuel Frazcr, John S. Finoj
Drummer, Emanuel Rcnniokc; Privates. Hercules Kronckhitftj
Abraham Kronckkitc, William Cranncll. Hcndriek Strunck, -1
Fellow. William Cooper, John Van Oatrandcr, tlcndrick I'loss,
Jr... Jacob Smith. William Morns. John Hannah. Isaac ' rannel,
Samuel Evans, Job Paddock, William Willoughhy, John I'n
Matlbew Marvin, Andrew Colchammcr, Dan kcr, John
Vandorwerken, Ephraiui Griswold, H.ivi.1 Randall, Joseph l»"iy,
I Greenfield, Salomon Griffiths, Stephen Millard, Joshua
Randall, Stcpbon Randall, Reuben Bompis. Ephraim J
Brooks, Jacob Vnn Every, Philip Ilaner, Joseph Benson,
i Hill. An I ■•'■ Barott, Ebcnezcr Baker, Fran \i llogel,
John Era/or. John lamer. Folkel Miller. 1
Park.-: ■ Valentine, .Tost llarwiek, John Walter,
crick Conrad, Jol 'o-rrit Peck. Knell Ostrom, John
Lansingh, Thomas Martin, John Kelly. Solomon But Icr, Hcn-
ilii.-k PI" , Pctor I laiah Durham.
was it 1812.
Mr. Bamlel Bontccou wrote f"f the press, a few years
sii go interesting an article upon tin- part which Lansing-
burgh took in tin- struggle, that we give it altuosl entire.
TOWN OF LANS1NGBURGII.
327
During the war of 1812 tho cantonments for enlisted
mi ii were at Greenbush. They were drilled and discip-
lined, and from there sen( to the Northern frontier, They
most 1 v passed through Lansingburgh, and generally en-
gumped "ii vacant land in what was known as Batestowo,
bow a part of Troy.
Several small sq Is encamped in this village at various
lines. A company of dragoons from South Carolina en-
nmped on the Green near the old church. They made a
very comely appearance with their showy uniforms. They
wore long white horse-hair lails attached to their caps,
which hung down their back. On the front of the caps
here lour raised letters, U. S. L. I)., which were a puzzle
Id the boys, but a wag finally translated them into Uncle
Sum's likely (It vt/s.
During the war a company of regulars was raised here
by /ina P. Kggleston. ('apt. Clark was their quartermaster,
and they were located in the old Carey tavern, on the cor-
ner of Hoosick .Street and the Avenue.
John E. Wool obtained a captaincy, took command of
the company, and marched then) to the frontier.*
A short time before the war an artillery company was
Binned in Lansingburgh, under the command of Capt.
Reuben King and Lieut. Caleb Allen. They wore long-
tailed blue coats, faced with red, when on parade. They
were powdered up to tho eyes, and prouder-stepping men
Sever graced a uniform. They were ordered to Ogdens-
burg for duty, but never shared in actual service.
In 1814, Gen. Bloomfield passed through Lansingburgh
with .'".(100 men. The Union Bridge was then being repaired,
and the general was obliged to halt bis force until planks
could be temporarily laid to enable his men to pass in single
tile.
During the war several British officers were in Lansing-
burgh as prisoners on parole. They were quartered with
Capt. Oakley, who lived in the old Cramp house on Hoosick
Street, opposite James McQuide's brush-factory. They
could be seen daily in the swamp at the back of the village
hunting snipe and other game. A number of prisoners
passed through this town on their way to Greenbush,
who had been taken at St. Regis and other places. They
took breakfast at Robert Getty's tavern.
Commodore McDonough passed through Lansingburgh
on his way to Lake Champlain with his ship's crew. They
(feme from Albany in coaches, and took breakfast at Judson's
hotel. The commodore passed through Lansingburgh on
returning from the great victory on Lake Champlain. He
was met at Waterford by a committee from Lansingburgh
and escorted to Judson's hotel, where a reception was
given him. He was presented with a service of plate,
David Allen making the presentation speech.
After the treaty of peace there was a grand celebration
in Lansingburgh. The village was splendidly illuminated,
and a large bonfire was built on Diamond Rock. The fires
Bghted up the heavens for miles around. The most promi-
nent feature in the procession was a full-rigged ship, drawn
A- we write these lust sheets for the press the monument to Maj.-
Gen. John E. Wool is just moving to its place above the village whore
he first commanded a company.
by four Bplendid hones, under the chai F Capt Samuel
Uickok. After tin1 procession a grand Bupper was given
at the old Village Hotel (on thi Bite of the present
Phoenix). The "Star-Spangled Bunner," then new, was
sung with enthusiasm, and everytli I oil' happily
ami without accident,
Capt. Edward Webb was a veteran of the war of 1-1^.
lie was the sou of Deacon Webb, of Troy. If- lived in
Lansingburgh, on the site of tin' present Wilson Hon-...
He fought through tic war of L812, and also in the
Florida war. lb- died at Glen's falls in August 1876,
Ho offered his services during tic war of the Rebellion,
being about seventy years of age.
WAR (IK 1 S(1 1-65.
A recent writer of a sketch of Lansingburgh pays the
following just tribute to the patriotism of tin- town:
" At the outbreak of the lair Rebellion, the village of l.:i n-i n
Bent forth her citizens and sons o, prolcet the nal ion's Hag with the
same honorable pride as the forefathers of tin- bamlcl had don, at
the beginning of the Revolutionary war. 'fin Brsl lull company
formed was organized tor tic .'loth Regiment X. V. S. Vols.. Col. Ed-
ward Frisby commanding, it was mustered in as Company A, Sam
uel King, eaptain; John fl. Campbell, lieutenant; and Francis
Dargeu, ensign, Capt. King and Ensign Dargen wen- both killed at
the first battle of Hull Hun, as were also five privates of the same
company. Lieut. Campbell received the coi ission as captain, and
on the return of the company home, June 1, 1863, at the expiration
of its two years of service, it was received with a grand ovation. At
the second battle of Bull Run, Chauncey l'. Vandeusen was killed,
who, with Josiah E. West and Frederick Weaver, hail joined Company
A. 22d Regiment N. Y. S. Vols.
•■ Company K, 16t)tb Regiment, was raised by Capt, Daniel Fergu-
son and 2d Lieut. E. R. Smith, and was placed under the regimental
command of Col. Clarence Buel. Cant. Ferguson lost his lit',- at the
explosion of the mine before Fort Fisher."
The earlier filling of companies from this town was com-
pleted by voluntary and unofficial work. In the summer
of 1S62 it became necessary, under the repeated calls for
men, to take more definite action. A war committee was
appointed, consisting of A. E. Powers, J. E. Whipple, and
E. P. Pickett. Aug. 23, 1862, the town voted to levy a
tax of $0000 for the purpose of paying a bounty of $50 to
each volunteer.
At a subsequent meeting, held Sept. 19, 1S62, it was
voted to pay an additional bounty of $50 in place of that
which was withdrawn by the State on the 6th of that
month.
In 1SG3 and 186-A also prompt and patriotic action was
taken, and, as in other towns, money was freely voted and
every necessary sacrifice patriotically made to fill the quotas
required of the town.
The following list has been prepared front the printed
muster-in-rolls of the State, the reports of the census enu-
merators of 1S65, and the reports of the war committee y
The roll presents a record of patriotism worthy of the
fathers of 1776. honorable to the present generation, and a
noble example to their descendants in all future ages. We
fThe list has been revised by Miss Helen F. Hawkins. l!y her
efforts over one hundred names of Lansingburgh men wore ad led. of
whom there is no record whateveHu the ofii t the town clerk. The
soldiers arc indebted to her for the completeness of thi- list, not less
than for her assistance on every annual Decoration-day.
323
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
tatioa the work of writing up
: citizen of Lansingbargh who went into the service as
peculiarly appropriate to the design of their organization.
To the military list we may well prefix the following pa-
triotic record of Capt. Thomas 11. Fisher, recently deceased.
II' was born in Lansingbargh, Feb. 26, 1840, and entered
the service as se< 1 lieutenant in the 2d Regiment of Now
Fork Volunteers, Sept 1. L861. He was promoted Sep-
tember, 1862, on th,' stall' of Brig.-Gen. Patterson, became
first lieutenant Dec. 21, 1862, and was mustered out with
Ins regiment Maj 26, 1863. He re-enlisted in the Sth
\ .i ...v Aug. 31, 1863. lie was taken prisoner, ami
suffered at Libby prison for two months, lie was after-
wards paroled ami exchanged, lie was mustered out Oct
1. 1864. In 1866, July 28, lie enlisted in the regular
army, ami was appointed second lieutenant of infantry; he
had been in almost constant service for the thirteen years
since that date, ami had bravely earned the promotion of
captain, lie died in Texas, of gastric fever, July 4, 1871).
1 w-iv.r.i BGI1 ARMY LIST, 1801-65.
■ P. Allen, onl. Aug. 7, 1862, 125th R rt, I '.
II lllon, .'i.l. Aug 7. 1862, I. ■■Hi Rogt, Co.G.
r. .III. Ail-. 6, 1862, 125th Regt, Co. C.
II. my Allwrlaon, en). Sept. 6, 1862, 1iv.mIi Rcgt, Co. G.
■ii, in. ij., ••nl. Sir 3, 1862, 169th Rogt
Th. -iii.i- Abbott, onl. Jnnol, 1801, Mill Regt, Co. A.
, \ .1. Anthony.
Wm. Bolton, enl. Aug. 11. 1862, 125th Regt., Co. C.
Ilir.mi K. II -i m, enl. Aug 5, 1862, [25th Rcgt., Co. C.
Win Blair, anl. Aug. II. 1862, 125th Rogl . I I
Franria A. Baxter, enl. Jnlj 28, 1862, 125th Regt., Co. C.
Rer. John L. Barlow, chaplain, enl., Inly. 1862, 125th Regt,
Th. .iii.i.- Bradihaw, enl. July 20, 1862, 125th Regt, Co. I
John Bronnan, enl. Aug I. 1862, 125th Regt., Co. 0.
Mi- h "-1 Bronnan, enl. 125th I
I Brlaaland, anl. Aug. 12, 1862, 125th Regt, Co. F.
■
AllK-rt Burbank, enl. July 26, 1862, 125th Rogt., Co. C.
W. Bryan, enl. Aug. 7, 1*"-', 125th Regt, Co, C.
ijMh Kogt., Co.C
16, 1862, 125th Regt., Co. F.
Kdwanl Hurl, i ui Brigade.
i Brig i<Lo.
I Billow, anl. 10th il lllln Co D
i .ii, 1.111. 10th Militia, i .. V
Frank Bene* ly, onl. 10th Mil ii i,
i .j.. .nl. April 26, 1861, 2d Rogt.
Wm. Benjamin, -nl. March, 1864, I25ih Regt.
Crnii I, Jl-I c.v , C.j. A.
John Bryaon, "nl. Jim- l. A.
. Bunnell, anl June 1. 1861, 30th Rcgt, I v.
Jnllu. Bart Id t anl. June I Rogt-, Co. A.
l. 1861, 3uth I: -i.. Co. A.
. R Biirlhi ime, Uugh Bnuly, John Brady,
John B i Hi ill.
:-i N. Y. II. ah , ■ \
• ■ . ■ \
...nil' t, anl, July .'I. i -■■_'. I C
• II. Clark, i il nary.
1862, 126th B ;l.,l I
K.
Wm . j tram, to In .rps,
\nc 1 1. 1- ..■
K
■
WHUaaa Croat, enl D
Conifliut Coolrv.enl. I69tb Regt.
John Conway, enl. Sept. 6, 1861, 6th Civ. ; re-onl. Doc. 1863.
James Connolly, enl. Feb. 20, ISO.', 104th Rogt; disch. Tor sickness; re-enl.
Feb. 1865.
John H. Cnuipbell, 1st lioilt., enl. Jilno 1, 1861, 30th R 'gt., Co. A ; pro. to capt.
K.lix c.nl.y, enrp, enl. June 1, 1S01, 30th Regt, Co. A.
Dennis R. Connors, enl. Juno 1, isol, "nth Rogt., Co. A.
John Conroy, enl. .lune 1, 1861, 30th Rogt, Co. A.
John T. Cooper, enl. June 1. 1861, 30th Rogt., Co. A.
Horace 1 Chirk, onl. .1 1, 1861, ;inih Regt., Co. A.
Warren Cntahaw, enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Regt, Co. A.
Potoi Coiighlin, enl. Aug. i."., Is.;-.!, 125th Regt, Co. C.
William S. 'hit. ml. July J I, IS62, 125th Regt, On. K.
. .- Cook, William Cuttrell, Thomas Collins. William Dewar.
Francis Dlllalr, Jr., onl. 109ih N. Y. Vols., Co. K.
J. .Im Donivnn, onl. Aug. II. 1802, 125th Rogt., Co. C.
Abram Doarstyne, onl. 10th Regt, Co. D.
M Do Coster, enl. loth Regt., Co. D.
Lew Is Dlllalr, enl. Aug. 14, lscj, 125th Rogt., Co. C.
John D. Dargotl, enl. Sept. ::, 1804; hoi previously served in the 30th Rogt.
Augustus Donizcr, enl. Sept 1861, 30th Regt
James Donnigon, onl, 18G1, 1'lst Regt. ; had previously served in the 30th R.-^t.
Henry Dennison, enl. May, 1861, 30th Regt.
Willi. mi Dingman, onl. Aug. 17, ISO::, 1st Art.
Ill Do May, enl. Aug. 17, IS. '4, 6th lav.
William Dyke, onl. July, 180 1, Griswold Cav.
Francis Dnrgen, 1st liellt, onl. Sliry, 1801, 3utl] Rogt., Co. A; killed at the soc-
ond battloof null Run.
John A. Dunn. enl. .Ii 1, 1S01, 3 Hi. Rogt., Co. A.
Wm. Daronport, enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Regt., Co. A.
La wren ee hois-ey, onl. 3(illi R.-gt., Co. A.
John Dngnn, enl. 2lsl Rogt, Co. C.
John Deloire, G *go Delnire.
Fi iiii.l S. Esmond, capt, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 125th Rogt, Co. C.
Hiram Ellsworth, enl. Aug. It. 1862, 125tll Regt . Co. C.
J.ihn Kng.ill, enl. July 18, 1804, navy ; flag-ship u Mohogan."
Michaol English.
William Frazer, or.l. sergt, onl. Aug. 13, 1S02, 125th Rogt.. Co. C.
Chester II. Forden, sergt, enl. Aug. 0. 1862, 1 '".th Regt, Co. C.
John Forfar, Corp., onl. Sept. 3, 1862, 169th Regt, Co. K.
Dennis \V. Fox, onl. Sept. :.. 1862, 169th Regt, C .. IL
John Furrell, 4th sergt, enl. Sep:. 5, ISO::, lOOUl R.iTt., Co, K.
Joseph U. Follett, enl. Sept. .'>. 1802, 169th Regt , I .. K
Janus Fay, Jr., enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 169th 1! _-i., Co. K.J pro. to Corp.
Chaunccy Frear, sergi, enl. July 24, 1862, 125th Regt, Co. C.
J..C..I. Fox, Jr., enl. Sept. 0, ISO::, 169th Rogt, Co. G.
Daniel Ferguson, capt, Onl. Aug 31, 1802, 109th Rogt, Co. K.; killed Jan. 1.".,
lSGo, in the assault on Fort 1" slier; l.uried ill Oakwood Cemetery.
Edward Follett, enl. Sept 8, ls.vt. 21sl Cav.
Joseph Franklin, or.1. sergt., enl. Sept, 1S0J, Black Horse Cav.; pro. to 2d lioilt;
re-enl. ill the Griswold Cav.
John Franklin, enl. Sept Is, 1804, Griswold Cav.
John Fay, 59th Regt
James Filgan, eorp , enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Regt, Co. A.
David Ferguson, musician, onl. Juno 1, 1801, 3t)ih R.-gt., Co. A.
James F.tr.patrick, enl.. lune 1, 1861, 30th Rcgt, Co. A.
George Frost, enl. .lune 1. 1861, 30th Regt, Co. A,
Hugh Flnnegan, onl.J 1, 1861, 10th Rogt, Co. A.
James Fly nn, onl. June 1, 1861, 30th Regt, Co. A.
J-Mg.u- Fields, 89th III Regt., Co. A.
John Gaas, eorp, .oil Sept •"•, l-';:, 169th Rogl . c .. K,
Octavo Garepy, eiil. kng 6, 1862, 125th Rogt, Co. C.j re-enl. in l.'.Oth Rogt,
and trans. Invalid C 'i|'-.
Patrick Gahirr, enl. Sept 3, 1862, 169th Regt, Co. K.
Henry Glenn, enl. Ang. I, 1862, 125th Rcgt, Co. 0.
AloxanderG -go, onl. Jul; 23, DM12, 125th Rcgt, Co C.
Anthony Goto, enl. Ang. 14, 1862, 125 b Rogl
William Gaas, enl. Ang. 12, 1862, 125th Regl . I
churl.- II. Uilman, eul. Aug. 8, 1862, 125Ui Regt, Co. C.
Carl Gantlor.
i G 1. 11. en I. Ang. I. 1862, 126th Rogt, Co. C.
n klyn R.-gt.
.. II. i.ik- r, l.-t limit, onl. s.-i i 20, 1862, 109th Rogt, Co. G.
i ion gan, .nl May J, 1861, 64th Rcgt
Alexander Gillespie, sergt , enl. Jon.- l, 1861, 30th Regt, Co. A.
..in,., Garton, -nl Juno I. 1861, 30th Rcgt, C i. A.
Roml Garton, onl. June 1. 1801, . A.
i, John I leltoG inlni r, Samncl Qiryxor.
Patrli k Uugh Regt, Co. I
11 lie. Iii.i., .nl s til 1!
i il .i 1.. enl 1862, i !5th R ■ Kent
Robert Bolllngaworth, enl I With Regt, I
Andrea Hoffmen, Jr., enl I Ih Rogt, Co. I
Ri _i
s 1 1 .it .iii.i!. John W. B ! . James Hutchinson.
■ i. '..'■■.'■.
Charles II. Rooghkork, enl ' 125th Begt, On. II.
John Ulgglns, cdI. Sept. 10,
TOWN OF LANSINGBURGB
::.':i
Charles S. II. .Inns, .-III. Ian. IB, I860, I92d Regt.
Win. E. Hatch, 'nl. [>i'C. 25, 1863, Till Cav.; pro. to corp. ami sergt.
James Hickey, enl. Juno 1. 1SC1, 30th It.^t., Co. A.
John Hlckoy, snl. June I, 1861, 30th Begt., Oo. A.
William Him tor, on 1. June 1, 1801, 30th Rogt., Co. A.
Charles Hewlett, enl. Ji 1, 1801, 30th Rogt., Co. A.
Jinnes Heimstroot
,l„lin Bucket, onl. 30th Regt , Co A
John [lardy, Tliomna [lines, John E. Hawkins.
Ueorge II. 'Hi, mn, ml. 1118th N. Y. 11. Art., Co. l'\
S. i' Haines, Bergt., enl. 7th II. Ait.
j.i ii i. - [[all, Lyman Hawthorne, Lovi Hydorn, John P. Icke.
Julm Ingram, musician, enl. Juno I, 1861, 30th Regt., Oo. A.
.1, - [eke, enl. Juno 1, 1801,30th Regt., Co. A.
John Johnson, onl, July 24, 18C2, I25lh Regl , Co. C.
w in Jolinson, .lames II. [ngrnhnm, sergt., Elijah Knnpp.
Andrew Kirkpatrick, Jr., enl. Aug. 12, 1882, 125lh Regt., Co. F.
Win. II. King, Corp., enl. Auk. 12, 1802, 125th Regt., Co. c.
Samuel Uillmer, ml. July 29, 1802, 125lh Regt., Co. F.
Win. Kelcher, Corp., enl. July J4. 1802, 125th Regt., Co. C.
Win. Kent, .nl. Aug. '.".i, 1802, 100th Regt., Co. K.
Gorneliue Kelcher, enl. Juno I, 1801, 30th Regt., Co. A.
Bunui 1 It. Kirkpatrick, enl. Jan. I. 1803, 4th Art.
s.i ii i u ,■ 1 Kuler, enl. May, 1802, 2d Regt.; died, place and time not known.
Joint Knickerbocker, enl. Dec. 1, 1802, Alliauy Zouaves, lltli Regt,; tnins. to
In v. Corps.
Joisiali Keisler, enl. May 25, 1803, 7lli Cuv.
Samuel King, ''apt., enl. .I""'' I, 1801, 30th Regt., Co. A.
Edward Kennedy, sergt , enl. .Inn,' 1, 1801, .'•.nth Regt., Co. A.
.la - Kirkpatrick, enl. June 1. Ism, '.ml, Regt., Co. A.
Thomas Kowen, onl June 1, 1801,30th Regt., Co. A.
Ihiimiis Kirke, enl. .lino- 1, 1861, 30th Regt., Co. A.
Tli'iina- Kilroy, enl. 2d Regt.
Win Kirkpatrick, enl. 21st N. T., Co. A.
Henry Kepner, John King.
John Kennedy, enl. 30th N. Y , Co. H.
Hi i, iv la Moit, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. C.
John S. Lambert, Jr., enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 125th Regt., Co. C.
George M. Lemon, enl. Aug. 30,1862,132d Regt.; pro. to major; lost his life in
the service; hail served in the Mexican war.
Edward Loppy, enl. 125th Regt.
William Lawton, enl. 43d Regt.
John Ladlie, enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Regt., Co. A.
James Ladlie, enl. June 1, 1801, 30th Regt., Co. A.
Abraham Langstnff, enl. June 1, 1801, 30th Regt., Co. A.
Jacob Letler, enl. Aug. 11, 1S02, 125th Regt, Co. C.
Joseph Lewis, Napoleon Lamar, George Lester,
Oinim Longstaff, enl. June 1. 1801, 30th N. Y.. Co. A.
J. il. Lawrence, Charles D. Merrill.
Charles E. Morris, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. C.
ili'i-' s. Moss, enl. Aug. 14, 1S02, 12uth Regt., Co. O.
Win. R. Miller, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. C.
Samuel 11. Montgomery, enl. Aug. l'7, 1802, 125th Regt., Co. C.
Benjamin Montgomery, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. C.
Andrew J. Morris, sergt, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. C.
\\ in. II. Morris, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 126th Regt., Co. C.
Daniel McNcaly, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, lJ.'th Regt, Co. C ; wounded in the hand.
Win. K. Mullin, enl. .Inly 29, 1862, 126th Regt, Co. F.
John Mourne, enl. 125th Regt, Co. C.
Malcolm Morrison, enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 125th Regt., Co. C.
Wm. Henry Moon.y, enl. 09th Regt
Patrick McConville, George W. McMurray, Hugh McGovern, Jacob II. Moiur.
Oscar E. McMurray, enl. loth Regt, Co. A.
Wm. McMurray, enl. 69th Regt
Wm. P. NcArdell, enl. .Ian. 1S04, lllth II. Art ; detailed to Eng. Corps, April,
1864.
Wm. Mosely, enl. Sept. 1, 1861, 71st Highlanders; re-enl. March 3, 1865.
John Moran, enl. Aug. 1802, 125lh Regt.
11' nia Megatto, enl. May, 1861, 30th Regt; pro. to corp.
Frederick Morris, enl. Aug. 1864, Iiish Brigade.
Jerome L. Mott, enl. Aug. 1803, sth U. S. Col. Troops.
■I' -I b McKenney, enl. June 1, 1861,30th Regt, Co. A.
Thomas McClenahan, enl. June I. 1801, 30th Regt., Co. A.
Wm McMurray, enl. June 1, 1801, 30th Regt, Co. A.
Thomas II. Mason, enl. June 1, 1801, 30th Regt., Co. A.
James McNeeley, enl. June 1, 1801, 30th Regt, Co. A.
John G. Morrison, enl. June 1, 1801, 30th Regt, Co. A.
Cornelius Murphy, enl. June 1, 1801, 30lh Regt, Co. A.
Jacob M. Mewir, Patrick McCurmick, Wm. McAtee, Daniel McGovern, Andrew
McQuide, Andrew McAusland, George Moss, Wm. Muudslcy, David
Mills, John McGill, Robert McMurray.
Stephen Noble, eul. Aug. 29, 1802, 109th N. Y. Vols., Co. K.
Moses Newell, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. C.
Benjamin Norente, enl. June 1, 1801, 30th Regt, Co. A.
Henry C. Noble, enl. June 1, 1801, 30th Regt, Co. A.
Thuddeus Overocker, enl. 125lh Regt.
James N. Olsavor, sergt, enl. July 28, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. C.
42
Th as lllney, enl. Ill I. 30, 1802, 177lh Regt , C". II.
Edward O'Rollley, on . i W, Irish Brigade; died In hospital.
Q "i iver, enl Sept 1863, nth II. s. ; pro. to sergt.
Chillies II, Otis, 2d HoUt, • "I M 'I I 'I, 'J'l It.-gt.
Thomas O'Koofo, .-nl. Junel, [861, 30th Rogt, Co. \.
James 0'Keofo, enl. Ji 1, [861, 30th it.-^ t ., Co. A.
.lames O'Neill, onl. June I, [861, 80th Regt., Co, A.
■I si) I lln.y, I Kvi-ii II' Keele, William O'Koofo, John OHTer.
Edward s. Penny, sergt, enl. Aug. 28, 1862, 169th ttegl , Oo, K,
John Powers, enl. Sept 6, I860, 109th Regt, Oo. K.
IshmaelG. Porter, enl. Sept "■, 1862, 169th Bogt, Oo. K.
William Powers, enl. 30th Regt, Oo. A ; re-onl. 76th Bogt. and promoted.
Edward s. Payne, • nl. Aug. 13, 1*02, [2 ith Bs t, Co. 0,
Isaac Pitt, enl. 125th Regt
James Pratt, Corp., enl. July 24, 1862, 125th Regt, Co. 0.
Richard [,. Potter, enl. loth Begt, Co. A.
Wm, F, Parrlsb, enl. 10th Regt., Oo. D; re-onl t>, t ;", i-'.j, 1 77th Reirt, Co. D.
Timothy Perlel, enl. J 1, 1861, 30th Regl . Oo. \
John Pierce, enl. Dec.25, 1864, Ith Mew Jersey.
David Penman, enl. Dec. 29, [861,7th II. Art.
James l'attison, sergt., enl. June. 1861, 12th Battory.
Iti. hard Pennifeather, enl. .Inn.- l, 1861, 30th Begt., Co. A.
Jules Prescott, enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Regt., Co. A.
Timothy l'urcell, enl. June 1, 1861, 301h Regt, Co V
William Powers, Andrew Prescott, William E, Pratt, Oliver Peortreo.
John Quinn, corp., enl. Sept 6, 1862, [69th N. Y. Vols , Co. K.
William Quinn, enl. 109th N. Y. Vols., Co. A.
Chauncey Reed, corp., enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 125th Regt, Co. 0.
James Ryan, Thomas C. Riley.
fl ill! Rafter, enl. Aug. 13, 1S02, 125th Regt, Oo. C.
Fit?. Raymond, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. F.
Charles N*. Remington, enl. Aug. 31, 1862, 169th Regt, Co. K; killed Jan. 1,".,
1805, in tin- assault on Fort Fisher; buried in < i.il. w 1 I lemetery.
William Riley, enl. 1801, Militia Guards, N. Y. City ; re-enl. Aug. 29, 1804, 0th
Cav.
Peter Riley, onl. naval service.
Robert Ray, eul. June, ISO:!, 15th Heavy Art
Robert Ray, Jr., enl. June, 1864, 169th Regt
Charles A. Robinson, enl. Jan. 11, 1804, 7th Cav.
John Robinson, enl. April 21, 1801, 2d Regt
James II. Ronald, 1st lieut, enl. Aug. 1S03 ; pro. to brigade Commander,
Charles R. Rogers, enl. Jan. 1803, 20th Regt.
Edward Remington, enl. Juno 1, 1801, 30th Regt , Co. A.
James Reed, enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Regt, Co. A.
Joseph Rafter, Simon Ripley, Silas K. Rowley.
William A. Rochester, 21st N. Y. Regt, Co. A.
Esek 1!. Smith, enl. Aug 9, 1S02, 125th Regt, Co. C.
Thomas Simpson, enl. July 24. 1802, 125th Regt., Co. C.
Mil hail Sands, Jr., enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 1251 h Regt, Co 0.
Martin Sipperly, enl. 125th Regt., Co. C.
Hannibal Sherwood, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 125th Regt , Co. C.
James M. Smith, eul. Sept. 5, 1802, 109th Regt, Co. K.
James II. Straight, sergt, enl. Sept. 5, 1802, 109lh Regt, Co. K.
Alexander Shields, enl. Sept. 15, 1862, 169th Regt. N. Y. Vols., Co. K.
Edgar Smith, eul. Aug. 5, 1862, 125th Regt, Co. C.
Albert Smith, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 125th Regt, Co. C.
Samuel Spotten, enl. Sept. 5, 1802, 109th R-gt , Co. K.
Joseph Shannon, enl. Sept. 5, 1802, 109th Regt, Co. K.
Edwin R.Smith, 2d lieut, enl. Sept 25, 1802, 169th Regt, Co. K ; pro. to 1st
lieut. and capt
Cornelius Sitzer, sergt , enl. Sept. 5, 1802, 109th Regt , Co. K.
Gilbert Shaw, enl. 134th Regt.
Albeit Stratton, enl. loth Regt, Co. D.
W. G. Sheridan, Jr., enl. 10th Regt, Co. D.
George II. Squires, enl. Mass, Regt.
Albert C. Smith, enl. Oct. 30, 1802, 177th Rent, Co. D.
Lewis E. Sator, enl. April 15,1801, 20th Regt; killed at Fori Donelson, Feb.
20, 1S02 ; buried on the field.
John E. Sayles, enl. Feb. 1863, Griswold Cav.
Alfred Seaman, enl. Jan. 1S03, Griswold Cuv.- pro. to q.m. sergt.
George A. Scott, enl. May, 1S01, 30th Regt.
Chauncey W. Smith, enl. June 27, 1SG4, Navy, U. S. steamer" Crusader."
William Shelley, 1st sergt., enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Regt., Co. A.
Jarvis Smith, enl. June 1, 1861,30th Regt, Co. A.
Richard Spicer, enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Regt, Co. A.
John Spicer, enl. Junel, 1801,30th Regt, O". A.
Lewis E. Simmons, enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Regt., Co. A.
Hugh Sands, enl June 1, 1801,30th Regt, Co A.
Thomas Sheridan, eul. June 1, 1801, 30th Regt, Co. A.
Frederick Snow, enl. June 1,1861,30th Regt, Co. A.
Henry H. Salisbury, enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Regt, Co. A.
Frederick Smith, Heiuan Spptton, Charles Smith.
James M. Snyder, enl. 125th N. Y. Vols., Co. F.
Joseph Stout, Charles Silance, William Son, Earnest Steiner, Charles E. Smith,
David Shannon, Lawrence Sands, John Shannon, William Stout, Henry
B. Seiirls, Charles Sarsagrant, Edward Salisbury, George W. Simmons,
Nelson Sipperly.
330
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
George W. Town, onl. l-'ti.
Owen Trainer, cnl. Aug. 16, 1862, ISSth I: . • '
s -. l-.:, 1201 .
Henry Tracy, 'Ml- Sept 1863, Griiwalil Car,
Juno Taylor, enl J Art
. ..I. .Inn.- 1. 1861, i"Hi Regt, Co. A.
: . .hi, M ,\ II, 1861, 2d I;
Arch, ' HI. N- Y. II. Ari.
■i... Mil.. II. Ti .1-..1..I1 11 Trong, All. ri T nas, Charles Travel*.
.\l- v \ Jley, .11I. Aug. 14,
m Deary Van Vleck.enl. Ang. 14, 1862, 1 Do.]
Pel r \ .1 lonburgh, onl. 1-Mli Rogt
Win. A. Van Vli :.. ■ nl Maj I". 1861, J. I Regt. ; trans, to .| in. department
1 - i plinl sorvlco.
rp . .nl .Inn.. 1. 1861, -"Hi Rcgt, Co \
Samuel Van Doner, drummer, enl. July 24, 1862, IS Hi Regt, I
V„n Vilit.-.
.1 1 \ ,„ v ,-•. enl D.S.H - nnah."
Wiiiinm., onl lug. 14, 1862, I25tli Rogt, I
I.Scpto, 1862, 160th i: gt, Co, K.
Abraham Waldruf/, onl. Sept. B, 1862, 169th Regt, Co. K.
1862, 169lh Regt, Co. K.
1862, 169th Rogt, ''... K.
ii Whlnnory, onl. Aug. 11. 1862, I >.C.
VI , . \\ ,3o r. .-nl Aug. 12, 1862, I25lll ' ■ I
I. r: Wlilnoery, onl. 1< >tl> Rcgl . Co. 0; ■ • ■■■ ml. Oct 31, rfSS, 177th Rogl .
Richard Walkor, enl. Jan. 1862, 104th Rogtj wonndcdnl Intiotani.
John P. Walkor, enl. Jan. 1862, 104th Begt; killed May 1 Spottsyl-
Frnnk II Wood, cnl lawold Car.
. i\. |80l, Griswold • 1
Edward Welsh, Corp., cnl. June I, 1801,3011] Rogt, ('<>. A ; re-enl. In Navy.
Win. W.-l-h, -ir.. cnl. S -nt 1861, 31 Ih Rogt., Co. A; re-onl. in tho Navy.
Patrick Wnlker, onl. I04lh N. V„ Co. I; killed .1 I' M y IS, 1801.
John Welsh, enl. Fob. 19, 1862, I02d Rcgt.
Wm. II. Wilson, enl. starch I. 1804, 164th Rcgt.
- pt. 1", 1804, 15 Id R gt
Wm. II. Webster, scrgt, cnl. May, 1801, 30th Regt, Co. A.
■ iphcr William-, cnl. .1. in.- I, 1801, l"lh Rogt,Co. A.
Welsh, mil. June 1,1801, 3 itli Ri it, Co. A.
Ii r White, enl. June 1, 1801,30th Regt., Co. A.
John Wright, onl. June 1, 1861, 30th Rcgt, Co. A.
Luff W„r.lni. enl. June 1, 1861, 30th Rogt, Co. A.
, B. w.-i, .nl ...I N. Y. Vols., Co. A.
u ih, in-., nl 21sl X. Y. Vols., Co. A.
nl. 22d X. Y..
min K. Willi, 11,.. cnl. M iv II, 1861,2d Rogt, Co. 1'.
H. Watson, Thomas Winters, Andrew Wr III
1 1863, l-'.ili Rcgt; trans.
ptHTl ly >• IV. .1 ill 111- 2d rr. Ill May I 1
' \|-ril, 1864, IS 1I1 R>
ingbargh Soldier! buried i" OMcionotl Cemel 17/.
! u Hi Regt
n, major, on] Co. A.
IT-. it. Rogt
I. M Smith, onl. 1 Co. I
Albert
Cli«i Regt
A .1. ; . 1 . - ■ 1 April 14,
1812.
■>!• , ,,. onl. 80th It . l.,Oo v
.ar ..f 1-1J.
Ufa II Art.
•ar of I-1J.
Imca, wsr of 1812.
-
An. if 1 William Johi
1 ibn Hardy, '-• irgs II Uubbanl,
Frank Nlttln, William 1 I sldcnllce,
Indrou Ktrk|
Willi im Rail
to -1 tli II. Art ; Inul
III. II. Ail.
Soldiers buried in Vie Tillage Cemttery.
Almiiml r>. Gardner, enl. I"il Host., Co. I.
Silas Rowloy, All, .it White, Jacob Orth, Simon Ripley, Hugh Lennon, William
Cooper, Andrew Wright Wm. E. Pratt, Joseph McKinney, 11,-maii Spot-
ton, Moses E. N.-wall. Joroin Lee, 1 ' R. Burlingninc, It. S. Williams, Geo.
II. Wats 11, John Trong, Qonry Oliver,
Col. Charles Bowo, Cnpl S.Cogswell, Capt. R. King, dipt. A. Noblo, Reuben
Baunders, war of 1S12.
Soldier* buried in BL JbAn's Ccmrlery.
Frank Dnrgcn, liout, onl. 30th Rogt, Co. A.
Wm. OK.-. iTe, enl. 30th Regt., Co. A.
Thomas O'Kceflo, onl. 30th Regt, Co. A.
Owen O'Ki 1 Bo, onl. :10th Regt, Co. A.
Cornelius Murphy, enl. -"ill Regt, Co. A.
l.uii 1 in-,- San,!-, enl. :i"lli K.-^'l., Co. A.
'II ins Kelly, .nl. 30th Itegt., Co. A.
Hugh Brady, Chrlstophor Farroll, Jurvis Smith, Thomas Winters.Jule Pres-
ent!, Louis Delalr, Win. McArlee, John Brady, John Ur.-i.lv. Richard
Walker, Walker, Lawrence Horsey, Tin cs Uilroy, George Loom Is,
Thomas Bnlson, Samuol Stapleton, William Welsh, Michael English,
Cornnller Keilchcr, James O'KecUe, James FiUputrlck, John Brennun.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ROBERT B. STILES
is descended from John Stiles, who. with three brothers
and his sister June, left London, England, in the ship
" Christian," March 16, 1635, and reached Windsor, Conn.,
uboul the Isl of -Inly following, where he continued (o re
side until his death, lie was baptized in Milbroke, Eng-
land, Dec. 25, 1595,
Robert B. was born al Melrose, Hartford Co., Conn.
Ang. 8, 1848. He is a son of John M. Stiles, well know
in thai locality, and a grandson of the late Hon. KM Gowdy
who for many years represented his districl in the <'"t>
nl Legislature. II" prepared for college at Willis
ton Seminary, Eaathampton, Mass., and was graduated al
TOWN OF lansin(;i:i!i:<;ii.
:;:;!
Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., in 1870. He received
tin; degree of A.M., at the same institution, in 1st:;. He
is also a graduate of the law department of (Jnion Qniver-
sity, known as the Albany Law School, and was admitted
to practice as an attorney and counselor-at-law al Albany,
N. V., May, 1871. In September of the same year, at
Qartford, he was admitted to practice in the courts of Con-
necticut.
In the latter part of 1871 he removed to Troy, and re-
maiucd for some time with the then prosperous law-firm of
Hanker, Rising & Boice. Leaving that firm, lie has resided
since 1872 in Lansingburgh, where lie continues tho prac-
tice of the law. In 1877 lie was elected to fill a vacancy
in the office of justice of the peace, and in March, 1879,
lie was elected for a lull term.
Mr. Stiles married Ida B., daughter of Wm, Lawrence,
who was for many years a resident of Troy. They have
one child.
THOMAS W. IIARTHORN,
son of Paul and Martha Har thorn, was born in the town of
Herkimer, N. H., in the year 1S02. He remained at home
until lie was fourteen years of age, at which time he was
/'
THOMAS W. HARTHORN.
bound out to one James Rice until he should reach his
majority. The conditions were as follows : young Harthoru
was to have two months' schooling yearly, and at the age
of twenty-one was to receive one hundred dollars in money,
two suits of clothes, a gun, and necessary equipage for
military duty. In 1819 he went to Washington County
with Mr. Rice, where he worked as a farm-hand, and two
years later, in 1821, came to Rensselaer County, where he
engaged as a farmer for Mrs. William Levins, with whom
he remained twenty-seven years, and upon Mrs. Levins'
death he remained with her son for three years longer.
Subsequently he lived with his brother Lyman, of Lansing-
burgli, fur eight years, and finally returned, and is DOW living
with the Ne\ ins family.
Characteristic of Mr. Harthom are industry, correct
habits, strict economy, and honesty. He i n pected by
all who know him. He has accumulated a fine property.
He was never married.
GEROTHMAN W. CORNELL
is the eldest in a family of six children of < rovit and I'l.
(Almy) Cornell, and was born in Cambridge, Washington
Co., N. Y., Jan. 4, 1817. His ancestors were from New
England.
He received a fair common school education while young,
^jZhJ^&^CWK {}T4><<
but at the age of thirteen, on account of the straitened
circumstances of his parents, he went into the busy world
to care for himself. He became a clerk for his uncle, in
New York, where he remained for two years, and subse-
quently was a clerk in a general merchandise store, at Bus-
kirk's Bridge, for four years.
In the year 1S36 he came to Lansingburgh, Rensselaer
Co., N. Y., and served as clerk for Alexander Walsh for
a while, but soon after established himself in business as a
general merchant and dealer in grain, etc., which business
he has carried on with varying success for many years.
Mr. Cornell has been an interested party in all matters of
local interest, and a very active member of the Republican
party.
He has been honored with positions of trust and respon-
sibility by the citizens of his town and county, and has
always endeavored to discharge the duties incumbent upon
him with justice to others and with credit to himself.
He has been trustee of the village of Lansingburgh, and
represented the town in the Board of Supervisors for four
years in succession. In 185S he was elected sheriff of
332
HISTORY OF KKXSSELAKR COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Rensselaer County, and re-elected to that office in the fall
of 1864.
Se was appointed postmaster of Lansingburgh in 1-7 I.
daring the presidency of U. S. Grant, ;in<l reappointed to
that ..Hire ill 1 --7-.
SAMUEL BOLTON
was horn in Lancashire, England, May 3, 1816. He was
the eldest son in a family of eleven ohildren of William and
Grace Bolton. Bis father was a block-printer by trade,
and followed that business during most of his life. Samuel
received B fair education in the schools at home, and learned
the business of block-printing, which he followed while he
remained in England.
In 1838 he married Elizabeth Dugdale, of Yorkshire,
England, who was horn in IS Id. Their children, born in
land, are Joseph, William. Cruml.ic. Mrs. II. ]•]. Col-
barn, of Vermont, and Mrs. [saac Dngdale, of Lansing-
burgh, N. Y. In the year 1848 Mr. Bolton with his
family left the country of his nativity and came to America,
settling in Lansingburgh, where he has since resided Upon
arriving in this country his means were nearly exhausted,
and almo>t a penniless adventurer in a foreign land he set
about to find something to do, whereby he might support
his family and honorably discharge the duties of the citizen.
For nearly nineteen years he worked for D. Powers & Sons,
oil-eloth manufacturers of Lansingburgh, and during these
years, with the assistance of a devoted wife, he gave his
children such opportunities for an education as his means
afforded. In ISlif), with little capital, he began in a small
way the brewing of beer, which during the latter years,
while an employee of D. Powers & Sous, he had to some
extent carried on, doing most of his work during the leisure
hours of evening, and brewing his beer in a small boiler.
The visits of friends, and the social glass of ale, soon proved
a very strong advertisement for Bolton's " home-brewed
ule," and so popular did this become, that when Mr. Bolton
gave his attention wholly to its manufacture the demand
for his pure ale rapidly increased.
His industry, economy, fair dealing, and desire for justice
to all, and his manly character, have gained for him the
confidence of all who knew him. At the Centennial Exhi-
bition of lS7(i lie received a medal and a diploma from the
commission in honor of the purity and superiority of liis
ales over others manufactured in this country.
Mr. Bolton has never been active in politics, and has
generally been identified with the Republican party. His
sons. William and Crumbie, were soldiers through the entire
late Rebellion. The former was a member of the 24th Regi-
ment Infantry, New York Volunteers, and was for some six
months held as a prisoner of war in the South ; the latter
belonged to the 77th Regiment Cavalry, New York Vol-
unteers.
GREENBUSH.
L— GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
The town and village of Greenbush are one, and are sit-
uated on the cant bank of the Hudson River, directly op-
posite the city of Albany. They are bounded on the north
by the town of North Greenbush, on the west by the Hud-
son River, and on the east and south by the town of Mast
Greenbush. The town was called by the Dutch Greene
Bosch, from the pine-woods which originally covered the
flats. The Indian name of the territory was Pe-tuqua-
poem and Jus-cum-ca-tick. It was still further known by
the name of De hurt's Burg, in honor of the historian Dc
Lact, who was one of the original co-directors of Rens-
Belaerswyck. The town was originally eight miles square,
and included the present towns of East Greenbush, North
Greenbush, a portion of the town of Sand Lake, and a
strip of laud that was annexed to Troy in 183G. It is one
of the most populous towns in the county, and according
to the census of 1875 had a population of 70GG. The
assessment roll of 1878 gives the total value of real estate
at §1,085,385, of personal property at 88600, the percent-
age of tax on each dollar of valuation .021338, and the
total tax $23,5S2.98.
II.— NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface of the town consists of the flat intervals on
the river and a portion of the adjacent bill-sides. The soil
of the town is clay mixed with sand and alluvial deposits.
The Tierken Kill (Blustering or Noisy Creek), which has
acquired the more modern name of Mill Creek, enters the
Hudson near its southern limits. The Indian name for the
stream was Poetanock, and Semessick was the name of the
tract through which it passed. Another tract adjoining
took its name from its owner, — Palp-si-ke-ne-kom-tas, ab-
breviated to Papsickenekas.
III.— EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement of the town of Greenbush commenced
as early as the year 162S, and followed close upon, if not
simultaneously, with that of Albany. In September, 1609,
Hcndrick Hudson moored his vessel, the " Half-Moon," at
a point which is now in Broadway, Albany. Five years
afterwards, in 1614, the Dutch built Fort Nassau on the
island just below that city, from which they were driven by
an inuudation of the river in 1617 or 1618. They then
built a fort at the mouth of the Tawalsontha Creek, now
called the Norman Kill, and in 1628 another near the pres-
ent steamboat landiug, in the south part of the city, called
Fort Orange, which was really the nucleus of the future
city.
We read that in 1631 a certain Gerrit Tuunis De Reue
occupied a well-stocked farm in Greenbush, — a fact that of
itself would indicate the probable settlement of tin' town
several years prior to that date, or al least as earlj ■- 1628.
How much earlier than that date the actual settlement of
the town began it is, perhaps, impossible to determine. It
is more than probable that settlements were made on the
east side of the river quite as early as upon i In- wesl side;
and there is sufficient upon il ally records to show that
the inhabitants considered themselves as parts of the same
little community, and hence it is credibly claimed that
Greenbush is coeval in its settlement with Albany (known
in former days as Fort Nassau, Fort Orange, and Bever-
wyck), of which it, is asserted that it is the oldest settle-
ment in the original thirteen colonies except Jamestown, Va.
There is considerable obscurity in tin- ancient Dutch
records in regard to the names and location of the Indian
tribes who occupied the valley of the Hudson. It is
clearly established by treaties and other documentary pa-
pers that at the time of the discovery of the territory the
Mohicans held possession of the east bank of the river
from an indefinite point north of Albany to the sea. That
the Mohicans, as a nation, did not immediately leave their
land nor relinquish their possession appears from title-deeds
which they gave to Van Rensselaer in 1630. It may also
be added that deeds from King Aepjen show that his
council-fire was kept burning at Schodaek as late as 1664.
A ferry was established at the mouth of Beaver Creek
in 1642, which was kept by one Hendrick Albertsen. This
was the Albany landing-place, aud the same now used by
the South Ferry, but the landiug on the Greeubush side
was at the foot of Columbia Street.
In 1652, Gerrit Smith was commissioned as a schout of
Rensselaerswyck, and sent over to perform the duties of his
office. His commission says, " He shall use for his dwell-
ing the house formerly used by the former preacher, situ-
ated in Greenbush, and there reside with bis family, and
exercise and discbarge his aforesaid office with all diligence
and fidelity, according to the laws, edicts, and ordinances
already or to be enacted there." The general character of
his office can be best learned from the following instruc-
tions received by him on his departure: "Having arrived
with God's help at the island of Manhattan, he shall pro-
ceed by the first opportunity to the colony and report
himself to Jan Baptist Van Rensselaer, and make known
unto him his quality b}T exhibition of his commission and
instructions. He shall above all things take care that
divine worship shall be maintained in said colony, conform-
ably to the Reformed religion in this country, as the same
is publicly taught in these United Provinces. He shall in
like manner pay attention that the Lord's day, the Sabbath
of the New Testament, be properly respected both by the
observance of hearing the Holy Word as well as the pre-
333
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
venting :i!l unnecessary and daily labor on said day. And
whereas it is a scandal that the Christians should mingle
themselves unlawfully with the wives or daughters of the
heathen, the officer Bhall labor to put in execution the pla-
cards and ordinances enacted or to be enacted against the
sumo, and strictly exact the fines imposed hereby without
any dissimulation." Ho was to receive as compensation
for his 100 guilders, all linos and penalties amount'
ing to In guilders or under, and one-third of all in excess
of that amount.
In the month of June, 1663, serious alarm was occa-
sioned to tl by the news of the Indian massacre at
-. •■ The ] ] le of Bevcrwyck were in alarm lesl the
assistance which they had rendered ill" Senecas should re-
coil upon their own heads. The farmers fled to the patroon's
new fort, Crals, at Greenbush; the plank fence which iu-
closed Bevcrwyck, and the three guns mounted on the
church, were put in order; and Port Orange, with its nine
• of artillery, was prepared against an attack.''
The following nanus of those who constituted the night-
watch at Fort Crals have been preserved: Cornelius Van
chief officer; Cornelius Stephenson Mullen, Adam
Dingermans, Gerrit Van Ness, Jan Juriaessen, Jan Van
\ ss Jacobus Jansen, Tyman Bendricksen, William Bout,
Jan Outhout, Hendrick Van Ness, Hendrick Maessen,
Qcrril Teunissen, Hans Jacobson, Hendrick Williamson,
and Claes Claessen. Under date of June 21, 1664, the
historian, Broadhead, writes: " The Mohicans attacked the
Mohawks, destroyed cattle at Greenbush, burned the house
of Abraham Staats at Claverack, and ravaged the whole
country on the east side of the North River."
In the " Documentary History of New York," vol. ii.
35, there is a record of a convention held at Albany.
■ ■ii tin- 2 lib day of August, 1689, at which was passed a
resolution relative to Greenbush, and which is here inserted
because of its quaint ness. It was as follows:
"The 2 tih day of August, 1689, /.' — 'vtd that ye inhabitants ofyo
i of ye alarm, which was last aigbl at yo Grcon
1 I Porsom > BOTcrall guns
imle throw yo <l"<»r and houso of John Witmont, which was
ngly."
ifyt Bnronl Gen hlchora, who is
wo n hand En yo Into disturbance, yt was at Green Bush,
privy i" it. up|* o £50 arity to answor when be shall he
25, 1689, it is recorded that
-. Itutl arm < . h with s7 men from Xew Eng-
I with Dying Collors into <'it'v.
lormnn, :ifi ye gate, and bid wol-
, .inn ; Uf Iriw M | . bii in '-ii in yo middlo of y o Bro ivo three
viillry*. «n insworod by throe gnnn I ; yo mon wore t-
dorly, quurf'
To return now to the lir.-t formal settlement of the town.
In the spring '•;' 1630 a number of colonists with their
families, and provided with farming implements, Btock, and
all other ii- sailed from the Texel, in tin
ship the " Iv-ndiai lit." Captain Jan Broun
r, and arrived in rafety at the Manbattes, after a
four days. In a short time afterwards
they landed at Port Orange, in the vicinity of which they
furnished with comfortable farm-houses and dwcllin
at the expense of the patroon and his associates. Other
settlers followed with additional stock each succeeding
season.
Among these first settlers on the east side of the river
were Cornelis Maessen, Van Buren Maessen (in Gelder-
land), and Catalyntje Martensen, his wife, who came out in
the ship l; Rensselaerswyck." In the passage out their
first child. Hendrick, was born. Besides him they had four
Other children, viz.. Martin. Maas. Steyntje, and Tobias, all
of whom were living in the colony in 16(32. The lather
had a farm at Papkenea. He and his wife died in 1648,
and were both buried on the same day.
Tennis Cornelisscn Van Vechtcn came over in 1637, and
lived in 1048 at the south end of Greenbush. Tennis
Dircksen Van Vechten came out with wife, child, and two
servants in the " Arms of Norway," and had a farm, in
10 l>. at Greenbush, north of that occupied by Teunis Cor-
nelissen Van Vechten. He is referred to in 1CG3 as "an
old inhabitant."
In 10 II'. Kv.-rt Pels Van Steltyn, brewer, lived with his
wife on Mill Creek, Greenbush.
Gysbert Cornelissen Van Wesepe, called also Gysbcrt
op de Berg, lived on a farm called the " Hooge Berg," on
the east side of the river, a little below Albany, which he
rented in 1649 at 300 guilders a year. The farm was sub-
sequently owned by Joachim Staats.
On Bleeeker's map of Rensselaerswyck, made in 1767,
the names of John Witbeck, Peter Douw, and Henry Cuy-
ler appear, and their location seems to have been about
where the village of Greenbush now is. They held their
lands, as did most of the original settlers, uuder the Vail
Rensselaer manorial li
On July 27, 1780, Van Rensselaer, having previously
purchased the lands adjoining, bought from an Indian
chief, named Narranemit, his grounds, called " Semessick,"
stretching on the east side of the river from opposing
Castle Island (called afterwards Boyd's Island, but named
on late maps Van Rensselaer's Island, and on which Fort
Nassau was erected) to a point facing Fort Orange, and
thence from Poetanock, the Mill Creek, north to Negag H
This purchase included the site of the village of Green!
bush. Seven years later he purchased an intervening dis-
trict, called Papsickenekas, lying on the east bank of the
river, extending from opposite Castle Island, south, to
a point Smack's Island, including the adjacent
islands and all the lands back into the interior belonging
to the Indian grantors, and with his previous purchases
became the proprietor of a tract of country twenty-four
miles long and forty-eight miles broad, containing by esti-
mation over 700,000 acres of land, now comprising the
counties of Albany and Rensselaer, and a portion of Colum-
bia County.
This tract of country was rapidly filling up with settlers;
its rich forests began rapidly to fall before the ;ixe of the
pioneer, and its virgin soil receiving in its fertile bosom the
■ 1- of the husbandman gave forth tenfold crops in return.
Saw- and grist-mills were humming on every side, contrihj
uting tlu-ir powerful assistance in the rapid dcvclopmed
and settlement ol the country.
A map of Greenbush, made for John Van Rensselaer in
1771 by Jii. mil- Van Rensselaer, shows along the riven
TOWN OF GREENBUSH.
335
at the north, the residence of John Van Rensselaer, and
then in order those of C. Haufen, It. Lombus, John Yates,
McLallen, II. Cuyler, and J. Van Schaiek.
A map mad.' Jan. 25, 1790, by John E. Van Aim for
John J. Van Rensselaer, shows Quackendary Brook in the
north, Oberken Kill crossing the town at the centre, and
having a mill upon it and the residences of John J. Van
Rensselaer, 1). Elausen, Vischer, Mrs. Yates, —
wan Hoesen, Sickels, II. Cuyler, Volkerl I'. Douw,
ami Van Vechten.
A map made for John J. Van Rensselaer in 1806, by
Evert Van Alen. shows in the northeast eornerof the town
a plat of land owned by Gysberl Van Denbergh. Al<x-
aiuler Cutnmings owned a plal east of the centre of the
town, near the Troy mad. A grist- and a saw-mill appear
upon the central stream of the town. The residence of
Harrow dale appears south of the centre, and south of him
the land of John StaatS. The Lansing family appears in
the northwest corner of the town. Along the river appear
the residences of James and John W. Rockwell, Johu Van
Rensselaer, the Van Rensselaer mansion-house, Hau-
sen. Col. Vischer, Rebecca Yates, M. Fryer, H. Van Hou-
sen, A. Van Deusen, the estate of Henry Cuyler, and the
residence of John J. Van Schaiek.
The tract of land, one mile square, upon which the vil-
lage of Greenbush was originally laid out, and which is the
portion extending from Partition Street to Mill Street, was
purchased in May, 1810, by William Akin, Titus Good-
man, and John Dickinson, of Stephen Van Rensselaer and
Stephen N. Bayard, assignees of John J. Van Rensselaer,
and a mortgage was given for part of the consideration-
money, which contained a stipulation that either of the
purchasers, upon paying his proportion of the conditional
sum, should be entitled to a discharge of his portion of the
estate from the effect of the mortgage. Mr. Akin paid
his proportion, but Messrs. Goodman and Dickinson failed
to pay theirs. The consequence was that Stephen Van
Rensselaer, patroon, refused to unite with his co assignee in
releasing Mr. Akin, and suits in foreclosure were speedily
commenced against Goodman aud Dickinson, and a re-entry
was effected upon the greater portion of the land which
was apportioned to them. The heirs of John J. Van
Rensselaer soon after attempted to recover possession of
that portion of the land for which Mr. Akin had paid.
A long litigation ensued, which, passing through the high-
est courts, ended in the title to the land being confirmed to
Mr. Akin.
At the time of the purchase of the mile square there
were but four habitable buildings upon the tract. A small
red frame house stood directly north of the site upon which
Mr. Akin afterwards erected his residence, on the comer of
Broadway and Mill Streets. This little house was occupied
by John J. Van Schaiek, who had previous to the purchase
cultivated the land around it. On the opposite side of the
highway, now Broadway, stood the house of Alexander
Cuuimings, a gentleman of the old school, by whom the
house was erected, in 1798. It was for many years used as
a tavern, and the ferry landing was near it. It is still
standing in a good state of preservation, and is occupied by
Gen. Martin Miller, an old and highly-respected citizen. A
tavern Stood OD the IU1 el of the bighwaj known in
aftei years as the Staats Tavern, from the name of iU la I
occupant. Diagonally opposite to this building, on the
northeast corner of what are now Broadwaj and Columbia
Streets, where Brickner's stone-yard now i-, stood a frame
building (-ailed, from its color, the " red stori
Be ides these- habitable buildings there stood, towards the
iast, and not far from tie- little farm-house already men
tinned, an old-fashioned, low eaved barn, of t;n by To feel
dimensions, which was burned in a greal fire win
quently occurred in the village. The timber of which this
barn was erected was brought from Holland, and was di
signed for the erection of a church, which, owing t" cir-
cumstances, was never built. It was to have Stood on
Douw's Point, but instead the- " old Dutch church" was
built at the font of Stati- Street, on tie- opposite Bide of the
river. These were all the buildings in existence at the time
mentioned. Mr. Akin did not erect his dwelling on the
eornerof Broadway and Mill Streets until the year 1818.
The village was surveyed and mapped in 1810, but it
was not incorporated until 181."). In the year first named
a sale of lots was mad- by auction, and .$_'0ill) worth were
sold on the first day of the sale. How many lots were dis-
posed of for that amount of money is not definitely known.
Not much, however, could have been don- in the way of
building that season, as the space between the Saw-mill
Creek and Mill Street was plowed in the spring of that
year and sown with spring wheat, which produced a fine
yield of grain of good quality. A few buildings were prob-
ably erected that year after the removal of the crop.
William Akin, the founder of the village, was a descend-
ant of a Scotch family, which, during one of the several
migrations from that country to Ireland, had settled in the
northern part of that island. The first of the family who
came to this country was the grandfather of William Akin,
who settled in Fair Haven, Conn. His son David, the
father of William, came from Fair Haven to Pawling
before the war of the Revolution, and became a prominent
man in the community in which be lived. He was a mem-
ber of the State convention which adopted the Federal
Constitution in 178S, as well as of that which formed the
first State constitution, and died at the age of ninety-five
years. William was the youngest of ten sons, and first set-
tled in Greenbush iu 1810. He died in 18-11.
The early public-houses of the town, of which any in-
formation can be obtained, have not been numerous. James
Smith had a tavern, where the Broadway House now stands,
as early as 1820. His son-in-law, Isaac B. Fryer, after-
wards kept it a long time. One was kept right opposite,
on the old Staats place, by Abram P. Staats. A man
named Rockwell built and first kept the present Rensselaer
House. It has since been kept by Simeon Lodewick and
others. Numerous small taverns have been kept iu differ-
ent portions of the village. The oldest and most important
taverns in the section have existed farther out on the turn-
pike and away from Albany.
The stores of the town have been more numerous, and
can be traced to more remote dates. Henry Starks had
one about 1814, on the corner of Broadway and Columbia
Streets. He erected the building and occupied it a long
336
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
time. Others were in trade quite as early, among whom
wore Richard I' Hcrrick, Sheppard & Tufts, and John
Smith. The .-tores occupied by these traders all stood close
;lirr. ;it the village. James Lansing was in trade at
inbush from 1802 to 1829, when lie moved to
the village of Greenbush, and engaged in the mercantile
business there, principally upon Columbia Street, until liis
death in 1852. His son William has been in trade in the
village since 1829. George W. Ilvler has also I. ecu in
trade forthe la.-t quarter of a century. B. E. Heyden and
Alexander Morris were each in trade on Columbia Street a
long i i in.-. A i the present time there are a large number
of stores of all descriptions in the village, which chiefly
occupy the principal strei
During I ho war of 1-~]L' a cantonment was rstahlished.
and extensive barracks erected in Greenbush. They were
two-story buildings, and had on aggregate length of several
hundred feet After the war they fell into decay, and
subsequently sold to neighboring farmers, torn down, and
r moved.
Tin: LEARNED PROFESSIONS
have had a creditable representation in the village. Dr.
h S. Miller, a brother of Dr. John S. Miller, of East
G nbush, began practice in the village as early as 1320,
and i tinned the leading physician in the town for many
II subsequently removed to New York. Dr.
Isaiah Breaky engaged in practice soon after. A contem-
porary of his was Dr. Charles Hale. Dr. Breaky practiced
a numh. i and died in town. Dr. Hale died in
1-::.") or 1836. Dr. Leveret! Mo,, re was first in practice at
\ any, but subsequently settled in the village of Green-
hush. Al t the year IS ID he removed to Ballston Spa
- i County . where he is still in practice. Dr. An-
drew <'. Getty located in the town, from Bast Greenbush,
in 1842, and after remaining six or eight years removed to
Hudson, N. Y. Dr. L. C. Frisbie was in partnership with
Dr. Getty for a time, but after a practice of four years re-
nee. Dr. Francis li. Parmele removed from
I- G nbush to Greenbush in 1846. and is still in active
and successful practice. l>r. Charles S. Allen, who is also
still in practice, located in the town in 1850. He succeeded
I»r. Stephen V. II. Q Irich. who came from Waterford.
N. Y.. located in tie- town, and subsequently died ,u Utica
\ . I' John II. Miller, a member of the homa;-
liic school of medicine, is also in practice in the villa
l»r. A. I> Hill ha- recently located then .
There have al-,, been a number of physicians in the north
end of the village, locally known a- East Albany. The first
to locate tie-re was l>r. A. Jolls, who came from Nassau
■boul Dr. W 1 located in East Albany
subsequently, and other- have heeu there for longer or
shorter pi i
The legal profession has not been n foil i ted in
the town a- the lie dieal. Samuel S. ( 'h.-.-ver WOS in prae-
ui the village quite early, and remained a greal many
ibush, was formerly
in pi ibnah village, and Mr. I'ol.v was in piae-
'■"■>'•
lice for some time. Others have made short stays. Duncan
MacFarland and Mr. Strait are at present in practice.
IV.— CIVIL HISTORY.
The organization of the town dates back to April 10,
1792, when it was formed from Rensselaerswyck. Another
act of incorporation is dated March 17, 1795. A part of
Sand Lake was set off in 1812, and Clinton (now East
Greenbush and North Greenbush in IS."),"), leaving in the
present town only the corporate limits of the village as de-
fined by the act of April 1), 1852.
The records of the town have not been preserved with
that care that their importance would suggest. Those
hack of the year 1843 have been either lost or destroyed,
so that much valuable information relating to the early or-
ganization of the town, and which can be found nowhere
else, is denied us. The following list of those who have
filled the principal offices of the town, since its organization,
is as complete as can be furnished :
SUPERVISORS.
I7'.>:> '.'7. .T. Van Alstyne; 1798-99, L. Gansovoort; 1800, John Se-
vens; 1801, Daniel Brown: 1802-G, Asa Mann: 1807, David
Coons; 1808-12, C. Thompson ; 1813-14, John W.Woods; 1815-
19, Martin Or Freest ; 1820--22, M.Van Alstyne; 182::- 38, James
Wood; 1839-42, H.Goodrich; 18-13, Rinicr Van Alstyne; 1844,
Samuel S. Fowler; 1845 19, Ibram Witbcck; 1S50-53, John I.
Fonda ; 1854, Abram Witbcck : 1S55-57, Henry G Irich : 1858-
B0, John L. Van Valkcnburgh ; 1S01 02, James II. Miller; 1868-
67, Martin Miller: 1S68, James II. Miller: ISG9-71, Ch
Melius; 1872, Alfred F.Snyder; 1873, CyruB Watcrbury ; 1874,
Lawrence Ryscdorph ; 1875-70, John J. Cassin ; 1S77-7S. .'
Mur|>liy : 1879, Wm. Smith.
TOWN CLERKS.
1843, Martin P. Do Freest : 1814, Kutger Von Denburgh : 1845, Elijah
Digcrl : 1846-47, Harvey S. Raymond; Is is. Martin .Miller:
1849, Thomas B.Simmonds; 1850-51, John Ruyler; 1855-56,
John S. C. Goodrich; 1857, John Ruytor; 1858-60, James II.
Miller; 1861-63, John S. Hamlin: IS64, James Hi.key: 1865,
Hi i\_" II1' nl ; I SfiO, Frederick A. Reynolds; IS07, George
11. I mien : 1S0S-!',!!, Win. M. Harvey : 1S7». linrnham Reynolds ;
1871, J. S. Callender; 1872-73, Gilbort Van Valkcnburgh; 1874,
Win. J. Miles: 1S75, J. Jin Russell; 1876, Win. Smith; 1-77.
Charles II. N-v-; 1878, Wm. J. Smith ; 1879, Daniel II. Ryan.
JUSTICKs nl' THE PEACE.
1848, Aliram Witbock ; lsll. Peter L. Hogeboom ; 1815, Henry
Ir.i/.. : L846, Henry Goodrich; 1SI7. Elijah Dygort; 1848,
M'lun Miller, John E. Van. Men: 1849, Henry Frnzcc; 1350,
Henry Goodrich; 1851, John P. Luther; 1852, Frederick li.
Roekafollor, Wm. Witbcck; 1853, Henry Frazcr; 1S54, Henry
G odrich; 1855, Jonas Whiting, Richard C. Ilamblin, Jaine M.
Albright; 1856, It. C. Ilamblin, J. mas Whiting; I v. 7. I
Binok, It. 0. Ilamblin; ls.,s. Henry Goodrich, Sylvanus Par-
0 Clork ; 1860, Cyrus Watcrbury : 1 861, Hazard
Moroy, John Butler; 1862, Hcnrj Goodrich; 1863, John lluller;
1864, Cyrus Watcrbury; 1865, Evert G. Lansing; I860, Henry
h; 1867, Sylvester I. Dclany; 1868, Edwin S. Norton;
I860, E.G. Lansing; IS711. Luke Sladc; 1871, J. F. Gillman;
1872, It. J. Hormnnco; IS7::. Duncan MacFarland; 1874, Luke
Bvcrl il. Lansing; 1875, Jabez F. Gillman; 1876, R.J.
Hormanoo; 1877, I,. L. Conley : Is7s. Luke Sladc; 1S79, Jabos
llman.
V.— VILLAGES.
THE VILLAGE OB GREENBUSH
was originally included in the purchase of William Akin,
Titus G lin an. and John Dickinson. It was laid out in
TOWN OF GKKKNBIISII.
337
1810 by Mr. Akin, and lie became its first resident in 1815.
It was known as the "Akin Mile Square," and extended
from what is uow Partition Street to Akin Avenue or
Mill Street. In ISKj there were fifty buildings ill the
village, and ten years later the number of buildings had
Billy doubled. In 18-13 a New York company purchased
of William Akin the tract of land lying between Parti-
tion and Fourth Streets, and east of Broadway, which was
divided into building-lots. The lands of Dr. Jeremiah
Van Rensselaer, to the northwest of the tract last mentioned,
were also divided into lots.
The village was first incorporated by virtue of an act of
the Legislature passed April 14, 1815. An amendatory
act was passed April 5, 1S28. Other acts were passed
March 22, 1854, and April 29, 1863; but all were con-
solidated by virtue of an act passed April 25, 1871, under
which the village is now acting. The first section of this
act is as fellows :
"All that district of country in the county of Rensselaer comprised
within the fallowing boundaries, to wit: Beginning at a point in the
Hudson River, opposite the city of Albany, on the division line be-
t ween Mi intics of Albany and Rensselaer, on a lino running one
hundred and fifty feet north of the northerly lino of Catharine Street ;
thence running easterly, parallel to, and one hundred and fifty feet
north of, the northerly line of said Catharine Street, to its terminus ;
thence easterly on the same parallel, across the lands now owned by
Dr. James MeNaughton, to a point one hundred and fifty feet east of
tho westerly line of tho lauds known as the Mason farm; thence
southerly, ono hundred and fifty feet east of the westerly line of the
said Mason farm, to a point one hundred and fifty feet south of the
southerly line of Partition Street; thence westerly, parallel to and one
hundred and fifty feet south of the southerly lined' Partition Street, to
a point ono hundred and fifty feet east of the easterly line of Cottage
llillStreet; thence southerly, parallel to and one hundred and fifty feet
east of the eisterly line of Cottage Hill Street, to a point one hundred
and fifty feet south of the southerly line of Mill Street ; thence west,
parallel to and one hundred and fifty feet south of the southerly line
of said Mill Street, to a point where said line will intersect the west
bounds of tho county of Rensselaer; thence north along said west
bounds to tho place of the beginning, shall be known and distin-
guished as tho village of Greenbush, and the inhabitants residing in
said district are hereby declare'! to be a body politic and corporate by
the name of the* village of Greenbush ; and as such shall have per-
petual succession, and may sue and be sued, complain and defend, in
any court of law or equity; may take, hold, purchase, and convey
real estate, as the purposes of said corporation may require ; may
make and use a common seal, and alter the same at pleasure, and may
exerciso such other power as is or shall be conferred by law, or as shall
be necessary under this act, to carry the powers conferred on such
corporation into effect. The officers shall be a president, eight trus-
tees, clerk, street commissioner, and treasurer, and three inspectors
of election in each ward.''
An aet of the Legislature, passed May 6, 1870, provided
for the election of a board of police commissioners, confer-
ring upon them the power and authority usually enjoyed by
such bodies regarding the appointment of policemen and the
regulation of the police affairs of the village. Under this
aet the present police arrangements of the village are man-
aged.
The village fire-department is provided for by the charter
of 1871, and is under the control and direction of the board
of trustees. There are two excellent steam fire-engine
companies in the department, named respectively " J. N.
Ring" and " George S. Mink," which are supplied with all
* As amended by section 1, chapter ISO, Laws of 1876.
43
necessary apparatus and are under careful and intelligent
manage nt. lie-ides these the 'Ocean" hand-engine i-
owned by the Boston and Albany Railroad Company, and
do neral duty in the department.
NEW8PAPEH8.
The Greenbush Guardian was < tenced in August,
1856, by A. J. Comstock, bul was ub equently published
by J. 1). Comstock. The Rensselaer County Gazette was
established at Greenbush, Sept. S, 1870, by Thomas Mi
Kee, who is still the editor and publisher. When CStab
lished it was the first paper printed and published in the
county, south of Troy. It is independent in politics, being
free and outspoken on all public questions, and has a circula-
tion of about 1200. Connected with it is a job-office, where
a large business is done in job printing. The Greenhush
Democrat was started as the East Allium/ News, by John
Iloughtaling, about three years ago. The present paper is
under the management of Philip P. Bray, editor and pub-
lisher. It is Democratic in polities, spicy and original in
character, and at the present time receives the support of
the village government. From its press are issued several
papers belonging to surrounding towns.
THE VILLAGE POST-OFFICE
was established at a very early day. One of the early post-
masters was Storm T. Van dor Zee, who kept the office
where the bank building now stands. Some of his suc-
cessors have been William II. De Witt, John De Witt,
James Hollenbeck, William Lansing, men named Brock-
way and Deming, and various others. The last postmaster
was Philip Cornell. The village is now within the delivery
limits of the Albany post-office.
THE EAST ALBANY BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY
was established by W. P. Irwin in 1873, who erected a
handsome brick edifice in the village for the accommoda-
tion of the institution. Owing to the death of Mr. Irwin
a few years later it was discontinued.
The village occupies a pleasant site on the east bank of
the Hudson River, and is regularly laid out into streets,
some of which are curbed and paved. It contains a popu-
lation of 7066, a large number of stores and shops of
various kinds, three principal hotels, and a number of small
ones, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, Catholic,
and Congregational churches, a tannery, shoe-manufactory,
several coal and lumber establishments, and public halls.
It is reached by steam-ferryf from Albany, and by a foot-
bridge. The Boston and Albany, Hudson River, and Troy
and Greenbush Railroads have stations in the village.
The lower part of the village is much the oldest, and
some of the earliest settlements in the county were made
there. The upper section of the village is locally known
as East Albany, and sprang up at a comparatively recent
date. The depots, freight-houses, and machine-shops of
the railroads concentrating opposite Albany are there lo-
cated, and the growth and increase of that section of the
village are largely due to that fact. The first real building
f Owned by the Albany and Greenbush Bridge Company, but under
lease to George Marks since 1875.
■::.:-
HISTORY OF RFXSSF.LAFR COUNTY, NEW YORK.
erected nt Bast Albany was by James Maginty, about 1832.
It is now owned and occupied by Peter Sheppard, though
it has been remodeled. But a Few shanties preceded it.
-Ill I : VILLAGE RECOBDS
arc nut complete, and diligent search For the records re-
sullcd in the Ending of but a few. tlio oldest commencing
al 1828, and those From 1850 to 1868 being unattainable.
As i result, the Following li.-t of village officers is incomplete :
Till si I I s.
1828, R. P. (lorriok, PrcsL, 0. I'. Spencor, Merrick Ross, John Gor-
noy, James Fly; 1829, K. P. Derrick, James Jordan, Jonas
Whiting, John Willaic, J. B. Fryer; 1830, R. P. llerrick, 0. F.
Spencer, Jonm Whiting, John Pike, A. P. Stunts ; 1831, R. P.
derrick. Jonas Whiting, John Pike, Willard l.awrc John
Morris; 1832, James Lansing, Andrew Laduc, Jonus Whiting,
k. 0. Spencer, James N. Ring; 1833, J. Brcaky, John Wiltsic,
\v,„. II. Gains, Wm. II. Thomas, A. P. Stoats; 1834, J. Brcaky,
Wm. 11. Gains, John Wiltsio, John Qornc} . Jtmns \V hi line; : 1 s::/>.
It. P. derrick, Nathaniel l!in-_'. Uirnm Drum, Edmund C. War-
ner, Bcnj. Bradbury; 1830, R. 1". Ucrrick, E. C. Warner, A. V.
II. D. Smith, A. 0. Spencer, Uirnm Drum; 1837, R. P. Ucr-
rick. A. 0. Sponcer, Wm. II. < I:m n>. James Jordi Tain. - Fly ;
18 8, Wm. Akin, James Lansing, James Walker, John Wilsoy,
II. Unyif I: 1839, David Brockway, Martin Miller, rsaac
Polhamas, M. T. D. Warner, James Fly; 1840, .Tdm Wilscy,
Wm. Gains, Martin Miller, Daniel Brockway, Josiah Uolsoy;
1841, Martin Miller, J. II. Fryer, Josiah Halsey, John Wilson,
Ucnry A. Wilsey; 1842, Martin Miller, J. B. Fryor.Josiab Dal-
icy, John Wilson, Itenry Wilsey; 1843,Willard Lawrence, Wm.
Lansing, Thomas I!. Simmons, Alexander Morris, James X. King ;
1844, Jonas Whiting, Willard Lawrenco, Jamc9 X. Ring, Thomas
B. Simmons, Alex. Morris; 1845, Jonas Whiting, Thos. B. Sim-
mons, James X. Ring, Alex. Morris, R. 11. Northrop; 1846, Mar-
tin Miller. Win. II. Hcrrick. Georgo W. Iluylcr. IJ. X.. Ionian.
M, Von Baren ; 1 SIT. Martin Miller, Win. II. llerrick, George
W. Iluylcr, B. X. Jordan, M. Van Buren; 1S4S, E. C. Akins,
Jonas Whiting, Thomas B.Simmons, .lames N. Ring, B. K. Hay-
den; 1840, .I"iias Whiting, James X. Ring, Isaac It. Fryer,
crl Jordan, John Ruyter; I8S0, Jonas Whiting, .lames N.
Kin;;. John Ruyter, Wm. II. llerrick, T. 11. Simmons.
PKK8ID1 Ms.
1868, F. S. Fairohild, Jr.; 1809, John S.Hamlin; 1870-71, Duncan
MocFarloi I j 1872, J. \. King: 1873, Martin Miller; 1874-75,
Merrill II. Wnterl.ury ; 1876, Thi.ina- Mile-: 1877, QcorgO II.
Simmons : 1878, A. J. I
CLERKS.
182J D i B, Wm. II. Thomas; 1831, William
i. Alexander Morris; 1835, William Lansing;
, Martin Miller: Is:;:. B. N. Jordan ; 1838, Martin Miller;
i-i". Joseph II. Matbows; 1841 12, Thomas
Walker; 1843, R. II. Northrop; 1844, Joseph H 1845,
R. II. Northrop; 1846-48, Henry 0 Irich; 1849, Martin .Mil-
ler: I860, Ucnry <; Irich; 1868, C. Hani-: 1869-71, Alexan-
der D.Schalt; I i Burnl ; 1873-74, C. P. Crouch;
W. J. Miles; 1876, William T. Smith; l-rr ,-. n Iaa
Hi A roy.
VI. -« HOOLS
if the earlj records of the town makes it im-
y much alaiiit the Bret schools of the town,
ami irailitimi affords nothing reliable ti] thai point. It
i.i altogether probable thai the earliest instructors were the
'. tli>' early Dutch churches, as in those early 'lavs
the school was bul the adjunct of the church, Dominie
in earl? minister al Renssclacrswyck, was by the
t. mi- of bis agreement not only t'i attend to liis regular
■ ral liuti. s, bul '" t. .:. Ii also the rati chiam there and
instruct tlic people in the Huh' Scriptures, and to pay atten-
tion tn the office of schoolmaster for old and young."
Public schools were first established in the State in the
year 1795, and since that time they have existed in this
town.
VII.— RELIGIOUS HISTOKY.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.*
The origin of Presbyterian worship in the town is trace-
able to the city oF Albany. The first church there was or-
ganized some time during the year 170:1 In March of
that year the congregation at that place made application
to the authorities for the use of the " Forage-house," in
which to worship. Their first pastor, Rev. Win. llanna,
was installed about that time, and continued in the dis-
charge of his pastoral duties for a period of about live years.
There was no church within the present limits of the
town of Greenbush for a long time alter this date. The
inhabitants of the town attended public worship over the
river, or repaired to the Dutch Reformed Church now at
East Greenbush.
Owing to the difficulties with which the people had to
contend in going so far to attend divine worship, they finally
resolved to form themselves into a little church to meet in
the old wooden school-house, which stood just across the
street from where the present school-house stands. This
was subsequently taken down to be replaced by the present
stone school-house. In the upper room of this modest edi-
fice the people assembled together, and enjoyed preaching n>
they could from ministers passing through, or from those
who resided in the vicinity. These ministers belonged
sometimes to one denomination, and sometimes to another.
The members of the congregation who adhered to the 1'
byterian form of worship, being in the majority, however,
felt it to be important that they should organize a distinct
church. Accordingly, in the summer of 182.'!. an organi-
zation was effected, and in the following autumn trustees
were elected to manage its affairs.
The new church continued to worship in the upper room
of the school-house, securing preaching of different minis-
ters for short periods. James Boyd — then a licentiate of
the Presbytery of Albany, but now the Rev. Dr. James
Boyd, well known in the denomination — preached his first
sermon in ibis upper loom.
In the month of April, 1825, the first regular board of
trustees was chosen, consisting of Hugh Gordon, Samuel
Chcevcr, Dr. Jacob S. Miller, Samuel Tibbals, John Alden,
Solomon Cone, and Merrick Ross. The certificate of in-
eorporati f the church was drawn up on April 27tli of
thai year, but not recorded until Dec. 17, 1838. Tin
corporate name of the l"»ly was " The Trustees of the
First Presbyterian Church of Greenbush."
The church < tinucd to occupy the upper room of Hie
school-house until Aug. 1, 1827. when they passed to I
new house nf worship, then recently erected, and still 0
by them. The building was built bj subscription, — a sort
of joint-stock enterprise, as the list, siill extant, demon-
strates. The land upon which it was erected was donated
by William Akin, on condition that it should never be used
* Compiled principally from n manuscript ■• r n by the paston
TOWN OF GREENBUSH.
:,.;■)
for any but. religious purposes, and that if a preacher of the
Quaker persuasion should over desire to preach in it he
should be allowed the privilege.
On Sept. 26, 1 S27, tho church was formally organized
liv the Presbytery of Albany, wit h 22 regular members,
llev. Thomas Wicks was the first stated supply of the
church in 1827. The first report, of the body, made to the
Beneral Assembly, was on Jan. 1, 1829, when it comprised
a membership of 35. In the autumn of 1829, Mr. Wicks
ceased his labors as stated supply, and the church was
without regular preaching until the following fall.
On the third Sabbath of November, 182!), ltev. Joseph
Wilson, of the I'resbytery of Lewes, Del., commenced to
minister to the congregation, and was regularly installed
pastor June 16th following. Mr. Wilson resigned his
otarge March 4, 1S32, and the pastoral relation was for-
mally dissolved October 12th of that year.
On Dec. 21, 1833, ltev. Jared Dewing was appointed
stated supply. Rev. J. II. Martyn succeeded as stated
Supply in February, 1S35, and continued until April 5,
1836, when Rev. Leonard Johnson acted as stated supply
until May, 1837.
In this year commenced a rather remarkable epoch in
the history of the church, during which it might properly
be considered a Congregational body. On Oct. 17, 1837,
Rev. James G. Cordell, of the New York Congregational
Association, appeared as stated supply. On Feb. 28, 1842,
Mr. Cordell received a call to become the regular pastor of
the church, and subsequently accepted. Soon after he
made application to the Albany Presbytery for admission
and recognition. This was refused him on technical
grounds, and because he was not, deemed in sympathy with
the Presbyterian movement. In consequence of this action
upon the part of Presbytery a committee of Independent
Congregational ministers, from New York City, duly in-
stalled Mr. Cordell into the pastoral office on Oct. 14, 1842.
He continued in the discharge of the duties of his office
until June 3, 1844, when he tendered his resignation,
which was accepted. After this event the church righted
itself, and again became strictly Presbyterian in character.
Rev. Samuel Fisher, D.D., of Albany, was then engaged
as stated supply, and remained until May, 1850, doing a
good work. Iu December, 1850, Rev. J. II. Northrup, a
licentiate, began to preach as stated supply, and continued
until the following August. On August 24th he received
a call to become the' regular pastor of the church, and was
ordained to the ministry, and installed over the church
Dec. 18, 1850. This relation was formally dissolved by
Presbytery on the third Tuesday of June, 1 85 1 . Rev. Wm.
H. Miller, the next stated supply, commenced his labors in
1851. On Nov. 22, 1853, Rev. E. M. Rolls received a
call from the church, and was soon after installed pastor,
and left in the fall of 1861. On Aug. 23, 1861, Rev.
Stephen Bush was invited to preach as a stated supply, and
was installed pastor Feb. 4, 1862. He was regularly dis-
missed in October, 1863. On April 29, 1S64, Rev. Wm.
Whittaker was engaged as stated supply. After acting as
supply to the church for a period of time, Rev. J. R.
Young was called to the pastorate on April 8, 1867, and
was regularly dismissed ' therefrom on Feb. 3, 1868. On
April 14, 1869, Rev. Mr. Jewell, Professor of tho State
Normal School, was called as pastor, and wa mi after
installed.
The next pastor called was Rev. James 1'. Stratton, who
at first accepted and then declined the call, [n January
Rev. Edward Stratton, the present pastor, entered upon bis
labors as stated supply, his firsl pastoral efforts meeting
with great success, lie received a call to become lire reg-
ular pastor of the church on April 2, 1*7 1, and was duly
installed on June 25th of that year.
The church is in a prosperous condition, comprising a
membership of 320 persons; size of Sabbath school, 140;
number of volumes in the library, I.S:: ; superintendent of
Sabbath -school, Frederick Carr.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
The first Methodist meetings in Greenbush, of which
any knowledge now exists, were held in the year 1828, at
Sister Plum's house, in the lower part of the village.
From that date to 1831 occasional meetings were held.
In 1831 a class was formed which was connected with the
Division Street Church, in Albany, now the Hudson
Avenue Church. From 1831 to 1836 preaching was fur-
nished with considerable regularity by Rev. James Walker,
a local preacher residing in Greenbush, and by other local
brethren from Albany.
A regular church organization was formed in March,
1833, and a record of the same made in the clerk's office
of Rensselaer County. In the month of May of the same
year the society commenced the erection of a church edi-
fice. On May 1, 1833, James Walker measured and
staked off the lot for the church. The first stone was laid
by Anthony Hamilton, without ceremony. On June 10th
Peter Hogeboom commenced framing the building, and on
the 29th the frame was raised. On July 14th the build-
ing was blown down in a thunder-storm, causing a damage
of about §50. On July 25th it was raised a second time
without accident.
The first board of trustees of the church consisted of
Enos Northrup, James Walker, Benjamin Bradbury, Robert
D. Kemp (treasurer), and James Hallenbeck (secretary).
The first three constituted the building committee of the
church. The church was completed at an expense of §625,
and dedicated June 11, 1834. Rev. Mr. Walker preached
the first sermon in it, by request.
At the conference of 1836, Rev. Joshua Poor was ap-
pointed the first pastor. In the earlier years of the move-
ment Castleton and Greenbush were associated with Green-
bush in one charge, but latterly Greenbush has constituted
a distinct charge. The pastors of the church since its or-
ganization have been Joshua Poor, 1836-3S ; Philetus
Green, 1838-40; Dillon Stevens, 1840-42; William
Pierce, 1842-43 ; Horace B. Knight, 1843-45 ; Peter R.
Stover, 1845-47 ; Charles H. Leonard, 1847-49; Matthew
Ludlum, 1849-50 ; Oliver Emerson, 1850-51 ; II. H.
Dudley, 1851-52 ; Andrew McGitton, 1853-54; Samuel
MeKean, 1854-56 ; N. G. Spaulding, 1856-58 ; Merritt
B. Mead, 185S-60 ; John W. Belknap, 1S60-62 ; Wm.
11. Meeker, 1S62-64; Homer Eaton, 1864-67; Thomas
A. Griffin, 1867-69 ; W. 11. Lord Stalks, 1869-71 ; Jo-
::iu
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
seph K. Cheeseman, 1871—73; Sylvester W. Clemens,
1873-75; John A. Savage, 1875-77; Leonard S. Walker,
1-77 79; R H. Robinson, 1-7'.'.
The present church edifice was erected in 1S53, and
stands a little smith of the site of the Erst one. The inora-
bership of the church is 250; size of Sabbath school, 250 ;
Dnmber of volumes in the library, about 250 ; superinten-
dent of Sabbath-school, N. R. Wilbur.
st. John's church soman catholic).
This church was founded hy Rev. John Cony (formerly
of St. Peter's Church, Troy), about 1S50, who became the
first resident priest, and celebrated the first mass. The
first meetings were held in the school- house at East Albany.
A temporary church edifice was erected in the rear of the
present church, which in turn was built in the year IS.'iT,
at a cost of about $12,000. Father Corry died in the
summer of 1863. Previous to his death he erected the
Convent of the Sisters of Mercy, now in successful opera-
tion at Bast Albany, and made arrangements for its occu-
pancy by the sisterhood.
Rev. Edward Bayard was the next pastor of the church,
and came from Clinton, Oneida Co., about August, 1853.
Be remained in charge until the month of September. 1S67,
when he was succeeded by Rev. Cornelius Fitzpatrick, who
was transferred from St. John's Church, Albany. During
his pastorate the pastoral residence and the school-house in
the rear of the church were erected. He remained until
Oct. 1, 1875, when the present pastor, Rev. James E.
Duffy, was transferred from the Church of St. John the
Baptist, at Syracuse, and assumed charge of the parish.
The parish is large, comprising about 3000 souls, 2000
of whom are communicants. The Sabbath-school has an
attendance of about 400. A cemetery, consisting of eight
or t was laid out and consecrated soon alter the or-
ganization of the church.
Connected with the parish are a large number of benevo-
lent and humane organizations. The Conventual Sisters have
charge of the instruction of the young, while such organi-
sations as St John's Temperance Benefit Society, St.
■ I seph's Society, and Sodalities for boys, girls, young men,
and young women, co-operate in the Work of the church,
i Mi K'li i,y TIIK HESSIAB PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL).
Tie.' fir-t meetings looking to the organization of this
church were held at the hotel of Richard Lawrence about
the year 1851. Tie- church was organised in that year.
Tie- fir-t movers in the enterprise were Dr. Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer, Peter Sheppard, John M. Boudy, George Chap-
man, Thomas li Mather, Mr. Van Valkenbergh, and others.
The fir-t rector of the church was Rev. Robert Lowry,
who began bis pastoral duties in the spring of 1851. The
next pastor v. i E ■ Tl B, Fogg, who was. after
several years, succeeded by Rev. Mr. Morgan. An
short stay Mr. Morgan n led in the rectorship by
R Mi Beyer, who died in Now fork C ifter
bis installation, and while still rector of the' church. R
Mi Morrow followed next, and remained about two yi
R I. - 1' Clover was the next rector for over a di
of y< in II' was followed bj R Ed i I Chapman.
The church edifice occupied by the society was erected in ,
ls.">:; or 1S5-1. and stands on the corner of Third Avenue
and Washington Street, Greenbush. It contains a tablet to
the memory of Dr. Van Rensselaer, through whose agency
it was founded, and who held the office of senior warden
from the day it was built to the time of his death. A large
oil-painting, "The Taking Down of the Cross," also adorns
the church. It was put in the church in compliance with
the request of a young lady of the congregation, who, dying
abroad, asked her father to purchase the picture and place
it in the church. It is said to have cost more than the
church itself. The parish is in a prosperous condition.
BAPTIST.
The Baptist Church of Greenbush grew out of a mission
which the Albany Baptist Missionary Union established in
the town. This was sucessfully carried on for a number of
years, when in 1870 the present organization was founded
as an Independent Baptist church.
The first regular pastor of the church was Rev. Ralph
H. Bowles, who was installed pastor Feb. 1, 1S70, and re-
mained three years. The church was without regular
pastoral ministrations for a year. On Feb. 1, 1S74, the
present pastor, Rev. Adoniram Waterbury, was installed.
The church has a membership of between 80 and 00. and
occupies a pleasant house of worship.
CHURCH OP THE EPIPHANY (PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL),
EAST ALBANY.
This church originated in a mission, which was estab-
lished by Bishop Doane, of Albany, in the year 1S71. The
first meetings were held in the old Baptist church, at Bath.
The first prominent movers in the undertaking were Peter
Sheppard and Lawrence Van Valkcnburgh. It ran along as
a mission until the spring of 1S73, when it was organized as
a church under its present name. After leaving Bath the
meetings of the society were held in the school-house in
Bast Albany.
In 1871 a Sabbath-school was organized in connection
with the mission, at first commencing with four children.
Peter Sheppard was chosen superintendent of the school,
and in two years it attained a membership of 150.
The church was at first under the pastoral charge of the
rector of Messiah Church, I rreenbush, and subsequently was
administered to by general supplies. The present rector.
Rev. Richard Temple, is the first regular pastor of the
church, and has been in charge about three years. The
bouse of worship occupied by the society was erected about
four years ago, and stands on the comer of Catherine and
Third Streets. The present membership of the church is
about 100; of the Sabbath-school, about 150.
CONGREGATIONAL OHUBOH, BAST ALBANY.
This latest addition to the religious institutions of Green-
bush was organized about March 1, 1870. The pastor of
the church, Rev. Mr. Stanton, began to preach the second
we.k in March. The society starts under favorable auspii
with a membership of about 60, half of whom arc com-
municants, and a congregation of about 300. For the
TOWN OK OKKKNI'.ITSII.
341
present they occupy the Methodist Mission House, al Easl
Albany.
The trustees of the church are Si on P. Diamond, Joel
A. Palmer, Robert White, 11. A. T. Smith, and —
Rowley.
VIII. -SOCIETIES.
GRF.F.NBUSII CHAPTER, NO. 274, It. A. M.,
was organized Feb. 2, 1876. The present officers are: H.
P., Simeon Savage; K., A. J. Dings; S., Luke Slade;
Treas., Geo. II. Simmons; Sec, Elbert Phelps.
GREENBUSH LODGE, F. AND A. M., NO. '.','. !7 ,
was chartered July 1, 1854. The present officers of the
lodge are: W. M., George II. Russell ; S. W., A. D. Cran-
dell; J. VV., Webster Marshall; Treas., James II. Miller;
Sec., Oliver Herbert. Meets first and third Fridays of each
month, at Masonic Hall.
FARMERS' AND MECHANICS' LODGE, NO. 157, I. O. O. P.,
mtets every Thursday night, at Odd- Fellows' Hall. The
officers of the lodge are: N. G., David Hutton ; V. G.,
David E. Mason; R. S., Levi Mockrie ; F. S., George
Loweree ; Treas., Matthew Moore.
IX.— NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS.
A DUEL.
The town was the scene of the only duel ever fought in
the county. It was fought on June 7, 1813, between a
Capt. Clark and Lieut. Bloomfield, both belonging to the
army of the war of 1812. Lieut. Bloomfield was shot
down and buried on the spot where he fell, which was on
the bank of the river, at the northwesterly bounds of the
village of Greenbush.
X.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The absence of sufficient water-power for large manufac-
turing purposes has effectually retarded the industrial enter-
prises of the town from the earliest days, and those which
now exist are operated almost entirely by steam.
A man by the name of Job Gould built the tannery now
operated by J. Ruyter & Son, in 1818. It was run for
awhile by James S. Gould, and by a man named Crawford.
Ladner Kellogg also operated it for a time. In 1834, Van
Valkenburgh and Ruyter succeeded to it, and operated it for
a great many years. For the past few years it has been
run by J. Ruyter & Son, who are now engaged in success-
ful business there.
In the fall of 1877, J. Ruyter, Son & Co. established a
boot- and shoe-factory adjoining the tannery, and engaged
in the manufacture of ladies' and gents' boots and shoes.
The firm continued the business until last December, when
it passed into the hands of the present lessees, — Walden
& France, who employ 40 or 50 hands in the enterprise.
Besides these enterprises there are but few others of im-
portance in the town. Jonas Whiting, an old and honored
citizen, has a large steam-bakery in the village, which he is
successfully conducting. T. Miles & Co. operate a large
steam saw-mill, and do a flourishing business. Warren &
Wilbur have another. William M. Irwin & Co. have a fine
grist-mill, besides a large malt house on the river. William
Magill and Charles ('. Lodewick have grist-mills. At I.
Albany, ilic large railroad- and machine-shops of the rail-
n. ad companies converging there furnish the chief indus-
trial enterprise at thai point.
XI, MILITAKY.
The military history of the present town is brief a- the
village was not of large proportions prior to 1800. In the
war of 1812 a large number of the citizens look part,
though but lew saw active service under hostile liiv.
The records of the town show that towards the suppres-
sion of the late Rebellion the town contributed promptly
her full quota of men, raised large sums for tin; payment of
bounties, and manifested throughout its continuance a
patriotic spirit. The names of soldiers who served from
the town are given below. The list is prepared from the
reports of the census of 18(i5, and from the muster. in rolls
of the State.
ARMY LIST, WAR OK 1861-65.
Theodore Schnltz, cut. Feb. 8, L865, '.list Rogt.
Nicholas Johns ml. May 20, 1864, 7tli N. Y. Rest.
James W. Mason, enl. Sept. 2, 1864.
Lewis Fulk, enl. June, 1801, 10:id Regt.; disabled ill sen CO
Henry Bradly, enl. March, 1862, 71st Regt. ; pro. to Capt.
Patrick Hurry, enl. May 21, 1802, 25tli Regt.
John II. Brown, enl. May, 1862, 19th Heft.
Matthew Regan, enl. April, 1861, 25th Regt.
George Levenns, enl. .May 5, 1861, :'.8ih N. Y. Regt.
Win. Claxton, enl. July 27, 1802, loath Regt.; pro. to sergt.; pri. at Ander-
sonville; supposed to be dead.
Conrad Catt, enl. .Ian. 14, 18134, 7th II. Art.; wounded twice.
Patrick Cotigan, enl. May, 1861, 3d Regt. ; re-enlisted.
Joseph Thomas, Corp., enl. Feb. 2:1, 1864, 7tli II. Art.; pro. to sergt. ; tt'oltlldod.
John Francis, enl. Aug. 11, 18C2, 113th Regt. ; wounded.
Stephen Kaufman, enl. Feb. 15, 1804, 7th II. Art.
(has. Kraft, enl. Oct. 1861, 52d Regt.; re-enl. Jan. 1804, b'.tb Ail.; wounded.
John Handerhan, enl Aug. 31, 1864, 91et Jlegt.
John Quinn, en'.. Sept. 1804, 21st Cav.
John Doran, ml. May, 1861, 17lli Regt.; wounded.
John McGraW, enl. May 211, 1861, 1st Cav.
Bernard Hunt, enl. June 4, 1862, 25th N. Y. Regt.
Martin Travel-, enl. Sept. 4, 1864; 159th Regt.; pro. to ord.se.rgt.; wound d
three times.
Oliver Herbert, enl. Sept. 16, 1861, 43d N. Y.; pro. to corp. ; pris. ten months.
William A. Galo, enl. Sept. 16, 1861, *3d Regt. ; discll. for disability.
John Cavanagb, enl. Sept. 6, 1801,43d Regt.; pro. to c.ipt.; wounded in the
Wilderness.
James Larkin, enl. Oct. 9, 1801, 53d N. Y. Regt.; trans, to 4:)d Regt ; wounded
in left arm.
Dwight C. Case, enl. Aug. 10, 1802, 1st Mounted Rifles.
J. W. Houghton, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 7th N. Y. Regt.; three buckshot in bis leg.
John Freeman, enl. Jan. 5, 1801, 7th Art.
Philip R. Cornell, enl. Sept. 15, 1864, 18th Cav.
James H. Brooks, enl. Aug. 29, 1804, 91st Regt.
William McGinnis, enl. July 20, 1862.
William Anderson, Navy.
Charles Wright, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 145th Regt.; trans, to 10th NY. Regt.; pro.
to corp.
Michael Murray, sergt., enl. May, 1861, 14th Regt.; re-enl. Juno 24, 1863, 12th
N. Y. Regt.
James Haley, enl. May, 1801, 18th Regt.; re-enl. 1804, 12th Mass. Art.
Jeremiah Smith, enl. Sept. 15, 1864, 18th Cav.
William Keglns, enl. March 7, 1864, Navy, ship " Pocahontas."
Grove II. Curroeii, enl Aug. 21, 1862,115th Regt.: pie. In sergt., to 2d lieut.,
and 1st lieut.
John La Flouse, enl. May 18,1861,18th N. Y. Regt. ; re-enl. Feb. 18,1865, Navy,
ship " Portsmouth."
Robert H. C. Bullent, enl. May, 1801, 32d Regt.; pro. to corp. and ord. sergt.;
re-enl. Sept. 5, 1804, Sth 11. An.
Glenn V. R. Drum, enl. April. 1801, 25th N. Y. Regt
Waterman It. Reynolds, enl. Jan. 27, 1862, slst Regt.
William Brooks, enl. April. 1801, 25tll 1! -gt.
John Acltloy, enl. Sept. 15, 1864, 18th N. Y. Regt.
IP my Lodewick, enl. March 3, 1862, '.Hst R»gl ; pi i. to sorgt; ra-onl. Jan. 1,
1S64.
John Fagen, John Fagen, Jr.
II. M.y 1'. Akin, enl Oct. II. I s.. -. , loll, Kept,
342
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Juno- • si. Not. 1861, BUI N. Y. Regt; ro-onl. 21st Colored Kegt.;
pp.. | • rgt, and 2d Heat
Charlie Ackloy, BOl. Hay, 1881, 89th ft
Patrick Bailor.
M \i Irlch, I863,2d N. Y. Regt
i.l. April 25, 1858, 10th I'. 8. Inf.
William 3. AMricli, enl. Jim. 28, 1-1. l-llli I . S. Inf.; wollndod in the hool.
Henry S. Y.in Allan, -Ml. Sept. IS, 1804, I8tb Oar.
Bolus A. Tooling, onl. SapL 25, 1861, lltli Bogt.; pro. to sorgt. ; re-oul. Sopt 18,
1864
Junn II. liimn, ord.-oergt, col. Sopt 22, 1862, 164U1 Regt.j pro. to 2d Hoot, to
1x1 llont, uid i tpt
Ocl 1862, 1 sili Regt.; ro-onl. Aug, 1864 ; woundod.
Thomu Korgan, enl. May, 1861, 18th Begtj r nl.Oct 30,1863, 16tli II. Art.
hlin, onl. April 17, 1 IB t;ro-onl. Feb. 28, 1864, 2d Oav.j
pr*>. t
5, ■ - r . I _ April l», 1861, i i: i . losl I. ft arm.
AHre Mi ■■■ 1864, 8lat B ;t; lost right arm.
i, anl. 25th ttcgt
Darld Koeue, onl. July, 1863, 2d V. Car.; pro. toenpt. Feb. 24, 1804.
t hi, anl. Aug. IT, 1862, I Id R"gt.
William Foyta, onl. Aug. 20, 1864, Dial Bogt ; wounded.
W. Hal iry, onl. . i • >t !■ Bogt
rntrlck B ley, .ill. Oct 1863, 161b II. Art
\| irk ■, onl 0 t. 1862, Navy.
John Matlli e, anl. M iy, 1861, N. Y. Guard.
WUUam Job onl. Sept 25, 1861, I'tli Regt.; trans, to 146th Itegt.,
Oct 10, 181 I.
Charles B Aahley, 1864 I46lh Regt.
J..lin I'l inlgan, enl. Oct 30, 1861, Otli C i. Bogt
J,,hn W. Golden, onl. Aug. 28, 1862, I kl Bogt
Aug. 14, 1862, 43d Begt; trans, to I2lh Vot Res. Corps.
, England, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 4 Id Regt.; wounded.
William W. Wh pple, enl. July, 180 I, 18th t'tv., commissary clerk.
James Lanlgiui, enl. April 15, 1861, 25tb Bogt; pro. to sorgt; ro-onl. 42d Regt.
July, 1861, and Harcb, IS64,S9ih Bogt; wounded.
Thorns i nl. Oct 15, 1862, 43d Regt ; wounded.
i ndcrwood, onl. March 1, 1804, 13th Cav.
William Y..rk. enl. April, 1861.
Kroiu, •■nl. An:,'. 8, 1862, 125th Begt; pro. to sergt
Philo Mar-h.ll. onl. Sept 18, 1861, 43d Begt; disch. fur disability.
Patrick Mitchell, onl. Sopt 7, 1861, I '..I Begt; ro-onl. 1861.
William II. Iloylo, enl. Aug. 31, 1804,2 Id Bogt; trans, to 8th II Art.
T mu Highland, -nl. Sept 6, 1864, 16lb r. S. Inf.
, n- Dandarav, enl. M.ir.h, lsi.j, Navy; pro. to engineor, ship " Uncos."
I'.uil Dalldaiaw,cul. M ir.li. I -..-,:;! . ■ n _- i i r, ship " Uncas."
■ I, 167th Begt
Thomas Hullen, enl. April 10, 1865; trans. lo8th II. Art.
Si -in. onl. Aiil-. 181 III B : trans. to87lli Kegt.; wounded.
Jnlm Darrow, . nl Sept I. 1864 '."1. 1 Bogt.
Oliver Noabll, enl. Dec 29, 1801, I2tb n.t.
Hitch, -nl. Fob. 1864, Till II. Art.
nl Fob. 11, 1804. 7lh II. Art.; pris. at Salisbury.
Jonathan Phil i«. enl. July IT. 1861.
1 Philips, -nl. June, 1804.
i.l Jan. 0, 1864, 26ih Regt.
: 20th Regt.
Pruyn, onl. Doc. 1801,20th H
:
. nl. r Wlla enl Jan. 1804, 2d Regt
10, 1862, 22d B
John - Ocl I-' ■-•. i"ili Bogt; disabled [n the sonrlco.
• i Jul] 11. 181 I, ' 111 R I
•:■ ran, mil. April ID, 1861, llsal ility.
nl. Aug. 13. 1864, I "-I' 'I twice.
Wlllium Brlghlmeyar, -nl. 1864.
Ohaxlea Scholia, ml. Fab. 8, 1805, 01*1 Rest.
Ilyler, anl. M ty, 1861, - Hi N Y ft •
John >|i|i.i'le. anl I Minnesota.;" trans, to MCru
nlngton, -nl I BSUi N. Y. Bogt
Paul 10, 1862, I8tli An.; r il, Feb. 12,1804, Nary;
di*>: I ihlp " Wahaah.*1
William S.lter, -nl. Aug J7, !•• .'. 126th
■
1862, 169th ft
I, 1862, 13d N. IMlcgt.; fnrandod; token prisonor.
I m AH.li. . , 12, 1864, 18th Begt
■
I, 1864, 18th I-
William II. i-oitil-iinn.
John l>^«rit;. ' ■ i corp.
Willi ' IhM.T.l
■ l: t; Iran lo 0th Vol Boa. I orps.
H Y. Begt.; n enl i-i Dial Onl.
. Hon
Gouverneur II. Jones, onl. Aug. 9, 1862, 125th Regt.
Oscar Johnson, enl. Sept. 1, 1S04, 91st N. Y'. Kegt.
Aaron l'ulner, enl. March o, 1862, 01st Regt. ; wounded; pro. to color-oorgt
William Oormon, enl. Dec. 1802, Ntivy,ship " Wamsnttu;" pro. to 2d nsst. eng.
William Johnson, onl. July 1, 1861, 34th Kegt.
James Johnson, ml.. Inly 1, 1861,34th Bogt
John B. Bogors, onl. Sopt 1, Ism, 4 1.1 Begt
Henry 0. Rrown.
Monroe Hikm, enl. Aug. 28, 1804, 91st Regt.
Basom limn, enl. Aug. 28, 1804, 91st Regt.
Jacob Smith, enl. Sept. 11, 1801,43d Regt.; ro-onl. Jim 1S04; wounded nt Hie
battle of the Wilderness.
Gcorgo D. Docker, enl. May 14, 1861, 3d Regt ; re-enl. May 14, 18G3.
William T. Rockefeller, enl. Sept. 1852,43d Cuv.; trans, to Com. Dept. at Wash-
ington.
James II. Bryan, enl. May 27, 1861, Navy, ship " Onward."
John Bakor, s.-rgt., enl. Dec. 23, 1803, 41st Regt. ; wounded twice.
Charloa A. Klein, onl. Aug. 1802, I20th Begt
William Lavory, onl. July, 1861,44th N. Y. Regt.; wounded in right leg.
Barnard F.Collins, onl. April 20, 1801, nth X. Y. Regt.
John A. Brockwold, onl. July 31, 1802, 2d Mounted Rillc*.
JhVd i'h the Service,
Goorgo Hatch, enl. July 15, 1803, 125th Regt. ; died April 5, 180-1, at Chicago, III.
Thomas Manny, -nl. Ang. 1863; died 1S04, at Newport News.
William Schnltz, onl. July 19, 1802, 7th II. Art.; died June 30, 1805, nt Aiidcr-
sonville.
Nicolas Mooeomon, enl. Feb. 1804, 7th II. Art.; died in 1804, at Petersburg, Ya.
Joseph Schiofor. onl. June 19, 1803, 18th Cav. ; died Aug. 7, 1804, at New Or-
leans.
John Slocnm, enl. May, 1804, 8th Art.; died .Ian 1865, at Grooubnsh.
George Brightmoyer, enl. Aug. 1862, 7th Art.; died about Jan. 1, 1805, at An-
dersonville.
John Fryer, enl. April 21, 1801, 25th Regt.; pro. to ord. sergt., to 2d liciit., to
1st lieut., to niaj., and to lieut-col., 4 id Regt.; died May 12, 1804, at
Fredericksburg.
Philip Bright meyor, enl. spring of 1802; killed in hnttle near Petersburg, Va.,
May, 1805.
William Snyder, enl. Aug. 11, 1802,7th II. Art.; killed in battle Juno 17, 1864,
at Cold Harbor.
Jefferson Kinsley, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 113th Regt; trans, to 7th II. Art.; died
June 211, 1801, at Washington.
Andrew Finlay, enl. Aug. 1802, 7th II. Art. ; died of starvation Dec. 3, 1854, nt
Andersoiivillo.
John Marshal, enl. Sept. 1861,43d Regt.; pro. to Corp. and sergt.; died Nov.
18, 1803, nt lliigorstown, Mil.
Charles Warner, enl. Sept. 1801, 43d Regt.; pro. to Corp.; died April 21, 1804,
at Greonbush.
Conr.idt I'. Gester, -nl. 1802, 125th Regt.; pro. to Corp. and sergt.; died May
29, 181".:'., ill Virginia.
John McElroy, onl. Aug. 22, 1862, 43d Regt; died Aug. 1801, of starvation, nt
Ander.-onvillo.
Augustus Smith, onl. March, 1804,7th II. Art; died Dec. 16, 1804, at Rich-
mond, of ill-treatinelit.
For assistance rendered in the compilation of this liis-
torical sketch of the town, the writer is under special obli-
gations to William A. McCulloch. Acknowledgments are
also due to Martin Miller, Dr. F. V>. Parmele, Jabeg F.
Oilman, William Lansing, John L. Van Valkenburgh, and
J. Ruvter.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
PR. FRANCIS B PARMELE
isason of Henry Parmele, formerly of Stockbridgc, Mass.,
and who married Lydia Bosworth,a native of Lenox, Mass.
He was born at Richmond, Va., on Jan. 1, 1815. Of tin ■ ••
children, himself and sister alone reached adult age. The
doctor passed the earlier years of his life iu the city of Al-
bany, where he received the benefits of an academic educa-
tion at the Albany Academy, He subsequently pursued
iln- study of medicine with Frof. Homer L. Thrall, Profes-
sor of Chemistry at Kenyon College, Gambier, O., and
finally attended the medical college of the city of Albany,
TOWN OF GREENBUSH.
:;i::
where he completed his studies, and duly matriculated ill
February, 1842. He immediately commenced the practice
of his profession at Fast (iioenbush, Uensselaer Co., as the
successor of Dr. A. C. Getty. Four years later he removed
to (Jreenliush Village, again succeeding Dr. Getty, and
where he has ever since remained in active and successful
practice.
^W <$$£
^w^jZ&z
Dr. Parmele is known and recognized as a safe, conscien-
tious, and skillful physician, and his popularity in the
county, among all classes, is only equaled by the high
respect and esteem which is felt for him by his professional
compeers. Naturally diffident and retiring, he has held
himself aloof from public life, closely adhering to the de-
mands of his chosen profession. Ho is a member and
president of the County Medical Society, and prior to his
last election was vice-president for two years, and president
in I860. He was a delegate from that body to the State
Medical Society for four years, and is now a permaneut
member of the State organization.
In church affiliations, Dr. Parmele is an Episcopalian,
though prior to the establishment of a church of that de-
nomination at Greenbush, he filled the office of elder in the
Presbyterian Church. He was confirmed by Bishop Mcll-
vaine, of Ohio, and was one of the active movers in the
organization of the Church of the Messiah, at Greenbush.
Dr. Parmele has been twice married. His first wife was
Miss Orrilla S. Smyth, to whom he was united on Oct. 14,
1840, at Gambier, 0., and who died Nov. 9, 1852. His
second and present wife was Miss Elizabeth B. Brown,
daughter of Hon. A. L. Brown, of Rutland, Vt., whom he
married on Aug. 9, 1853. Five children of Dr. Parmele
are now living, viz., Grace A., wife of Mr. A. II. Smyth,
of Columbus, 0., Isabella Amelia, George Bosworth, Char-
lotte Ring, and Annie Lawrence. He lives a contented and
modest life in his home at Greenbush.
DR. CHARLES 8ANDF0RD ALLEN
is a son of Peter and Hannah Allen, and was born a!
Grcciiporl, Columbia Co., in this State, on June -, 1824.
His father was a respectable and -me,-. I'nl farmer. In
this vocation the future doctor passed the earlier yeai
of his life, enjoying at the same time only the limited cdu-
\j /oa/u. & c/-££i
UJCs.
cational advantages that farmers' sons usually have. A por-
tion of this period was passed in the town of Taghkanic, in
the same county, and at East Chatham, Columbia Co. At
the age of twenty-two years young Allen began the study
of medicine at New Concord, Columbia Co., under the
patronage of Dr. Coffin, of that place, and after a year's
time sought and obtained a place in the office of Dr. El-
bridge Simpson, of the city of Hudson. There he re-
mained for two years, and finally graduated at the College
of Physicians and Surgeons of Woodstock, Vt., on June 9,
1849.
The doctor first settled in practice at East Greenbush,
in the fall of 1849, where he remained until May, 1851,
when he located in the village of Greenbush, and has since
remained a leading and prominent member of the profession
in that locality. He is a member of the Rensselaer County
Medical Society, and a non-resident member of a like so-
ciety in the neighboring county of Albany. He was elected
coroner of the county in the fall of 1859 for a term of
three years, and filled the office with ability and acceptance
for a second and further term of three years.
Aside from his profession, Dr. Allen has filled various
positions of honor and responsibility in county and State.
On Nov. 24, 18G2, he was commissioned by Governor
Morgan assistant surgeon of the 125th Regiment of United
States Volunteers, commanded by Col. Willard Thomas, of
Troy. Repairing to Washington, he undertook the dis-
charge of the duties of the position, but was compelled to
344
IIISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY", NEW YORK.
withdraw on account of failing health, and received an hon-
orable discharge from the service. On Sept. 1 1. l^iiT, he
was commissioned by Governor Reuben E. Fenton surgeon
of the 72d Regiment of Infantry of the National Guards
of the Stat)' of New York, with the rank of major, and,
although the regiment has since been mustered nut of
service. Dr. Allen retain- his commission.
At the charter election. March I!. 1 87 I . lie was elected
president of the village, but tailed to secure his seat by
the operation of those occult laws which ofttimes shape the
destinies of political candidates. In the month of May of
thi year following he was elected trustee for a term of two
years, and during that period instituted Several needed re-
form- in the village economy, and was largely instrumental
in the liquidation of its debt, in the erection of engine-
houses, and the purchase of its two handsome steam fire-
engines. He was also health officer of the village for a
term of four or five years.
On Nov. 26. 1851, Dr. Allen was united in marriage to
Miss Sarah, daughter of Edwin Willis, Esq., of East
i rreenbush, but formerly of London, England. Three sons
and three daughters were born to the union, of whom two
sous are deceased. The remaining son is studying medicine
with his father.
In his church connections Dr. Allen is actively identified
with the First Presbyterian Church of Greenbush, and is
assistant superintendent of the Sabbath-school. To this
work, as to all others that engage his attention, he devotes
much time, care, and energy, taking seeming delight in the
advancement of a cause that enlisted his devoted sympathy
at a tender age. lie is essentially a busy, active man, and
occupies a high place in the community.
'• — >-oOc~ < — °-
NORTH GREENBUSH.
I.—GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
Tuts town was formed from Greenbush, Feb. 23, 1855.
It lies upon the Hudson River, directly west of the centre
of the county, and is bounded on the north by the city of
Troy and the town of Brunswick ; on the south by the
towns of Greenbush and East Greenbush ; on the east by.
the towns of Sand Lake and Poestenkill ; and on the west
by the Hudson River. It comprises an area of 12.868
- of land, and the population, as given in the census of
1875, is 3936. The assessment valuation of 1875 gives
the total value of real estate at (844,070; of personal
property, $29,350 ; and the amount of tax on one-dollar
valuation, .111717. The total tax was $15,944.15.
II.— NATURAL FEATURES.
Clay bluffs ri-e almost directly up from the river, leaving
little or no intervale. From the summits of these bluffs
the surface spreads out into a rolling upland, broken by the
_u'.'.:. - of the Streams. The Soil is a sandy and grav-
elly loam, interspersed with patches of clay. It is quite
i readily yield- in ahundi e the ordinary
products of the climate. The inhabitants are extensively
engaged in supplying the market.- ofTroj and Albany with
garden vegetables and milk. The principal stream in the
town i- the Wynantskill, which ri-c- in Sand Lake and
passcsin a northwesterly direction through the northeastern
corner of the town, affording line water-power at Albia,
ju.-t within the limits of Troy. The water-power of the
mi is utilii i xtenl at Wynantekill | P. 0.).
ral -mailer streams exist in the town, most of which
rlv into the Hudson River. Aries Lake i- a Gne
I water situated in il istcrn part of the
town. No elevations of importance are to be seen in the
town.
III.— EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement of the town was made by tenants
under Van Rensselaer, and were among the first upon the
manor. They probably began as early as 1640. The name
of the first permanent settler in the town is not known.
John Crannell, Juriah Sharpe, Rinicr Van Alstyne, Marte,
David, and Philip De Freest. Philip Wendel, Rutgerl and
Cornelius M. Van Den Berg, Cornelius M. Van Burcn,
John Fonda, Ed. Hogg, and Lawrence Rysdorp were among
the first to settle in the town. With the addition of the
Dearstyne family, the Sharpes, Van Alstynes, De Freests,
and Van Den Bergs have been the most numerously repre-
sented there of any other families.
An old survey of the manor of Rensselaerwyck, made by
John 1!. Bleeeker in lTliT. and now in the palroon's office
in Albany, furnishes the names of the pioneers who were
located in the town at that date. In the southeast part of
the town, just north of the village of Rath, appears John
Crannell, concerning whom but little can be learned. He
married Volkie Van Alstyne on Jan. 2!l. 1757. and had
children, — William. Isaac. Martin, Robert, Marytje, Mar-
garita, and Robert > 2d). All trace of the family is lost.
A little over a mile east of the river and near the present
line of East Greenbush lived the widow of Myndert Van
Burcn. Just north of her Juriah Sharpe was located.
Hi- name originally was Jurriaau Scharp, and he was a
descendant of the family of that name who located first at
Kindeibook and finally at Claverack, in Columbia County.
II wife's nunc was Barbara, and he had children, — Coon-
mad, Augustinus, Jurrie, and Pieter. The family became
numerous and influential in (he town, and occupied various
farms there, especially in the central and northeastern «cc-
t i ■ ■ 1 1 — - Nicholas, Martinus, George, and Tunis were among
the representatives of the family in the town.
t
te«
*0k 45*
Wm.BLOOMINGDALE.
JVlRS. Wm.BLOOMINGDALE.
— — F-.:: W:;i^vv ,;: ;>-;;. ;■:... .;-;u'. :.;•>:■.;".- •..:;, ■.-.'.-■.• -;:■ ■ ■■
■
Residence of Wm. BLOOMINGDALE, North Greenbush.N Y
TOWN OK NORTH GREENBUSH.
345
Near Blooming Grove appears the residence of Reinier
Van Alstyne. His great-grandson, Matthew R. \';ui Al-
styne, still occupies the place, which was formally derived
from Van Rensselaer in 1794, and has ever since remained
in the possession of the family. A brother of Reinier by
the name of Jacob or Johannes settled in town at the same
time as the former. The sons of Reinier were Matthew
and Jacob. The former settled on the old homestead.
Jacob settled in Has) Grcenbush. The sons of Matthew
were Reinier, Refer, and Martin, all of whom located in
town, — Reinier on the old farm, Peter less than a mile
farther north, and Martin in the village of Hath. Of the
three daughters of Matthew, Antoinette married John R.
De Freest; Catalina married Martinus Lansing ; and Cath-
arine married John I. Fonda. Reinier had three children, —
Matthew R., Catharine, and Catalina, all of whom reside
in town. Catalina married William P. Witbeck ; Catharine
married John K. De Freest. Peter left three children, — ■
John Fonda, Matthew P., and Cornelia (wife of Matthew
V. A. Fonda), all of whom reside in town. Martin left
three children, — Matthew M., deceased; TCliza J., widow
of A. Y. Lansing; and Edward M., who resides at Rath.
In the same locality lived Marte, David, and Philip De
Freest, originally written De Foreest. Marte and Philip
were sons of David. Jacob, another sou, subsequently oc-
cupied a farm adjoining his two brothers. They were de-
scended from Hendrick De Foreest, of Utrecht, an early
settler of New Amsterdam, who owned a bouwery on Man-
hattan Island and 100 morgens of land at Harlem. He
died in 1(j3S. Martin married Tanneke Winne, and had
children, — Catrina, Peter, David, Philippus, Willem, Cath-
arina, Rachel, Jannetje, Marytje, Jacob, and Daniel. Ja-
cob De Foreest married Tryntje Bratt on July 24, 1756,
and had children, — David, Abigail, Dirk, Pieter B., Cath-
arina, Johannes, Jacob, and Engeltie. Philip married
Moayke Van Den Bergh, and had a daughter Rachel, who
GARRET DE FREEST.
was horn Dec. 2:i, 1 700. The family became very numer-
ous in the town, and intermarried with the Van Alstyne,
Van Deusen, Van Santen, Bratt, Van Der Heyden, and
Fonda families. It is still largely represented in the town.
44
De Preestville i P. 0.) is named in honor of their long
idenec in that locality.
In the northwestern section of the town lived David
Scott, who married Marytje Wendell, and had children
Alexander, Claartje, and Susanna. A little northeast of
Scott, Philip Wardell Was locale, I, and near him lived Rul
gert and Cornelis M. Van Den Bergh, sons of Matthias,
and grandsons of Cornelis Van Den Bergh. Cornelu M
was born Oct. 9, 1719, and Rutgerl Aug. 28, L726. Cor-
nelis M. married Rachel De Ridder, and had children, —
Cornelis, Antic, Marytje, and Killiaan. Rutgerl married
Maria Van Den Bergh, and had children, -Cathalyntje,
Matthys, Alida, Cathalina, and Gerrit. The family is still
represented in the town.
John Fonda lived in the northeast part of the town.
Lawrence Rysdorp in the southeast, and I'M. Hogg between
the two. The former family became numerous and influ-
ential in the town and county. No trace is left of the
Hogg family, and but little can be learned of the Itvsdorps.
An ancient "map of that portion of the manor of
Rensselaerswick lying east of the Hudson River," made by
John E. Van Alen, near the opening of the present
century, shows the lots that were originally surveyed in the
town, with the names of their respective owners. In the
north part of the town, commencing at the river and passing
east, appear the lots of M. Bloomendale, C. Van Den Bergh,
J. De Freest, Juriah Crannell, F. Hawk, S. Heynor, J.
Bloomendale, J. Riley, M. Van Jevercn, B. Berringer,
G. Berringer, and P. Sharp. In the central portion of the
town, passing eastward from the river, appear D. Scott, P.,
M., J., and D. De Freest, R. Van Alstyne, P. Wendell,
D. J. De Freest, Major J. Fonda, J. Heidley, F. Conker,
G. Schelp, B. Van Etten, Earl, and P. Bratt. In
the south part of the town, from west to east, appear the
Donaldson platte along the river north of Bath, M. and N.
Sharp, T. Bennet, E. and N. Hogle, J. Van Valkenburgh,
N. Frank, J. Warner, and J. Feller.
John Dearstyne was the first of the numerous family of
that name, who now live in the town, to settle there. The
date of his settlement is not positively known, but it was
probably some time prior to the year 1800. His settlement
was made within the present limits of the village. His
children were Lawrence, A brain, Henry, Samuel, George,
John, Sarah, and Elizabeth, the latter of whom married a
man named Hogeboom ; Lawrence settled in Schoharie
County ; Abram settled in Bath, and raised a large family,
and has a grandson now residing in Troy; Henry settled
in Rath, but has no descendants now residing in town ;
Samuel was killed by the rolling over of a log, when quite
young. George passed a portion of his life in town, and
finally settled in Schoharie County. John lived at the vil-
lage where Edward Dearstyne now lives, and had nine chil-
dren,— John, James. Henry, Samuel, Catalina, Cornelius,
Andrew, Caroline, and Edward. Of these, John is dead,
but has a daughter living in town. James has three chil-
dren living in town. Samuel has five children. Catalina
married John Wands, and has four girls and two boys in
town. Cornelius has two. Andrew resides at Sandy Hill.
(.'aniline lives in town. Edward has six children.
Henry Kinney came from a place called "the city." in
346
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Dutchess County, and located, in 1795, on the land, in the
northeast pari of the town, which is now the orchard of
Aionso N. Kinney. Some of the trees in the orchard are
very ancient, and ar.- said to have been set out by the In-
diana over a century ago. Mr. Kinney resided at that spot
tor seven years, then kept a tavern at Wynant's Kill for
four years, and from thence passed to the present farm of
AJonso N. Kinney, and erected the homestead which the
latter at pi aipies, where he passed the remainder of
his life, living to the age of eighty-seven years. Hi' had
-even children. — Josiah ti.. Sarah. Waller i who was a
lawyer at Q-reenbush, and died there), Henry S., Lewis,
U -.sell i who practiced medicine at Wynant's Kill), and
AlonZO N. Kinney. Lewis and Alon/.o X. are the only
now living in town G irge D., son of Walter, with
a brother and three sisters, lives at the toll-gate, near
Wynant's Kill.
The farm adj lining the Kinney firm was occupied at an
early day by Peter Sharp. He hail two daughters ^one of
whom married a Van Alstyne, and the other a Simmons)
and a sun Frederick. Columbus Sharp lived in the home-
i until his death, and it is now occupied by Frederick
Sharp.
I nadt and Capt. Frederick lJarringer settled south of
the Kinney farm at an early date. They engaged in farm-
ing, and raised a large family of children, none of whom
now reside in town.
Henry Frazee came in about sixty-five years ago, and
located in the northeastern part of the town. He was born
at Woodbridge. N. J., May 8, L786. He was a promiuent
m m in the town for many years, and filled the office of
justice of the peace sixty years. William O. Frazee is a
blacksmith at Wynant's Kill.
The Vandenburghs, Bloomingdales, and their families
also settled early iu the town.
TAVERNS.
M. 1 1 Freest had an early inn at Blooming Grove,
where tic Couch tavern now is, nearly a century ago. Jonas
Smith. Mr. Southwick. Mr. Uline, John \ 'an Valken-
burgh, Mortimer Lansing. Mr. Covert, David De Freest,
and Couch, th proprietor, have been there since.
Charles Ostrander kept a tavern mi the hill, about a mile
and a half cast of Blooming Grove, seventy-five years ago.
It was frequently known as the "slaughter-house," on ac-
count of the many personal affrays thai t . .. .k place there in
early ti - between the numerous patron- of the bar.
Henry Kinnej kepi an rn al Wynantskill, where
doh is, about Bcventy-tbrce or four years ago. A
man \<\ the name of Edick, Ala. on Price, Cornelius Du
I I larins Allen. Miller.
Willands, and others, have 1 n his sin ■ \1 r. ( 'asey
has been proprietor of the tavern for a number of years.
The other tavern al Wynantskill was buill at an early day,
and u.i- kept by ILiii . I i : . Sipperly & Bagaman,
Sun I Richard Allen, Ferguson, Jacob Scher-
mcrhorn, and others. William W. Wit! k. the pr i
proprietor, has been in charge about -i\ yt una. \ man
named Shoemaker kept a pioneer tavern in the village of |
half a century ago, on tl rncr near the ferry,
where the town clerk's office now is. He was succeeded by
James Van Valkenburgh, and then by John Van Valken-
burgh. John Bates, and Asa Bigelow. John Vauderzee
kept one in the village until 1839, and was succeeded by
James Dearstyne, who now keeps the principal hotel in the
place. Messrs. Strope & Bates kept one, at different
periods, where Ham & Cook's coal-yard now is, at early
dates. There are several now in the village, most of which
are of minor importance. About half a mile south of the
village, Richard Hilton kept an early tavern near the open-
ing of the present century. He was preceded by others
whose names are not now known. A large number of
others have existed in the town, and besides those that
have been mentioned, there are a number of smaller ones
in different parts of the town, and especially at Bath.
The town has not had a large supply of stores. Prob-
ably the first were kept at Blooming Grove in connection
with the old De Freest tavern. Jonas Smith, Martians
Lansing, John Mason, and Cornelius aud William Witbcck
have been among those who have been in trade at that
point. Frazee & Warner had a store at Wynantskill
about forty years ago. The present store at that point was
established by Peter Uline a decade ago. He kept it
there several years, and was succeeded by Edward Mc-
Gruire. Harmon Vanderzee is the present proprietor of the
store. One of the earliest stores at Bath was kept by
Clark & Van Alstyue. Asa Mann and Jeremiah Clark
also had early stores. Martin Van Alstyne succeeded Asa
Mann. Clark & Van Alstyne then occupied the old Asa
Mann store together. They built the sloop " Gen. Greene,"
and in it transported their commodities to the New York
market, consisting, among other things, of lumber and
marble. John Van Valkenburgh and Peter Van Alstyue
succeeded, and were in trade a good while. Upon the dis-
solution of the copartnership the former remained in trade
alone. John Martin, Dearstyne & Martin, and Dearstyne
Brothers followed next in turn.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Henry Downs was one of the earliest physicians of
the town, and practiced at Blooming Grove about seventy
years ajo. Hi- successor was Dr. Ohadiah E. Lansing,
who practiced over fifty years ago, and has been dead about
ten years. Dr. Anthony Ten Eyck followed next in that
locality, and is still in practice. Dr. Asepb Clark was in
practice al Wynantskill over sixty-five years ago. He re-
sided where the lower tavern now is. Prior to his death
Dr. Alon/.o Streeter located at that point, and was in prac-
tice a good many years. He subsequently removed to Troy,
where he died. Dr. Ko-wcll Ki y was in practice there
atone time. Dr. Tappan was probably the first physician
lo practice at Lath. Dr. Vales was in practice there foi
some time, and died there. The physicians al present al
Bath are Dr. Harrington, Dr. Rulison, Dr. Abbott, and
Dr. Haskell.
i ill l.i G W, PROFESSION
has had hut a limited representation in the town. Henry
I' -. Ksij.. practiced at Bath about seventy years ago,
aud subsequently became i nty judge. Winfield II
enor has been in practice there for twelve or fourteen years.
ALFRED KOON.
Alfred Koon was a sou of Judge
Henry Koon of this county, and was
born Nov. 1, 1809, near Blooming
Grove, in the town of North Green-
bush. His early life was passed at
work upon his father's farm, :ind in
attendance upon the district schools
of his locality. His higher education
was obtained in Dutchess County.
At the age of twenty-six ho re-
ceived the paternal farm from his
father, in connection with his brother,
Jehu L. Koon, and the two together
worked it for a few years. Subse-
quently, it became the sole possession
of Alfred, who remained there until
the spring of 1857, when he located
on the farm now occupied by his
widow, Delia Koon. There he passed
the remainder of his life engaged in
farming, in the milk business, and in
speculating in cattle, — a business that
called him each year from his home to
the West. He died July 20, 1872, in
the sixty-third year of his age.
Though naturally diffident and un-
assuming, he was called upon by his
fellow-citizens to several positions of
honor and trust. In his earlier days
Alfred Koon
he was prominent in the militia of th.
State, and rose to the rank of colonel
of a regiment. Later on he filled the
offices of commissioner of highways,
school trustee, and for a number of
years was postmaster of the Wynants-
kill post-office. On Dec. 28, 1837.
he was united in marriage to Delia,
daughter of Frederick Sharpe, of North
Greenbush, who still survives him.
Eight children were bom to the union,
— Mary A., who married Peter White,
and lives on the old Koon homestead ;
Henry L., who is engaged in the mer-
cantile business at San Francisco;
Annie E., who married Sylvester Lapc,
and resides at Millville, in the town of
Brunswick ; Delia J., who married
Clark Lape, and lives in North Green-
bush ; Cornelia L., who resides at
home ; Flora, who married Sidney
Hidley, and resides in the town of
Brunswick; and Allied Koon, the
youngest child, who resides at home.
Another child died in infancy.
Alfred Koon was highly respected
in the community in which he resided,
and his death occasioned much regret
to the many friends who admired him
for his many good qualities.
Residence of DELIA KOON , North Greenbush, NY
TOWN OP NORTH G RMrONBItSII.
:;i7
11 Kill WAYS.
These :it first consisted of bridle paths which followed a
lino of " blazed" or marked trees. They were succeeded
by the early county and town mails; hut the description
of these, as found in the records, is so indefinite as to be of
mi interest or value here. Probably the oldest mails in the
town are those leading south from Troy to the Albany
Turnpike; and east from Bath to the Sand Lake Turnpike.
The Troy and Sand Lake Turnpike passes through the
northeast corner of the town. The Troy and Greenbush
Railroad passes north and south through the town along
the river, and has a station at the village of Bath.
IV.— CIVIL H1STOKY.
The civil organization of the town dates from Feb. 2:!,
1855. Before that date it formed part of the towu of
(ireenbusli.
The first town-meeting was held on April 3, 1855, Henry
Frazee and William Witbeck, justices of the peace, presid-
ing. The first town officers were chosen the same day, and
consisted of Supervisor, Abram Witbeck ; Town Clerk,
Garrit Vandenburgh ; Assessor, Philip L. De Freest ;
Commissioners of Highways, Rinier M. De Freest, Matthew
V. A. Fondy, Francis E. Ritchie ; Justices of the Peace,
Barney Wendell, Abram Witbeck ; Overseers of the Poor,
Cornelius Dubois, John G. Sharp ; Collector, David D. De
Freest ; Superintendent of Common Schools, Sandford A.
Tracy; Inspectors of Election, 1st District, John Fonda,
John W. Vandenburgh, George W. Green (appointed) ;
2d District, Andrew V. Barringer, Alonzo N. Kinney,
James Henderson (appointed) ; Constables, David H. Why-
land, Chauncey I. Wendell, David S. Wendell, Harmon
Snyder, Barney Cole ; Sealer of Weights and Measures,
John B. Marble ; John Mason and Hubbard Ferguson
were elected Pouudmasters.
Siuce the organization of the town the following persons
have held its principal offices :
SUPERVISORS.
1855, Abram Witbeck ; 1856-59, R. M. De Freest ; I860, J. W. Van-
denburgh; 1861-63, P. M. De Freest; 1864-67, M. V. A. Fonda;
1S68-69, M. P. De Freest; 1870-73, C. C. Phillips; 1874, J. M.
Wendell; 1875-77, J. A. Miller; 1878, J. II. Dearstyne; 1S79,
John H. Dearstyne.
TOWN CLERKS.
1855, Garrit Vandenburgh; 1S56-57, Barney Cole; 1858, George It.
Manville; 1861, Garrit Vandenburgh ; 1864, Martin L. Ilauei- :
1866, Garrit Vandenburgh; 186S, John D. Lansing ; 1871, Gar-
rit Vandenburgh; 1873, Henry V. Lansing; 1874, Jacob L.
Abbott; 1876, Henry C. Younghaus; 1877, John Cavanaugh —
still in office.
JUSTICES OP THE PEACE.
1855, Barney Wendell, Abram Witbeck; 1856, William Witbeck;
1857, Henry Frazee; 1S58, Abram Witbeck ; 1S59, Barney Wen-
dell; 1860, Wm. Witbeck; 1861, Henry Frazee; 1802, Abram
Witbeek; 1S63, Edwin Stall; 1864, David B. Williams: 1865,
Henry Frazee; 1866, De Witt C. De Freest: 1867, Winfleld S.
Hevenor; 1868, David B.Williams; ISti'J, Henry Frazee, John
Fonda; 1870, Wm. H. Hegeman ; 1871, Cbas. J. Wells; 1872,
David B. Williams; 1873, Henry Frazee; 1874, Thomas Cole;
1875, Edgar Sharpe; 1876, John D. Houghtaling; 1877. Charles
E. Kinney; 1878, Thomas Colo; 1879, Adam E. Roberts.
V.— VILLAGES A.\h ll.Wll.i.i
BATH on Till. III I.
is the principal village ill I lie town, and was laid out by I lie
patroon inwards the close of the lasl century, though el
tlements had been made al thai point at a much earlier day.
The traveler Maud, in his " Visil in Niagara,'' in L800
says that it is likely to soon surpass Troy and I. ;burgh
in trade, and Ballston and Saratoga as a watering-place.
The village occupies a delightful sin- on the high ground
skirting the river, opposite the city of Albany, and com-
mands a beautiful view of that city and surrounding towns.
It is regularly laid out in Streets, lias an organized village
government, three churches, several hotels, good schools and
stores, many pleasant dwellings, and a population of up-
wards of 2000 inhabitants. It is connected with Albany
by steam ferry-boats, and the Troy and Greenbusb Railroad
passes through it.
The ferry has been operated from a very early date,
being of a very moderate character when first established.
Martin Van Alstyne and Jeremiah (Mark bad a seow-1'erry
there over sixty years ago, and afterwards ran thai, together
with a boat for conveying horses, as late as 1825 or 1826.
One of the first houses built in the present village was
by Capt. Marvin, and was the one now occupied and owned
by Samuel Dearstyne. The timber composing the frames
was cut from the lot upon which the bouse stands. Others
were erected soon after by Asa Mann, Jeremiah Clark, and
John Woods. Among other early settlers of the village
were the Livingstons, Robert and Volkert Orsons, and
Henry Dearstyne. In 1816 there were but twenty duell-
ing-houses in the village.
The latter took its name from the supposed medicinal
qualities of a spring, slightly colored by iron, or the quali-
ties of the tan-bark under which it flows, which exists near
it. It was formally incorporated as a village by virtue of
an act of the Legislature, passed May 5, 1874, with the
following bounds :
" Beginning at a point on the east shore of the Hudson River (at
low-water mark), where the north line of the town of Greenbush in-
tersects the said river; and running thence from said point along the
said north line of said town of Greenbush south, fifty-nine degrees
forty minutes east, about two thousand and eighty feet to the centre
of Quaekendary Kill (in this line there are two stone monuments
set in the ground, one on the west side of Broadway, and one on the
brow of the hill west of the said Quaekendary Kill, to indicate the
direction of the line); thence up and along the centre of said Quaek-
endary Kill, and the most westerly braueh thereof, to a stone monu-
ment set in the ground, and which said stone monument bears south,
sixteen degrees forty-five minutes west, one hundred and forty feet
from a stone monument .set in the ground on the north side of the Al-
bany and Sand Lake plank-road ; thence north, sixteen degrees forty-
five minutes east, one hundred and forty feet to said stone monument
on the north side of said Albany and Sand Lake plank-road; and thence
south, eighty-six degrees thirty minutes west, about eleven hundred
and ninety-four feet to a stone monument in the centre of the gate-
way at the entrance to the grounds of P. S. Forbes; thence north
twenty-one degrees twenty-five minutes east, about four hundred and
sis feet to a stone monument ; tie nee north forty degrees thirty min-
utes west, about seventeen hundred feet to the Hudson River; thence
westerly, and at right angles to the shore of said Hudson River, until
such line meets the channel of said river: thence down and along the
said channel (and which line is the westerly boundary of the county
of Rensselaer) until a. line drawn westerly arid at right angles to the
shore of said river from the place of beginning shall intersect, said
channel; and thence from said poinl easterly to the place of begin-
348
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ning: ami oontaining, exclusive of said river, aboul two hundred and
Bft j acres, n! surveyed bj I.. D. Eddy and othors, and the courses
taken ae the oiagnotic needle nov, points, comprising n pari of the
town of North Qroenbash, in the count; of Rensselaer, and State of
New York."
The presidents and clerks of the village since its incor-
poration have been :
•denrt.— 1874, Whiting G. Snow; 1875-76, W. S.
II renor; L 877, Chester G. Bam; L878, David E.Mason.
Clerks.— 1874-76, W. J. Cooper; 1877, and since,
John II. Deantyne.
The village has no regular post-office, but is within the
delivery limits of the post-office of tin- .-ii\ .if Albany, and
is daily visited by carriers from that city. In the earlier
yours of tin' villa;;.' a p..>l ..tli.'.' .'xist.'.l al 1 >ear.-t yne's store.
an.l the first pustinastor is said to have been Cornelius
Dearstyne.
The Bath Bre department includes a hook-and-laddcr
company and a company of protectors.
The A. L. Botchkin Book-and-Ladder Company was
organized in 1-7 I. employs the apparatus usually employed
by such organizations, and is officered by Charles Harris,
foreman, and Luke Phclan. Assistant Foreman.
The W. S. Bevenor Protectors were organized in 1876,
and are equipped with fire-extinguishers and the other
adjuncts customary to such bodies. The foreman of the
ii;. i- Benry Cone.
Two enterprising newspapers, known as the Bath Sun
and the Eviiing Star, are published in the village.
DE FREESVILLE,
soim-tinns called Blooming Grove, is a hamlet in the south
part of the town. Settlements were made here very early.
1 I contains a Reformed church, a hotel, a blacksmith-shop, a
wagon-shop, a store, and about twenty dwelling-houses. The
office was established at an early period. One of the
first postmasters, it' not the first, was Jonas Smith. The
office has been filled by most of those who have been men-
tioned in c iction with the tavern at that point. Mr.
Couch is the present postmaster.
WYNANTSKILL
i- another flourishing hamlet, in the northeastern part of
the town. It contains two Lutheran churches, two hotels,
several blacksmith- and wagon-shops, and about a
score of dwellings. The posl office was established about
sixty yean ago, and was originally kept on the same site
where it now Btands. Dr. Aseph Clark was the first post-
master, and was followed iii course of time by Dr. Alonzo
Streeter, Benry Prazee, Alfred Coon, Mr. Casey, and
'1 ill.' pr.'.-.'iil j.o.-liiia.-lcr. who took tl flic
about four yean nj
vi i in i vi [ONAL. '
The early schools of the town were all Dutch, and the
instruction was given in that language. The sessions of
the schools were held in private houses and barns. Latei
on the pastors of the !!■ formed church, s ai Blooming
re and Wynantskill performed th«' duties of both tem-
poral and spiritual instructors. I chising of the
youth" was an important part of their responsibiliti
One of the earliest school-houses in the town stood about
three-quarters of a mile from Blooming Grove. The in-
stinct ion there was all imparted in the Dutch language.
Others followed soon after in different parts of the
town.
At the time of the incorporation of the town in 1S55, it
contained four whole school districts, four joint districts,
and one part of a school district. A joint district is where
the school-house is in the town, and a part district is where
the bouse is in an adjoining town.
On .March 31, IST'J, the commissioner's certificate of
apportionment shows that there were eight districts in the
town, having in attendance 1706 children.
Several private schools of note have existed in the town
at different times.
VII.— CHURCHES.
THE REFORMED CHURCH OF WYNANTSKILL
has been in existence nearly a hundred years. The earliest
record now existing is that of a call to the Rev. Jacobus
Van Campen, in 1794. The members of the consistory at
that time were George Barringer, George Sharpe, Philip
Barringer, and William Cooper. In 1S01 he was succeeded
by the Rev. J. L. Sabriskie. Other pastors have been
Revs. R. A. Westervelt, C. Bogardus, A. Bronson, E.
SHngerland, C. Garts, Jacob A. Lansing, J. J. Quick,
James Stephenson, J. S. L. Tomb, and the present incum-
bent, Charles P. Evans.
The church is very prosperous, with a membership of
about 100.
A Second Reformed Church also exists at Wynantskill,
an outgrowth of this church. Its society occupies a neat
church edifice in the village, and is in a live condition.
DUTCH REFORMED, BLOOMING GROVE.
This church was organized in 1811. when the exist-
ing union between the Greenbush and Wynantskill churches
was dissolved by act of Classis. From 1S14, this (the
Blooming Grove) church, with that of Greenbush, formed
one charge, until 1S30, when it was dissolved by acl of
Classis. Some of the pastors have been Rev. Messrs.
Nicholas J. Marsclus, 1814-22; Benjamin C. Taylor, (
1822-25; A. Henry Dumont, 1826-29; Stephen (Gran-
der, 1831-39; Jasper Middlcmas. 1840-44; Peter 8.
Wynkoop, 1844-48; William A. Cornell, 1849-52 ; Cyril
Spaulding, L852-56 ; Leonard II. Van Dyke, 1856 6U
John A. Staats. ISlM-f.f. : Wilson Ingalls, 1867. Tile
present pastor is \V. II. Van Doreu. The society occupies
a neat house of worship at Blooming Grove.
NORTH QBEENBI -II BAPTIST.
Permission having been granted by the Albany Baptisl
Missionary Union for the establishment of a church at
Bath, measures looking to such organization were under-
taken so,,,,, time prior to 1809. The first meetings wen
held in the dwelling-house on the corner of Fowler and
Park Streets, in Bath. \ small meeting-house was soon
after erected on the corner of I'Vrry and Second Streets.
This was taken down subsequently, and another erected on
the site of the present in the fall of 1*711, and dedi-
Lewis Kinney.
^rs. Lewis Kinney.
Residence or LEWIS KINNEY. North Greenbush.n.y.
TOWN OK NORTH (i IJ I0KN Ml TSI I .
349
oated the following spring;. On Jan. 21, 1874, this was
destroyed by lire, entailing a loss cm the society, upon tin1
building alone, of $SOOO, less than one-half of which was
covered by insurance. Meetings were then held in the
building el' the Methodist church, and in the Bchool-house
at Bath, and the erection of a meeting-house wasc nenced
semi alter. This was dedicated Feb. 18, 1875, and is the
one at present used by the society.
The first pastor ef the church was Rev. W. P. Benedict,
who commenced his labors soon after its organization, and
left April 21, 1809. On Aug. 16, 1869, a call was ex-
tended to Rev. .J. W. Hammond, who acted as pastor of
the church from November of that year to Sept. 15, L870,
when his connection with the church terminated. On Sept.
2ti, 1871, Rev. W. H. Dorwood was ordained pastor of
the church, and continued in that relation until Jan. 3,
1873. Rev. J. L. Ray became pastor on Oct. 5, 1873,
and was dismissed in December, 1877. Rev. Robert N.
Van Doren, the present pastor, commenced his labors on
April 1. 1878.
The church is in a prosperous condition, comprising a
membership of 165. Sabbath-school, 175 members.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, BATH.
About the year 1857 the Albany Methodist Sunday-
School Union established a small mission-school in the
village of Bath, for the purpose of looking after the chil-
dren there who needed religious instruction. Joseph II.
Palmer, of Greenbush, was the first superintendent of the
school.
In 1867 the board of managers of the Union erected a
beautiful chapel at a cost of some $5500, which was dedi-
cated to the uses of the mission Dec. 23, 1867, and imme-
diately occupied. A small class was organized soon after
with John G. Cooper as leader, the class holding member-
ship with the Broadway Methodist Episcopal Church of
Albany.
At the commencement of the conference year of 1867
and 1868, Rev. A. A. Farr, chaplain of the Soldiers'
Home, was engaged to preach on Sabbath evenings for one
year, alternating between Bath and East Albany, having
fur his colleague Henry Wendell, a member of the Hudson
Street Methodist Episcopal Church. On Jan. 12, 1868,
having concluded his labors at the Soldiers' Home, the
board of managers engaged his services until the ensuing
annual conference. He commenced a series of meetings,
which continued about six weeks, and the result was the
conversion of about 100 souls, many of whom were
heads of families. The Sabbath-school shared largely in
the work. On February 2, 54 persons were received
on probation in the church. Afterwards others were
admitted, making the whole number between 80 and
90 probationers. The work was such that the board of
managers felt it important to have a regular missionary to
attend to this place, and other appointments under the
supervision of the Union. Accordingly, at the session of
the Troy Conference, April 8, 1868, Rev. A. A. Farr was
appointed as missionary of the Albany Methodist Sunday-
School Union, with the understanding that he was to pay
particular attention to Bath and East Albany. The first
love-feast was held May 6, 1868, the presiding elder, R
Samuel Meredith, being present. The first quarterly con
ferenoe l ting was held the same evening. Tie- tocietj
was organized with about 120 members.
\i the session of the Troy Conference, in April, L869,
Louis A. Beaudry was appointed to the missions of the
Albany Methodist Sunday School Union, the first ap-
pointee from Conference lie took up his residence al
Bath.
In June, 1870, a thriving colony from the ( livenlm-h
Methodist Episcopal Church formed a separate society in
East Albany, ami constituted with Bath a distinct pastoral
charge, the preacher in charge alternating between the two
places, assisted by Rev. 1'. I*. llarrower, a resident of Al-
bany, appointed in 1870. Local preachers were also em-
ployed. Bath, in I860, had 67 members and 51! proba-
tioners; in 1872 it had 122 members and 49 probationers.
East Albany had also somewhat increased. Soon after, two
preachers were put in charge, — a regular appointee from
Conference, at Bath, with supervisory charge of all, and a
supply at East Albany.
At the conference of 1872, Rev. I. C. Fenton was ap-
pointed preacher in charge of Bath and East Albany, and
Rufus Wendell assistant. The movement at East Albany
finally declined, and Bath became a separate and distinct
charge.
Rev. J. E. Metcalf came in 1874, and left in 1877.
Then Rev. Edwin P. Stevens, the present pastor, succeeded.
Since his appointment the church has been transferred
from the Union to the Bath society.
The present membership of the church is about 150 ;
average attendance on Sabbath-school, 211 ; number of vol-
umes in the library, 450 ; Superintendent, James S. Rowley.
FREE METHODISTS.
A church of this denomination has existed at Bath for
a number of years. It is at present under the pastoral
charge of Elder Levi Kelly.
VIII.— BURIAL-PLACES.
BLOOMING GROVE RURAL CEMETERY
is situated near De Freestville, on the road leading to Wy-
nant's Kill. It is a handsome and commodious yard, con-
taining about seven acres of land, and was laid out about
thirty-five years ago. It contains a large number of bodies
that were removed to it from the private yards of the town.
The oldest stones now standing in the yard record the
deaths of David De Freest, Aug. 18, 1815, aged sixty-eight
years, three months, and twenty-seven days ; Thomas L.
Witbeck, Sept. 4, 1879, aged forty-nine years, six months.
and nine days ; John Vandenburgh, Dec. 28, 1797, aged
twenty years, five months, and twenty-five days ; John De
Freest, Jan. 20, 1S57, aged seventy-two years, eight months,
and seven days; and David M. De Freest, April 6, 1835,
aged seventy-nine years, eight months, and seven days.
BEVERWYCK CEMETERY.
The burying-grounds of the Beverwyck Cemetery As-
sociation, at Bath-on-the-Hudson, was originally deeded by
Stephen Van Rensselaer to Jeremiah Clark, James or John
:..vi
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
\V ..ids, and Martin Van Alstyne, to hold in trust for the
inhabitants of the village, and to be used for burial pur-
poses only. The trust was to descend to the heirs of these
gentlemen after their decease. Edward M. Van Alstyne,
Bon of Martin Van Alstyne, is the sole living trustee. The
oemetery has recently been taken in charge by the above-
mentioned association, who arc incorporated under the gen-
eral laws of the State relating to cemeteries. The directors
of the association arc Cornelius Pearstyne, Cyrus Cole,
Timothy Sutliffe, and Edward M. Van Alstyne. The
cemetery comprises about 2'. acres of land.
The yard contains a large number of graves. The old-
esl Btone now standing in it contains the inscription:
"In manor; of Joseph Gates, who departed tins life March 10,
l*ini. in the thirty-third year of his age."
It is said, however, that a number of the oldest graves
have long since sunk out of sight, being unmarked by
atones.
EVERGREEN CEMETERY, WTNANTSKILL,
was laid out about three years ago. The first person buried
in it was Henry Frazee, who died Aug. 11, 1870. There
are now a dozen original interments in the yard, the re-
mainder being removals from other yards. Several hand-
some monuments already stand in the yard, which comprises
about eight acres of laud, and is not yet in a state of com-
pletion. The second burial in the cemetery was that of
Columbus Sharpe, born June 1, 1816, died July 22, 1876.
The yard is under the control of an association which is
incorporated under the general laws of the State. The
officers of the association are A. N. Kinney, President;
Philip De Freest, Vice-President; C. E. Kinney, Secretary;
Trustees, George W. Ketchatn, Matthew Vandenburgh,
Charles Vanderzee, Philip S. Vanderzee, Philip De Freest,
George G. Kinney, Thomas Cole, R. L. Betz, and A. N.
Kinney.
Besides these principal cemeteries there arc others of
minor importance in the town, including several private
ones.
IX.— SOCIETIES.
MVERSWR I.OHOE, KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, NO. 47.
WSJ organized six or seven years ago. Its sessions are held
iti the villas : Hath. The present officers of the lodge
are: C. C, Tl lore Carpenter; K. R. S., Edward 1$.
Knight.
\ l v i . i 3TRIAL I'l RSUITS.
The quality of the soil in the town has always offered
strong indiici-uiints to agriculturists, and farming and gar-
dening have constituted the principal occupation of the in-
habitant.* from the oarli. -t date. 'flic waler-powcr of the
town i- almost totally lacking. With the exception of the
limited power afforded by the Wynanta Kill none other of
consoqnen riots in the town. Saw-mills hare existed
from an early period in the town, and the making of potash
and other domestic products have occupied a share of atten-
tion. These, with the exception of a few blacksmith- and
■niprise the most of iic industrial pursuits of
the 'own. aside IV farming.
XI— MILITARY.
The town has had a creditable representation in the vari-
ous wars that have occurred in the country. In the Revo-
lutionary war a large number of the then scanty population
performed active service. Among them were Peter De
Freest and Maj. Jacob De Freest, the latter of whom was
an officer of rank and influence. Henry Kinney, who
settled in the town after the close of the war, served from
Dutchess County.
In the war of 1S12 a number of the residents of the
town prepared to participate, and joined the army, but saw
little or no service. Among these heroes were Volkert V.
Vandenburgh, Henry S. Kinney, Capt. Philip and Maj. Jacob
Barringer, Martin Van Alstyne, Col. John De Freest,
Stephen Williams, and John Dearstyne.
Stewart Snowdon, a representative of the town in the
Mexican war, lost a leg in that struggle.
The record of the town in the late war was particularly
patriotic and praiseworthy. The several quotas of the town
were promptly filled.
THE AH.MY LIST, WAR OF lSu'1-65,
prepared from muster-rolls of the State and from the reports
of the census of 1S65, is as follows :
James Leu, enl. Aug. 1SC1, 43d Regt.; rc-enl. Jan. 1864.
John Trovell, enl. Aug. 11,1861,113th Rcgt. ; pro. lo sergt ; wounded.
Thomas Vickange, enl. April 23, 1861, 3d Regt
Alexis McDonald, enl. Sept. 1, 1S64, 9lst Regt
Charles Blake, enl. April, 1862, 122d Regt.
Geo. Blake, enl. Sept. 1SG4, 122d Regt.
John Day, enl. Navy, ship " Ottawa."
Peter Brown, enl. Sept. 1S64, 2.'d Regt.
Theodore Fremont, enl. July 2o, ISfil, 7th Art.
Erastus Chase, enl. Sept. 1, 1SG4, 91st Regt.
Charles B. Hosmer, enl. Aug. _ I. 1*64, Navy, ship " Moose."
James McKnah, enl. Oct. 18G1, 10th Regt.; died of typhoid fever, La.
Henry Cone, eul. Sept. 1, 18G4, 91st Regt.
Jacob Schermerhorn, enl. Sept. 31, ISM, Navy, " Grand Gulf."
Win. Smith, enl. Sept. 16, 1S61, Gth Vermont
John Hacknell, enl. Aug. 31, 1863, 44th Regt. ; trans, to 144th Regt.
Theodore Carpenter, enl. Oct. 20, 1862, 177th Rogt. ; rc-enl. Sept. 6, 1861, 8th
Art
John Vanacker, enl. Jan. 11, ls.'.l. 60th Eng. Corps-
Adolphus Fallie, eul. Aug. 5, 1S62, 105th Ohio.
Daniul Do Frocst, enl. Sept. 17,1864,23d An.: Iran-, to sili An.
John S. Whorton, 1st lieut., enl. Sept. 1861, 14th Regt.
Jacob Smandor, enl. Dec. 7, 1861, 91st Rogt
Henry E. Stroup, eul. Jan. 1, 1SG4.
John Bnyco, enl. Fob. 9, 1866, 192d Regt
John Unkstine.enl. 126th N. Y.
George F. Vanderze, enl. 126th Rogt.
Edward Vanderze, enl. lG9th Regt
George 11. Ga.leau, enl. 12">th ltegl.
John Radcliir, enl. July 4, 1863.
Alexander Freeling, enl. Oel. 28, 1861, 12th Art.; taken prisonor.
Nathaniel A.I- i t, enl. Sopt 1, 1864, 91«1 Kegt
Win. McCumber, enl. Aug. 1862, 122d Regt
Wni. Gregory, ont Aug. 16, 1861, 91st llegt.
Stephen Redcllff, onl. Aug 4, 1862,7th art; wounded.
Win. It. Swan, .ill. Aug. an, 1862, t it li Regt; wound' 1
.-.1 ,- 11. Brown, onL on. :■. 181 -. 177th Rogl
Alberi H. South worth, enl. Aug. Isr.j, ]::itl, Hegt
Samuel Eliiiendorph. enl. Aug. 24, 1862, 1J1-I ltegl.
Sylveit.i r.,"rlyne, , ,,1 v., 1862, lllh Regt j ro-enl. Aug. 18G3, Navy, ihlp
"Grand Gulf."
Salhnni.'l Walla... 8 pi ,181 Vo J . -li lp ' 'Ml mphis."
Win. .1. Ooopcr, .nl. .lul.v 29, 1862, llih An.
Tlmothj Hodge, enl. A in;. 9, 1861, 115th 0»T.
Timothy Cuuimings, enl. Ang. 22, 1863, I lib Vermont Q»Y.
|. oil QrOgory, enl. Aug 1862, 14th Regt; re-enl.Hr.th Itegt.
Phil.. Gregory, onl. June, 1862, Navy, »hlp"Port Hovel ;" re-cnl. 24th 0»T,
Cherloa Gregory, enl. Aug, 21, 1864, BUI Regt
Paul Omen, enl Dec II, 1863, 11th Art
rharl — lr. .ling, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, llth Ait.
Win. K. Benhibnry.enl 1,181 1,91 I Bi <
Fredoriek Muon, onl. Sepl J. 1882, him Regt . ■ ■ •"! MOlb Regt
James Henderson
Mrs. Margaret ^enderson.
■BE'1^*: '':-T^^ "^-:r.- :rr -"-"%;•
5* «\P**
TOWN OF NORTH (iKKKNIMISII.
351
fleo. M. Davidson, onl. Sept. 16, 1861, 91k1 l: I
John II Mackcy, oil. Sept. li, ISOl, lltli Regt.
Wm. 11. Oaatle, enl. Oct 1862, 31sl Begt; n led; trans, to 7th v. it, Bee.
(' il [is.
John J. Castle, corp., enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 7ih II, An.; pro to nergt. and l«t
sorgt. ; wounded at Cold Harbor.
Itavi.l Stiver, onl. Sept. 3, 18G4, Navy, Bhlp " Grand Gulf."
Hamilton Berry, corp., enl. Aug. 17,1862,7th II. Art.; pro. to lieut. on Gen.
Kind's staff.
John Moore, enl. Aug. 29, 1862; killed In battle.
Jamoa Wilson, enl. Auk. 29, 1862, Olsl Bi i
1>. II. Collins, "nl. Nov. 6, 1861, I02d Begl ; pro. I" sorgt.: re-enl. K.I.. js, |866
Charles s. < Ibamplne, enl. Aug. 29, L861, 91at Begt ; pro. 1" corp.
Hdlson D. Wilkins, coi*p., enl. Dec. 1", 1861,91st Begt.; pro. to sergt. ; re*enl ;
wounded .Ian. 1865.
■la.,,!, fodklns, ■•nl. Lug, 24, 181 1, '" I I
Wm. Hamilton, surgeon, • nl | I I I02d III I: . gl
Bobart Hamilton, quartemiastor, enl. Sept. 1,1863, I02d I" Bi ■
Leonard VTentwoi tb, enl. Juno, 1861, Navy, - 1* j i > ' Ha "
Robert Cory, onl Hay 17, 1861, 24th Bi I
Henry White, enl. May, 1862,3d Begt
/'('<'/ in Serviot
John Mooro, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 103d N. V. Begt.; trans, t.. 113tfa Begt; died
July 13, 1862, 'I Petersburg.
John A. Morris, enl. Dei 29, 1863, n lth Begl ; died at Indel ohtIIIi
Edward Todklns, enl. Aug. 29, 1864, 91al Begt; dlod March 31, 1866, al Peters-
burg, Va.
Mollis French, enl. Aug. 2,1862,116th III. Begt; re-enl. 7th III.; died Vprll
1864. hi Camp Chase.
JOHN S. MYERS.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JAMES HENDERSON
is a son of James Henderson, of Fort Edward, Washington
I Co., where he was born Jan. 21, 1802. He passed the
earlier years of his life on his father's farm, enjoying the
benefit of such educational instruction as the neighborhood
afforded. Later on he engaged in various occupations,
working on the Champlain Canal, and as a forwarder of
lumber.
In the year 1837 he removed his family to Rensselaer
County, and located in what is now the eastern part of the
town of Poestenkill. Here he engaged in the lumbering
business until the year 1850, when he settled at Wynants-
j kill, in the town of North Greenbush, and engaged in farm-
ing and lumbering. He still resides at this point, and is a
farmer by occupation.
Mr. Henderson has filled various offices of responsibility
in the course of his life. He was the first supervisor of the
town of Poestenkill in 1848-49, and has been highway
commissioner in this town. He is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church at Albia, and is one of the trustees
of the church.
In 1830, Mr. Henderson was united in marriage to Mar-
garet Quitterfield, daughter of Abner Quitterfield, of Fort
Edward, and has had ten children, of whom seven are now
SARAH E. MYERS.
living. John N. resides in New York City; Abner Q.
resides in the town of Brunswick ; George resides in Poes-
tenkill ; Frances C. resides with her father ; James H. lives
in Michigan, and is engaged in the lumber business ; Charles
is a farmer in East Greenbush ; and Taylor is a farmer in
North Greenbush. Mrs. Henderson died Jan. 30, 1870.
LEWIS KINNEY
is a son of Henry Kinney, who located at North Greenbush
in the year 1791, and was one of the early and prominent
settlers of that section of the town. He was born Feb. 1,
1798, on the farm he now occupies at North Greenbush.
He passed his earlier life on the paternal farm, attending
the district school of the locality in the winter season. He
still continued to occupy the old farm until the death of his
father, Sept. 26, 1840, when it was divided in two, one-
half going to Lewis and the other to Alonzo N. Kinney,
his brother, each of whom has continued to occupy his
portion of the farm since.
Mr. Kinney has been a member of the Reformed Dutch
Church of Wynantskill since the year 1S17, and has been
an elder of the church for over thirty years, always con-
tributing liberally of his means to the support of the
church.
He was married on Oct. 1, 1818, to Margaret Auringer,
352
HISTORY OF KENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
of Wynantskill, who is still living at the advanced age of
ninety years. Seven children have been bom to the union,
of whom two only are living, Benry and Sarah. Benry is
a physician at Lima, in South America. Sarah is the wife
of Addison Wait, of Troy.
WILLIAM R LOOM INC DALE.
Cornelias Rlooiningdale. grandfather of William, lived on
the place now occupied by Garret Bloomingdale at an early
day. Lawrence Bloomingdale, son of Cornelius, located in
different parts of the town, and passed his life there. He
bad four children, — Magdalene, Catherine. Cornelius, and
William. Cornelius died young.
William was born Jan. 2, 1827, and passed his early life
at work on various farms in North Greenbush. At the
age of thirty years be married Harriet, daughter of Teunis
Van Valkenburgh, and purchasing the farm which be now
occupies of George N. Sharpe, located there, and has been
there ever since, steadily pursuing bis chosen avocation of
a farmer. The farm comprises over one hundred and forty-
three acres, and is one of the best in the town.
Mr. Bloomingdale has bad two children, — William N.,
who died at the early age of seven years, and Alida C,
who is fourteen years of age, and resides with her father.
EAST GREENBUSH.
[.—GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
Tmk town of East Greenbush is situated on the Hudson
River, nearly opposite the city of Albany, and is bounded
on the north by the town of North Greenbush, on the
south by the town of Schodack, on the east by the town of
Sand Lake, and on the west by the Hudson River and the
town and village of Greenbush. It composed part of the
old town of Greenbush until 1855, when it was incorporated
into a separate town by the name of " Clinton." Its cor-
porate name was changed to East Greenbush in 1S58. The
I: -ton and Albany and Hudson River Railroads pass
through the western section of the town, but have no
station there. The em-us of 18";i gives the population of
the town as 2063. The assessmeut-roll of the year 1878
gives the total value of real estate at $723,345, of personal
property al (37,050, the amount of tax on one-dollar valu-
ation .01554, and the total tax as -S12,015.1S.
II \ \Ti i; \i, FEATURES.
Near the river are the alluvial flats, which are found in
other town- along its course. Beyond these flats are small
foot-hills, or river hills, extending back from the river, and
gradually increasing in altitude until they gain a general
elevation of two bundle.] feet, and present some summits of
three hundred or three hundred and fifty foot. The gen-
eral surface of the town is broken, being diversified with
bills, valley-, ridges, and -mall mar-he- until tl nstern
border i- reached, where are extensive ranges of more lofty
hills with deep valleys, and a soil of little value. Much of
the upland -oil is in aluminous marl, or loam, with tracts of
of gravel, and of -and. The soil i- underlaid with
clay and lodges of slate and limestone.
The principal elevation in the town is opposite Albany.
and is known a^ PonokoM Hill. The chief streams are
Ti.-rken Kill (Blustering or Noisy Creek), or Mill Creek,
in the central par) of the town, and Moerdener's Kill, in
the southwest pari of the town. A large island, known by
the ii.ii f /'■!/../. ana . lie- in the river, and belongs to
the town. A few small streams traverse the different sec-
tions of the town. The soil of the town for the most part
is productive, and easily tilled, and from the summit of
some of its bills a delightful view of the river and surround-
ing country is afforded.
There are several sulphur springs in town, the principal
of which is opposite Albany, and is known as " Harrow-
gate."
The following description is from " Dwigbt's Travels in
1798" :
"After crossing the ferry at Albany, we rode over a charming in-
terval at Qreenbush, handsomer ami more fertile than any i
which I have seen on this road. It extends several miles toward the
south, and is divided into beautiful farms and planted in a thin do
persion, with houses and outbuildings whose appearance sufficiently
indicates the easy circumstances of their proprietors. From thl
cellent gardens which 1 have at tines seen in this spot, nnd the
geniality of soil to every hortulnn production of this climate. I should
naturally have believed that the inhabitants, together with the neigh-
bors, would have supplied the people of Albany with \ cgetabli -. In
stead of this they arc principally furnished by the Shakers "f New
Lebanon, — a strong proof of the extreme reluctance with which tho
Dutch farmers quit their ancient customs, even when allured by the
| < i - of superior gain."
III.— EARL? SETTLEMENT.
The lirst settlement of the town was made by tenants
under Van Rensselaer, prior to 1631. It has scorned most
proper and convenient to mention the earliest of these and
other fact- of iuterest relating to the present territorj of
Easl Greenbush, in connection with the history of the
mother town of Greenbush, to which the reader is referred.
\n ancient Ibrt was erected on the island of Papsk:
opposite the town, in the year 1(581), and some of the eat
settlements in this vicinity were made upon thai beautiful
and fertile island, and beneath its sod were laid to rest tbc
ashes of many of the earliest settlers of New Ncthcrland.
\t a convention held at the city ball in Albany, on Sept
1 1689, it was
• Spoiled at-.. Papalttnikntt nnd Papnkanra.
.
TOWN OF EAST GREENBUSH.
:;:,:;
"/<'<*'"/'■<»/, That I hole be a fort nnuleat I'aopsknoo, in ye most Con-
venient Place, & J't Molgorl abnih, ('hies van lYtton, Marte Cornelis,
gorrit gyBbertson, .V ye Inhabitants of Paepsknee make ye same for
there Beourity, in retreat into upon occasion, ami that, alia Ryokman
& ,Iuhn Beckman see it effected."
Cornells Maas Van Buren came over from Holland in
the shi]) " Uonsselaerswyek," at a very early 'lay, and hail a
farm on the island. He ami his wife were both buried there
on tin' same day, in 111 IS.
The list of the earliest permanent settlers of the town,
together with the location of their houses, is furnished upon
a map of the Manor of Rensselaerswiek, which was " sur-
veyed and laid down" by John 11. Bleecker, in 17(i7. This
is to be seen at the patroon's.
Commencing at the southwest corner of the town, along
the river, appears the residence of Col. Killiaan Van Rens-
selaer, son of Hendrick Van Rensselaer, and a great-grandson
of the first Killiaan. He married, first, Ariaantje Schuyler,
who died Oct. 17, 1763 ; and, secondly, Maria, daughter of
Col. John Low, "Van de Jarseys." He had children, —
Hendrick, Philip, Catharina, Nieolaas, Cafarina, Nieolaas
(2d), Elsie, Maria, and Killiaan. Of these, Hendrick be-
came a colonel in the Revolutionary war, as was his father,
and was badly wounded at the battle of Bends' Heights;
he died Sept. 19, 1816, aged seventy-three years. Nieo-
laas also became a colonel in the Continental army; he was
with Montgomery at the storming of Quebec, at Ticonder-
oga, Fort Miller, Fort Ann, and Bemis' Heights, and was
deputed to carry the intelligence of Burgoyne's surrender
to the citizens of Albany. He died March 29, 1848, at
the age of ninety-four years, and was long familiarly known
in the town as Col. " Nic." Col. Killiaan died Dec. 28,
1781, at the age of sixty-four years, and his wife on July
11, 1807, aged eighty- two.
About a mile east of the river lived Anthony Bries, son
of Hendrick Bries, who was buried on Papskanee Island,
Sept. 22, 1753. Near him lived the " Widow" Bris. An-
thony married Catharyntie Yates, and they had children, —
Hendrick, Johannes, Gerrit, Theunise, Christoffel, Johannes,
and Anthony. The family has been active and influential
in the town and county. John Bris, who lived on the
river road, became sheriff' of the county. Anthony, his
brother, lived near the church at East Greenbush, on prop-
erty owned by the Staats.
Directly north of Anthony Bris lived Tobias Salsbergh.
Returning to the river, and proceeding northerly, came
Teuntie Van Buren, Gerrit C. Van Den Bergh * Melgert
Abraham Witbeck, Abraham Witbcck, John Witbeck, and
Peter Douw. Teuntie Van Buren was probably a descend-
ant of Cornelis Maas Van Buren, who has already been re-
ferred to. Gerrit C. Van Den Bergh was a son of Cornelis
Gysbertse Van Den Bergh, and a descendant of the old
family of that name who settled early in the manor of
Rensselaerswyck. He married Margarita Van Veehten on
July 15, 1729, and they had children,— Volkert, Volkert
(2d), Maria (who died July 5, 1836, aged one hundred and
| one years), Lydia, Margarietta, Gerrit, Teunise, Christina,
and Elizabeth.
* Spelled variously Van Den Bugh, Vandenbergh, Vandenburgh,
etc.
45
The Witbeck family were early settlers of the town, and
are still represented in both Easl and North Greenbush.
They are descended from .Ian Thomase Witbeck alien Van
Witbeck, who was born al Witbeck, in Holstein. William,
Thomas, Peter, and Abraham represented the family in
Greenbush, the middle of the last century. William lived
in what is now North Greenbush, on the old Witbeck farm,
which has been the seat of anti-rent troubles. lie had
four sons, --John \V., .Martin, Peter, and William. All
four passed their lives in town except William, who died tit
Utica. Peter has a sou William living al North Green-
bush. John W. had William, who occasionally resides in
town, William had daughters, — Eveline, Catharine, An-
toinette, and Jane. Eveline married William Van Den
Bergh, sou of Gilbert, and passed her life in town. Has a
son John in East Greenbush. Catharine married Law-
rence Bloomingdale, of North Greenbush. litis a son
William living in the east part of North Greenbush ; also
a daughter at East Greenbush who married Samuel S. War
ner. Antoinette married James Lansing. Jane married
John C. Bloomingdale; two brothers married two sisters.
The first — Thomas — located near his brother ; in fact, all
four located near one another, and got their land of the pa-
troon. He is not represented in town. Died about 1810,
at an advanced age. Peter also located near ; was a farmer;
died a few years after Thomas, at an advanced age. Abram
is not represented in town, but died about 1820.
Peter Douw was a grandson of Capt. Volkert Janse
Douw, from Frederickstadt, who was in Beverwyek, KJ3S
-8G. He was a trader and brewer, and, in connection with
Jan Thomase, dealt largely in real estate. Peter was the
son of Jonas Volkertse, and was born March 24, 1G92, and
died Aug. 21, 1775, aged eighty-three years, five months,
and eight days. Ho married Anna, daughter of Hendrick
Van Rensselaer, on Oct. 8, 1717, and they had children, — ■
Volkert, Hendrik, Catharina, Maria, Margarita, Anna, Eliza-
beth, and Rachel. His son, Volkert P. Douw, resided in
the same place for many years, and was mayor of Albany
from 1761 to 1770. He married for his first wife Anna
De Peyster, and for his second Marytje Cadwers, and left
a large number of children. He died Feb. 26, 1835, and
was buried from his residence in State Street, Albany.
Next along the river lived Henry Cuyler. These last
three being within the present limits of Greenbush.
Less than a mile east of the village lived Christopher J.
Yates, where William A. McCullough now resides. He
married Catharine Lansing, July 17, 1761, and they had
children, — Abraham, Evert, Johannes, Gerrit, Pieter, Catha-
lyntje, Alexander, Annetje, and Christopher. Garret Yates,
a descendant of the family, lived where Adam Dings now
resides, at the opening of the present century, and kept a
public-house. His sons were John G. and Christopher.
George and Garret, sons of the former, are still living in
town.
In the northeast part of the town, about a mile and a
half back from the river, lived Hansie Witbeck, Anthony
Van Evercn, William G. Van Den Bergh, Cornelia Van
Everen, and the widow of Myndert Van Buren. The
family name of the Van Evercn or Van Iveren family was
Myndertse, and the pioneers of the family in this country
354
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY", NEW YORK.
ram.- rrom Ivcren as early as 1659. In c sequence of
this their descendants adopted the name of Van Tveren. as
a surname.
In the extreme northeast corner of the town lived n man
by the nam.- of Ostrander, probably t ho ancestor of the
families of thai name who have since resided in the town.
it a mile west of him lived John Fonda, a descendant
of ilillis Douwese Fonda, who was in Beverwyck as early
as 1654, and a member of the large and influential family
mda.
The only other residence shown on the map is that of
Meldert Van Der Poel, who resided in the extreme south-
east corner of the town. He was probably a descendant of
Wynant Gerrits \ a I '■ r I' id, who had n saw-mill on the
Wynant's Kill, opposite Capt. Philip Schuyler's bouwery,
and near Jcronimus Ebbingh's bouwery in 1674.
The names of many other early settlers of the town will
be found in the history of the Reformed Church.
A "map of that portion of the manor of Rensselnerwick
lying east of the Hudson River," made by John E. Van
Alen, near the opening of the present century, shows the loca-
tion of the lots of those to whom the original surveys were
made. Commencing in the southeast corner of the town
appear the lots of Gen. Van Rensselaer, Vandenbergh,
Buren, C. Van Scherlinc, J. Witbeck,G. C. Vanden-
burgh, Schermerhorn, Christopher Yates, M. Van Ha-
Vanderpoel, J. Wilson. A. Coi per, and J. Van
II :'ii. In the south part of the town are Owen.E.
Phillips, C and J. Van Buren, J. Owen, J. V. D. P., J.
If i J. Salsburgh, II. Van Salsburgh, J. T. V. S., II.
Van Rensselaer, W. Elliot, and 1'. Plas. In the southeast
corner appear J. Muller, S. Muller, S. Hay.-. Andreas
Wcderwax (on the line), G. Ostrander, B. II., T. Phillips,
Townsend, Heron, and J. Herrington. In the
in part of the town appeal- S. Holler, J. Herrington,
A. Mul'er. John Ostrander, S. S. 0., Ostrander,
anil J. Ostrander. In the northeast corner appear Z. Fel-
ler. . I c i I. Rya lorph, T. Hun, J. Rysedorph, K.
Axing, and W . Van Deusen. In the north part are B.
G V. Vandenbergh, II. Cranncll, I). M. De I
ih on the line , !'•. Muller, 11. Van Jereren, K. Van
i. and J. (Comer. In the northwest corner ap-
\V. Vandenbergh, A. Van Jereren, P. Van Ri nsselaer,.
.1 . P., and A. Witbeck. In the WCSl part of the town are
the lots of Van Scbaick, T. Witbeck, and 11. Wit-
beck. Clu : the loi> of II. Van Dcu-
II. Van II" n. W. Van Deusen, M. Van Bocsen, J.
Murrey. II. Withe. k, W. Baltic, J. Proper, and another
Christopl i
Prominent early residents of I. I Grccnbush, since
J hn Hcrrick, Dr. John S. Miller, and the
Knowlton family. The Schermcrli irns, Lansings, and Van
II i have alr.adv been mentioned in the history of
John II ill :. lived on til Boston and Albany
Turnpike Dr. J ihn S. Miller came from Clavi I
lumb I of twenty years, and took up
his i ash, in 1804. He was horn
in Clavcrack, where his lath of the Bret pcrma-
■ opposite the Ri formed
church, at (hi ibush, and practiced his
profession steadily and successfully until his death, on
April 12, 1S5-1, at the aire of seventy-one years. Of his
children, John resides in Clavcrack, Ahram in East Green-
hush, and James 11. has been in the drug business at
Grccnbush since 1855. Joachein died in 1873. Helen
married Stephen Dings, of Schodack Landing.
Manasseh Knowlton came from Ash ford, Conn., about
17S0 or 1790, and settled on the present site of the
village of East Grccnbush. His twin brother. Nathaniel,
settled in the east part of the town. The children of
Manasseh were Orrin. Ephraim, Isaac, Orendia, Elmira,
Maria, George W.. and Parmelia.
Walter ISlliot Came from Ilarpersfield, N. Y., in the
year 1783, and located where David Elliot now reside-.
Prior to his settlement ho had been taken prisoner by
Brandt, the Indian chief, but released by that cultured
savage bi cause of his education and acquirements. He was
formerly from Scotland. Settling in the town, he took up
Hill acres of land of the patroon, which was subsequently
divided between his sons, James and William, — the latter
being the father of Dr. David Elliot.
Sons of Nathaniel were Nathaniel, William, Farnham,
Myron, Emily, and Hosea. Of these Nathaniel still re-
sides in town, and others of the family have passed many
years there. Wm. P. Morrison resided opposite Knowl-
ton at an early day.
AN" ANCIENT DWELLING.
Probably the oldest dwelling standing anywhere in the
town is the Van Rensselaer mansion, or "Old Fort."
standing a few rods south of the corporate limits of Grccn-
bush village, on the river road. It has been thought by
some to have been the " Fort Crals." to which the inhabi-
tants fled at the time of the general alarm which followed
the massacre at Esopus, in June, l(j(13, and which has
already been considered. But this, at least, is somewhat
problematical, as well as the date of its probable erection,
which is made as early as 1(1(111. One writer has stated
that Johannes Van Rensselaer, a '■ descendant of Kiliian
Van Rensselaer," was the probable builder of the house,
in 1(J(J.'!. But this statement is as manifestly wrong as the
statement which he also makes that this Johannes was
•'the progenitor of the numerous and wealthy family of
Van Rensselaer on both sides of the river." The fact is
that Johannes Van Rensselaer was the son of Hendrick
Van Rensselaer, the owner of the clavcrac or "lower
manor" of Rcnssclacrswyck, and was not burn until Jan.
II. 1 7 1 ' - . and was married on Jan. 3, 1731; and the
principal portion of the Van Rensselaer family were de-
scended from Kill iaan Van Rensselaer, son of Jcrcmias ftho
brother of Hendrick), and from Col. Killiaan, the son of
Hendrick, and broth ir of Job.
of the erection of the mansion is el
in doubt. A -tone in the building, which also hear.- the
initials -I V. R.," gives the date as 17 in ; but this prob
ably refer- to the erection of an addition to the original
building, which, quite likely, iaix made by Johannes \ an
Rensselaer. The original building was probably built by
Hendrick Van Rensselaer, who died there July 2, 1710.
Or it may have been elected by Jan Baptist Van 11
P. maWDKl, ©BEgKOBtyiKl KHO©K]T§, El. V.
TOWN OF EAST GREENB1 SH.
:;;,:,
seiner, son of Killinan, and the lirsi director of the colony,
or by Jercuiias, his brother, who succeeded him in L658 ;
or even by " Dominie" Nicolaas Van Rensselaer, who was
nlso director of the colony at one time. The original build-
ing consisted of the western front upon the river, two la
rooms, separated by ;i hall, — and another dwelling of the
same size, for slaves, placed a little farther back, on the
smith side. Thai t lie building was intended for us-' as a
fort at times is evidenced by the fact thai some of the
st. port-holes still remain visible in the walls.
The mansion continued to be occupied fur many years by
the representatives of the Van Rensselaer family ; by Jo-
hannes, John J., and, after an interval of time, by Dr.
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, who died in 1871.
Before the Boston and Albany Railroad was put through,
and diverted the travel through the town, a large number
of taverns existed therein. Almost every house along the
turnpike was a public one. Mention will only be made of
a few. A man named John G. Bishop kept, hotel early
where Charles Bradbury now is. Edward Greene, John
Huddleston, Groat Clark, and James Lansing have kept
there since. Garret Yates kept a public-house on the
turnpike near the Troy road, and ('apt. John Hcrrick
where Simon Allen now resides, a great many years ago.
Probably the first to keep tavern at the village of East
Greenbush was Manasseh Knowlton, the first part of the
present century. James Burton, Benjamin Bradbury,
Lawrence Rysedorph, a man named Kemble, and Edward
Green have kept there since. Jacob Rysedorph, son of
Lawrence, is the present proprietor.
One of the earliest stores that was established in the
town was that by James Lansing, at the village of East
Greenbush, in 1802. He subsequently traded for many
years at Greenbush village. Elijah Daggett was in trade
at the village of East Greenbush about, thirty-five years
ago. Since that time a man named Tourtelotte, Lewis
Traver, Edward Green, Ferdinand Shibley, and Reuben
Melius have been in trade at the village. William Link
has the only store there or in the town now.
THE LEARNED PROFESSIONS
have had but a limited representation in the town. Dr.
John S. Miller was the earliest physician to practice in the
town. He commenced about 1810, and remained con-
stantly in practice until his death, on April 2G, 1854, at
at, the age of seventy-one. Dr. David Elliot, a native of
the town, commenced practice early in the century, and
still resides near the village of East Greenbush, though not
in active practice. Dr. John S. Van Alstyne was in prac-
tice in the town in 1837, and remained about ten years.
Dr. Andrew C. Getty was next in practice in the town, and
remained until 1842, when ho removed to Greenbush vil-
lage, and was succeeded by Dr. Francis B. Parmele. The
latter also removed to Greenbush village iu 1846, where he
is still a leading practitioner. Dr. Charles S. Allen was in
practice next, but he also removed to Greenbush village in
1S.)0. Dr. A. D. Hill, now of Greenbush village, was in
practice at East Greenbush for a short period, at a recent
date.
Among the physicians of the town, Dr. Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer deserves mention, although the greater part of
bis professional life was Bp ml i ilitii He was
born at the "old mansion-house Greenbush, Aug. I,
IT'.).'!, and was the third b if John .1 . Van Rensselaer, of
thai town. After graduating at Vale College, he went to
New Vnr!. fjitv 111 1813 and began the study of medicine
in the office of his uncle, Dr. Archibald Bruce, Prof!
of Materia Mcdica and Mineralogy in the I'm
the City of New York, and who was also in • tisivi
practice. Here he acquired and cultivated a ta h for the
natural sciences that made him distingui hed in after-life.
He acquired tb degree of doctor of medicine in 1-17,
and subsequently went abroad and spent three years iu
attendance upon the lectures and hospitals in Edinburgh,
London, and Paris. In 1819 be and hi? friend, Dr. How-
ard, ol' Baltimore, Md., were (be first Americans to make
tbe ascent of Mont, Blanc. On bis return to New York
be engaged extensively in practice, ami for a long scries of
years was corresponding secretary of tin- New York Ly-
ceum ol' Natural History. During the winter of 1825 he
delivered a course of lectures on geology before the New
York Athenaeum, with great acceptance. Iu IS ID be vis-
ited Rome and other places in Europe, and remained absent
three years. In 1843 be resumed practice. In 1S52,
owing to the failure of bis health, be took up his residence
in tbe old mansion at Greenbush and occupied bis time in
tbe care of bis estates. In 1807 bo again visited Europe.
Returning in October, 1870, he soon after succumbed to
an attack of pneumonia, and died March 7, 1871, at the
age of seventy-seven years. A tablet to his memory was
erected in tbe Messiah Episcopal church, of which he was
one of the founders and senior warden.
Edmund Charles Genet, adjutant-general, minister pleni-
potentiary and consul-general from the French Republic,
passed the closing years of his life at his residence on
Prospect Hill. This period, in marked contrast to the
fiercer struggles of his political life, was passed in peaceful
retirement, and in courting the favor of the muses. He
was born at Versailles, parish of .St. Louis, France, Jan. 8,
170:!, and died at Prospect Hill, July 14, 1834, and lies
buried in tbe town.
Maj.-Gen. Henry J. Genet was the son of Edmund
Charles Genet, ambassador from the French Republic to
the United States, and of Cornelia Tappen, daughter of Gov-
ernor George Clinton. He was born in ( Ireenbusb, July 22,
1800, and was for many years conspicuous in the commu-
nity in which he lived. He took a lively interest in local
affairs, served the community in several local civil offices,
and represented the county in the State Legislature in the
year 1832. But bis tastes as a public man were chiefly
military, lie passed through the several grades of military
office. — from captain to major-general, in which latter office
be succeeded Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, at the time of
his death. His influence in preserving the militia from
disintegration during the long lull of peace was great.
He died at Bergen. N. J., Feb. 7. 1872.
THE PRINCIPAL ROADS
that pass through the town are the Huston and Albany
Turnpike, which was laid out in the year 1800 ; the " River
356
HISTORY OF UENSSPLAKR COUNTY, NEW YORK.
I; , 1," which was formerly known as the " Farmers' Turn-
pike," and existed at on early day; and the "Old Post-
El d." which is said t" have been put through by the Eng-
lish during the first French war. This is also the most
ancient public road in the town. The town is now divided
into highway districts, of whicb there were twenty-seven
at the lime of tin- incorporation of the town.
l\ CIVIL ORGAN l/.ATloX.
The town E - Grecnbush was formed from Green-
bush by virtue of an act of the Legislature passed Feb.
1855. It was first incorporated under the name of
Clinton. but the corporate name was changed to East
bush by an act passed April 1 I. 1S5S.
The first annual town-meeting was held at the hotel of
W. R. De Freest, on April :'.. 1855. Ai this meeting the
following officers wore chosen: Supervisor, Frederick R.
i: ikefeller; Town Clerk, Wm. 11. De Freest; Assessors,
Barney Hoes, David De Freest, Jr., Martin D. De Freest;
Commissioner of Highways, David Phillips; Overseers of
the Poor, A. lam Dings, John W. Craver; Justices of the
r Andrew L. Wctherwax, Frederick Rockefeller,
Thomas B. Simmons. William Holsapple; Superintendent
of Common Schools, Henry J. Genet; Collector. Harris
X. Elliott; Constables, Henry Ostrander, Frederick B.
Conkey, Jacob Earing. Harris N. Elliott; Inspectors of
Election. B. B. Eirkland, Leonard L. Rysedorph; Pound-
masters, John W. Craver, W. R. De Freest, Peter G.
Clark ; and twenty-five overseers of highways.
■ the incorporation of the town the following per-
sons have filled the principal offices:
si PERVISORS.
. T. A. Rockefeller; 1856-58, .1. -T. Sliterj 1859-60, T. B. Sim-
mon*; 1861-64, W. R. Do Freest; 1865-66, John .1. Sliter;
73, Win. 11. .shit; 1874-75, A. P. Travor; 1876, Jaincs
A. Morris ; 1-77. James Murphy : 1878-79, David Phillips.
TOWN CLERKS.
• ,„. R. De Freest; 1857, Edward Elliot; 1858-60, Wm. R.
|. frees! 1861 72, AW.uu Miller; is;:'.. Jacob .S. Link, the
pn - nl ineambcnL
JUSTICES "I l HE PEACE.
1 Wctherwax, Frederick R. Roekcfollor, Thomas B.
Wm. Iloliapplo; 1856, Thomas li. Simmons; 1857,
\nli-u L. Wctherwax, John II. Huddle-
; 1 360, Wm. ft. De Frocsl ; 1861,
Uartin D. De Freest; 1862, John Vandcnbnrgh;
tin D. Di Freest; 1864, Wm. It. Do Frci -i ; 1805 I
WBr i John Vnndenbargh ; 1867, Wm. Witbeck;
Wm. n. D 1870, John
lenbnrgh; 1871, Wm Witbeck; 1872, I.. P. Travor, S. S.
Wnrnor; i - Iter; 1874, Thomas Davis; 1875, Siunucl
' .-n.r: 1-7'-. Dai 1877, Edward 8. Slltor;
Simmons; 1879, Samuel S. Warner.
V \ I I.I. \i.l-
i in. VILLAG1 I '.in BNB1 -n
i, tl nly one which ihe town contain-, and is situated
di >r ill- geographical centre The settlement of tho village
con,,,,. ,. 1630, and the Brsl church estab-
lished within the limits of tho town of Grecnbush was al
I i ;c i ontains n Dul U R>i 1 church,
, \p ;i.( church : blacksmith-shop, and a
number of pleasant dwelling-houses. It occupies a fine
position on the high ground that rises gradually from the
river. The Boston and Albany Turnpike passes directly
through it. The village post-office was established about
thirty-five years ago. William Holsapple was probably the
lir.-t to fill the office of postmaster. Messrs. Kenible,
Traver, and Reuben Melius have held the office since.
The present incumbent is William Link.
VI.— EDUCATIONAL.
Schools were established in East Grecnbush at an early
day. All records that would throw light upon their first
establishment and character have disappeared with those
of the town of Grecnbush. The bare fact of their exist-
ence is known. It is highly probable that the first were
of a parochial character, and that the pastor of the Re-
formed Church discharged the double duties of spiritual
and temporal instructor. Such was the custom among the
early Hutch settlers. No general school system prevailed
in the State prior to 171)5.
Among those who taught the earliest schools in the
town, mention can only be made of a few whose names
have been ascertained. A man named Crowley taught the
school at East Grecnbush village at an early day; and one
by the name of Carver taught on Prospect Hill, near
Genet's, over seventy years ago. The latter was somewhat
of a wit ; and it is related of him that be once called his
hoys around him, and in conversation said, il I suppose one
of these days you boys will all be men, and long after I
have passed away you will get together, and when discuss-
ing early days, you will say, 'Do you remember old Carver,
who taught up at Genet's? — what an old drill he was.'' "
Can any of our readers confirm the prediction ?
Other early teachers were Miss Cole, at the village, ami
Messrs. Powers. Page. Peebles. Gorman, Cushman, Murray,
Fish, Graves, Devclly, and Tillinghast.
VII.- CHURCHES.
The religious history of the town dates from a remote
period. Although the Reformed Church at the village was
not organized until 1TS7, there is evidence of the holding
of religious services in the town long anterior to that time,
It was probably an outlying preaching station connected
with the Albany church. Mr. Van Rensselaer attempted
to have the "old Dutch Church," which was subsequently
erected at the foot of State Street. Albany, placed on
Douw's Point, which manifests the religious interest that
existed in the town at that early day.
REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CONGREGATION
QREENB1 Ml.
This church is pleasantly located in the village of Past
Grecnbush, and is one of the oldest in that locality. It
\\a- organized in 1787, and the first pastor of the church,
James Van Campen Romeyn. was licensed by the Synod of
Nov Yolk Oct. 5, 17-7. and commenced to preach at
Grecnbush and Schodack in February, 1788. He married
a daughter of Man- Van Vrankcn, of Schenectady. He
remained in charge of the church until duly 1, 179*.
Having organized a church at W'ynantskill he accepted a
■ESS**?*.**
Li ;i" "TS--. _ f*~ 4'#-^^0"i^'E-^'*;" ' * ' MZ~j 'J;.' -r" *
Wmmk$6
Residence or ALEX. LIVINGSTON , East Greenbush. N.Y
S&ir 1%
!M*K3BR<i&iaaagss£; ,.
Residence of DAVID PHILLIPS, Last greenbush. n.y
TOWN' OK KANT GREENBUSH.
357
united call for it and Greenbush, living at Blooming Grove.
In October, 1700, he accepted a joint call from the churches
nt Hackensack and Sehraalenbergh, in Bergen Co., X. J.
Be was born at Minisink, Sussex Co., N. J., Nov. 15, 1765.
Unfortunately, the earliest records of the church are in
the Hutch language, so that it is almost impossible to
thoroughly comprehend the early organizing movements.
The_ title-page of the first record-bunk is as follows:
"HERKEN BOEK
" \ v\ RET
"GREENE BOS
"Bohobzonde ecn Register van Gedoopte Eluwolyk. Elorkenzaedts
]l tolingcn, etc., begonncn dorr
" .1 LCOBI s V (\ C \MI'i:\ RoMKYlf.
"Prodiknnt van del Noroenidgo Germonteen van hot Greene Bos
en Schodack.
"Anno 1788."
The names of some of the early members were: 1788,
William Burwell, Joseph Salsbury, Jacobus Salsbury, Cor-
nelius Van Buren, Jonathan Salsbury, Martin Van Buren,
Kasparus Holenbeck, John Holliday, Thomas Meseck,
Abraham Lansingh, .James Patten, Jeremiah Shane, Peter
Fonda, Adam Tod, Samuel Hitchcock, Hendrik Brezee,
Hendrik Holenbeck, Andries Bartel, Tobias Witbeck, Dirck
Hansen, Isaac Van Dor Poel, Abraham Cooper, Robert
Scharp, Matthew Holliday, Steven Muller, John E. Lan-
singh, Clmstiaan Spring, Anthony Abrams, Nancy Abrams,
Christopher Yates, Johannis Spoor, Peter W. Witbeck,
Francis Ott, John Schermerhorn, Peter Dingman, Arent
Ostrander, Benjamin Van Den Bergh, Jonathan T. ^\*it-
beck. 178!), Peter Hoewy, Harpert Witbeck, Killian
Sandt, Hendrik Fox, Martinus Levens, Johannis Pool,
Lawrence Bekket. Nicholas Van Rensselaer, Mathew Sho-
denbergh, Hubert Ostrander, Jacob Hofman, Andries Wil-
son, John Schermerhorn, Melkert Pool, Philip Schuyler,
Hendrik Philip, Johannis Ostrander, Andries Snook, John
Douglass, Anthony Stoal, Hendrik Roseboom, Peter Smith,
Henry Shebley, Jonathan Cormick, William MeCfuir, Ry-
nier Van Everen, Jurrian Goes, Hendrik Ostrander, Hen-
drik Crannel, Nicholas Hogill, Cornelius Du Bois, Jacob
Morris, Dirck Hun, Tobias Witbeck, Casparus Lodcwyck,
Thomas Haddock, Adam Ostrander, Hendrik Snook.
1700, Petrus Hoffman, Obadiah Cooper, John Brics, Wil-
liam Loppins, George Millius, Lawrence Waderwax, Jere-
miah Myers, John Van Vorst, Barent Muller, Jacob Coons,
Jacobus Hogeboom, Mattheus Pool, John Siswell, George
Shardenbergh, and others who were among the first settlers
of the towns of Greenbush and Schodack. In 1704 the
records began to be kept in the English language.
The pastors of the church since its organization have
been as follows: J. V. C. Ronieyn, June 15, 1788-90;
John L. Zabriskie, June 7, 1801-11; Isaac Labagh,
1811-13; Nicholas J. Marselus, 1814-22; Benjamin ('.
Taylor, Dec. 1822-25; A. II. Dumont, 1826-29 ; John
A. Liddell, 1830-34; Edward P. Stimpson, 1834-52;
James R. Talmage, Oct, 14, 1852-G0 ; Peter Q. Wilson,
Oct. 8, 1861-66 ; William Anderson, 1S66-67. Rev. John
Steele, D.D., the present pastor of the church, was in-
stalled over the church Oct. 30, 1877. Prior to that time
he was for twelve years pastor of the First Reformed Church
of Paterson, N. J.
The first church edifice used bj the society was probably
erected about I he time of the organization of thai I
I1 i I near the present house of worship, Mea in were
firsl instituted for the erection of the latter in the fall of
I860, and the building was dedicated in the pring of 1861.
It has since undergone repairs, and is a substantial and
comely structure. The original church parsonage
erected in 1831, and occupied a Bite mar the church, ami
on the opposite side from the present comfortable parsonage,
which was finished several years ago.
The church is in a flourishing and prosperous state, and
is harmoniously and faithfully performing the Master's
work. The membership is about 280; size of Sabbath-
school, 150 ; number of volumes in the library, upwards ol
200; superintendent of Sabbath-school, Stephen Miller.
THE METHODIST CHURCH AT EAST GREENBUSH
was organized but a few years ago, although missionary
meetings were held in private houses a long time before.
The pastors id' the church have been Joseph Zweifel, May,
1 875. two years; J. S. Bridgeford, April 24, L877, one
year; Howard L. Kelsey, April, 1878, still in charge. The
society is in a healthy condition, and occupies a neat meet-
ing-house at the village.
VIII.— BURIAL-PLACES.
The cemetery back of the church at East Greenbush
was laid out very early in the history of the town, and con-
tains a large number of graves. There are no tombstones
standing in the yard, however, bearing dates later than the
first of the present century. Among those interred there
is Dr. John S. Miller, long a prominent physician of the
town, who died April 26, 1S54. The tombstone of Manas-
seb Knowlton, who died Jan. 21, 1841, aged seventy years
and one month, contains the following inscription :
" Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb,
T;ike this new treasure to your breast,
And give these sacred relics room
To seek a slumber in the dust."
The yard is also honored by the remains of Edmond C.
Genet, whose marble slab bears the following inscription :
"Under this Humble Stone are interred the remains of Edmond
Charles Genet, Late Adjutant-General, .Minister Plenipotentiary And
Consul-General from the French Republic to the United Slates of
America. lie was born at Versailles, Parish of St. Louis, in France,
Jan. S, 170.'!, and died at Prospect Hill, Town of Greenbush, .Inly 1 I,
1S34. Driven by the storms of the Revolution to the shades of re-
tirement, he devoted his talents to his Adopted Country, where ho
cherished the love of liberty and virtue. The pursuits of literature
and science enlivened bis peaceful solitude, and he devoted his life to
usefulness ami benevolence. His last moments were, like his life, an
example of fortitude and n-uc Christian philosophy. His heart was
love and friendship's sun, which has set on this transitory World, to
rise with radiant splendor beyond the grave."
By the side of Mr. Genet lie the remains of his two
wives, the first of whom was a daughter of Hon. George
Clinton, formerly Governor of the State of New York and
Vice-President of the United Ntates. and the second the
daughter of Samuel Osgood, appointed Postmaster-General
of the United States by Gen. Washington, in 1789.
The Greenbush Cemetery was incorporated by the Leg-
islature in the year 1S45, under a board of trustees con-
35S
HISTORY OF RHXSSKI.AKR COUNTY. NEW YORK.
rig oF Martin Miller, Col. Hiram Dram, George W. lly-
ler, I. B. Fryer, and A. Y. 11. 1». Smith. 1- located id
a mil./ Prom Grecnbush village, on tin- Bost md Albany
Turnpike, and is a beautiful and quiel place of repos
(lii- dead, li is under the control "1 an association ; is
handsomely laid out, and contains many fine monuments.
The private burying-ground of the Van Rensselaer family
is located jus! beyond the corporate limits of Greenbush
village, li was laid out very early, and contains but a few
The oldest of these bears the following
inscription :
•■ II. r.' I.iytli The Bodj Of M.i.'p.r fsaac Foot, of Brandford, Who
rted this Life the : fears, two Months,
Another plain, yet substantial stone bears this inscription :
•* In Memory »if Coll. Killian Van Rensselaer, who
A. D. 1781, aged 64 years. A Patriot and of tho Revolution,
mong tho li r s t t<. assert and mniutain, :ii tho risk of life
and fortune, tho Independence of tbo thirteen united Colonios of
Harriet Schuyler, liis firsl wife, died Oct. 17. 1763,
irty-four, and lies by his side.
1\ PLACES OR INCIDENTS OF SPECIAL NOTE.
BIDDEN TREASURE.
A I' low Douw's Point the notorious Captain
Kidd i> said t" have burried his ill-gotten treasures. The
money supposed to be hidden at this point has been dug
fur. hut up to the present time has not been found.
A NOTEWORTHY INCIDENT
in com linn with th.' anti-rent troubles that have agitated
tin' county was the killing of a deputy sheriff named
'. __ ;t quite a recent 'lair, in an attempt in eject
William Witbcck from his farm in tin- town, I'm- a failure
in pay tin- r. hi due under otic of the objectionabl
Mr. Witbeck ami his two suns were trii .1 for the crime, hut
acquil
I \ I I NSIVE BARRACKS.
During the war of 1812 extensive barracks were erected-
mi tin- hills cast i f Grecnbush village, ami for several years
tho : military preparation and
the : large bodies of troops. The canton-
niai 1 accommodations for 4000 troops, and
and il were hospital accommodations for 100. Tho
dence of Mr. Kinlaml was n -i il for officers'
quarters, and the ri.nl which passed by it acquired the
iinin racks R id." The place was chosen
• the bu] |
tir-t year of iis occupation much siek-
.iiiii of the unavoidable exposures of
tho 3 •'.•nil milii itions took ] there
during the « ir. in .-t. if nol ail. of which were for '1 sort ion.
nbosh" was situated upon a farm.
■nd a half mill I the \ i Um.-.- of Grecnbush. The
this f.nm. andi the Van Rensselaer
M hi.- till
named M It was held for a time by
phaniah Baffin
mercantile firm «.f ih city of New
York, composed of Henry Ward, Thomas Leggett, James
Thompson, Samuel Danton, and James Head, assumed to
cmivcv the farm to the general government. Gen. Dear-
born, the agent of the government in making the purchase,
supposing that the settlers held the land in fee-simple, im-
mediately entered upon it. and commenced the erection of
buildings. It was not until some time afterwards that it
was ascertained that an absolute conveyance had not been
obtained, and it was more than a year thereafter before the
title was made perfect by the deed of Stephen Van Rens-
r and wife. Besides these two purchases, the govern-
ment, upon taking possession, bought of the farming tenant,
named Bostwick, his growing crops ; and. as an illustration
of the waste of war. it may be stated that the firsl body of
troops which arrived was a regiment of cavalry from Vir-
ginia, whose first act upon dismounting was to turn their
horses into a large field of standing rye, nearly ready for
the harvest.
Eight substantial buildings were erected by the govern*
in. m for the use of the private soldiers of the encampment.
They were each two hundred and fifty-two feet long, twenty-
two feet wide, and two stories high. These were arranged,
four upon each side of a parade-ground, about half a mile
in extent, which was graded and graveled. The quarters
of the regimental officers, of which there were four, each
ninety feet in length and two stories high, were arranged at
right angles with the soldiers' barracks, two facing the
parade-ground and two the area fronting the first row of
barracks. On the north of this group of buildings, and at
tin great distance therefrom, stood two large commissary
storehouses, and the barrack-master's dwelling. At the
base of the rising ground, and a short distance to (he east-
ward of the storehouses, stood the brick arsenal, — a fire-
proof building ; and on the summit of the hill, commanding
a view of the entire camp, as well as an extensive range of
Country mi every side, were the general's quarters, the hos-
pital and surgeon's quarters, three large two-story build-
ings, each ninety feet l..ii_r. Rc.-ides the buildings enu-
merated, there were a number of buildings of smaller si
among which may he mentioned the ordinary and pro)
guard houses, seven large del iched cooking houses, and sev-
eral mechanic-shops. There were also extensive stables fbl
the horses of the cavalry, which were ranged upon til
sides of no extensive square, at a little distance south-
wardly from those which we have mentioned, the dimen-
sions of which have been lost. The structures were white,
and. in their elevated position, were very conspicu
On the return of peace the necessity of keeping a large
force convenient to the Northern frontier ceased, hut for
irs ih a. alter a few soldiers w.re stationed at the
cantonment, and the buildings and grounds were kept in
Upon tl i f the army in 1 >-l-2'.'< this
1 was withdrawn. The place was nominally left in
charge of an officer of the army stationed in Albany; bal
I iv J. 1831, it was sold, in conformity with the acl of
providing I'm- the sale of government prop
thai had b in useless for military purposes, to llathorn
McCulloch, who then resided in Albany. The following
_\..ir Mr. McCulloch inuk up bis residence on the place,
David H.Greene.
Mrs. David H. Greene
Residence: of DAVID H.GREENE, east greenbush.n y
&&% ■*!&£
I
MRS. JOHN CKARNER.
JOHN C KARNER
TOWN or KAST CKKKNIM'SH.
359
which he continued to occupy until his death, in L859. It
lias been so improved as to constitute one of the most at-
tractive places of residence in the vicinity of Albany, the
must of the buildings having been taken down and disposed
of, and the land placed in the highest condition of pro-
ductiveness. In 1 843 the original tract purchased by Mr.
McCullocl) was divided into tWO parts, tine of which he at
that time conveyed to his son, William A. McCulloch, who
still owns and occupies it. The other portion is held by
his grandchildren, William 11. Rutland, Albert B. Kirt-
hmd, and Mrs. Augusta G. Genet.
X.— INDUSTRIAL PUESUITS.
The industrial pursuits of the town have never assumed
any great importance, chiefly because of the absence of the
necessary water-power. Aside from the existence of saw-
and grist-mills at an early day, and the mechanical opera-
tions of the blacksmith, no manufacturing of consequence
has been carried on in the town.
Agricultural pursuits have constituted the principal occu-
pation of the inhabitants. The town contains many fine
farms, which, under intelligent management, yield largely
of the cereals and the other ordinary productions of the
climate. Besides these, the laud is well adapted for the
raising of fruit, of which large quantities are annually
produced.
XI.— MILITARY.
The military record of the town has always been praise-
worthy. Most of the early inhabitants took an active part
in the Indian and Revolutionary wars, and a large number
entered the war of 1812. Among the former were Cols.
Killiaan, Hendrick, and Nicolaas Van Rensselaer, and Isaac
Mull ; and in the latter Cornelius aud Barney Schermer-
horn.
In the suppression of the late Rebellion the town took
an active part, and promptly contributed her quota of men
to the support of the national government. The list of
these will be found below. It is prepared from the printed
muster-in-rolls of the State, and from the reports of the
census of 18G5.
ARMY LIST, lsr.1-65.
Oco. Pratt, enl. Oct. 20, 1SG2, IStli Vt. Regt.; pro. to Corp.
Alford Schultz, enl. Sept. S, 1S65, Dlst Rest.
Anson Butts, cut. April 15. 1SG5, 02(1 X. Y. Regt. ; trans, to 10th II. Art.
Frederick Olentiousc, enl. May 14, 18GI, M Itegt.
James Ilrocksby, enl. Oct. 17, 1862, 177th Regt.
Michael Ostrander, enl. Sept. 5, 1804, 23d Regt. ; re-enl. Stli II. Art.
Geo. Burrough, enl. Sept. 5, 18G4, 23d Regt.; re-enl. Stli II. Art.
Abram Smith, enl. Sept. 1, 1SG4, 01st Regt.
Geo. England, enl. Sept. 5, 1SG2, 43d Regt.; trans, to Inv. Corps; wounded in
left arm.
Joseph Kngland, enl. Sept. 17, 18G2, 43d N. Y. Regt.
Alvarah V. Iraver, enl. Oct. G, 18U2, 109th Regt.; wounded in head at Fort
Fisher.
Frederic!; Baker, enl. Jan. G, 1SG4, loth Art., Co. K.
Philip Binck, enl. May 13, 18G1, 18th Regt.
Died '"
John D, P. Doiiw, 1st lieut., enl. Aug. is, 1802, 121s( N. Y. Regt. . |
wounded in butt] ledar Crei k ; died Oct, 16, i M, at W In
Goo. II. Clpporly.onl. April 18, 1802, 125th Itegt.; dlod. 17,1 01 , i
burg, \ i
ch. i, i i,. Trnvor, enl. Sept. 12, 1862, 109tli Ri t.; pro to i rp. ; died Oct. 14,
18G3, ai I'.. 1 1 Schuyler.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOHN C. KARNEE
was born in the town of Easl Greenbush, and on the farm
where he now resides, Jan. 6, L805. lie was third child
and only son of Christopher Earner and Maria Dingman,
who were also natives of East Greenbush. [lis grand
parents, John Karner and Susan Hawk, were Datives of
Germany, were married in that country, and emigrated to
America prior to the Revolutionary war, settling on the
farm now owned by him. They reared a family of four
sons and three daughters, viz., — Philip, Dorothy, Hannah,
John, Sarah, Christopher, and George, all deceased. His
three sisters, Sarah, Catherine, and Susan, are living. His
grandfather and one uncle served in the Revolutionary war.
Mr. Karner was married April 19, 1S:!G, to Sarah Maria
1 >c -t , of East Greenbush. She is fourth child and second
daughter of Henry I. Rest and Mary Finger, both of whom
are of German descent.
To Mr. and Mrs. Karner have been born four children,
two of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Karner are both
members of the Dutch Reformed Church. He never had
any political aspirations, but has been unswervingly identi-
fied with the Democratic party.
DAVID II. GREEN
was born in the town of Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., N. Y.,
July IS, 1832. His parents were of New England de-
scent, and early settled in Sand Lake, where they raised a
family of nine children, of whom David II. was eldest.
He remained in the town of his nativity until 1S55. In
1857 he settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty-two
acres in East Greenbush, upon which he now resides. A
view of his place, showing the result of many years of toil,
may be seen on another page of this work. On the 28th
of January, 1858, he married Phebc E. Reynolds. Of
this union were born six daughters and one son, viz.,
Elva C, Charles P., Maggie Isabella, Cassie E., Phebc L.,
Ida M., and Mertie Viola.
Mr. and Mrs. Green are both members of the Lutheran
Church of West Sand Lake. In politics Mr. Green is
identified with the Republican party, and is a supporter of
law and good society.
HOOSICK
I.—SIT1 \TI"V BOl NDARIES, AKKA. TITLE.
BoosiCK, the northeastern town of t lie county, ia
bounded north l.v Cambridge and White Creek, in Wash-
ington County, «-;ist by Benuington, in Vermont, south by
Pctersburgh and Grafton, and west liv Pittstown. The
boundary-lines are straight, or nearly so following, how-
ever, somewhat the course of the Hoosick River). The
t.iwn i- considerably wider at the north than at the south.
The farm acreage of the town is given in the census of
1875 al 37,448 acres, bul this is somewhat less than the
actual
For convenience of reference we give the legal descrip-
tion of the town from the revised statutes of the State:
"The t . ■ w 1 1 of Hoosick shall contain all that part of said
county bounded northerly and easterly by the hounds of
the county, southerly by Petersburgh and Grafton, and
westi rly bj Pittstown."
The title to the soil in this town is derived through three
original patents, — the Hoosiek, the Walloomsac, and the
Schneider.
TIIK HOOSICK PATENT.
This was granted June 3, 1G88. by Thomas Dongan,
Governor of the Province of New Fork under his Majesty
.Iain.- II.. King of England. The grantees were Maria
Van Rensselaer, of Albany, Hendrick Van Ness, of Al-
bany, Gerrit Tennis Van Written, of Kaatskill, and Jaco-
bus Van Courtland, of the cityofNew York. Thequantity
of land thus granted is nol named in the patent, but it
amounted to some 65,000 or 70,000 acres, described as
follofl
"All that tract of land «iili it- appurtcnai situate, t_v i n lt. and
a oreck oallc 1 Hoosick,
Scback k, and rroui tben standing
■ri .iin fall callod Q jiii'-k. and from the ■- :i i . I
f.»ll M|.n.i- i ailed Nochawickquaak,
lo of the (aid crock, two English miles;
that i orcok, and
two English mile* on tho oth kid creek, tho wbolc t>.
'i, from tho bounds of
ibawickquaak."
Tli onlj sideration for this prii ly domain was an
annual quit-renl of ten bushels of "Good Sweet MercJianl-
' i at tli.- City of Albany
unto such offices or officers as shall from time to tl !»■
■ppoit .in.-."
TIIK WALLOOM8 \' PA1 BN P.
Tbi-< tract, lying north of the 1 1 • ■• .- i ■ -V. bul extending
fartl i ) 5, 1 739, t" Edward Col-
ling, James De Lan G rdus Stuyi - phen Van
I: I - Williams, and Frederick M.-n i-. This
- lying along the Wal-
loomsac River, partly in what is now Washington County
and partly in the county of llensselaer.
SCHNEIDER PATENT.
July 8, 1761, a petition was presented to the Governor
of the Province of New York by Hendrick Sehneyder,
John Watteck, Hendrick Lake. John Johnson, Garrel
Williamson, Nathaniel Archerly, Benjamin Abbott, Wil-
liam Taylor, Martinus Voorheis, all of New Jersey, and
Daniel Hallcnbcck, of Albany, asking for a patent of a
certain tract of land "bounded northwardly by the patent
of Wnllumshack, southwardly by the patent of Renssclaer-
wyck, westwardly by the patent of Hoseck, and eastwardly
by other vacant lands, containing about the quantity of
10,000 acres." The petition was granted, and the patent
issued March 24, 17<i-.
II.— NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface of this town consists of the narrow valley of
the Hoosick River and that of the Walloomsac. the moun-
tainous regions of the Taghkanick range on the east, and
those of the Petersburgh on the west. The scenery is of
a varied character, combining many elements of beauty.
The highest peaks are those of Fonda's Hill in the south-
east and Potter's Hill in the southwest. These are said to
be about 900 feet above tide-water. The valleys are bor-
dered in many pla. ep hill-sides. In others long,
gentle slopes, capable of cultivation, extend to the higher
summits.
The town is divided into two nearly equal parts by the
Hoosick River. This is an old historic stream, whose
valley was the war-path along which the French and In-
dians made their stealthy marches upon the villages of Xew
England. This river, having received the waters of the
Little Hoosick just within the town of Petersburgh, enters
this town a little east of the central point of the southern
boundary, and Hows slightly west of north until it reaches
tie lii f White Creek. It then turns to the wcsl and
forms, with a curving line, the northern boundary until it
enters Pittstown.
The northeastern portion of the town is drained by the
Walloomsac, which Hows from the east line in a general
westerly course until its junction with the Hoosiek. In
the southeast is a small tributary of the Uoosick, draining
quite a portion of ihc old Schneider patent. y< m- 1'. i
burgh Junction is a small tributary of tli.. Hoosick from
the east, and another rivulet from tin- sal lircction fl'.us
in ai Hoosick Falls. From the southeast a branch of tho
lloo>i,k unites a little north of Pctersburgh Junction, and
still another I jusl below. In the north a branch run-
ning sonic distance ucarlj parallel with the river enters the
TOWN OK IIOOSH'K.
361
Hoosick a short distance below the mouth of the Walloom-
tao. Along the west border of tlu> town there are small
breams that flow westward, the principal one being the
jjJepimose, in the valley of which are valuable lands. In
(lie southeast part of the town are mineral springs, and
deposits ill' slate cxisl in various parts of the town. These
have been quarried to s e extent.
III. EARLY. SETTLEMENT.
The original grantees of the Hoosick lands do nol seem to
have taken any immediate steps for their settlement and culti-
vatiun. For more than fifty years these lands were left to a
lew Dutch families and a small number of Mohican Indians
whose ancestors had been dispossessed of their hunting-
grounds and the tribe nearly destroyed by the fierce and san-
guinary Mohawks. Settlement was retarded by the attempt
to lease the lands to settlers instead of selling them. Valuable
timber was reserved for the king, and there were many
other vexations restrictions. The settlement of the Hoo-
sh :k Valley was also delayed by the long and often san-
guinary struggles between the French and English for
supremacy and dominion in the valley of the St. Lawrence
and the adjacent provinces. This stormy period extended
from 1GSS to 1760, — seventy-two years. Hoosick, from
its location, being in the direct route from Canada to the
towns and villages on the Dcerficld and Connecticut, was
the most exposed to the attacks of these merciless foes.
A French writer states that within a certain definite time,
and that not- very long, " twenty-seven detachments of In-
dians, with a certain number of Canadians always at their
head, had made incursions into the enemy's country, and not
one of them bad returned without killing or capturing some
persons." The country referred to in this statement con-
sisted of Saratoga, Washington, and Rensselaer Counties, to-
gether with adjacent territory. It extended to the Connec-
ticut Valley on the east, and up the Mohawk on the west.
In one of these Indian incursions Nicholas Bovie, of
Hoosick, was captured, scalped, and left for dead. He re-
vived, however, recovered, and lived to see many years of
peace following the perilous period of border warfare. To
distinguish this Nicholas Bovie from a cousin of the same
name, he was familiarly known as " Scalped Dick." At
another time (June 11, 174(5) some men at work near Fort
Hoosick were attacked by Indians, and Elias Nims was
killed and Gershom Hawks wounded. Nearly 100 animals
belonging to the Dutch and English were killed by this
party of Indians.
Somewhat earlier than this, Governor De Lancey, in a
pessage to the Legislature, stated " that a body of French
and Indians bad made an incursion into this province and
destroyed the settlements at Hoosick and Shikhaich [Saint
Croix ?]." In June of the next year he again said, lL It is
high time we should exert ourselves to stop up a passage
by which the French, no less barbarous than the Indians,
send their savages to murder, scalp, and lead into captivity
British subjects. I am informed this morning that at Ho-
seck the Indians had murdered and scalped one hoy, and
carried away two others, all the children of one George
Brimmer, who was then at plough in his field with three
of his sons."
46
This is the story given in the bi tor of Petersburgh It.
was in the Hoosick Valley, but nol on the Hoosick Patent.
Tbe capture of Fori Massachusetts, situated near North
Adams, then known as blast Hoosick, occurred on the 20th
of August, 17 Hi. Tie1 i tpedition making the o aull
passed along tbe old war trail up the valley of the II :k
and over tbe ground now enpied by tbe village of II""
sick Falls. On its return the invading force made a sweep-
ing destruction of every vestige of settlement in the II""
si<k Valley, n French writer reporting that "barns, mills,
churches, and tanneries were destroyed nod the hat i I laid
waste I'm- a distance of thirty or forty miles." The settle-
ment then known as "Dutch Hosick" wa« entirety de-
stroyed,— seven houses, fourteen bams, and a large quantity
of wheat were burned, and many hogs and cattle slaugh-
tered. Samuel Bowen, one of the proprietors, was killed.
The loss in that single neighbor! I was estimated at
£50,0(1(1, New York currency. This indicates that this
settlement was a wealthy and prosperous place when it was
thus swept out of existence.
The weary inarch of tbe captives, commencing at Fort
Massachusetts, was made over this same route, their numbers
swelled by the other families captured along the valley, at
" Dutch Iloseck," and other points. The first night (follow-
ing August 21st) they encamped about live miles south of
Hoosick Falls, at Vandeverieb's place, — the same now
owned by Mr. Edward Green, and well known as the Joseph
Case farm. Here one of the captured soldiers died ; and
here a daughter was born to Mis. Smecd, the wife of John
Smeed, and baptized the next day by Rev. John Norton,
by the name of " Captivity." This child and its parents all
died in Canada.
The second encampment was two or three miles below the
falls. " on the meadow," doubtless at St. Croix, on the present
farm of Garret C. Van Ness. Two Indians, wounded in
the capture of the fort, died at this place. The whole party
reached Quebec Sept. 15, 1740. They were confined in
unwholesome prisons, and so fearfully abused that during
the succeeding winter seventy-three of the prisoners <li<<!.
During this period Sir William Johnson was making ac-
tive exertions to settle the Mohawk Valley, and the perilous
conditions of the Hoosick Valley caused the tide of emi-
gration to turn westward. Meanwhile, a few Hollanders
only remained as tbe actual settlers of the town of Hoosick.
With characteristic thrift, they had selected some of the
choicest lands in the valley and reduced them under pros-
perous cultivation.
At the close of the French-and-Indian war in 1700, the
country extending from tbe Walloomsac, near the junction
of the Little Hoosick with tbe Hoosick, was covered with
a dense forest of oak and pine, broken in only two places
by the axe of the settler. Jan Outhout bad some time be-
fore 1754 erected a dwelling just within the present bound-
aries of tbe village of Hoosick Falls, on land afterwards
owned by Henry Barnhart. Pitt Hogle had made a clear-
ing and built a house two miles farther south, on the farm
now owned by Mr. Nicholas Brown.
At and near the junction of the Little Hoosick with the
Hoosick was the settlement known in colonial records as
Hosack. It occupied those fertile meadows lying between
362
history of rfnsselafr county, new york.
li sick- Comers and X- .it li Petersburgh, extending some
distance up L>< >i li branches and embracing the beautiful
Intend valley known as the Brees hborhood.
Tins settlement in part was within the limits of the town
jburgh, and in the manor of Rensselaerswyck. An
old map of thi '< M ;ives the names of seven-
householders ; three of these, Hans Creiger. Peter
V - . B stiane Deil, in a complaint made in 1764j with
reference to being driven off by men of Pownal, stated that
they had been in peaceable possession of their farms I'm-
which can date of these settlements
back to quite an early date.
On a map of Hoosick Patent, dated 1754, appear other
names; among them Bovie, Vanderrick, Huyck, Brimmer,
l\ tt, and Roberts. Ai ig very early settlers also were
Brecsc, Fonda, and Onderkirk. Here also, at the place
where the Harlem Extension Railroad crosses the Troy and
Boston line, lived Barnardus Bratt, who on the 17th of
January, 1735, married Catharync Van Vechten, daughter
of Johannes Van Vechten, and grand-daughter of Garret
I" -- \ \ hten, o f the original proprietors of
the Hoosick Patent; thus acquiring by marriage and by
hase from ether heirs a large interest in the lands held
under that patent. Mr. Bratt's large landed estate, greal
wealth, ami assumption of manorial rights gave him a dis-
tinguished social position, and the title of "Patroon of
II -i.-k.'' He buill the first saw-mill and the first grist-
mill erected in the district. They were built on a small
brook which ran through the lateral valley before men-
tioned, and emptied into the Hoosick near his own dwell-
ing. These mills were burned, and a large quantity of
grain, lumber, and other property destroyed by some of the
invading bands of French and Indians. The mills were
rebuilt and run for many years. The old mill-stones may
Mil] !»■ Been near the premises, interesting relics of that
olden time.
In early limes, before the erection of this mill, grain was
taken to Albany to be ground, sometimes on loot, sometimes
on i but always with toil, danger, and suffering,
characteristic of heroic limes.
larnardus Bratl were Daniel, of H
.John, of Bushkirk's Bridge; Gerril Teunise, of
Hoosick I Henry, i \ tiny. The daughters
wen M rl Lottridgc) and Elizabeth, who
married her cousin, John Bratt. In this last-named family
Cathar'tna, who married Nicholas
'. i Christina, who married Cornelius Van Bus-
kirk. Each of these hu li I to valuable farms
in tl, 1 1 the old Barnardus Bratl
. fir. rel il mcnl around the
tion of tl • with the main stream within
ihc t.wn i the liratt homestead, til the
burgh Junction, within the town of Hoosick.
Thi lonial annals, — the
Dal lor the i |
nl remain:
In the north part of th the
junction of the Wa 11 ick, was th
Croix of early times, named undoubtedly by the French
missionaries. They evidently explored the country as far
south as the Hoosick, and established a mission. It is sup-
posed that Rev. [saac Jogues, who commenced bis mis-
sionary work in Canada in 1636, visited St. Croix some
year- later.
Aside from this mission enterprise, the first permanent
settlement here was made, no doubt, by Garret Cornelius
Van Ness, a descendant of the family named as one of the
grantees in the patent. He was born Pec. 20, 1702,
married Sarah Yandenherg Aug. 20, 1724, and settled
not long after at St. Croix, his farm lying on both sides of
the stream, and extending two or more miles along the
east bank of the Hoosick. The homestead was on the
north bank of the Walloonisac, where the dwelling of
Gooding Hathaway now stands. A portion of this prop-.
eit\ remained in the Van Ness family until ISIS.
A son of Carrel Van Ness was Cornelius, who married
Alida Van Woert. Garret, a son of Cornelius, owned ami
lived upon a farm of 1000 acres or more, lying a mile
and a half north of St. Croix Mills, on the old road leading
to Pots Corners. Jacob, another son. lived upon the Jacob
Chase farm, the dwelling-house being near the Hoosick
Junction of the Troy and Boston Railroad. John, another
son. remained upon the homestead of his grandfather.
Petrus owned the farm in late years the property of Adin
and Francis S. Thayer.
Other settlers at St. Croix, following soon after the elder
Van Ness, 1724 to L735, were Jacob A. Fort. John Van-
denberg, Arenl Van Curler, Mr. Van Vechten, Job!
Fonda, David and Stephen Van Rensselaer. Robert Leake,
William Nichols. Mr. Norwood, and others, whose only
record is the moss- covered stone or grassy mound that
marks the spot where " the rude forefathers of the hamlet
sleep."
Tradition assigns to St. Croix the character of a village
long before the Revolutionary war. It then contained I
flouring. mill, saw-mill, ashery, store, tavern, school-house,
meeting-house, and a number of dwellings. The mills
were on the While Creek stream al its junction with the
Walloonisac, where in late years are located the mills of
John Burck. The tavern was at the homestead of Mr.
Van Ness, hall' a mile below the mills. Tie re was a stoek-
ade for defense in the early t)mcs of Indian warfare. It
itualcd on the bluff at the sharp bend of the Wan
loomsac River, some hundred rods below the mills. The
description of the surveys of early roads very gem-rally
connect them with the "great road leading to St. Croix."
This, with other indications, clearly show thai Si. Croix
was a business centre of considerable importance before iho
II olutionary war.
The early settlement of Hoosick, continued in order oj
lime and related in full, would include al this point a poo
lion of the ] res mi territory of White ( Ircck, in Washington
County, but the Walloomsac settlement was in the Hoosiol
district, and was an important place. Early settlers in this
northern portion of the latent were Samuel II
P Surdani, Stephen Kellogg, Elder William Wain
0 I. B dslcy, Isaac Bull, Mr. Bigclow
Francis Bennett, John Milliuian, John Barker, JoslittJ
Photo, by Atkinson. Troy.
yatrtt/
'■2*2-
rt&&
The subject of this sketch is the only son of
Thomas and Waity Reynolds, and was born in
Petersburgh, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Aug. 9, 1813.
His parents were natives of Westerly, R. I., and
settled at Petersburgh in the year 1780. His father
was a successful merchant for a number of years,
and in 1836 removed to the town of Hoosick,
locating on the farm now owned by his son, Gideon.
He was very successful in his business relations.
He died Feb. 2, 1853, and his wife died Feb. 12,
1854.
Mr. Reynolds received a good education in early
life, and for two terms was a teacher. At an early
age he took a deep interest in politics, and was elected
to the State Legislature, in 1838, by the Whigs. In
1843 he was elected sheriff of Rensselaer County,
and served one term. He was elected to Congress
in the fall of 1846, and re-elected in 1848. After
the close of his second term in Congress he retired
to private life, preferring the quiet of home to any
official honors; but on Aug. 29, 1862, he was ap-
pointed by Abraham Lincoln internal revenue col-
lector of the Fifteenth District of New York. He
served in this capacity for some two years, when he
resigned, very much against the wishes of President
Lincoln.
Mr. Reynolds has very often been a delegate to
county and State conventions. He was a delegate
to the Fremont convention in 1856, and also to the
Chicago convention that nominated Abraham Lin-
coln for President of the United States. In his
political associations he was a Whig until the organ-
ization of the Republican party in 1856, when he
became a zealous Republican, and continued in this
relation until 1867, when he became a Democrat.
Mr. Reynolds is a man highly esteemed by his
neighbors, and in early life was recognized by many
as the political leader of his town and county. He
was married to Miss Julia, daughter of Josiah and
Pliebe Warren Richmond, of Hoosick, Jan. 16,
1845. She was born Nov. 11, 1824. Of this union
seven children have been born, four of whom are
now living. The eldest, Josiah G., is a resident
of Marquette, Mich.
Photo, by Atkinson, Troy.
E. C. Rets nolds, of Hoosick, son of Elijah and
Betsej Reynolds, was born in the town of Peters-
borgh, Rensselaer Co., X. V., Nov. 14, 1826. He
received a common-school and academic education.
II' taught M'liool several winters. In 18-17 he
began mercantile bu-ine— . in Petersbnrgli in i i-
pany with his brother, Almon E. Continued in
this relation about a year, when lie bought out his
brother's interest ami continued in trade until 1856,
\\lien be purchased the Eagle Bridge Hotel, situ-
ated at Eagle Bridge, Rensselaer Co., N. V. He
kepi this public-bouse for sis years. In 1866 he
in business as a general produce dealer at Eagle
Bridge, which he -till continues to follow.
Mr. Reynolds is a staunch Democrat, and on<
of the leading men of the town. In 1X51 and
1852 he was supervisor of Petersburgh, and for the
following two years he was appointed school com-
missioner for the Seeond Assembly District.
In 1870 he was elected supervisor of Hoosick,
and held the office for the four succeeding years.
In the fall of 1874 he was elected county clerh d|
Rensselaer County, and held the office for one
term, or three years.
He married Emily, daughter of Maj. Henry
Miller, of Trenton, Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1852.
She died in 1856. when be married, for his second
wife, lb-leu. daughter of Dr. Brooman, of Trenton.
March, 1858, by whom four sons have been born,
viz., lb niv M.. ' ieorge F., Adam E., and Milo K.
TOWN OK HOOSICK.
363
Gardner, Burgos Hall, Mr. Sweet, and Tl ins Sickcls ;
the last named being the firsl supervisor of Hoosiek. He
lived on the farm owned in later years h\ Reuben Clark.
The business of the district bordering upon the Walloom-
sae was divided between the settlemenl at Sickel's Mills
(the Reuben Clark farm, or Walloomsac) and the older set-
tlement of St. Croix. Ii finally centered between the two
at North Hoosiek, thru called Pesth. Here, on the smith
Bide of the stream, were stores, a tavern, and a cluster of
dwellings, and here a large part of the business of the " Dis-
trict of Hoosiek" (177- to L788) was transacted.
In the western pari of the present town of Hoosiek, d ar
the Pittstown line, settlement also commenced very early,
The Ieeatiun was in the Wanepimoseck Valley, — the name
being shortened in later years to Nepimore, and even to
Nipmufh.
A i what is now known as West Hoosiek early settlers
were Joseph Guile, Samuel Stillwcll, Thomas Brown, Da-
Ivid Cass. Jonathan Mosely, Silas Harrington, and others.
Some of these men had settled here before the old French
war. Mr. Guile was a noted scout in the early border wars.
An Indian once sought his life at his Hoosiek home, but
Mr. Guile was too quick for the wily savage, and the latter
was buried on the farm of the man he came to kill. Mr.
Guile died in 1809, and is buried near the road, his grave
marked only by two rough, mossy stones, without date or
name. Robert Lake was an extensive land-holder in this
neighborhood before the Revolution. lie adhered to the
cause of the crown, and his lands were confiscated by au-
thority of the State and sold to Joab Guile, a son of the
pioneer Guile. David Cass tan uncle of the Hon. Lewis
Cass) settled on the farm owned in late years by Norman
Harrington. His son Job was in the warof 1812, and did
perilous duty in the Chateaugay woods. The homestead of
Jonathan Mosely was the farm owned in late years by Mr.
John Case. Silas Harrington, from Rhode Island, set-
tled in the Nepimore Valley in 1781, and was the ancestor
of the numerous families of that name in town. His home-
stead was the farm purchased still earlier by Samuel Still-
well, lying along the Nepimore Creek, and including the
site where the mills were afterwards built.
The next settlemeut was upon the Schneider Patent.
This tract is in the eastern part of the town, and extended
nearly across its entire breadth. It was locally known
in the early times as Mapleton, and a small portion of
it still retains that name. Of the grantees Hendrick
Schneider, John Wetteek, Hendrick Lake, John Johnson,
ferret Williamson, Nathaniel Ackerly, Benjamin Abbott,
William Taylor, and ' Martinus Voorhies became actual
settlers soon after securing the patent.
John Quackcnbusb, from Schaghticoke, settled, about
1765, on division lot No. 7 of this patent. Descendants
of this family have been numerous in the town. Other
early settlers were Peter Ostrander, William Helling, John
Patten, John Palmer, Benjamin Walworth Randall, James
and Samuel fjotterell.
Next in order of time occurred the settlement of that
portion of the town in the vicinity of Hoosiek Falls. Dur-
ing the period from 1720 to 1770, while other portions of
the town were the scene of active emigration, the forests of
oak 1 pine remained unbroken
mil is Ion ; by I lin and a half wide. < >f
" Falls" was about i lie centre.
In i lie year 1 772. Jonathan fuller leasi d from A.U
Vim Home, of New JTork, for a term of tv.
220 acres of land on the Hoo ick Pati nl be inning at a
marked birch-tree standing below the Falls of Qucquick.
This lease included all the present villagi of II — ick Palls
lying south of the homestead lot of Mr, J. IS. Parsons, and
east of Main Street. It is probable that Mr. Fuller local id
here and been the first settler at this place. A
northern extremity of this tract, -on premises now owned
by C. A. Cheney, then stood, in L790, an old, unoccupied,
and dilapidated house, which is Supposed to have been hi*
residence. In 1833, when this property cam,' into the
possession of the late Judge t'li.ind! ir Ball, there were 'ill
a few decayed fruit trees, an old wall, and several sunken
graves at that point. The title to this tract soon passed to
Henry Northrup, of North Kingston, It. [., he having
purchased from Augustus Van Home. Mr. Northrup
re ved to this place and settled as a fanner, remaining
until his death, in 17!'7. His dwelling was on the bill
overlooking the falls, near Judge Ball's residence. It was
reached by a private lane from the highway, with a gate
opening near the site of the Phoenix Hotel, the highway
at that time turning west at that point, running down to
the river, and thence along the bank under the bill. All
the remaining portion of the village lying west of Main
Street and cast of Hoosiek River, containing about 250
acres, was then owned by Henry Barnhart, the date of
wdiose purchase or occupancy has not been definitely ascer-
tained. Mr. Northrup had followed the seas, and was
known as captain. He died in 171*7.
Isaac Turner and Joel Abbott came about 1774 from
New London, Conn., and settled at the Falls. Mr. Turner's
bouse was at the corner of Main and Water Streets. Mr.
Abbott's house was farther down, on a spot between
the dwellings of Lyman Benedict and A. L. Johnson.
These two men were blacksmiths, and built their first shop
on the ground where the Caledonian Cotton-Factory was
built in 182.'!. — nearly in the rear of the present brick
block containing the post-office, printing-office, and furni-
ture-store. In a recent clearing away of an old structure
the date. 1784 was discovered. It was very likely a part of
this early shop. In the year 1785, Isaac Turner converted
a part of his dwelling-house into a store, which was the
first in Hoosiek Falls. These men were here just at the
opening of the Revolution. John Abbott, the father of
Joel, came here about the same time as his son, and in the
Uauiii invasion was active in resisting the march of the
British army. Joel Abbott removed iu 1795 to Athens,
Ohio.
Philip Haynes came from Connecticut iu 17S3, and
settled on the Hoosiek Patent, a mile west of the Falls.
His dwelling-bouse was on the brook near the present resi-
dence of bis great-grandson David Day lies. His sons,
Philip, Jr., Pardon, and Edmond, came to this place in
1781. Philip, Jr.. iu partnership with a cousin. Jonathan
II ay nes, built a store near the dwelling of his father, and
did business there for several years. Pardon Haynes
BISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
became a physician, practiced in Hoosick for a time, and
then r.- vol to Roms, Mass. Edn 1 Baynes settled on
a farm near his father. Be was o .-1 maker in n shop
adjoining his brother's store. Mrs. Baynes, the wife of
I. made the journey on horseback from New London
II lick, carrying on infunt child in Iht arms. That
child was John II. Baynes, who lived through the long
period of early settlement and modern development, dying
only two or thi since at the advanced age of ninety-
five.
D n Goffwasan early settler at a point where may be
still venerable fruit-trees, on the farm owned in
late years by Mr. James S. Thayer, on t lie west side of the
road leading t" North Boosick. Be was a member of the
ist Church i > t" Walloomsac and leader of the choir.
Be is said to have been disciplined for singing too lively
and irreverent tunes, and w;is condemned i" sing (Mil Bun-
dred all the rest of his life. Be removed to Ohio in lT;»-">
with hi- neighbor, Deacon Waldo. Mr. Waldo's farm was
the one owned in late years by Mr. A. C. Gecr. and in-
cludcd the present village homestead of J. Russell Parsons.
Bi was a carpenter, and in company with John Ryan built
the first bridge over the river at Boosick Falls. Benjamin
Walworth bought Mr. Waldo's farm and built the present
dwelling-house of Mr. A. C. Geer.
Joseph I>orr, then a boy of eighteen, came from Lyme,
Conn., in 1778, and found employment in the mill of
Stephen Kellogg, on White Creek. He soon established
fulling- and cai ding-works in connection with the mill.
Be married Sarah, daughter of Isaae Bull. In 1784, Mr.
Dorr removed b II isick Falls. His first dwelling was of
logs, rnid -t 1 near where Mechanic Street crosses the Troy
and B -■ ■: Railroad. Mr. Dorr obtained from Barnardus
f 280 acres, including all of the water-power
on the north side of the river, and immediately erected ex-
tensive carding-, lulling-, and cloth-dressing - works. A
mill, flax-mill, and distillery s i followed. Under his
stirriiiL' leadership Boosick Falls soon became' a place of
riderablc business importance. Be was universally be-
I, supported churches and schools with a liberal hand,
and ear. d for the poor. 11.' died in 1833.
Thomas Bart well, a man of education, and the first
physician I II ick Falls, came from New London, Conn.,
in 1778, and settled on Main Street, south of the brook.
II itly built the dwelling-house owned in late
M Molina Well-. Dr. Bartwell was 2 of the
founders of Federal Lodge, No. 33, of Free ami Accepted
M organized in the year 1792. Be removed to Ohio
in ]-■
I . ibim I maker. I li- shop
and dwelling were under 1 roof, on the north -id.- of the
ri'.er. above the fall-. Furniture made by him is still ill
use iii II I iftcr eighty years' service. Ben-
jamin I'olvin. in 1785 B6, buiit a grist-mill, on the Bouth
of the liv.r. adjoining the blacksmith -hop of Turner
'I'd.
John and -1 bP re the first -addle- and harness-
I ir shop WM on the south bank of the river,
wlere standi) the ■ \ \ Johnson. M - Wright
learned llm 1 1 ad. of (heui. and I to the busint SS "I,
their removal in 1800. Jehial Fox and his brother, Leav-
in Fox, put up an oil-mill on the ground now occupied by
the machine-works. This building was afterwards occupied
as a store by Isaae Webb, .Jonathan Eddy, John Lamport,
and Hiram Harrington, until 1S33, when it became a dwell-
ing-house, and was destroyed in the fire of 1S70. Jehial
Fox became a Baptist preacher, and removed to Chester, in
Warren County.
John Chase "The Miller." came from Nine Partners,
I'm die-- County, about 177(1, settled at West lloosick, and
taught school one or two winters. He tended mill for a
time at what is now Johnsonville, also at St. Croix for the
Van Rcnsselaers. In 17S!) he came to Hoosick Falls, and
in partnership with Theophilus Comstock bought, the grist-
mill erected by Mr. Colvin. Some time previous to 1805
be sold his interest in the mill to Benjamin Walworth, but
continued to tend it until 1810, wdicn be removed to West
Boosick, and died there in 1812 at the advanced age of
ninety-one years.
Benjamin Walworth, from New London, Conn., settled
in the eastern part of the town in 1793. In 1795 he
bought the Waldo farm already mentioned. Reuben II.
Walworth, the distinguished chancellor of the State, was a
son of this lloosick farmer. The orchard on this farm is
supposed to have been the first set out in the town, and
was spoken of as the Walworth orchard for many years.
John Comstock, from New Canaan, Columbia Co.,
wa- a resident of Hoosick Falls as early as 1792. He set-
tled in 1791 on the farm owned in later years by Timothy
Graves, Jr., afterwards removing to the village. He was
a man of great public usefulness, and left a large uumber
of descendants.
Dr. Aaron Drake Patchin, from New Lebanon, conn
menced practice as a physician at lloosick Falls in 1799.
He died in 1S20.
Cap;. Thomas Osborn, from Easthampton, L. I., was an
early settler. He came here in 1799, commenced business
as a tailor, and afterwards connected with his business a
store. In 1821 he removed to Fredonia, N. Y.
Nathaniel Bishop, of Attleboro', Mass., came to lloosick
Falls about 1790. He was a blacksmith, and established
his simp ,,n the north side of the river, west side of the
at the head of the falls.
Elder Isaac Webb, originally of Vermont, came from
Pittstown to Boosick Falls in 179G, and engaged in mer-
cantile business. In 1803 he went to Troy as pastor of
the Baptist Church there, but returned in 1811 to lloosick
Falls, and to hi- business as a merchant. He died Feb. 20,
1842.
Iii the year L791 tlm first bridge was built over the
river at the Falls. The old " rainboic-bridgc" a mile
above, hid be.11 destroyed by a freshet, and for a time a
ferry had 1 n maintained opposite tlm residence of Col.
Dorr. Samuel Burrcll, from Sheffield, Mass., settled here
a- a wagon-maker in 1793. His shop was on the river-
bank, where -land- llm lin -Imp of John G. Darroeh.
Daniel and Sylvester Noble, born in West Si...-kl
settled tor a time at Canaan. Columbia Co.. and came to
II sick Falls about 1700. They entered into partnership,
md on the south side <d' the river, below
PETER QUACKENBUSH
fvtRS. PETER QUACKENBUSH
PETER QUACKENBUSH.
The subject of this sketch is of Dutch origin, and his ances-
tors were among the very earliest settlers of this country. We
find the name of John Quackenbos in the public records as
early as 1662. As a family they were distinguished for busi-
ness habits, and the quiet, unobtrusive performance of the
duties which society and citizenship required at their hands.
Pieter Quackenbos, of Albany, was a brickmaker, and in
1668 bought the brick-yard of Adriaen Van Ilpendam, from
whom, doubtless, the Christian name of Adryan came into the
family. Adrian Quackenbos married, Jan. 18, 1699, Catha-
rina, daughter of Sybrant Van Schaick, and settled at Schagh-
ticoke.
The children of Adrian and Catharina Quackenbos were
Maaghtel, Sybrant, Adrian, Johannes, Gosen, Gideon, An-
thony, and Elizabeth.
Sybrant, above named, married, Feb. 7, 1725, Elizabeth
Knickerbocker. Their children were Catharine, Anna, John
S., Adrian, Annatie, Elizabeth, Harmon, Neeltie, and Eliza-
beth. John S., of this family, was captured by the Indians
during the French war of 1764, and held some time a prisoner.
On his release he married, Dec. 9, 1758, Jannetie, daughter
of Teunis Viele, and settled at Buskirk's- Bridge.
John Quackenbush, son of Adrian, of Schaghticoke, born
Oct. 28, 1710, married, Dec. 22, 1730, Elizabeth Rumbly, and
when opportunity offered, purchased a farm on the Schnyder
Patent, in division lot No. 7, to which he removed as early
as 1765. Here he lived to the age of eighty-four years, lead-
ing the active and laborious life of a frontiersman, and leaving
to his son Gosen, or Hosea as the name is now written, the
fruit of his labor, in a choice and well-cultivated farm, in
one of the most fertile districts of the State. His children
were Johanna, Catharina, Elizabeth, Gosen, Adryan, and
Benjamin.
Adryan was a soldier of the Revolution, and met a soldier's
death on the field of battle. Benjamin lived a bachelor, and
reached the age of eighty-three years. Gosen, or Hosea, as
above stated, inherited the homestead and followed the occu-
pation of his father. His children were John, Adryan, and
Hannah. Adryan removed to Michigan, and his history is
merged with the enterprising settlers of that rich and attrac-
tive State. John married Hannah, daughter of Peter Ostran-
der. The children of this union were Susannah, Peter, Ben-
jamin, and John L. The sons of this family are all living,
and own valuable farms in the Schnyder Patent. Peter
owns the Cotia Breese farm, in the southeast part of the town,
but spends a part of the time with his son Cebra, the pro-
prietor and popular landlord of the American House, Pitts-
field, Mass. Benjamin V. owns and occupies the Garret Lake
farm, two miles east of the Falls, on the Bennington road.
John L. owns the old homestead, which has been in possession
of the family more than one hundred years. These men are
classed among the best and worthiest inhabitants of Hoosick.
Not coveting official honors, their names are seldom found in
the public records of the town ; but, in that quiet manner
which distinguishes the family, they perform with prompt-
ness and fidelity to the principles of popular sovereignty the
duties of American citizenship. They are improving and
successful farmers, and while drawing their support from the
soil, have increased the beauties and added to the value of the
lands they cultivate. They are good livers, prudent managers,
and, while shrinking from no duty and shirking no responsi-
bility, put faith in the statement of the poet, that
" BeaBon's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense,
Lie in three words, — health, peace, and competence."
John Quackenbush was born in Hoosick, on the farm now
owned by his son John L. He died in his seventy-ninth
year, and his wife died in her sixty-ninth year.
Peter Quackenbush, son of John and Hannah Quackenbush,
was born in Hoosick, May 31, 1807. He married Mary C,
daughter of Jas. and Maria Breese, in November, 1832. She
was born in Hoosick, on the farm where they now reside, June
10, 1814. Of this union four children were born, viz. : Anna
M., Cebra, Livingston, and Eliza C, all of whom are living
and unmarried. Mr. Quackenbush remained on his father's
farm for some two years after his marriage, and then settled
on his present farm in 1835. He was engaged for a number
of years in the manufacture of powder, the firm-name being
Quackenbush, Steere & Armstron.
In 1865, Mr. Quackenbush settled in Pittsfield, Mass., and
remained some eleven years, being engaged, with his son
Cebra, in the management of the American House. In 1876
he returned to his old farm, where he spends a portion of his
time. He has been quite extensively engaged as a dealer in
wool. Mr. and Mrs. Quackenbush are worthy members of
the Presbyterian Church at Hoosick Falls. In politics he
formerly was a Jackson Democrat, but in 1866 joined the
Republican party.
Jas. Breese, son of Garret T. V. V. Breese, was born in
Greenbush, in 1776, and in 1783 settled in Hoosick, in com-
pany with his parents, on the farm where he continued to live
through life, — where his daughter, Mrs. Peter Quackenbush,
now resides. He married Maria Cebra, who was born in
Greenbush, in 1783. They had five children, viz. : V. V.,
"W. C, Mary C, Gertrude, and John Y. C, all of whom are
living except V. V. Mr. Jas. Breese died in 1851, aged
seventy-five years.
TOWN OF HOOSICK.
365
the Fulls, < taining tw 1 a fourth acres, and buill d
tavern (the first in the village), standing on pari of the site
of the Phoenix Hotel. They also purchased the Isaac Turner
store, and had for several years an extensive trade. They
also built an ashery, and established :i blacksmith-shop, and
managed all their various enterprises with energy and suc-
i cess. Daniel Noble was appointed a justice of the pence
soon after his settlement here. In his administration of
justice no favor was shown to evil-doers. For hunting on
Sunday several were fined three shillings each ; others, for
jumping the rope <>n Sunday, were fined the same sum ; and
one man for uttering a profane oath was put in the public
slocks, where he remained one hour. The pillory or stocks
was placed by the roadside, opposite the tavern on the
north corner of what are now Main and Water Streets.
The tavern sign-posts and a tree believed to be the one now
standing in Mr. Wood's lawn nearly opposite Mr. A. ('.
Parson's dwelling, were the recognized whipping-posts.
Daniel Baldwin, a relative of the Nobles, came to Hoosick
Falls about the same time, and is supposed to have been
the first shoemaker in the village. His shop was on the
north side of the river, on ground now occupied by the
Wood foundry. John Ryan was from Dutchess County,
and came to Hoosiek Falls first as a land-agent for Jacobus
Van Courtlandt, of New York. He first- settled on a farm
upon the hill, a mile east of the Falls. He afterwards built
the house owned in late years by Caleb Johnson. He was
a very useful citizen, filling many public offices, and execut-
ing many important trusts with fidelity. He died in 1827.
. About 1790, Randall James and Samuel Cotterell came
from South Kingston, R. I., and settled near Mr. Ryan.
LAWYERS.
Several members of the legal profession, afterwards dis-
tinguished men, commenced their practice at Hoosick Falls.
Among these was Reuben II. Walworth, who managed his
first case in a justice's court at this place. George Rex Davis
was the son of a Welshman, who was originally in Bur-
goyne's army, but settled as a tailor in Hoosick Falls about
1800. George was ambitious, studied law, and in 1810
commenced praetice in this village. He remained here
nineteen years, when he was appointed one of the judges of
the Court of Common Pleas and removed to Troy, lie
died June 24, 1867.
Dr. Gleason came from Pittstown to Hoosiek in 1806,
practiced medicine a short time, and then studied law. He
commenced the practice here and remained about twenty
years, when he removed to Troy. His office here was
on Main Street, a place occupied in recent years by Mr.
naussler. This office was the scene of much litigation, and
defeated suitors were wont to style it " Hoosick slaughter-
house."
Hezekiah Munsell, Jr., was a prominent man of early
tunes, filling the offices of justice of the peace and master
in chancery, besides being a school-teacher, author, and
lawyer. He practiced the latter profession for many years.
Lyman Sherwood was born in Hoosick, read law in the
office of Davis & Gleason, at the Falls, was admitted to the
bar, and practiced here a short time, when he removed to
Wayne County, where he was elected county judge and
State senator. I, men//. Sherw 1, a brother of Lyman,
|ii ei iced law a few yeai at Hoosicl I
removed to M eh on < lount) . and later in hi. to Ti
Hon. James W. Nye lead law al Hoosick Fill- in the
office of Lorenzo Sherwood, in 1-:;:; 'U John Fitch
ceeded Lorenzo Sherwood as a lawyer in 1835. Charles M
Dorr, a grandson of Col. Joseph Dorr, read law in lie- office
of Mr. Fitch. lie removed to Toledo, and eral
years mayor of the city.
Physicians and merchants of early times are already men-
tioned in these notices of early settlers.
Henry Breesc, of Greenbush, settled near Hoosick Cor-
ners about 1766, on the farm afterwards owned by lion.
Moses Warren, and in late years by Hon. Gideon Reynolds.
He had two sons, John and James, and two daught
Lovina and Nellie. These had numerous descendants, and
the family has been prominent in the history of the town.
Gerrit T. Breese was also from Greenbush, and settled
about 1SII5, in the southeast part of the town. Hendrick
Schneider settled about 170'-', on the south part of his
patent, on a farm afterwards known as the Dimmick place,
the Dickenson place, and in late years owned by Dr. John
Warren. Mrs. Dr. Warren is a descendant of Mr. Schnei-
der, the original patentee. Jacob Onderkirk. from Albany,
settled in Hoosiek perhaps as early as 17">0. His home-
stead consisted of 424 acres of choice land, lying on the
west bank of the Hoosick, two and a half miles south of
Hoosick Falls. His dwelling was the one occupied in late
years by G. E. Stockwcll. He left a numerous family, and
the name has been prominent in this and neighboring
towns.
Dr. Salmon Moses was from Norfolk, Conn. He studied
medicine, graduated at the medical department of Yale Col-
lege, declined an appointment as surgeon in the United
Slates Navy, and settled, first in Petersburgh, about the
year 1816. Two years later he came to Hoosick Falls, and
entered the office of Dr. A. D. Patchen. At the death of
the latter, in 1820, he succeeded to his practice. In his
bauds this became extensive throughout Hoosick and ad-
joining towns. He was a life-long supporter of Christian
institutions, and a member and warden of St. Mark's
Church from its organization in 18oH to his death, 1874.
Elijah Wallace came from Fairfield, Conn., to Hoosick
Falls about 1780, and settled on the cast side of Main
Street, on the lot owned in late years by Dr. II. W. Fowler.
He left a large family, a part of whom removed to Onondaga
County. William married a daughter of Frederick Onder-
kirk. A daughter of William is Mrs. G. W. Drown, in
whose possession is the old " Onderkirk Bible," printed in
Holland, in 1637.
Thomas Lottridge, from Albany, settled on a large farm
a mile and a half south of Hoosiek Falls. His wife was a
daughter of Barnardus Bratt, the patroon of Hoosick. He
left three sons, Robert, Barnardus B., and John. Nicholas
Groesbeck and Mr. Van Buskirk also settled in the same
neighborhood. Jonathan Eddy, from Leicester, Mass..
commenced business as a merchant in Pittstown, two miles
west of Wad-worth's tavern. He soon after removed to
what is now Johnsonville, and in 1803 to Hoosick Falls.
John Carpenter was a merchant from 1S0G to 1824 in the
366
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
■ -.vii. his store being on the farm .
||- ir Joslin. Henry Clark, from Shaftsbury,
\ i fine farm in the Walloomsac Valley, bought
I 3 He was in the battle of Bennington,
which w.i~ partially fought on lib farm. His s in, Reuben
■ the homestead, and passed a long and
Jul life.
Further information ttlers will be found in
the li-t- of town officers.
T.W I
following innkeepers were licensed in Hoosick Dis-
trict, March t. 1789, viz., William Roberts, Jr., Godfrey
Van Ness, Daniel Kimball, Henry Brown ;
the following retailers, Benona Burton, D. and T. Van
R nss laer, Thomas Sickels. March L'. L790, Jacob Van
N --. Jonathan Twiss, William Roberts, Henry Brown;
Gotfi - k, John Bovee, and Caleb Hill were licensed
as innkeepers, and David and Peter Van K Dsselaer, Thomas
W. Ford, Henry Ten Brocck, John Comstock as retailers.
I ■ theso licenses appear the names of Edmund Wells, J.
Van Valkcnburgh, and Daniel B. Bratt, justices- of the
. In 1791, besides those already mentioned, there
were John Mattison, Norris Pearce, Joseph Ellsworth, inn-
keepers; and Win. McCoy, Samuel ('ran-, and Philip
Hayncs, Jr., retail
The following named were licensed as innkeepers in the
years indicated: 1792, Sylvester Noble, Enos Westover
and Gershom Odle ; 17:)::. Sii Hiscock, Luke Frink,
Ithamar Sanders, Jchial Fos; 1794, Daniel and Sylvester
William Cunningham, Freelove Aylesworth, Dan
.; 1796, John Potter, Reuben Baldwin. These may
have been retailers, as the record is not clear in the division
the two classes. In 1805, Cornelius Van Vechtcn
built a tavern on the ground now occupied l>y the W 1
>.ii Main Street. The building was of wood,
two Btorica high, and painted yellow. On the south end of
the lot was an open horse-shed, fronting the street, and
under this was the town Ezra D. Socket! was the
first landlord in this tavern. The Phoenix Hotel was for a
- the pli where town-meetings were
held, and it^ « prietors are to some i stenl m n-
tioned in the account of the town organization elsewhere.
I\ "ii'.AXI/.A T1UN.
Tii.- district of Hoosick was formed March 24, 177:.'.
1 nly defined, or
they were not tli those of the present town settle-
within the present limits of Petcrsburgh on the
sooth, nn. I within the limits of White Creek on the north
undoubtedly a part ..I" Hoosick distrii \ . district,
■II the privi i town were secured, except the right
of representation in the Legislature. II osick remained a
The aim. i il meetings w< re probably held
rth II ri< '-.. oi • ttlomenl of San Croix,
daring thai pi i , ,|„. fuj|
tOWO
main in tl
jive what would
The t..wn records are complete only from 1789, thus Ieavio"
i years of district ami town records missing. We
give in full the list of officers elected in 17S9:
Thomas Siokcls, Supervisor ; Zachariah W. Sickels, Town Clerk;
Jacob Van Ness, Henry Breeze, Nicholas Snyder, Reuben Thayer
banc Bull, John Johnson, Znchariah W. Sickles, Assessors: Henry
Brown, Collector; Thomas Sickels, William Kerr, Nicholas Snyder,
Commissioners of Highways; Ebenezer Arnold, William Kerr, Over-
thoPoor; Henry Brown, Squire Road, Henry Walker, Sam-
uel l.athan. Constables : James Williamson, Henry Snyder, John Van
i, Honrj Br John Van Xc.-<. Zachariah 11. Sickels, Godfrey
Siark. Asol Gray, I'cncc- Viewers : Squire Read. Harper I:
Timothy Graves, Benjamin Waite, Pound-Keepers: John Milliman,
Samuel Latham, John Ryan, Anthony V. Surdam. Gcorj
Samuel Surdam, Garret Van Horn, Isaac II. Lansing, Daniel I: _
John Bo> ic, Go Ifrcy Stark, Jonathan Case, Ezekiel Hodges, Jonathan
Moasby, William Briggs, William Mullen, Jr.. Liavid Brown, John
Johnson, Luko Frink, Pothmastors.
The following are the names of others chosen to various
town offio - or recorded as doing public business, from 1790
to 1800: Benjamin Lewis. Gerrcl Van Hosen, Ebeni
Arnold, John Haviland, Joseph Coon. Lemuel Andn
Henry Kerr, Cyrus Brown, Henry Clark, William Rob
Israel Starks, William Briggs, John Van Wormer, John
Mattison, George Nichols, John Frazer, Jacob Fort, Avery
Cronkhitc, Reuben Thayer, Ebenezer Cross. Jonathan Wil-
son. William Eastie, Ithamar Sanders, Cyrus Spicer, Ben-
jamin Walworth, Lcvit Fox. William Castle. Benoni
Healey, Matthew Brewer, Jonathan Moscly, Silas II. r-
rington, Israel Shcphard, Samuel Crary, Gideon Dickinson.
Peter D. Van Dyck, Thcophilus Comstock, John Potter,
David Wilrox. Lewis Bower, Thomas Hyde, Noah Raker,
James Chappcll, Daniel Noble, Samuel Green. Nathaniel
Barnet, James Barnet, Samuel Salisbury, Thomas Bussey,
Ebi nezer West, Sylvanus Hussey, Henry Northrup, Jona-
than Coon. Timothy Craves. Nchcmiah Parker. John 9
Center. Samuel Scribner, Frederick Dopking, Amzi Kin-
yon, Reuben Coviil, Abraham Lansing, Gideon Elickok,
Solomon Sanford, Philip Shultus, Robert Crothcrs, Ji
miali Spencer, John Pony. Thomas Eldrcd, Ebenezer
Arnold, Ruins Johnson, Noah Raker. Samuel Milliman,
IVlo- Mattison, Gerrit T. Bratt, Samuel Burrcll, Samuel
< '"t t rill. Abraham Rake. Gardner Wood, James McGown,
Henry Dobking, Jr., Richard Coviil, Joab Guile, Asa Cole,
Ji emiah Gn n, James Brown, John Babcock, Anlr." \
Surdam, Benajah Turrill, Daniel Chase, William Frazier,
Ezekiel Hodges, Lewis S. Bowers, Rufus Johnson. Peleg
Mattison. Constant Williams. Samuel (Vary. Ebeni
Wost. Esick Bussey, Alexander Voluntinc, Simoon Run-
day, F/.okiel Smith. Jeremiah Schuyler, Rufus John
Jacob I. Cronkhitc, Amasa Kenyon, Robert Lotrid
David Newell, Tunis Van Surdam. Nchcmiah Parker,
Nathaniel Bishop, Nathan Dopkins, Thomas Card, Caleb
Ma ison, John Chase (3d), David Stannard, Isaac Dan-
Ibrth.
PLACE OF TOWN-MEETINGS.
1789 92, not given in the records ; 179.'!, " at Syl\
Noble's ;" 1795, " at the house of John Comstock, on the
B [\i\ ' 1790 to 1801, '■ ai the hi
of Danii 1 and - Noble ;" 1802-4, " at ll
J. Bucll," at Hoosick Falls; 1S11, "at John II.
Haynes'" (Phoenix Hotel sit< . 1812, " at Ostrand
i
•
r^9| vWKJ
f
^Uin^ri^P^ (^r-frZHxf
V //
/-elk ^a
^Z^-f^
TIMOTHY GRAVES.
Very little is known of the ancestors of the subject of
this sketch, except that they were of English origin, and
settled in New England previous to the Revolutionary war.
The grandfather of Timothy Graves was named David G.
He was born Oct. 5, 172S, in New England, probably
Connecticut. Married Hannah Wetuiore, who was born
Dec. IS, 1725. Of this union eight children were born,
viz. ■ Timothy, Sr., Lewis, Sarah, David, Jr., Noadiah,
Hannah, Polly. ::;id Millie. David G. was a farmer by
occupation. He died June 6, 1777, and his wife April
14, 1804.
Timothy, Sr., was born Jan. 1, 1754, in Connecticut.
He followed the occupation of his father. He married
Martha Comstouk, who was born in Connecticut, June 21,
1760. Of this alliance eight children were born, viz. :
Cyrus, Esther, Asher, John, Martha, Ann, John (second),
and Timothy, all of whom are dead except Ann and
Timothy.
Timothy, Sr., was a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
and drew a pension for his valuable services. He was a
colonel of the State militia for several years, and was a
man who took a deep interest in everything pertaining to
the various interests of the town.
He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian
Church, of which he was a deacon. He lived respected, and
died June 20, 1848, at the ripe old age of ninety-five
years, five months, and nineteen days.
Mrs. Graves died Feb. 19, 1844, and was buried in the
cemetery at Hoosick Falls, by the side of her husband.
Timothy Graves, Jr., was born in Hoosick, on the farm
where he now resides, Aug. 3, 1803. He is the youngest
of a large and respectable family of children. His brother
Cyrus was a soldier in the war of 1S12.
Timothy has continued to follow the occupation of his
father and grandfather, and owns the old homestead, — a
fine farm half a mile south of Hoosick Falls. He married
I'1 ranees, daughter of Wm. Thomas, March 14, 1838. She
was born Nov. 15, 1810. Two children were born to bless
this union, viz. : Warren H., who is a farmer of Rockton,
III., and Frances E., who married Chas. Piatt, and is now
residing in Wichita, Kan. Mrs. Graves was a member of
the Presbyterian Church. She died March 4, 1849.
Mr. Graves married for his second wife Margaret A.,
daughter of Jacob and Christine Stover, of Pittstown, and
granddaughter of Martin Stover, a native of Germany,
Nov. 6, 1851. She was bom Feb. 26, 1820. Of this
union two children have been born, viz. : Jacob A., who is
at home, and Hattie A., residing at home, but engaged
as one of the teachers in the public school at Hoosick Falls.
As an evidence of her ability, she has taught five consecu-
tive years in the place where she was reared.
Mr. Graves was a captain in the State militia for some
years. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and has
very little sympathy with those who declare our last war a
failure. As a man, he is respected by all. He never as-
pired to fill official positions, but, in his quiet, unassuming
way, has tried to fulfill the duties of a true and loyal
citizen.
He and bis wife are members of the Presbyterian Church
at Hoosick Falls.
TOWN ()K HOOSICK.
367
tavern, at or near the Falls;" 1813, " al the usual place,
nt Hoosick Kails," and so also for several years ; L816, "al
t In- Falls, at the new dwelling-house of Charles Leigh and
Peter Ostrander, Jr. ;" 1821, " at Charles Leigh's" (site of
IPbcenix) ; 1833, "at the house of A.aron Chase" (site of
Phoenix); 183-1 37, " al the house of Thomas Bussey, in
lie village of [Ioosick Falls;" 1838, " al the house of L.
(handler Ball;"11 1839, " al the Phoenix Hotel.iu the vil-
lage of Hoosick Falls," and so also for some years; IS I I,
'• al the house of Lucius M. Cooley," Hoosick Corners, then
fur many years "at the Phoenix Hotel;" L857 60, " al
tin- house of Alvah II. Webster," and then for nianj n
'•at the Phoenix Hotel;" 1877-71), " at the Hoosick
Bouse."
The following items from the early records are given as
being of interest :
In 1793 the sum of £25 was voted for the supporl of
tin' poor. In 1 7 i> 1 it was voted to raise £30 for the sup-
port of the poor. In 1795, Peter l>. Van Dyck and John
Cbmstock signed a notice for a special town-meeting, as
justices of the peace. John Comstock was appointed to
take the census on the west side of the Hoosick River, and
John Ryan on the east side.
The sheep-marks recorded in the old book begin as early
as 1787. The two earliest are these of Zaeelieus Siekels
ami John Milliman.
Carriage Record. — "Thomas Hartwell and Hannah Ashe
were married in the town of Hoosick, on Thursday, L'tltli
day of August, in the year one thousand seven hundred
and eighty-four, by Samuel Guthrie, Esq."
The first road record found is as follows:
"Albany County, Town of Hosick.
" Wo the Commissioners of Highways for said town have this day
Bra out a road of two rods wide from the main road leading from the
mills of David and Peter Van Rensselaer to the house of Samuel
Bodges; beginning on said road near the corner of said Van Ri ns-
selacr field, and from thence as the road now goes, or the best and
most convenient place for a mad to the lino of Cambridge near the
house of Jacob Van Valkenburgh, Esq. Given under our hands this
I'd of Sept., 1790.
" THOM vs SlCKEl s,
•■ Nicholas Sni dee,
•'.li.v wii in Case,
"C"!t of Hightoaya."
There were, of course, many earlier mails than this, the
records of which were lost with the early district books.
May 25, 1793, a committee consisting of Joseph Spencer,
Isaac H. Lansing, and Samuel Hodges report the expert e
of U21 4s. for care of Pearley Cady, who died of small-
pox at the house of Jonathan Case.
The first three records of births entered in the book are
the following: Deborah Roberts, born March 5, 1782,
daughter of William and Elizabeth Roberts. William, son
of William and Elizabeth Roberts, born June 13, 1787,
John Hartwell, son of Thomas and Hannah Hartwell, born
Monday, Aug. 22, 17S5, in the town of Hoosick.
Jan. 27, 1794, a certain person was tried, found guilty
of stealing, and condemned to be tied to a tree and receive
The Phoenix was rebuilt by L. C. Ball, and kepi by Daniel Ball.
Prom 1847 to I -.>! it was kept by Torrey Wallace, also by the same
iruiu 1SC7 to 1876, when it was burned.
twelvi la hi on the naked back, which sentence was exe-
cuted by Godfi iy En!', con I abli foi I he tow n of I
town.
\ pecial town meetin ; « a In Id al < lhai le Li
13, L815, to take into consideration the subjeel ol
Ami;, C khite, moderator; David Gleason and Aaron l».
Patrliin. justices presiding.
" M .ri. . i . rativod thom. ViapuU dri
rcjt clt ■ ', and hi ■>!.- up u 'u i » << ; ■
Itttion.
" .1 K,
/.-.••
Births of Slaves. — March 30, L802, John Palmer certi-
fies " that 1 had on the 3d day of May last a male child
born of my black servant girl, named Dick." Feb. 24,
LS03, Jacob A. Ford certifies " that tit my dwelling house
in Hoosick, county of Rensselaer, on the 25th day of May
now last past was horn a female neg African child,
born of a slave in my family, and named Lucretia Benja-
min." March 22, 1803, Henry Van Ness certifies " thai
Gin, my black or African slave, had a female child born in
my house on the 30th day of June last, which I have
named Betty." There are quite a number of other similar
notices. There are also recorded several certificates from
the overseers of the poor authorizing the manumission of
certain slaves.
TOWN OFFICERS, 17S9 TO 1880.
si PERVISORS.
1 , t-9 I. Thomas Siekels.
1846.
1785-96. John Ryan.
1797-99. Ji seph Dorr.
1847.
1800. Joseph Dorr.
i ;
1801-3. John Ryan.
t ..ii
1804 5. Joseph Dorr.
1852-
1S06-9. John Ryan.
1854.
1 10 12. Joseph Dorr.
IS55.
1813-1 1. Jonathan Eddy.
1856.
1815-18. Nathaniel Bishop.
1857.
1819-23. Jirah Baker.
1858.
1824-25. Reuben Clark.
1859.
1826-27. Ainasn Kenyon.
1S60-
1828. Abraham Ki m h.
1868.
1829-33. Harry Patterson.
1869.
1834-35. Reul en Clark.
1870-
■ Daniel B. Bratt.
1875.
IS37-38. Palmer S. Shrieves.
1876-
1839-41. David Harrington (2d).
1878.
1842-45. David S. McNamara.
1879.
TOWN C
LF.RKS.
1789-92. Zachariah W. Siekels.
1844.
1793-99. Thomas Hartwell.
1845.
1800-9. Sylvester Noble.
1846.
1S10-12. Thomas Osborn.
1847.
1813-18. John Comstock.
1848.
1819-20. Thomas Osborn.
1849
1821. Seth Parsons.
|s.,|.
IS22. Samuel Burrell.
1 i 1.
1823-27. Seneca Dorr.
1863.
1 ■ Dow Van Veehtcn.
IS., I.
1829-34. Hiram Harrington.
1S55.
1835, Jonathan Eddy.
IS56
1S36-38. Jonathan Eddy, Jr.
1858.
1839. Aljrain K. Sanders.
1859-
1840. Samuel T. Hunell.
1S63.
1841-42. Adin Thayer, Jr.
1864.
18 13. AW; am 1\ . Sanders.
1865.
Jonathan Cottrel] (tic).
L. M. Cooley l appointed ■
Lucius M. Cooley.
-49. Alvah H. Webster.
-51. -\ icholas Danfoi th.
-53. Joseph Has well.
Jirah j;. Baker.
Augustus Johnson.
Han ;■■ Patterson.
Alvah II. Webster.
George \V. < tstrander.
William Haynes.
-07. J. P. Armstrong.
Marshal] F. VI
William Anson Wood.
-7!. Eben C. Reynolds.
Gideon Reynolds.
-77. Alvah II. Webster.
Jonathan P. Armstrong.
J. Russell Parsons.
Andrew Russell.
.1 i on Burrell.
i lac N. Joslin.
Truman J. Wallace.
Willard Harrington.
-50-. Ezra R. Estabi i iok.
til F. White.
J I ■ irdon Russell.
S. Parsons Cornell.
J. Gordon Russell.
Marshall F. White.
57. S. Parsons » lornell.
Charles H. Hawks.
62. Edward M. J
Ezra R. Estabrook.
Manic v W. Morey.
Charh a E. Morej .
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
John P. Bi
r.*A.
P. Forby.
■
1-;.'. B Imu 1 1'. Bruah.
II. ■.!,;. D. i . Bannara.
1-7 1 77. Henry 0
[878. Henry D. C. Han
H arreo F. Potere.
It appears from Judge Ball's papers that Daniel 15. Bratt
rvisor of " Hoosick District" from I7vl in 17~^
inclusive. This information he obtained probably from the
;- of the Board of Supervisors "!' Albany County.
.11 si i' ES "i' i in: rr. vi
,vero elected by the people ;it the general
elections in pursuance of laws enacted after the adoption of
the constitution of 1821, or were appointed by the courts
until 1 B30. During tin.- period the following names appear.
Tin- dates given are those "I' being Bworn into office
II:.:' . Fob. 24, 1S23; Clark Baker, Fob. 24, 1823 ; Soth
ns, March II. 1-:':: : Stophon Bldrod, Sept 36, 1823; David
Qlcnson, Oct. 18, 1823; Bforr Munsoll, Jr., Oct. 24, 1823 ; Harrj
Patti rson, Jan. 1, 1828; Qorr Munsell, Jr., Jan. In. 1828; D
L. Bcnway, Jan. I-. 1828; Nathaniel I.. Uilliman, Jan. !'."•,
1-l'-: Darid I.. Bcnway, Jan. 7, 1829; Lemuel Sherwood, Jr.,
D . D, ' •
Commencing in 1830, these officers were elected at the
annual town-meetings, as follows :
: 1831, Ih.rry Patti rot : i-::l'. John Jay Vide;
John, Fitch, Prosper M. Armstrong;
Nathan Wail : IS36, George Manchester, I.. Chandler Ball :
l-::7. George W. Rogers; 1838, David .s. McNamara; 1839, Il<v-
ckiah Munsell, Win. «'. Raymer; l-l». David S. Bcnway; 1841,
■ Brown; 1842, David S. McNamara; 1843, Jason Barrel];
1844, George Manchester, II. nry B.Clark; 1SJ5, Henry B.Clark;
IS IS, David S. McNamara; 1-17. -I.hri Rcnwick; I- I-. James J.
Allen; 1849, Henry B. Clark ; 1S50, George Chase; I
Burn rah E. Bukcr; IS53, Henry B. Clark, David Ball;
1854, Reach ; IS5B, Andrew Hough-
ton; 1857, Henry B. Clark; 1 *.">s. George Chaso; 1859, Marshall
P. White; . J Oscai Joslin ; 1861, Henry Hanks; 1862,
Marshall F. White; 1864, Eli Barton, .lr.:
' 186", Marshall I-'.
Whil Reynolds; 1870,
.Hi, ll..\ik-: 1871, Joseph Buckley; 1-7L'. Henry
D.Harrington;! i W. Brown, Chnrli D : 1874,
1375, Joseph Buckley; 1876, Goorge W. Allen;
1-77. Albert II. Hawks; 1878, Alexander Frier; 1-71'. Joseph
name OF Tin; rov
rber in his " Indian Tribes -l' Hudson River," de-
thi II P : gn ,1 in
I'.--...- ■ lying on both sides of a certain creek called Hos-
tiek." (»n maps of ili> I; Manor 1 1 j . - nam
■pell ami this spelling is used in the revised
" ' bul c immunications from the various
nun. nl use the BDcllitlg /.'
lick, ami this i- ilm modern form in all judicial proceedings.
B Dice department the -am., spellin , ?ed,
and also in thi ition of the village. The railr I
com] upon their tickets Uootac, and the lam
""i'1 I llutterber bein" high
authority upon Indian names it may therefore I aid
I that U mean I : place, and i- .1. rived from
til.. two Indian words // ■ -•.• and • './.• or ick.
V.— VILLAGES.
noosicic.
This place is known in town quite generally as Hoosick
" Corners," t.> more clearly designate it from the other vil-
lages named by some combination with the word Hoosick.
It is eighteen and nine-tenths miles from Troy, air-line
measurement. This was an important point upon the
stage-route from Troy to Bennington, and many of the
older citizens remember well the familiar sound of the staire-
horn, that eehoed through the valley, and the four-horse
coaches, lull of passengers, that came rolling up to the
taverns of Hoosick, which was a point of active business at
that time. This was the first post-office in town. Dr.
Asher Armstrong was an early postmaster, holding the office
from about 1800 down to his death, in 1832. Mr. Jonathan
Armstrong thinks Hezckiah Munsell preceded Dr. Arm-
strong as postmaster. In 1S39, Prosper M. Armstrong
was appointed postmaster. He was succeeded by L. M.
Cooley, Jonathan 1'. Armstrong, .1. 1-]. Wilcox, and Albert
Brown. In 1861, Jonathan 1'. Armstrong was again ap-
pointed, ami he has held the office ever since.
Asher Armstrong was from Taunton, Mass., ami was born
in 177G. lie was educated as a physician, ami settled at
Hoosick about 17flti-!>7. His homestead was the one now
occupied by Widow Betsey Hawks. The dwelling is the same
except such modern repairs as have been made upon it. Dr.
Armstrong had an extensive practice throughout Hoosick
and the adjacent towns. He died in the midst of his useful-
ness, Nov. 23, 1S32, fifty-seven years old, — scarcely past the
meridian of life's besl working age. His son, Prosper M.
Armstrong, graduated at I'ittslield about 1S25, settled at
Hoosick in practice with his father, and at the death of the
latter became his successor. Dr. Prosper Armstrong, like bis
father, enjoyed the universal good will of the community, and
had a large practice, extending many miles from his native
village. He died Feb. It. 1S57, in the midst of a sui cessful
career, at about the same age to which his father attained.
Simeon Curtis Studied me. Heine with Dr. Prosper Arm-
strong, graduated at Albany, returned to Hoosick and com-
menced practice with his old instructor, who was then dis-
abled by paralysis. At the death of Dr. Armstrong, Dr.
Curtis succeeded to his practice. Dr. Curtis also died while
comparatively young and in active business. Dr. (^
was his successor, and he died in 1877. Dr. Murray suc-
ceeded him for a short time, and then removed to Union
village, Washington County. Dr. Hall, now practicing
1879 . followed Dr. Murraj . ami being located in the samo
office, is the regular representative in this long Ksculapian
I mole than three-i|Ual lei > of :i Century.
Other physicians have also practiced for many yi
this plaee. Dr. John Warren came about 1825 or '26,
and has done a half-ccnlury of work here. He is still
living, ai an advanced age. among the people he ha- served
long ami will. Jonathan K. Hayncs studied medicine with
Dr. Prosper M. Armstrong, and gradual..! at Albany. IP
went to Hoosick Falls for a shorl time, having before thi-
-p. nt a few years in California. After a brief practice at
tie- Falls he came to Hoosick, and is still in business at thi-
villag
\in.i-.i Kinyon was a tncrchanl at II... .-ick in the early
Photo bj Atkinson, Troy.
Dr. Asher Armstrong, son of Bela Armstrong, was born in
Massachusetts, Feb. 8, 1770. He received an academic educa-
tion, and at an early age commenced the study of medicine
with Dr. Knott, of Connecticut. He graduated at one of the
medical colleges of the East, and in 1796 commenced the
practice of medicine at Hoosick, Rensselaer Co., N. Y.
He was a thorough student, and one of the very best physi-
cians of his day. As a man ho was greatly respected by all
who knew him. He was a Whig in politics, and for many
years was postmaster of Hoosick. He married Molly, daugh-
ter of Rev. Aaron Haynes, of Bennington, Vt., Dec. 19, 1799,
by whom he had ten children. Mrs. Molly H. Armstrong
was born at Bennington, Vt., Dec. 12, 1779. Dr. Armstrong
died Nov. 23, 1832. His wife was a lady much thought of
by the community, and one whose Christian character is
stamped upon the memory of her children.
Dr. Prosper M. Armstrong, son of Dr. and Mrs. Asher
Armstrong, was born in Hoosick, Aug. 11, 1802. He received
an academic education at Bennington, Vt., and graduated
at the medical college at Pittsfield, Mass., about the year
1825. He immediately commenced the practice of medicine
with his honored father, and upon his father's death, in 1832,
he had a large and increasing practice. He greatly distin-
guished himself as a practitioner, and continued to ride until
within two years of his death, which occurred Feb. 14, 1857.
As a citizen he won the esteem of those who knew him. He
married Sarah, daughter of Amasa Kenyon, a prominent
merchant of Hoosick at that time, by whom he had four
hildren. Of this family, one daughter only is living.
J. P. Armstrong, son of Dr. Asher and Molly Armstrong,
was born in the town of Hoosick, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Aug.
29, 1817. He was reared on the farm, and early laid the foun-
dation for a successful and busy life. It was the intention of
his father that he should begin an academic course at Ben-
nington, in the spring of 1833, but as his father died the fall
previous, and as the family was not left in affluent circum-
stances, it became necessary for him to continue to work on
the farm. He worked that summer for his uncle, Aaron
Sherwood, who lived in Bennington, Vt., at three dollars per
month. The following winter he attended school in his
native village of Hoosick, working in the store of Leroy
Salisbury nights and mornings for his board. The follow-
ing spring he spent a few weeks in the store of Abel Bunnell,
it Troy, N. Y., and then removed to Fredonia, Chautauqua
Co., N. Y., where he remained five years, the first attending
school and living with his brother Aaron, and the next three
in the employ, as clerk, of David Barrett & Co. He received
one hundred dollars for the first year, two hundred dollars
for the second, three hundred dollars for the third, and the
fifth year was spent with J. D. Edson & Son.
During this time he visited his home but once. Upon the
earnest solicitation of his brother, Dr. Prosper M., and several
others, he was induced to open a store in his native village.
He had but two hundred and seventeen dollars of his own,
and with some three hundred dollars more which was loaned
to him by his guardian, Joseph Case, he started for New
York City, to purchase his first bill of goods. He had taken
the necessary precaution to get a letter of recommendation
from his former employers in Fredonia, N. Y., which proved
of great service to him in making his first acquaintance in
New York. This was his beginning as a merchant in Hoosick,
and his little store grew in proportion to the number of years
in business, until he became one of the largest and most in-
fluential merchants in the county, outside of Troy. He has
been in business for nearly forty years in the same building.
By close attention to business, combined with economy, he
has made an ample fortune, and great credit is due his faithful
wife in the saving of the same.
Not only will Air. Armstrong be remembered as the success-
ful merchant, but as the kind husband, a true citizen, and
honest man. He has ever labored to promote the best interest
of his village in schools and churches. In politics Mr. Arm-
strong was formerly a Whig, but upon the organization of
the Republican party, in 1856, he joined it, and since then has
been one of its chief standard-bearers in the town of Hoosick.
In 1860 he was elected supervisor, and continued to hold the
office for eight consecutive years. In 1878 he was again
elected, and served one term. He has been postmaster of
Hoosick since 1860.
He is often called upon to settle estates, and in every case
has given satisfaction. In 1807 he was chosen a delegate to
the constitutional convention held at Albany. He married
Harriet, daughter of Sylvester and Ruth Richmond, of
Hoosick, Aug. 29, 1842. She was born in Deerfield, Mass.,
Oct. 29, 1817, and removed to Hoosick, in 1830, with her
parents. Of this happy union five children have been born,
of whom three only are living. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong
are members of the Episcopal Church at Hoosick.
ITAUPER ROGERS.
SUSAN ROGERS.
HARPER ROGERS,
son of Harper and Mercy Rogers, was born in Rhode
Island, March 19, 1764, and removed to Washington
Co., X. Y.. previous to the Revolutionary war, in
company with his parents. He was roared on the
farm, which honorable business was his chief occu-
pation through life. He married Susan, daughter
of Daniel and Delia Barber, Jan. 19,1786. Mrs.
I; ■_'• r- was born in Rhode Island. March 30, 1764.
Of thi> union sis children wire born, viz.: Betsey,
I I • 6, 1786; Delia, May 3, 1789; Harper J., Sept.
18, 1798; B - 2d . Dec, 31, 1800; Geo. \\\.
March 26, 1803; and Sabrina M., Aug. 7, L806.
Of this large pi er family, only the youngesl
daughter, Sabrina M.. is now living. Mr. Rogers
and wii'' settled in the town of Hoosick in L786,
and lived • i j •* > ■ ■ the place now owned by his youn
daughter nearly hie entire married life.
Hi - a large and influential farmer, and was a
man respected by his neighbors. Mrs. Rogers was a
member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Rogers was
an attendant of the same. In politics, Mr. Rogers
was a Whig, and at one time represented Ins town
in the State Legislature.
He lived to a ripe old age, and died April 26,
185Q. Mrs. Rogers died April 4, 1845, and both
were buried in the Mapletown Cemetery, one and
one-halt* miles east of Hoosick.
Mi— Sabrina M. Rogers is now well advanced in
life, being seventy-three years of age. She never
had very good advantages for an education, but her
love for books ami a deep de-ire lor knowledge have
given her a good store of useful information. She
i- now hale and hearty, and greatly enjoy- the
society of others. To her is due the credil for the
insertion of the portraits of her parents, in memory
of them.
I
TOWN OK IIOOSK'K.
part cil'iliis century. He traded in a brick building on 1 1 1 1 •
present estate of John S. Baucus. lie was succeeded by a
firm consisting of his son, George \Y. Kinyon, ami his son-
in-law, Henry Hawks. Tliey continued in business until
George \V. Kinyon died, ami the property was sold. Harry
Patterson ami Moses Warren traded in a building just
south of the present Eldred House. They too were in busi-
ness as early perhaps as 1800, ami continued until L826 or
'27. when Mr. Patterson went to the Falls to live. Their
mercantile business passed to a firm composed of Dr. Pros-
per M. Armstrong and llial Parsons. They Bold out in a
short time to Leroy Salisbury. Mr. Salisbury is remem-
bered as a citizen of excellent character, whose integrity
was never doubted, and who made friends with all whom
he met. He sold out after a lew years, and removed to
I'nion vil
Washington Co. Jonathan P. Armstrong
commenced his mercantile career with him as a clerk, and
in 1839 went into business for himself in the same store he
still occupies. The first article of goods which he sold was
to David Wallace, and the first scythe to James Percy (see
biography of Mr. Armstrong). William C. Raymer was
an early merchant on the corner where the new block is
now being erected ^lST'.h by Noble Phillips. He traded
there until IS 17 or '48, when he sold out to John 1'.
Brown. The latter, a few years later, sold to Mr. Phillips.
Several others have traded at that point. Mr. Jonathan
Armstrong states that the first hat he remembers being
bought for him, when a little boy, was from Mr. Raymer's
store.
On the corner near Sir. Armstrong's present store was
the Palmer tavern of early times. David Wilcox kept
tavern where Dr. Warren now lives, on the opposite corner.
The present Eldred House was originally kept by Joseph
L. Newell. It has always been a public-house, and the
present building is the one first erected, though consider-
ably changed from time to time by repairs and improve-
ments.
A public library was started about 1S23 or 182G by Dr.
Armstrong, Hez. Munsell, Jr., and a few others. They
gathered 2tl0 or 300 volumes, but it was not long sustained.
Hon. Gideon Reynolds, well known in this county for
many years as a public man and a member of Congress,
resides near this village.
In early times a tannery was established by William
Goodrich north of the old Baptist church on the estate, in
late years, of Dr. Green. Dr. Asher Armstrong and Moses
Warren owned the property for a time. Two asheries ex-
isted at Hoosick in early times. Jouathan Armstrong re-
calls the names of two early teachers, — Mr. Stone and
Lorenzo Sherwood. The Tibbits button-factory was es-
tablished a few years since, and is an enterprise of consid-
erable importance. The present store of Mr. Armstrong
was first opened by James Pine. He sold to Clark k Phil-
lips, and they to Mr. Armstrong, in 1839. The house where
the noted loyalist leader, De Peyster, lived was west of the
bridge at Hoosick. It was known as the " White House,"
and was taken down some years since. The bridge is still
called White House Bridge.
The present business of Hoosick consists of two hotels,
— the Eldred House and the Babeock House, — the store of
47
.Mr. Armstong, store of Mr, Anthony, and two or th
shops. Considerable railroad business is done at this point,
both in the \\a\ ..I' freight and p engei n tie of
the points where the TloV and Bo8tOD Itail I i to lie
crossed by th" Boston, Hoosac ami Western Railroad.
This will lead to a rearrangement of th.- present railroad
buildin
Mil: ill I SICK
is situated upon the Wallooinsac Creek, and i- a station
upon the Troy and Bennington Railroad, its public build-
ings are the Methodist Episcopal church and the xhool-
house of district No. 9. There are ol t 60 private resi-
dences. The manufacturing enterprises al this point ha
largely increased the growth of the village, though it was
quite early a point of considerable trade. This place is
only a mile or so east of the ancient St. Croix, the latter
being near or around the junction of the two streams. The
term St. Croix, or, as it was sometimes spoken and spelled,
Sancoik, applied not only to the junction ol' the two streams,
but to the mills now owned by John G. Burck, near North
Hoosick.
The present business of the place may be summed up as
follows: a general country store by Hiland Carpenter, also
one by Prank Potter; a hotel kept by Mrs. Leonard; a
hotel kept by J. C. Wright, this being a large and conve-
niently-furnished house; a bottling establishment by Fred.
Romp; the carriage-shops of (Mark W. Bowker and D. C.
Eldredge; the blacksmith-shop of Ira Wakefield, and the
mills elsewhere mentioned.
WALLOOMSAC,
a station upon the Troy and Bennington Branch Railroad,
is a small hamlet, the growth of which in modern times
has been developed by the paper-mills located at that point.
It is distant twenty-two and seven-tenths miles from Troy,
air-line measurement. It is very near to the actual field of
the battle of Aug. 1G, 1777, known in history as the battle
of Bennington. There is little or no business at this point
at the present time, except the mills mentioned elsewhere.
The owners of the mills run a blacksmith-shop for their
own repairs, and some custom work is done. Patrick
McGuire has a small store. This place has an ancient
history, a few glimpses of which appear in the story of
early settlement. There are said to have been stores, tav-
erns, shops, and many dwellings here before the Revolution.
These long since disappeared, and only a k\\ traces of them
remain, either in history or at the village itself.
EAGLE BRIDGE.
This village, upon the Hoosick side of the river, com-
prises at the present time the following business: a hotel.
by G. B. Pitch ; a hotel, by A. March & Sons ; a store for
general merchandise, by McClellan & Son ; another store,
by A. Maxon ; general produce agency, by A. C. Reynolds,
who also deals extensively in coal and lumber; and the gen-
eral business of buying flax and grain, by Hiram Sisson.
The junction of the Northern Railroad with the Troy and
Boston line at this point renders the place one of consider-
able importance in the way of railroad business.
370
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
w BST HOOSICK
is a Bmall hamlet, comprising eight or ten dwellings, the
!■ \ 25, a grist-mill, store, and
blacksmith-shop. It is distant from Troy seventeen and
three-fifths miles, air-line measurement. It is the seat of
the early settlement in th< N pim - Valley.
in shirk's bridge
is situated in the north part of the town, and perpetuates
ili.- nam.- ..fan early settler ami a prominenl family, and is
twenty miles distant from Troy, air-line measurement. The
public buildings of the place arc the Methodist Episcopal,
the Roman Catholic, ami the Reformed churches, ami the
school-house of l>i.-tr"ut No. 12. Private residences, num-
bering about forty, with one store ami several mechanic-
shops, complete tin- village.
Tlie following incidents, told by one who was familiar
with Buskirk's Brid seventj years ago, are of con-
siderable inten
1/ s, Lottriilge, of Iloosick Falls. — Her
maiden name was Mary Kapple, ami she came to Buskirk's
Bridge in August, 1810, af the age of twelve years. She
remembers Mr. Simpson as then living at Buskirk's Bridge,
ami Mr. Marsh. Ezra Dunham, whose wile was a sister of
Mary Kapple, kept the first store at the Bridge. It was on
the north side of the river and off the road. Jacob Groes-
beck, a shoemaker, lived on the south side of the river, and
kept the toll-gate. Timothy Wells was a blacksmith. Mrs.
I. ttridge says sin- went to meeting in early years at the
Dutch Reformed meeting-house, that st 1 mar the site
of the present one. When she came to Buskirk's the
ting-house was so plain it looked to her like a New
England harn. and she innocently asked where the barn-
yard was. She remembers Rev. Mr. Ostranderand Rev. Mr.
Switz a- early ministers. She describes with animation the
spinning ami weaving of the old limes. She has in herpos-
ii ne of the account-1 ks of Ezra Durham, com-
mencingin 1806. ' ] its pages appear the names of Jer-
emiah Bradley, Tl philus Taylor. Martin Foot, Warren
Oibbs, John Lyous, Simeon Wright, John Atwater, Samuel
Clark. Ezra Church. Nathan Ingraham, Isaac Hill. Edward
I. II . Bastings Warren, Justus Foot,
Wm. Granger, Ira Hawley, John Keep, Jami • Champlain,
Thomas Chapman, Hosea Brooks, and many others. In
1821, Mary Kapple married Thomas Lottridge, a young
! in maker, who had just before come to Buskirk's
Rrid'.'e. In l-::i the) removed to the Full,-, and Mr. Lott-
ridge established the wagon business, about where hi- sons
still carry it on. Mr. Van Buskirk, of Lansingburgh, a
at of the early family of Van Ruskirks. at the
Bridge," and also a d< Cendant, on the maternal side, of
tie that the pioi r Van
of i tain acn • of land, thus having a farm of
■ icb of four dnugbl
This settlement was before the Revolution. During the
Ho ii tie- Van Ness family were in Albany,
and the • lefl iii charge of two colored men, who
proved themselves ~lir.-w<l ami vigilant enough to gather
and keepalarji ■■>! both Whigs ami T
When asked lew they did it. they replied, " We had two
flags, and could show either in a hurry." " But how did you
know tlie Tories from the others?" " We could tell a Tory
by his looks just as far as we could see."
POTTER HILL POST-OFFICE.
This is situated in the southwest part of the town of
Iloosick. The hill is so called from the fact that a man of
that name was once killed there by accident. A notice of
the Methodist church at this place is given in the chapter
upon Pittstown.
PETERSBTJRGH JUNCTION.
This is where the Harlem Extension Railroad intersects
the Troy and Boston, near the south line of the town. It
is scarcely a village of itself, but is properly included in
North Petersburgh. The present junction is just at the
ancient site of Barnardus Bralt's homestead and estate.
Here is where he enjoyed manorial honors, and was known
as the " Patroon of Hoosick." This neighborhood, includ-
ing North Petersburgh, is the Iloosick of early colonial
times.
FREEMAXSVILLE.
This name is given to the village which has grown up
within a few years opposite Hoosick Falls. It is included
in the corporation of the latter. The Frcemansville Hotel,
kept by F. Riley. Timothy Stapleton's grocery-store, Dolan's
brick-kiln aud stone-quarry, are the most important busil
interests.
At the Malleable-Iron Works something of a hamlet is
growing up, but it is included in the corporation of Hoosick
Falls.
HOOSICK FALLS.
This village, noted throughout the country for its thriving
manufacturing enterprises, is situated upon the Hoosick
River, which supplies valuable water-power. It is distant
from Troy by air-line measurement twenty and three-fifths
miles. It comprises, amongjts public buildings, the In
of worship belonging to the Pn sbyterians, the Baptists, the
Methodists, the Catholics, the Episcopalians, ami Ball Sem-
inary (now the public school-bouse of District No. 11),
several hotels, and the depot buildings of the Troy and
Boston Railroad. The river winds through the village
somewhat in the shape of the letter S. The early settle-
ment in this vicinity and early business at this point have
already I n menii d quite fully in the general account
of the settlemenl of the town, and arc further treated of
under the head of industrial pursuits.
The post-office was established in 1822, and Scth Pa*
.-..us, through whose influence it had been secured, became
the first postmaster, with David Ball as deputy. This
office was kept in Parsons' machine-shop. The post route
was a branch of the route from Albany to Brattlcb
The mail was carried on loot to and from Iloosick Con
Andrew C. Parsons, the postboy, though only ten \
old, was obliged to take the usual oath, and it is said an
'•Old English I: idi i was used in administering the oath,
a Bible not being at hand.
The following have been the successive incumbents of
the office of postmaster, ami the dates of their appoint-
ment: Seth I' 'nil 6, 1822; Harvcj W. Fowler,
Abram Breese.
/Mrs. abram Breese.
ABRAM BREESE.
The grandfather of Abram Breese was a native
)f Holland, and came to America and settled in
jreenbush at a very early day. He was a farmer
3y occupation. He had a family of three sons, viz.,
Anthony, Garret T., and John. Garret T. was
oorn in Greenbush, Sept. 6, 1768, and married
Mary Cole, Jan. 17, 1790. Mrs. Mary C. Breese
sras born July 10, 1768, in Greenbush. They had
live sons, who lived to be men, viz., James, Henry,
Anthony, Garret, and Abram, all of whom are now
lead except the youngest, Abram, who was born
Feb. 20, 1805. Garret T. was a successful farmer,
ind reared his family to industry. He was a Whig in
politics. He and his wife were members of the Pres-
byterian Church, and were highly respected by their
neighbors. He died in the fall of 1840, and was
buried at Greenbush, and his wife, Oct. 9, 1844.
Abram Breese has followed the occupation of a
farmer, and as such has rauked as one of the best in
the town. He has a fine farm of two hundred and
thirty acres of good land in a splendid state of culti-
vation. Upon his farm may be seen good buildings,
which have been remodeled by him.
He married Sophia, daughter of Ira Armstrong,
of Bennington, July 4, 1833. She was born in
Bennington, April 13, 1815. Of this union three
children were born, viz., Catherine H., Sarah J.,
and Henry G. ; the latter was born Jan. 3, 1848, in
Hoosick. Catherine lived to be a married lady, and
died, leaving one son, Harry B. Kenyon. Sarah J.
died while a small child.
Mrs. Sophia A. Breese was a lady very much
respected by her neighbors, and a wife deeply de-
voted to the interest of her family. She died April
6, 1878.
Mr. Breese was a Democrat until 1856, when he
joined the Republican party. He was never an
aspirant for political honors. He was a member
of the State militia for seven years, and has held
the various positions from private to captain of the
company. He is a worthy member of the Presby-
terian Church, and contributes of his means to its
support.
He is now in his seventy-fourth year, hale and
hearty, and resides upon the old farm, surrounded
by his son and his family.
TOWN OF HOOSICK.
371
March 20, 1841; Seth Parsons, Jan. 11, 1813; Win. I!.
Snow, An-. 6, 1845; Adin Thayer, Jr., July 24, 1849;
Willard Ilerriiigton, June I, 1853; Abram Keach, Oct.
.|, 1856; Truman J. Wallace, Jan. V, 1859; Tin. mas I'.
Hewitt, May 10, 1861. The latter is still in office, having
often served the people in various capacities during liis
long residence here. He came to Hoosick Falls in 1819,
ami went into business, lie slates that at the present
time (1879) there is not a single person living here that
was here in 1819except himself. Mr. Hewitt received the
appointment of postmaster in the eventful spring of 1861.
After eighteen years of service, his appointment for another
term was recently made at the request of a large body of
citizens, irrespective of party.
Incorporation. — The village of Hoosick Falls was in-
corporated in 1827, through the efforts principally of Seth
Parsons. The project met with considerable opposition.
Following is a partial list of the successive presidents and
clerks of the village, with dates of their incumbency :
1827, Seth Parsons; IS28 (no record); 1S29, 8. S. Crocker; 1830,
Jonathan Hurlburt; 1831, Hiram Herrington; 1832, Joseph
Dorr; is:;;;, Marry Patterson; 1834, S. S. Crocker; is:;.,. I,.
Chandler Ball; 1836, Thomas Bnssey; 1837, Matthew Wait;
]SaS-::'.». L. Chandler Ball; 1840, Hiram Herrington ; 1841, Seth
Parsons; 1842, Docl Sanders; 1843, L. Chandler Ball; 1844,
Hial I'ais.ms; 1845, L. Chandler Ball ; 1846,John White; 1847,
John Renwick ; 1848, Willard Herrington ; 1849. L. C. Ball; 1850,
Harry Patterson; 1851, L. C. Ball; 1852, Willard Herrington;
1853, Henry Gill; 1854-57, h. C. Ball; 1S5S, Walter A. W 1 :
lsj'.i to lsi'iS, inclusive ( records missing, and understood to have
been destroyed by tire); 1869, W. II. Burchard; 1870-71,* L.
Chandler Ball; 1872-74, .1. Russell Parsons; 1875-76, Albert T.
Skinner; 1877, Joseph Buokley; 1878, J. M. Roscbrooks; 1879,
Isaac A. Allen.
VILLAGE CLERKS.
Hezekiah Munsell, Jr., 1829 to 1832, and probably the
first two years not given in the record ; S. S. Crocker,
1833 ; Sidney A. Sage, 1834 ; Walter Clark, 1835 ; Heze-
kiah Munsell, Jr., 1836; Samuel Shuffleton, 1S37; Isaac
N. Joslin, 1838-39; Hezekiah Munsell, 1840 ; Ilial K.
Parsons, 1S41 ; John Renwick, 1842 ; Isaac N. Joslin,
1843-45; William Dorr, 1846; Isaac N. Joslin, 1847;
Truman J. Wallace, 1S48 ; Elliot C. Aldrich, 1849-52;
Truman J.Wallace, 1853-55; M. F.White, 1856-57;
Truman J. Wallace, 1858; John E. Wilcox, 1871 ; Al-
bert C. Eddy, 1872-75; Edward Matthews, 1876, contin-
uously to the present time.
The village, as originally incorporated, was one mile
square, with the Caledonian Cotton-Factory as the centre.
The population was then 200, the houses 36, the voters
50, the valuation 696,370, and the length of the streets
less than two miles.
THE PRESS OF HOOSICK FALLS.
About the year 1863 the Cambridge Valley News was
removed to this village and its name changed to the Hoosick
Falls Gazette. A. C. Eddy was editor and proprietor.
The enterprise was not sustained and the paper was dis-
continued in about a year. Five years later another news-
paper was established by Mr. Botsford and called the
* The village was reorganized under the general law in 1871. The
annual election now occurs on the third Tuesday in March.
Hoosick Fulls Independent. This itin I at
the end of a year.
()n the 15th day of November, 1873, the Rensselaer
County Standard was established by James II. Liivingsti
editor and proprietor. This paper iii a short time became
a valuable addition to the institutions of the village, and
by the untiring energy of its proprietor and hi | ring
industry won its waj to acce Aftei iis yean of exist-
ence the paper is stronger and better than ever. In the
beginning it was a small five column folio, with a circula-
tion of about 300. The office consisted of aboul $500
worth of material. It had no press nor material- for job-
work. For the first six work- the paper*was printed in
Cambridge. In May, 1874, it was enlarged to a six-
column folio, its success already warranting this advano
step. At the end of the first year the enterprise was upon
a solid footing, and the paper was enlarged to an eight-
column folio.
The increase of business compelled another enlargement
still, and in June, 1S76, it was enlarged to a six-column
quarto, forty-eight columns in all. Thus rapidly has the
paper established itself in popular favor, and become one
of the important business enterprises of the town. Its
circulation is 1410, and is rapidly extending. The office'
in material now inventories $5000, and the business is
valued at $8000. Mr. Livingston, its proprietor, was born
Feb. 18, 1847, at Cold Spring, Onondaga Co., N. Y. His
father's family removed to Cambridge, Washington Co., in
1851, and he went to learn the printer's trade in 1800, at
the age of thirteen. He was first employed in the office
of the Cambridge Valley News, and completed a thorough
knowledge of his business upon the Rutland Courier in
1863. Commencing in his boyhood, be has now been
connected with the press for nearly twenty years, as writer,
printer, editor, and publisher. In 1868 he commenced the
publication of the Daily Arrival, a commercial paper in-
tended for the use of wholesale houses and salesman. In
about three months he sold this and went back to the
trade. In 1870 he purchased a printing establishment in
New York, and after a few months sold it out to good
advantage and went to Lynn, Mass. There he was assist-
ant editor upon the Little Giant for one year, and also
served one year upon the Lynn Record in the same ca-
pacity. During this last year be commenced the publication
of a monthly literary paper, called The Family Guest.
This attained a circulation of 6000 copies, and attracting
the attention of the proprietors of Wood's Household Mag-
azine at Newburgb, Mr. Livingston sold out to them. He
then came to Hoosick Falls and established the Standard,
as already stated.
PRESENT BUSINESS OF HOOSICK FALLS.
The principal business of Hoosick Falls at the present
time may be briefly summed up as follows : The Walter A.
Wood Mowing and Reaping Machine Works ; The Malleable-
Iron Works, the clothing-store of Fassctt & Stevens ; Haus-
sler's furniture and undertaking establishment; slate-yard
by John Flint! ; Peters' drug- and prescription-store; James
A. Blanchard, physician and surgeon ; Dr. William Simpson.
homoeopathist ; Dr. William J. Wilcox, physician and sur-
BISToKY OF IJKXSSKLAKU COUNTY. MOW YORK.
II. Boynton, dentist; E Townc, custom-tailor;
picture- frames, and other s Is Mrs. M. Jacobs; the lloo-
gielf | I. I Davis, proprietor ; livery-stable of
V D Richmond; 11.11. Parsons, dealer in watches, clocks,
silver- and plated-ware; domestic meat-market i>f A. Skiff;
II sick Falls Meat-Market, Gardner & White; E. M. Pe-
el provisions; Hoosick Falls Cus-
tom-Mills, Hldridge & White; painting, graiuing, kalsoiuin-
ing, J. A. Brown; EldridgeA White, dealers in coal ; A.G.
Iri'-ii. agent of Singer's sewing-machine; Banners & Arehi-
bald, dealers in various extracts, bathing salt, and a greal
variety of | Estabrook's general grocery-store ; 0. B.
Parker's ice cream parlors; the Misses Barry, millinery and
fancy dry _ Is . Ryan's store of general vegetables ; E. K.
brook, general insurance agency - James II. Livingston,
real-estate agency; A. M. Jones & Co., manufacturers of
shirts; Riley's new livery, sale, ond boarding stable; A.
Mathows, merchant, dry g 1> ; S. S. Lothridge, dealer in
building materials, also manufacturer of wagons, carriages,
phaetons, etc. ; James Waddell, merchant-tailor; Boosick
Falls Marble- Works, A. Robertson ; C. W. Easton, dealer
in coal; Parson's general hardware and house-furnishing
store; McLean & Moulton, dealers in stoves, tin- and hol-
low-ware; Joseph Buckley, dealer in groceries and provisions;
Wal •• - & Ely, merchants, general dry-goods store.
The Wallace Bouse is pleasantly situated on Main .Street,
not far from the Bite of the old Phoenix, and the regular
ssor of that house. There is a line grove in front of
it. and neatly-kept grounds. Mr. Torry Wallace, the pro-
prietor, was for many years located at the Phoenix, and
upon its destruction by Ere opened the present house, bear-
ing his own name. There are several other hotels in the
village, — the Boosick House, the Turner House, and
id's ll"tel, a new one, and conveniently situated near
the d
There are still other business places not so easily cata-
logued, because not advertised in the village newspaper, as
Wildcr'a machine-shop, Mason's news room. Darroch's hard-
ware store, and a number of other establishments of various
kiiel-.
of t In- village we add excerpts from a
memorial of Judge ('handler Ball, published in the Stand-
ard,^ the til I lii- death. His long connection with
t !>■■ public :t tT:> i r~ of the village, and hi~ interest in its pros-
ndcr this Bkctch worthy of preservation in the
■>ry :
•• IN MEM0R1 \M.
1|>I i II iM.l II: mil.
■BAIL— In ' dli i Ball, aged
n tn.i -.
. and Christian faith
. lacking hill mi hour, from Iho
n in Wilmington, Vi . I • 0
wma • farmer, »
" In I <*h were ma b- manifest the many chum
tinong
hi* frit"* men M
pleasure in v<"ith
I ■ II thr
dark green foliage of the mountain, watch the mist a? it crept in fan-
wreaths nlong its sides, lingi red a moment upon its summit, and
floated :iw:i) into the blue depths of ether. The river, too, as it rushed
along tho rooky bed, filled his mind with ideas of grandeur and power,
and its voire in the sli.lness of evening was listened to with feelings
of wonder and awe.
'• These early scenes an 1 associations fitted his mind to admire the
grand, sublime, and magnificent in nature and art. and enjoy exceed-
ingly mountain scenery, thunder, lightning, tempests, vnsl pros] e
and all that is awful, omnipotent, and infinite. Here it was his mind
I. inn ■ imbue 1 with those lolly sentiments everywhere visible in his
writings.
" But bis play-day season was of short duration, for his childl i
was marked by much sickness peculiar to youth, together with an un-
u.-ual number of accidents, which confined him to the house, enfeeb
bis constitution, and kept him from school till he was nine years old.
But having received much oltentiou from his sister, he was enabled,
when entering s rhool, to take and keep the first place in his clo --.
"Tho district schools in that time and vicinity, however, were un-
give instructions beyond the hare rudiments of a common I
li.-h education, so at tho age of twelve years, when his school days
were ended, ho had ad. led very little to bis previous stock of knowl-
edge. Al tin.- age lie wa- ol liged to forego the pleasures and advan-
tages of school life tor the drudgery of farm life, but his leisure le
whieh only came with the setting of the sun, were spent in the pur-
suit of knowle Ige.
" At the age of sixteen he left home to seek employment whereby he
ini^lit be enabled to assist his father pecuniarily, as the farm would
barely support the family at home. After collecting his little ward-
robe into a small wooden trunk, he got a teamster to take it upon his
load ami he started on foot for the city of Troy. On his way there he
-i ipped at the village of Hoosick Falls to visit some relatives, among
whom was Air. Seth Parsons. Learning that young Mall was in search
of employment, he sent him with recommendations to a merchant in
Rcnssclacrvillc, named Mulford, in whose store he acted as elerk for
one year, receiving but thirty-six dollars for his year's services, ami
holding his labor at a higher value, be left Rensselacrvillc for the city
of Albany, with just money enough to carry him there, having pre-
viously expended his whole year's earnings for necessary clothing.
"On reaching Albany he stopped at the Eagle Tavern, where he
remained a few weeks in the employ of the landlord, lien il was he
learned of the illness of his brother Origin and neglect of the homo
farm, so he returned and resumed the plow and hoe, and labored hard
to procure the necessaries of life for the family.
'• In i he winter of that year he taught a district school in Whitting-
liam, Vt.. and in the spring went into the woods anil made tnehe
hundred pounds of maple sugar.
" Tin- following summer he labored on the farm, hut in the fill of
182S he started for New Orleans, where were two of his brother-.
Russell and Ernstus, engaged in prosperous business. Five dollar!
was the extentof his finances al starting, together with a few hnlf-
worn clothes, and what he had not en his back were contained in a
little wooden trunk, which a teamster conveyed to Troy, young Hull
following on foot. After two days he reached Troy, and look deck
passage on the steamboat ' Swiftsurc' for Now York, for which he
I i\ . nl\ live cent-, In ill.- Ineallti 11 a loaf "I bn .id. » hicll lie 1. ought
at a -mall -tail al tie' foot of Ferry Si
"Arrived al Now York, ho immediately went among tho shipping
.oild obtain a passage t" New Orleans. His object w«
work hi- passage to Now i Irlenns on so -hip. hut, in his jcnl t" ream
hi- destination, ho had forgotten that be was a green country buft
wiih nautical abilities so poor that he could not tell a brig from a ship!
who sup] 1 tin- ' Royal Halyard' might I"- a member of the n
in.' family of France or England, and the ' log. hook' a treatise on
: who did not know whether the 'main truck* won draWB
l.\ ono hor r two : hul In- ..mil found himself un Iceci* ed, and. amid
(ho jokes of the sailors an i the dock buy . began to
al I for other means by which to i unplish hi- d< ign; I'o
along South Strw brig, which he had not seen brfore, at
tracted his attention, and on a board Hi mic of 'be ropei
". to bis greit delight. ' For Ni w Orleans To morrow." Il wal
the brig • Amanda,' George Qibbs, captain.
" While he was n. in In- wan I- to Captain Oibbs, he t*
■ 1 another gentleman in the offi loscly watching him, lb'*
in.ui was Chester Holm tant ol New Orleans, who thcreups*
TOWN ()V QOOSICK.
373
Informed young Ball that ho knew his brother in N. w Orloan
w ell, and thai lie (Holmes) would willingly pay hit) pai ago to \- w
Orleans, knowing thai I lie brother | II n--e!l i Mould refund the lej
nn their arrival. And thus foitunc pul oul hor hand to lead the youth
t , wealth and renown. * * ■ ■ tin- 8th of October, 1828, ho landed in the
Oresuenl City. Assisted by his brother, ho engaged in raeroantilo busi-
ness, in tlioso days New Orleans was the generous mo tin i ol poedy
fortunes for en turpi ising Vnnkeo boys; it was the bo I place in the
I Hi hil States (and probiibly in tin- whole world) l < » make money
quickly. Young Chandler Hall was enterprising, and was remarkably
hick J . \t the end of two yours ho made considerable monoy and was
noli established in business, when on the 12 th of November, 1830, bis
brother Russell su Idenly died, lo n ing an immense fortune. This sad
event, ns tho deceased remarks in a journal written by his own band,
defeated ' the dearest wish of my lifo, -a regular, systematic c 'SO ol
English studies at collogo.'
K The estate of Russell Ball was inventoried at $100,000 over and
above all debts, which was lefi by will to bis parents, brothers, and
fiisters. Owing to a false claim set up by a Boston firm against tho
estate, it could not bo divided ni ig the heirs till the litigation was
en led : so his cousin, Jonathan Ball, his brother, Eras '.as Ball, and
himself entered into partnership, under the firm-name of J. Ball &
Co., and continued the business of ship chandler at the same place.
" In the sum in >r of 1831, an I while in business in New Orleans, Mr.
Ball paid a visit to his parents and frien Is in Wilmington, Yt., stop-
ping at Hoosiek Falls on his way home, and taking with him his
peeond cousin, Ma rein Ann Parsons. Hero for two weeks they were
in each othor's society almost constantly. Mutual love and attachment
was the natural n suit, an I ;i betrothal was entered into, to be fulfilled
at the expiration of throe years.
"In October he returned to New Orleans, and remained there till
1833- In July of that year he sold out his interest in the business t i
his cousin, Jonathan Ball, and leaving New Orleans took up his resi-
th'ii ;e ;il Hoosiek Falls.
" The 21st day of July he commenced building a dwelling-house on
a lot of ground containing 40 acres, purchased of Ksuk Bussey, lying
in the northeasterly part, of the village, adjoining the residence of
Seth Parsons. The house was of I. rick, .'.I) by oi feet, two stories
high, with two wings, each 31 by 24 feet.
"Sept. 26, 1833, ho was married to Marcia Ann Parsons. 1 1 is jo
8 ires of land cast $3000, and his house $7000. In addition to this
there was owing to him from Jonathan Ball $35,000, making in all
| ■! i,000, which he supposed himself to be worth at that time. Jona-
than Ball died, however, before any payment was made, an 1 the ex-
ecutors representing his estate as insolvent, a lawsuit was commenced,
which was decided in Air. Ball's favor after six years, and the money
paid over to his counsel, Isaac T. Preston, who failed with all tho
money in his hauls, except about $6000, which he had remitted.
"Soon after Mr. Ball built his residence here ho turned his atten-
tion to fancy farming and blooded-stock raising. He imported tho
most celebrated breeds of farm stock, at a time when but little atten-
tion was paid by even wealthy farmers to the improvement of their
sto^k, nnd some of the best blood of sheep and cattle in this vicinity
sprang from his herds.
"Amid the elegant surroun lings of his home, Mr. Ball studiel la-
boriously for many years, read philosophy and science, and skilled
himself in English composition, until his addresses were models of
pare English. If he was a Lucullus in his tastes, he was also some-
what of a Cato in hi- temperament, and it is not to be wondered at,
perhaps, if during this time he became somewhat soured toward man-
kind, for neither his generosity nor his learning was then rightly
appreciated in the village for which he had done so much. After the
judge had been off with the army, an I had associated more closely
with his fellow-men, he was much more social, and his manner lost
all of its asceticism. When he would let people know him they sel-
dom failed to like him. Some additional facts of his history will be
of interest. In 1836 he was elected one of the trustees of tho village,
and in 1S38 president of the board, which office he hold fur many
years. In December, 1835, he was elected a captain in the militia;
in April, 1S36, justice of the peace; in May, 1840, was appointed
judge of the Court of Common Pleas; in September, 1840, elected
colonel of the 78th Regiment; in May. is 12, brigadier-general 8th
Brigade; in 1848, elected member of the Iowa Historical and Geo-
logical Institute; in July, 1849, received the honorary degree of
A.M. from Union College; 1S37-30, was a director in the Troy City
Bank ; Nov. 20, 1840, elected a director of the Troy an I Boston Rail
i Dad ■ hi i 50, elect* I pre ideal ol ' be Ren ulaor I
tural Socioty ; in 1851 re el< ! i d i diroctor ol tbi Troy and B
Railroad, and hold tho office until he went to the irai in 1861
in 185 md i »U pi i idi nl oi I he Ren iltural
oil i I I ed memb i of \ i mbly ii
oeived hon try degi oc of l.M. fi om Williams i be
[< ft for the i al ol h ar as quai toi mn tei of i he 1 2 >th Reg imenl I
Geo. I j. W ilia id c Ling wa al orwa*d foi ■ ; i i ' i ti i
p;i\ ma iter in I he United Stati at mj . w hei e he paid oul u]
$4,000,000, to the entire m ol the governmi nl an I all par-
tic con some I, and ha non in frame a certificate from tho pay ma I
department showing that hi o :ounl with the government were cor-
rect to a single cent, notwithstanding the fad of lu - having paid off
the army while no in- B re of the enemy on manj occa ions, b< idi
the continual risk.-, he ran of being robbed or killed 1 q< y he
had in his poa ession.
"On Feb. 24, 1867, be was baptized in St. Mark's Church at Hoo-
Bick Falls | Episcopal I, by the Rev. George II. Nichol . the rector, "as
confirmed by Bishop Pottor in 1868, and became a communicant the
same year. In whatever work he baa been engaged he baa always
been found faithful to trust. He was undoubted!) the most scholarly
man this county has ever produced. His addresses before the Agri-
cultural Society werealwa} filled with sound, practical sense,«boun6>
ing in information on all aubjecta of inl ire I t* the o ociution, ami
.showing thorough f.uniliai ity with the latest and best thought- on
agricultural and mechanical subjects. In April, isui, be addrei eJ
the citizens of Troy nt the theatre. It was the first war-meeting held
in the city. Henry J. Raymond, then editor of the New fork T
and .Mr. Win. A. Beach also addressed the meeting, and it was ijuite
generally a dm. tie 1 that Judge Hall's address wae the ablest and most
impressive of all of them. Since his retirement from the army, in
1865, he has been connected during part of the time with the Wood
Mower an I Reaper Company.
"A son and a dt lighter survive him, — Mr. L. Burke Ball and Mrs.
Charles A. Cheney, both of Hoosiek Kails. Another daughter, of great
promise (Kate), died about fourteen jeara ago, on approaching
womanhood. He leaves a handsome estate, diminished greatly, n •
doubt, from its original bulk, by acts of liberality, and, what is best
of all, he leaves an honored name, long to be remembered in this
county.
"Sinoe his removal t> Hoosiek Falls in the year 1833, and for a
period of forty-two years to the day he died, Mr. Ball evinced nn un-
tiring interest in the moral welfare and material advancement of our
village. Directly or in lirectly to him are due nearly all the substan-
tial improvements, from the largest to the smallest. Coming hero
with a fortune considered ample in those days, lie adopted this as his
home, and began to assist in beautifying and improving everything
around him. First he purchased hind and erected a magnificent
home, aud laid out grounds which, though private, were publicly
ornamental and beautifying, an I consequently beneficial to the village.
lie also closed a public highway leading from High Street, between
his property and that of Seth Parsons, easterly to the road running
parallel, and opened in its stead Classic Street, upon which he built
Ball Academy, a large brick structure, which has proved so useful
and ornamental to our village. The large square at the junction of
High and Classic Streets he gave to the village. He also purchased
that square of land upon which now stands Wood's block, and which
then extende 1 within about ten feet of the Phoenix Hotel, as it is now
built, leaving but a path between. After widening the street to its
present, width, and extending it up to his own property, he deeded it
to the village, and sold the remainder of the lot at a greatly reduced
figure. He then bought the property upon which now stands the
Phoenix Hotel nnd built that brick structure, which was truly
grand for its day. To the indomitable energy and perseverance of
Mr. Ball is owing the early completion of the Troy and Boston Kail-
road through this village. The village has many improvements,
other than those mentioned, which are the handiwork of Mr. Bull,
and will live in the memory of the people long after his mortal re-
mains have turned back to elay from which they were formed.
"'The funeral of Mr. Ball took place at the Protestant Episcopal
Church, at eleven o'clock on Tuesday, May 1 1th. Friends of the fam-
ily met at his late residence for prayers at ten o'clock. The fui
services were conducted by the Rev. George II. Nichols, rector of St.
Mark's Church, the sermon being an eloquent and p >werful as well as
BISTORT Olr RENSSELAEK COUNTY. NEW TORE.
■ ,* tribute * 3oth Pan ms Steamer
.'.tin If 1 the funeral in a body. Ibe ohurota waa doosoly
. wlii g tthered th sro i"
iiite i ■ ill- departo I."
VI -S( BOOLS.
Tii.' Grsl • ■ tTi . - 1 ; 1 1 action with reference i" schools was
under il arty sohool law of April !•, L795, at the town-
ting of 1796, when Sylvester Noble, Peter I'. Van
Dyck, Johu I and Joseph I>"i-r were chosen
mmissioners. There is on record, May 26, 1795,
0 notice for a special meeting to choo — chool coi issioncrs,
bat there is no record of the meeting itself. The noti
signed Peter I>. Van Dyck and John Comstock, justices,
John Ryan, supervisor, and by five iat tppointed,
it is presumed, under some previous law), — Cyrus Spicer,
Lemuel Andrews, Avery Comstock, Jacob A. Fort, and
Henry Clark. 1 "• u r i 1 1 lt 1797-99 Lemuel Andrews served
hool commissioner, and those already named were
usually incumbents of that office. Juno .'!. 17!>7. the
supervisors certify to the apportionment of school-money to
the town, — £124 14*. from the State, and £62 7s. from
the town. — total, £187 1*.
There was no further action by the town with reference
i • schools until the inauguration of the modern school
in by the law..)' 1812—13. At the town-meeting of
1 — ■ 1 * Nathaniel Bishop, Joseph Slade, and Daniel Rogers
appointed school commissioners, and from 181 1 to
1 - 1 1 other citii ns were incumbents of that office one or
re years each, as follows: John Haynes, Wm. Lamport,
•lr.. Thomas Kemp, Am/.i Kinyon, Cyrus Craves. Esek
Busscy, Augustus A. Whitney. Benjamin Walworth.
Ashcr Armstrong, Samuel Rust, William Palmer, Seneca
l>.irr. Salmon M ses, Hiram Harrington, John B. Ryan,
- VV. II _ i-. M is - Warren, Prosper M. Armstrong,
1. i.n Wilder, David S. McNamara, Volney Rich nd,
• I lathan Ed ly. Jason Burrell, Levi C. Ball, Thomas
I' rler, Samuel Shaffton, Gideon Reynolds, Jason Barua,
\. Cook, Wm. <'. Raymer, Harvey W. Fowler,
Gill 3 Th a- P. Hewitt, Andrew Russell. The
inspectors chosen in 181 I were Hezekiah Munsil, Jr.,
Wm. Lamport, Jr., G rp R Davis, Rodolph Andrews,
iin. and Benjamin A. Joslin.
1844 others served in that office one or
h. as I'.llow-: David Gleason, Hezekiah
• I Samuel Comstock, Jonathan Eddy, Lyman
\ ithanicl X. Milliman, John
M ■ Warren, William Pal r, Seth Parsons,
Dorr Otis Dimick, William C. Raymer, Hiram
Harrington, 0 rj I Udon, Siderio G. Carpenter, Harry
istua A Whitney, Prosper M. Armstroi
Lyman Wilbur, Leo I Shcrw I, Jr.. John Fitch, Isaac
Am:- - locy A Bage, Phim is Cone, Harvey F.
Fowl •' E ■• Q VV i: I. roy Salisbury,
Richmond, Harvey W. Fowler, 0 Manchester,
Daniel J G irgo W. Kinyon. Elijah P. Fenton,
And II, William I).,rr. L. Chandler Ball, John
Whil N l slin, Wordcn Reynolds, Wm. S. Blao-
chard.
The system of supervision by town superintendents
commenced in 1814, and the incumbents of that office in'
Hoosick were as follows :
\ial Election. — 1S44. Simeon Curtis; 1S45, Jacob
(has,-. Jr.: 1846, Sidney Baker; 1847, John II. Palmer.
on.— 1848-50, Sidney Baker; 1S52-54,
George D. Snow; 1S56, Marshall F. White.
In June, 1856, the entire control of the schools by the
town ceased, being transferred to the commissioners ap-
pointed in Assembly districts.
At the present time (1S79) the various districts of the
town, for the most part, have at least fair school accommo-
dalions, while some have provided very fine buildings and
sustain excellent schools. The union school of Hoosick
Falls maintains a full corps of teachers, drawing from the
public funds ten district quotas. District No. 9 maintains
three departments a sufficient portion of the year to draw
three district quotas, and District No. 22 two.
The following apportionment by the school commissioners
gives valuable informal ion in a condensed form concerning
the present condition of the schools :
ntnineionere* Certificate of Apportionment.
i
a
III
- ■:
^ 5
v —
f <
1 B7£
2 si
3 71
4 56
5 23
6 15
7 53
43
!i 222
la 23
II 23
12 96
13 42
II 48
15 50
16 -II
17 33
18 II
19 in
L'ii 15
21 19
22 212
Totals. 2170
101.841
20.000
4.422
19.575
13.948
97.215
13.448
I 1.351
23. 167
19.837
11.183
n;..i74
15.710
13.200
12.296
13.374
16 267
10.987
72.257
50.33
12.54
33.55
16.80
S.'JS
31.76
25.76
133.03
16.81
lii. si
25. 1 ii
28.76
29 96
26.37
19.77
24.57
23.97
1 1 .38
127.nl
$842.36
4S.I7
34.81
36.47
a 96
16.88
35.70
25.44
177.32
24.60
26. 1 7
12.81
86.18
20.39
30.23
28.65
21.117
22 43
i
29.66
20.03
131.79
$484.20
48.42
is. 12
18.42
is. 12
IS.42
18 12
1 15.26
48.42
18.42
18.42
48.42
•is. 12
is. 12
18.42
48.42
-|s.l2
48.42
18.42
is. 12
90.84
-
2.60
2.20
1.73
.87
.46
1.64
1.33
.86
.86
2.117
1.80
1.47
1.54
1 .36
1.02
1.26
1.24
1.39
.67
S1S79.9I
1 19.81
12H.17
74.18
71.71
117.58
.95
162.4*
! 2.28
111.08
99 "I
1IM.15
lnii.43
SI'.. Ml
924.S7 ?16S6.9I S1597.S0 $67.4:! $4656.18
•
Dg the trhola Itiiri
As early as 17SS. Jo>eph Dorr. Kdmitnd Haynes, and
Isaac Bull, with one or two others, built a school-house at
their own expense. 1 1 stood on the south side of the river,
near the bridge, on the lot owned in late year- b_\ A. N.
Johnson, the land being given by Henry Barnhart. Wa-
terman Dailee was an early teacher, — also bis brother,
Field Dailee, and Khun Duel. The sehoobhouse was used
until 1829, when il was taken down.
Rev. David Rathbun taught a select school in his dwell-
ing-h i \inMie_: his pupils »• i 5 Dorr, Reuben
II. Walworth, Benjamin Walworth, S. B. Noble, Isaac
Hayn - and Walter Faxon. The elder had a club loot.
and Walked with a eane. The' latter is said to have been I
useful article in jogging the mem iry of his pupils.
' - K:
WM. Henry Harrison Haynes.
MRS.W^HENRY HARRISON HAYNES
AVM. H. H. HAYNES.
But very little is known of the ancestors of the
subject of this sketch. They are, however, of Eng-
lish origin, and settled in the New England States.
The first of whom we have any knowledge was Jon-
athan Hayues, who was a farmer by occupation ;
had a family, om- son of whom was named Aaron.
Jonathan died April 28, 177(5, and his wife, Hath, in
1796. Aaron was born in Bennington, Vt., became
an extensive farmer, and was one of the pioneer
ministers of the Baptist denomination ; he married
Mary , by whom he had a family of children.
Mrs. Aaron Haynes died Aug. 27, 1811, and he
lied March 25, 1827. Jonathan Haynes, Jr., son
if Rev. Aaron and Mary Haynes, was born in Ben-
nington, Vt., the day before the death of his grand-
father, April 27, 1776. He married Sally Sanford,
by whom he had ten children, viz. : Hiza, Hivilla
S., Harwood A., Henrietta. Hudson P., Herschel R.,
Harriet, W. H. Harrison, Hersa Aun, and Hiram
r. H.
Jonathan Haynes was one of the substantial men
iud farmers of his generation. He died Feb. 21,
1861. His wife was born June 29, 1778, in Con-
necticut, and died Dec. 17, 1854.
W. Henry Harrison Haynes was born in the town
of Hoosick, Renssplaor Co., N. Y., Feb. 11, 1813.
He was reared on the farm, which honorable busi-
ness he followed through life.
As a man he was very much esteemed by his
neighbors, and was one who was attached to his
family. He was married to Achsah S., daughter
of James and Rebecca Percuy, of Hoosick, Feb. 20,
1839. She was born in Hoosick, June 9, 1821.
Of this union seven children were born, viz. : Har-
riet T., Hpnry A., H. Murry, H. Eliza, James P.,
Edwin R., and Daniel B. Of this number only
four are living.
Mr. Haynes died March 24, 1879, and was buried
near the old Methodist Episcopal church, not far
from the battle-ground of Bennington. James Per-
cey, son of John and Hannah Percey, was born in
Hoosick, Sept. 13, 1789, and died April 16. 1859.
He was one of the largest farmers of his town
having more than five hundred acres of good land.
He married Rebecca B., daughter of Peleg Sweet,
in 1808. She was born Dec. 23, 1791, in Hoosick,
and died June 18, 3 861. They had thirteen chil-
dren, all of whom lived to be men and women, except
one who died at the age of seven ; of this large family
only seven are living.
TOWN OF IIOOSICK.
BALL SEMINARY.
In March, 1842, a public meeting was held al Hoc-sick
Falls to devise means for building an academy. This re-
sulted in the erection thai summer of a substantial brick
bttilding. the firsl cost of which was $3567.75, exclusive
of the basement, which was built by the exclusive donation
of Judge Chandler Ball, thus adding a large sum to his
already valuable gifts in land and money.
The institution was incorporated by the regents of the
university, April 11, 1813, liy the name (if Hall Seminary.
The first board of trustees were L. Chandler Ball, Seth
Parsons, Lyman Wilder, Harry Patterson, Adin Thayer,
Hial Parsons, Thomas (Inrdoii, Andrew Husscll, John
White, William Palmer, Willard Herrington, and John
Renwiek. The school was for ten or twelve years a com-
plete success, and ranked anion"; the first in the State. But
like all enterprises that depend upon private aid and gra-
tuitous supervision this was sustained by a lew liberal in-
dividuals, and when their number was reduced by death,
removal, and pecuniary losses to a bare half-dozen, the
doors of the seminary were closed. The actual cost of the
property at that time, as per report to the regents, was
(1452.52, but its real value, owing to the rise in real estate,
was at least one-third more, or §6000. In the year 1S63
the trustees conveyed this property to School District No. 1,
of the town of Iloosick, the same being a gift to the dis-
trict for founding a free union school, the first trustees
of which were Walter A. Wood, Rev. A. De Witt, and
Charles II. Merritt.
These facts are derived from the modest account by-
Judge Ball in his " Annals of Hoosick," but they hardly
show how fully he was the master-spirit of the enterprise,
"all of which he saw, and a principal part of which he
was." Ball Seminary was emphatically his work and his
gift to the citizens of Hoosick.
In connection with this statement of Judge Ball's edu-
cational efforts, we desire to acknowledge our indebtedness
to his writings for much of the history embodied in this
chapter upon the town of Hoosick. Free use has been
made of his "Annals," published in the Standard a few
years since, believing that we could find in no other form
so much carefully-prepared material, or any so acceptable
to the people of the town for whose welfare he labored so
long and so well.
VII.— CHURCHES.
CATHOLIC MISSION.
If we accept the theory that the early Catholic mission-
aries penetrated to St. Croix, that point was the first place
of Christian worship in town, and Catholic service the first
form of devotion used. It was doubtless a mission to the
Indians, and few white people, except the Catholic priest
and his attendants, participated in the services. When the
work commenced, how long it lasted, just where the chapel
was erected in the forest, who officiated, and with what
success, are all questions unanswered, but worthy the study
of antiquarians.
DUTCH CHURCH AT ST. CROIX.
The ancient church at St. Croix of Protestant faith was
very likely the next in order of time. Cornelius Van Ness
is said to have given a piece of land, and i ti i to build a
meeting house upon it. The building si i on the south
ide of the road leading t" Cambridge, nearlj opposite tie-
Iniek dwelling of Mrs. David Gooding. No records of the
society which worshiped there have been preserved, and
even the names of the pastors have nol come down to the
present time. Judging from the connection of it- founder,
Mr. Van .Ness, with the Albany people of thai time and
his family associations, it was undoubtedly an organization
of tin; Dutch Reformed denomination. This house was
abandoned as a place of worship aboul 1800, though il
mained in a dilapidated condition until l^Jti, when it was
taken down by Mr. John II. llaynes. Some of the lum-
ber from this old meeting house was used hi building the
dwelling of J. Russell Parsons.
BAPTIST CHURCH OF WALLOOMSAO.
Early church work in the north part of the town was
done by the Baptists under Rev. William Waite. The
meeting-house and a large portion of the society were in-
cluded finally in the town of White Creek, but it was
really a part of Hoosick history. John Waldo, of Hoosick
Falls, was a deacon of this church for many years. The
church was founded about 1778, and a meeting-house was
erected in 1782 near the residence in late years of Mr.
Stephen Barker, but in 1788 the society built another
house at Waite's Corners.
If the following extract refers to this church, as it evi-
dently must, the date of its organization is still earlier than
that given to it above. Benedict's" History of the Baptist
Churches of the United States" says:
"In Cambridge a church was planted in 1772 by Elder William
Waite,from Rhode Island. It was at a point called White's Creek.
It was situated near the line of Vermont, and the battle of Benning-
ton terminated within half a mile of Elder Waite'- house. The night
before the battle some of his church went over to the enemy, where
they were obliged to fight, and during the bloody conflict the heavens
and the earth witnessed the shocking spectacle of brethren, who hail
but a few days before sat together at. the table of the Lord, arraigned
in direful hostility against each other amidst the clangor of arms and
the rage of battle. Brother fighting against brother. Such are the
horrors and unnatural effects of war.
" ' O tell it il »t in Gath — publish it not in Askalon !' This melan-
choly affair threw the church into confusion and entirely broke it up.
The next year Mr. Waite collected three members beside himself and
began anew. A revival soon commenced, so that in 1780 (two years
later) the number amounted to I 10."
IIOOSICK CHURCH (MATLETON), BAPTIST.
This church was constituted March 16, 1785. In the
minutes of the Shaftsbury Association for 1792 the mem-
bership of Mapleton church is given at Hi, but no pastor's
name appears until 1797. From that year until 1801, in-
clusive, Rev. Samuel Rogers was the pastor. Then there
was a vacancy, and from 1805 to 1809 Rev. David Rath-
bun preached for this church. In 1810, llev. James Glass
became pastor, and the name of the society was changed to
" Hoosick Church." This pastor died in a few months,
young, and in the very midst of his usefulness. In 1813
and 1814, Rev. Thomas Purington was the pastor, or stated
supply. 1815, Rev.I. Keach; 1S16, Rev. Obed Warren;
1817, Rev. Isaac Webb; 1820-22, Rev. George Wither-
ell ; 1824-39, Rev. Israel Reach.
-
HISTORY OF RF.NSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
il this tin: • influences had weakened the
burch of Maplcton, and there was :i tendency to
concentrate at Boosick Corners, Services were suspended,
or ii M ipleton, that ancient stronghold of Bap-
tist families. Their old house of worship fell into decay,
and was abandoned. Other influences rallying formed a
liber ty, mentioned elsewhere, and rebuilt the
structure; bul the Baptist Church was really transferred to
II sick Corners. It is evident, too, that for many years the
Baptist Churches of Mnpleton and of Boosick Falls formed
oneand the same body, though worshiping at the two different
joints. The list of ministers given in the Shaftsbury \-
ition for the Mapleton church are the same as those
■ bj Judge Ball for the Boosick Falls church. The
house • II osick Falls was owned by "The Warren Soci-
ety.' which, in the view just taken, was really a branch of
the Mapleton Society. This double arrangement is also
evident by the following extract from the Shaftsbury
: is :
"In 1805 the Shaftsbury Association met 'at Hoosick
Falls iriili tin- Mapleton church.'" The church was then
under the care of Rev. David Rathbun. Rev. Elias Lee,
of Ballston, preached the opening sermon, and Elder Blood
i as moderator.
uuderst 1 that the oldest records of the Mapleton
or Boosick church were burned when the house of John
Ryan was d many years ago.
BAPTIST cm urn AT UOOSICK CORNERS.
This is simply the old Mapleton church of 1785, but
tpying a new location since 1831. The convenience of
a large pirt of the in led to the removal of the
ices from the Mapleton neighborhood to Boosick vil-
The old meeting-house, still standing on the hill
north of the village, was erected in 1831, and that may be
-id. T.d the date of the permanent removal from Maple-
ton. The record elsewhere -hows that the people of that
district rallied in 1836 and repaired the abandoned house.
The h.i] f worship at Boosick village Was erected dnriiiLT
the ' I! [srael Keaeh. who remained pastor
tint: irs were Rev. Archibald Kenyon,
1840-41 I: v. J. B.Wilkins, 1842-43; Rev. J. Mitchell,
1-H i: I ■■ 'hut. 1846 18; Rev. William Arthur,
1849 52; I: II D D olittle, 1853; and others for
shot 1-70 Rev. Thomas Rogers was
the pastor. Be w i by Rev. Mr. Conover, Rev.
Mr. Raymond, and Rev. C. X. Hill. Sept. I. 1878, Rev.
R . 1 1 ii el n pastor, and fills that
office at the present lime Oct., her. I B79 . The deal
I1 ■ Brimmer and George W. Boag. The tru
II d Gideon Reynold I1 tj Brimmer, and Lyman
d. The rapcrintendenl of the Sunday-school i-<o
W. II • - i were held from I B31 to 1869 iu the
hoti-e on the hill. Al t the latter date the present chun h
■ 1 in the village, occupying a Gne lot on thi
of the principal ati ibout SI I .win.
of brick, and well furnished throughout. A parsonage
■ I in 1 -7 i - 1000. It i- conveniently
upon the side of the street from the
ohurch.
Mr. Rogers, the pastor, relates the following interesting
incident in respect to his grandfather and family. They
were living at Ratten Kill during the Burgoyne campaign
of 1777. Early in August affairs grew so critical in that
neighborhood that they believed a battle might be expected
at any time. Rurgoyne's forces being encamped near Mr.
Rogers', and the American forces on the west side of the
Budson, stray shot frequently fell uncomfortably near to
Mr. Rogers' dwelling. Thinking it wise to remove to a
place of safety, they finally loaded up a wagon with the
mother, three childr . n. and some household goods, yoked
up the cattle, and stalled for Bennington, which they knew
to be defended h_v Stalk's forces. They left perhaps the
14th, and were two days in getting out of Washington
County. They reached the Walloomsac Valley the night
of the l.'ith. and encamped in an old log house near the
battle-field of live next day. The grandmother used to tell
the story to her grandson, the present minister, seated upon
her knee, in his early childhood. She said it was a case
of "getting out of tin frying-pan into the fire." They had
run away from an expected battle only to fall into an actual
one. The morning of the Hith. (ren. Stark impressed Mr.
Rogers and the cattle into service. The mother and children
were obliged to hide in the cellar, while the bullets during
the action rattled through the building. They expected
every minute the old house would take fire, but fortunately
ii did not, and the family, as well as Mr. Rogers and his
yoke of cattle, came out of the struggle safely.
BAPTIST CIIURCII OP HOOSICK FALLS.
The first " meeting-house" at Hoosick Falls was built in
the year 1800, villagers and townsmen, without regard to
sect, creed, or belief, uniting in its erection, and iu the
support of a preacher. The ground on which it stood,
including part of the burying-ground adjoining, was the
gift of Sylvester Noble. The conveyance, dated April ii,
1804, was executed to John Ryan, Benjamin Walworth,
Samuel Burrell, and Joseph Dorr, who, with the .-aid Syl-
vester Noble, were, on the 17th day of January. 1800, ap-
pointed a committee for the purpose of building a meet:
house near the Falls Quequick, in the town of Hoosick,
for and on behalf of the proprietors of said house, being
now members of a society denominated Warren Society of
Boosick Falls. This place of worship was not called r
church, nor was its erection stated to he for the use of any
church. It was simply "a n ting house" for the use of
the Warren Society. It is known, however, from other
sources, that this was an association of Baptists, or of those
of Baptist sentiments. lis name was either in honor of
Rev. Obed Warren, a noted Baptist missionary, or of the
town of Warren, in Rhode Island, where, in 17il7. the first
Baptist association in New England was organized.
The men who built this house of worship, and who. upon
ii- completion, bought pew,-, were Joseph Dorr, Daniel
Noble, John Ryan. John Comstock. Samuel Burrell, Thomal
11 E in I'.uel. Reuben Faxon, Daniel Comstock,
.1 >ph Coon, Abram Keach, Benjamin Lewis, John Matti-
son. Jacob Martin. David Wing, Kdward Richmond, Rich-
ard Covell, James Brown. Moses Armstrong, John Baker,
John l'al r, Sylvester Noble, Benjamin Walworth, A. D.
TOWN <>K IIOOSICK.
::?7
l'aiehin, Nathaniel Bishop, Thoophilus Comstock, Jacob \.
Faxon, Josiuli Bucl, Timothy Graves, Jonathan Case, Ed
nimnl [laynes, Amy Cronkhite, Samuel Cotterell, Thomas
Eldredge, Ales Wilson, Rufus Johnson, John Haviland,
Ebonczer Cross, [srael Sinks, Elijah Wallis, Henry John-
son, John Baker. Tin' building was erected in the pine-
woods at the south end of tin' village, anil is the same
building (improved and modernized) now in possession of
th,' Baptist Society of Hoosick Falls. The house was
Tmili after tin- approved New England pattern of those
(pies, -large square pews, high partitions, a lofty pulpit,
with deacon's scat beneath, and a gallery on threo sides.
A Bteeplc, which surmounted the house, was put together
on the ground, and raised as one piece to its place on the
rout', Minor Roberts, the builder, standing on it as it went
up and giving his directions to the workmen.
The first, clergyman officiating in the meeting house was
Klilcr Samuel Rogers, of Mapleton. The first resident
minister of the Warren Society was Elder David Rathbun,
who was pastor from 1805 to L809 inclusive. He owned
and occupied tin' dwelling-house and three acres of land
previously owned by Dr. Thomas Hartwell, and the resi-
dence in modi n times of Mrs. Melina Wells, lie re-
moved tn Scipio, N. V., in 1810. Rev. James (Mass was
the next pastor, under whose preaching a great revival took
pla.e iii 1810. He died Aug. 6, 1811, in the very midst
of his usefulness. The successors of Elder Glass were
Rev. Thomas Purington, 1813-15; Rev. [srael Kcach,
|§15; Rev. Obed Warren, 181 G ; Rev. Isaac Webb, 1817;
Rev. George Witherell, 1820-22; Rev. Israel Keach,
1824-30. Many families of Baptist sentiments had re-
moved from town, many had died, and the society became
weakened in the midst of other growing denominations;
services were suspended, and the church organization be-
came extinct about 1840. The work of the Baptists
centered at Uoosick Comers about that time.
The church was legally organized by filing a certificate of
incorporation, May 1G, 1851. The trustees chosen at that
time were John Lyon. Jonathan Case, Allen Spencer, Hosea
Daniels, and Edmund Leonard. The church had been pre-
viously constituted Oct. 30, 1 S 1 7 , and recognized Nov. 1(1,
1847. The members who founded this church, Oct. 30,
1847, were Jehu Haynes, John Lyon, Cynthia Lyon, John
P. Davison, Elizabeth Davison, John M. Gregory, Edmund
Leonard, Lois Leonard, Mrs. Charlotte Phillips, Mrs. Polly
Wallace, Mrs. Angeline Carter, Mrs. Parmelia Moslier,
Polly Joslin, Mrs Harriet, Leonard, Mrs. Dorcas Tifft, Mrs.
Lucy Ann Spencer. An interesting event in the history
of the church was a revival the first few months after its
organization. December 2G twenty-one were admitted by
baptism, the service being performed in the river opposite
the foundry. The following are the names of those joining
at that time: M. W. Burdick, Wm. M. Burdick, Mary E.
Burdick, Sarah E. Davison, Lydia Ann Davison, Charles
H. Davison, Elizabeth T. Gardner, Catharine M. Gardner,
Caroline N. Coon, Emeline J. Phillips. Lovisa A. Phillips,
Lam. i L. Phillips, Lydia Ann Crandall, Lydia Ann Lane,
Mary Cumber, Esther M. Lotteridgc, Lucelia A. S]
Rebecca Hall, Henry Leonard, B. Franklin Leonard, Frances
Yars.
48
The pastoral record is as follows 1-17 50 \\- ■■. John
M. Gregory; 1850 52, Rev. John Bowles; Rev. Mi
Granl and Rogers, from Hoosick Corners, applied the
pulpil at intervals for several yeai Jun i o the
fall of 1863, Rev. 0. C. Kirkham , Rev. Tin mo I:
liuiii Hoosick Corner-, for one year; Rev. Win A. Doo-
little, nearly a year: Rev. Wm. Wilcox, about -i>. montl
Oct. 6, 1867, to the lasl of February, I 369, Rev. Wm.
Garnet ; May I. 1869, to December, 1872, Rev. E. T.
Hunt; Dec. 8, 1872t to April .">. L874, Rev. A. B. Whip-
ple; Ma\ t, 1874, to December 20 of the same ycai R
II. W. Webbei ; June L3, 1875, to June 13, L876, l:
II. A. Morgan; Rev. George Robbins, the present pastor,
began his labors Aug. 1, 1K7G.
The record of deacons is as follows; Moses L. Burdick,
moved to Wisconsin; J, 1'. Davison, died; John Lynn,
died; Deacon Andrews, removed; Deacon Anthony, re-
moved; Deacon Alden, removed; M. W. Burdick, now in
iii'ii ■' ; ( (liver Johnson, died.
The present organization ( I 879 I is as follows : Rev. I reo.
Robbins, Pastor; M. W. Burdick, Deacon; Charles A.
Cheney, M. W. Burdick, Oscar Moulton, A. .1. Haynes,
George A. Willis, Trustees ; M. W. Burdick, Clerk; John
I'. Drown, Treasurer; Charles A. Cheney, Superintendent
of Sunday-school.
A parsonage is being erected on the lot near tie- church,
at an expense of about $1300. The number of communi-
cants is about 187.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH OK WEST HOOSICK.
The legal certificate of this organization bears date April
1G, 1861, and was signed by Isaac Shedd and Stephen Pad-
dock, witnessed by Joseph Guile and William R. White,
and acknowledged before Judge George Gould. The trus-
tees named in the instrument, are Philip Herrington, Ste-
phen Paddock, and Isaac Shedd. The house of worship
was built by the contributions of citizens, and is known as
a union church. It is, however, tin- organized church of
the Baptist denomination, who hold regular services within
it.
REFORMED CHURCH OP BUSKIRK's BRIDGE.
The following account is extracted from a historical ser-
mon by the pastor, Rev. J. G. Ogdeu, delivered July 2,
1876:
"The Hoosick Patent was granted June 3, 1688.
Among the first settlers were H. Van Ness, Abraham Fort,
Lewis and Peter Viele, Jobn Van Buskirk, and Waller Van
Veeliten. As early as 1714, a Dutch parish was organized
at Schaghticoke, ten miles west of this place, a log church
was erected, which in 1700 was superseded by a new
church Git by 111 feet, with low side walls, and a high-pitched
Mansard roof, ending at the cast end with a bulbous turret,
surmounted by a weathercock. Into that church uianv of
the children from families residing here were taken for bap-
tism. Meetings for worship were frequently held in private
dwellings; on both sides of the river, prior to L792, but it
was not. until that year thai steps were taken to found a
church and build a house of worship.
" On the 2d of May, 1792 the following persons were
organized into a church: Philip Van Ness, John Quacken-
78
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
bass, Lewi:. 11. Viele, Nicholas Grocsbeck, Peter Viele, and
John Van Buskirk. Re\ Samuel Smith presided at die
nutatioo, and Berved the church as pastor, officiating,
however, only one-fourth of the time. For this service lie
was paid E45, New Fork currency. The other three Sab-
baths lie served the Reformed Church of Saratoga in the
village of Schuylerville.
••Tin- original subscription-papers for buildings meeting-
house is Btill preserved. According to that paper one man
■greed t" give one bent of the frame, so many feel of boards,
and so many loads "f stone; another man another bent, so
many shingles, otcj ami »>. after much painstaking ami
much sacrifice, the Banctuary was built The date of the
completion and dedication is nol given. The building was
ted near tin' Bite of the present house mi half an acre
donated by Viele. At first tin- service was conducted in
the Dutch language, and for many wars it was held in both
l>utcli and English. On Ihe records of the consistory,
under date of Feb. 11, IT'.1:'., it is shown that Nicholas
Qroesbeck was appointed to lead the singing in Dutch ami
Sybranl Quackenboss in English. The church was at first
under the care "I' the Classis of Albany. At one time live
churches seem t" have united to support the preaching of
the gospel, viz., St. Croix. Little White Creek, Mapleton,
II -irk. and this church, then called Tioshoke. The first
building met the wants of the parish for thirty years nearly.
'I'll, n a church edifice standing in the south part of Pitts-
town was purchased, taken down, and moved to this place
and used in erecting the present building. This was dedi-
1 May 2. 1823, Rev. Mr. Switz preaching the dedica-
tion Bermon. After forty-nine years of service it was en-
largcd, remodeled, and repaired in 1S72, while Rev. F.
Furbeck was pastor.
•■ During the eighty-nine years of its existence the
church I i rved by the following pastors: Samuel
Smith. Peter l>. Froleigh, Stephen Ostrander, Abram J.
Switz, .1. II. Pitcher, 11. Hermance, A. T. Searles, J. 13.
Shaw, F. A.Gardner, 1'. Furbeck, and from December,
[875, by the present pastor, Rev. J. G. Ogdcn.
"The following i- tin1 roll of consistorymen : P. Van
\ J. Qo i, L. H. Vi lie, N Gro sbeck, 1'. Velie,
.1 Van r.u-kirk. M Van Buskirk, F, L. Pruyn, G. Fort,
.1 3 Quackenboss, 1' I' G C Sebring, S. Quackenboss,
A .1 I ,t. William Didby, J. Van Woert, N. W. Crocs-
beck, -l I.- Viele, Walter Van Vcchten, James Van Woert,
.1 Sbepard, .1. Gordon, S. Sherwood, W. Vandenbcrgh, .1.
I K Pruyn, A. M..rri-. S.Smith, .1. F. Pruyn, K. Fonda,
Pet Quackenbush, O. Hitchcock, I,. Viele, S. Q Bigelow,
l> Van Buskirk, A. W bull. .1. Y. N. Morris, .1. Van-
denburgh, <;. Walker, U. P. Smith, II. Van Vcohtcn, S.
D I. Hitchcock, f I' Bead I' P kbbott, «'.
I. I. Hitchcock, A. Bosworth, -I Myers, W Doolittlc,
E l Pruyn, D. Hilt, II Starbuck F P Van Buskirk.O.
I: B won, E. Smith, I I W. Gifford, 1". II. Hilt,
. • .- II oghtoD, G. W. Hit< hi ock 1'. Hill, J. R.
I | W I .1 I: Hitchcock, .1. .1. Walker,
' Starbuck, E, Whiteside, 1>. II. Hilt, Aug . tut II mgh-
tnii. At tin- present time 0 lobcr, I -7'.' the elders arc
I i H P. P. Ii Milt, ami th( ■
I i u in, ' i W. 1 1 iti h lock.
"Starting with 6 members, the whole number received
into the church to 187G was 360. The present member-
ship 1-7!' is 64.
"A remarkable and memorable revival occurred in 1826,
mar the close of Mr. Switz's pastorate. Two young men
of the parish were studying for the ministry. Iu the
spring of that year they came home from the theological
seminary, bringing a fellow-student by the name of Murray.
Their presence and labor here in prayer-meetings, and in
vi.-iling from house to house, produced a dee]) impression
and a great quickening of the church. Under their lab
too, a Sunday-school was organized which has been main-
tained ever since."
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HOOSICK FALLS.
This Presbyterian Church and society were organized on
the 5th day of January, 1*2J. under the pastorate of Rev,
E. Cheever. Seventy persons composed the society, of
whom the following 15 constituted the church, viz.: Joseph
Gordon, Agnes Cordon, John March, John N. Harder,
Mary Cheever, Percis Ilurlburt, Elizabeth Bonestecl, Phi-
linda Pat chin, Timothy Graves, Martha Graves, Nathaniel
Carpenter, Lovina Carpenter, John Gordon, Catharine Baker,
Mary Brccse. The same day 70 ladies met at the dwelling-
house of Gen. George II. Davis and formed a Female Pres-
byterian Society, and engaged to raise 850 annually for
religious purposes.
The first Sunday-school iu Hoosick Falls was established
the same year, under the efforts of Rev. Mr. Cheever. Seth
Parsons was superintendent, and the teachers were Mania
Dorr, Diana Ilurlburt, Adeline Burrell, Eliza Meade, Gideon
Hard, Robert Burtis, and John A. Harder. This school
was iion sectarian, and its sessions were held at the Baptist
church. The distinctive Presbyterian Sunday-school was
formed in 1831, with Lyman Wilder as Superintendent;
John Fitch, Secretary; and John Blass, Librarian.
The Presbyterians at fust held their meetings in the union
meeting-house of the village. The Baptists had nearly ex-
clusive control of this, as was natural from the fact that it
was originally deeded to trusters for the use of the Warren
Society. The interest of all parties soon rendered it proper
that other denominations should have suitable houses of
worship under their own control. Accordingly, the I'
byterian Church soon made the necessary arrangements, and
in 1829 erected their first meeting-house. — finished in 183 1
Lyman Wilder and Jonathan llurlbut were the builders.
This building stood until 1S.V2, when it gave place to tin1
present structure. John tl. Peters was the architect ami
builder of the new house. This site, when originally se-
curcd, was beyond the -tiled village, in a pasture, and the
in, .tin- ! ,,1 in 1829 was the lir.-t house of any
kind, as slated by Judge Ball, on what is now Chureli
Street. Mrs. Lottridgc and others state that there were
two or three, one where Dr. McLean now lives.
Tin buci i ssivc pastors of the church have been Ri
CI ver. 1825-26; Samuel W. May. 1826 28; Thomas
Fletcher, 1829; John A. Murray, 1829 30; RobortShaW,
1830-31; Ezra D. Kinney, 1831; Luther P. Blodgett,
l-.;i :;i. L. Johnson, 1 837 39; Thomas Gordon, 1841-
50; \ M. Beverk'ge, IS51-58; A. He Witt, 1859
TOWN OP HOOSICK.
:;?!>
A. B. Lambert, 18G6 68. Rev. John Tatlock began his
(gbora here in 1868, and is the present pastor.
Tho certificate of incorporation shows thai this society
effected its legal organization Jan. 5, 1825. The certificate
is signed by David Gleason and Timothy Graves, and ac-
knowledged before Hiram P. Hunt. The trustees named
in the instrument arc Timothy Graves, Garret T. Breese,
John March, Harry Patterson, Samuel Burrell, Hubert
Haswell. The present organization ( 1879 ) consists of Rev.
John Tatlock, Pastor; Lyman Wilder, 11. II. Parsons,
Ezra R. Estabrook, S. S. Stevens, John J. Wilder, Seabury
Peck, Csaac 11. Bovio, Elders; Lyman Wilder, 11. II. Par-
sons, S. S. Stevens, T. J. Wallace, John M. Rosebrooks,
Ailin Thayer, Trustees; Superintendent of Sunday-school,
Ezra R. Estabrook. Three hundred volumes in the library.
METHODIST CHURCH.* NORTHEAST PART OF THE TOWN.
This is the " Walloomsac Methodist Episcopal Church,"
which was incorporated April 18, 1811, the certificate
being attested by William Lake and Thomas Skeel, and
was sworn to before Judge William Bell, ft contained the
names of the following trustees, viz. : John Matthews, Ben-
jamin Barnet, Isaac Mosher, Thomas Milliiuan, Simeon
Sweet, and John Coinstock. This was the early point of
Methodist work in all this section of country. In early
years it had been a part of the old Pittstown circuit. Af-
terwards it was the Troy and Bennington circuit.
A quarterly meeting held Sept. 13, 1828, shows the fol-
lowing members: Thomas Mason, Presiding Elder; Cyrus
Prindle, Circuit Minister; Thomas Milliman, Exhorter; Jas.
P. Godfrey and Asa Gay, Stewards ; Henry C. Green, The-
ophilus Whitney, Ichabod Milliman and Zoroaster Coin-
stock, Class-Leaders.
It is supposed the first meeting-house " up the river"
was built about 1811, and the present building, now un-
used except for funerals, is the one first erected, but im-
proved at various times. This church was incorporated a
second time under the name of the " Methodist Episcopal
Church of Old Hoosick."
July 19, 1845, the certificate was attested by Win. Henry,
moderator of the meeting, and by James Lake, secretary.
The trustees in the instrument were James Lake, John
Barnett, Simeon Sweet, George Barton, Palmer S. Shrieves,
Nathaniel Barnett, Jr., and John W. Clark. It was again
incorporated under its old name, the " Walloomsac Meth-
odist Episcopal Church," June 2, 1858. The certificate
was signed by Bev. Mr. Washburn. It contains the names
of seven trustees,— G. W. Clark, David Pyatt, Stephen
Williams, Levi Bristol, Simeon Sweet, Charles Clark, Asa
Colgrove.
These several organizations indicate that the society had
nearly become extinct at times, and that it was deemed neces-
sary to file new certificates, that the legal title to the prop-
erty might be continued. Soon after the last date men-
tioned above, services were abandoned at that point, and
were held in the school-house at North Hoosick. Tins
finally led to organization at that place. The " up-river"
house has never been sold out or abandoned, and is still in
a legal sense the property of the Methodists.
* Known as " lip-River Church."
NORTH HOOSICK METHOD] i I PI8COPAL CHURCH.
This church was incorporated i» accord nice with law Jan.
5, 1865, tl irtificate being Bigned by William Ru
and Palmer 8. Shrieves. The trustees named were Win.
P. Chase, Edward Spalding, and Warren CoX. This body
is the' ecclesiastical, if nol tho legal, successor of the old
Walloomsac church. A house of worship was built in 1866,
at a cost of aboul $4000. Ii is a large and conn liout
church, finely situated, forming a pleasant feature of tl"'
little village. The present organization consists of Rev.
A. S. Clark, Pastor; Wm. P. Chase, Benjamin Joy. Hugh
Allen, John Allen, Zadoc Pratt, Steward-; Eli J. Carr,
Leader; Wm. P. Chase, John Allen, Hugh Allen, Trus-
tees ; Win. P. Chase, Superintendent of Sunday-school.
There are 300 volumes in the Sunday-school library. The
communicants number abouf lit), and the audience about 100.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF HOOSICK FALLS.
This is a society of modern growth. It was organized
Aug. 10, 18(H), and a handsome edifice was erected on
Main Street the same year. The following is a list in part
of the pastors who have been appointed to this charge in
the order named : Rev. R. Washburn, Rev. Jesse Brown,
Bev. A. Vide, Rev. B. B. Loomis, Bev. II. II. Washburn,
Bev. G. C. Morehouse, Bev. J. K. Wager, Rev. M. A.
Sentor.
A fine-toned bell, weighing 1S55 pounds, and costing
$642, was placed in the belfry of this church in the sum-
mer of 1874.
The legal organization of the society was earlier than the
formation of the church, as given above. Tho certificate
boars date April 12, 1858. It was signed by Bev. B.
Washburn, and witnessed by Norman Fassctt and John L.
Beaman. The paper was acknowledged before David Ball,
justice of the peace, and contains the names of Stephen
Williams, Wm. Stoney, John V. Carney, Jesse T. Dur-
ham, and Asa Colgrove as trustees.
The present organization consists of the following : Bev.
W. II. Meeker, Pastor; E. P. Markham, E. B. Shaw,
Alfred Williams, J. P. Groesbeck, W. R. Southwick, W.
A. Sibley, J. M. Eldridge, M. E. Johnson, James Willis,
Stewards ; II. S. Hawthorn, Geo. W. Clark, Wm. Kelyer,
Gilbert Carpenter, Class-Leaders; Dr. McLean, C. W.
Easton, Wm. Kelyer, S. J. Phillips, S. D. Locke, Trustees ;
Charles Sibley, Superintendent of Sabbath-School.
The communicants number about 240, and the society is
a strong, vigorous organization.
METHODIST CHURCH AT BUSKIRIv's BRIDGE.
This society is one of modern growth, and we have re-
ceived no information with reference to it in reply to in-
quiries. It has a house of worship pleasantly situated, and
the denomination, with their usual energy, have accom-
plished very much in active Christian work.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF HOOSICK FALLS.
St. Mark's parish was organized in 1833. Bev. Nathaniel
O. Preston was the first pastor. Service was held in the
school-house of the village, and in a room over the carriage-
shop of John Blass, on the premises now owned by H. H.
IlISTnKY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
I\ . . Tl :. . .ily society was nol sustained, partly lor
• of a suitable house of worship. No episcopal servi
held for ire.* The parish was revived in
l~.->». and tli ' 'Hi- of tin- present edifice was laid
!! P r in the summer of that year. The
Id Sunday, An 360, Rev. A. T.
Twii I ringburgh, preaching the sermon. The church
was i !•;• the Rev. Horatio Potter on the 5th day
it which time fourteen pen lonfirmed.
The officers of the church at that time were B George
A. Weeks, Rector; Salmon Moses and Gri irg R. Whitney,
Wardens; W. Anson Wood. John L. Quackenbush, Jacob
Milliman, M - - B. Wright, Benry B. Clark, Celia Quack-
enbush, J. Russell Parsons, and Benry l». 0. Banners,
men.
The legal organization of St. Mark's was i flfi eted Nov. 1,
1834. The certificate was signed by Nathaniel S. Preston,
M, Tibbits, and Samuel Shaw Crocker. Barry
Patterson and Si-tli Parsons were named as wardens, and
the vestrymen wei • N. Tibbits, Salmon M
Barry Patterson, Seth Parsons, Samuel Shaw Crocker, and
1 1 n kiah Munsell, .Ir.
The li-t of rectors is as follows : Rev. Nathaniel <). Prcs-
ton, 1833; R I ser Williams, 1838. Aftcrthenew
movement of 1858, Rev. James Bcrvey Morgan, Rev.
\ W iks. B ■ G orge Buntington Nichols,"|" the
at rector, commenced his labors here dune 25, 1865.
Al that date the church had only 2."> communicants. At
the present time 1879) there are about ISO; and during
ih. fifteen years of Mr. Nichols' rectorship, To have either
removed "r died.
The church edifice is of exquisite proportions, combining
much of beauty even in the exterior, and especially so in
the interior. The original edifice has been improved by
adding a campanile connected by an arcade. In the base
of the former i- a brass tablet, handsomely set in a frame of
k marble, bearing the following inscription:
I i in t'ii< tower by
1 and in memory of hi- i\ ifo,
Warren, who entered into rest April 6, ISiO.
red >" II--, in clock and chime, will
her n our.- nnd life, :m I hor love of tho
till speaks to all,
»n I b admonishi
The I cosl about SGOOO. The
church 1. tion, in connection with the
el- of the Bon. Walter A. W 1. In freeing the
church from debt, by a handsome 'lunation of S1000, Mr.
mcnl that the
church should never be inclosed by a fence All the ;
I
• n-l i -
rrjlrn.
around the building is eared for by Mr. Wood's employees,
and kept in order with the same scrupulous neatness and
cultured taste as the surrounding lawn attached to his
residi nee.
The present organization of the parish i 1879) is as folij
lows: Rev. George 11. Nichols, Rector; Rev. John Dolby
Skene, Assistant Minister; Walter A% Wood and J. Rus-
sell Parsons, Wardens; John (1. Darroch, Smith A. Skin-
ner, M.D., Stephen W. Barker, Edward C. 1'atli.son, James
Sloan. Camp Keller. Martin IX (Ireenwood, John Ilohart
Warren, Vestrymen ; Camp Keller. Clerk.
I PISCOPAL CHURCH AT HOOSICK CORNERS.
This is an independent organization not yet connected to
any diocese. The rites of the Reformed Protestant Epis-
copal Church have once been celebrated here by Bishop
Cummins, but no further steps have been taken towards
iminational connection. The church is a fine one, < -
Structcd of unhewn stone, with dark trimmings, and cosl
about 820.0(1(1 ; the tower and bells alone are valued al
812.000. The bells are of excellent tone, and the small otic
in the highest part of the tower is a relic of mediaeval times,
purchased by the Tibbits family while traveling in Hu-
ll is said to be four hundred years old. This church
was founded by the late George M. Tibbits, and the whole
expense borne by him or his family. The tower and hells
were the gift of his widow, who is still living to enjoy
religious services in a church munificently endowed by her
husband and herself. The church is popularly known by
the unecclesiastical name of the " Tibbits Church." The
above Carts fully justify the name as a tribute to the gener-
osity and public spirit of the family. A further reason for
the popular name is the fact that the rector of the church
is Rev. John B. Tibbits, a son of the founder; and that
his son. Edward Tibbits, often conducts the services, an
the superintendent of the flourishing Sunday-school. The
church stands upon a handsome plat of ground near the
railroad, and fronting a section of the Hoosick Valley that
forms a charming landscape as seen from the tower.
i \ -111(11. ii- (ill it. II or HOOSICK FALLS.
The fir>t Catholic services in Hoosick were held by
Father Shannahan in 1S3-I and l>.".."i. Meetings were held
at the Baptist Church. Rev. J. B. Pailey. in lS.Hi and
1837, said mass at the dwelling-house of Patrick Kearney
on High Street, also in the school-hnu>c al .North Hoosick;
ejuently Fathers llavcrmans, Farley. Finnelly, and
Q officiated till 1S-IH. In that year K.v. Mr. Quig-
ley commenced the building of a church in the south part
of the village, on Church Street. Ii was completed, under
the management of Father McDerinotl in IS.'il. The Ii
was Father Cahill. In the yen- 1S(>2 the
church came under the care of lie- Amjii.-linians . II- V J.
A. harragb and lb-v. K. M. Mullen h. in-_ paMors until
ISU5, when Rev. Augustus E Dailey wa- appointed. I
first house of wor.-hip proving too small for the increa;
rogation, a new and commodious edifice was erected 00
Main Street in 1870-71. The bui'din- i.- of stone and
bricli Ic, and its internal finish and decora-
tion are \ ■ t y pleasing and artistic. The cornel
House: of the AUGUSTINIAN FATHERS, (Rev J D.vmldron. O.S.A Pastor )
HQOSICK FALLS. NEW YORK
THE NEW
RK
'mucuimuot
jf«OU. LENOX
3UoEN """°* ANO
TOWN OK HOOSICK.
:;-!
[aid Aug. 12, I860, by lit. Rev. Edgar P. Wadhams, V.G.,
of Albany. Ii was dedici 1 Dec. 10, 1871, by Rev. T.
(Jalberry, Commissary General of the Augustinians in the
Unii<'<l States. A fine bell, weighing 2690 pounds and
oosting $15(10, was placed in tin' tower of this church in
Au"ust, 1872. Rev. Father Waldron is the present pastor.
Ihe church at Buskirk's Bridge is under the direction of
Rev. Father Waldron, and the services are conducted by
the assistant priest. At lloosick Falls a new pastoral resi-
dence is being creeled on .Main Street, nearly opposite the
Bethodist Church, at an expense, including ground, of about
si ii. i M 10.
CATHOLIC CHURCH AT lil SKiitlv's BRIDGE.
This is a recent enterprise, and is under the care of the
Catholic Church of lloosick Falls. A substantial house of
worship has been erected, a large congregation gathered,
and services are regularly maintained.
UNION CHURCH, MAPLETON NEIGHBORHOOD.
"The Liberal Religious Society of Mapleton" was in-
corporated Jan. 2:!, 183G. The meeting was held at the
school-house of District 4, and the object was thus stated:
"To rebuild and re-occupy the site and premises where the
old Mapleton meeting-house now stands." The certificate
was signed by George W. Rogers and G. Van Hoosen. The
paper contained the names of nine trustees, viz. : Moses
Armstrong, Joseph Percy, Daniel Rogers, David Wallace,
James Percy, Lyman Andrews, Jonathan Haynes, Randall
.lames, Garret Van Hoosen. The house was dedicated by
a union service, in which Rev. Israel Keach, Baptist, Rev.
Mr. Beaman, Methodist, and a Univcrsalist minister, all
preached during the two days' service. This house has
been kept in good order down to the present time. No-
tices for meetings are written on a slate in the door, the
first written having a right of possession. Good feeling
has always been preserved, and it has been a very conve-
nient neighborhood meeting-house. At present (Septem-
ber, 1ST1.)) an effort is being made to establish regular Uni-
versalist preaching.
VIII.— BTJRIAL-PLAC ES.
A very old burial-place is the one connected with the
early Van Ness Chur.ch of St. Croix. On one of the sunken
headstones, in quaint and nearly illegible characters, is the
name of Arent Van Curler, died in 1705, aged one hundred
and seven years.
The following other cemeteries may be mentioned, but
as in other towns where the early dead were buried in so
many different places, it. is not probable that this list is
complete. At Hoosick Falls is located one of the most
important in town, near the Baptist Church. Here sleep
many of the honored men who were the founders of
churches, schools, and civil institutions. Some were sol-
diers and some were statesmen. Why shall modern ideas
of beauty and convenience demand the removal of this
genuine memorial of the noble men of old?
The new cemetery, of beautiful location and ample pro-
portions, is very sure to be cared for and grow more bcau-
tilul as the years roll on. It is situated some distance south
of i h Thi i ' •< holii I !i mi terj in I ho ame vicin-
ity an rai i general attention. The symbol of the 1 1
standing over the graves of the dead points to thai better
land where Christian hope anticipates the happy reunion.
Other grounds in town are ill near Buskirk's Brid
one on the i astern border of the to r the ri sidence
in late years of Mrs. Hallcnbeck ; one near the Union
Church, Mapleton; two near the southeast corner, a little
south of the scl I house, in District No. 17; two in the
west part of the town, near the Sherman residence, one of
them south, on the farm ; one near the ri ideni e of G. Ii.
Uracil, same school district as above; and one near the
Union Church, at West lloosick. Around the Presby-
terian Church, Hoosick Falls, were some burials, but the
remains were afterwards removed, and the same was the
case in the first Catholic church-yard.
THE HOOSICK PALLS CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
was formed in March, 1854, and 12 acres of land t
purchased near the south bounds of the village, King on
the west side of the highway. The first president of the
association was Erastus Ball. He died April 21, 1855,
and was the first person buried in the. new cemetery. The
full board of trustees consisted of William Herrington,
Walter A. Wood, Lyman Wilder, Richmond Fisk, Harry
Patterson, H. K. Parsons, Erastus Ball, Thomas P. Hewitt,
Adin Thayer, Jr., L. Chandler Ball, H. II. Parsons, An-
drew Russell.
THE HOOSICK CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
was legally organized Nov. 20, 1865. Gideon Reynolds
was chairman of the meeting and Simeon Curtis secretary.
The certificate was sworn to before Henry -B. Clark, notary
public, and the following trustees were named in the in-
strument: Jonathan P. Armstrong, Henry B. Clark, Lewis
Crandall, Aliram Iloag, Albert Brown, and Isaac Bovie.
This enterprise was begun many years earlier, by Jona-
than P. Armstrong, Lewis Crandall, and George M. Kin-
yon. They bought land around the old burial-place of
early years, sold out lots to others, and finally it was incor-
porated as above.
" LEATHERSTOCKING" OF COOPER'S NOVELS.
An interesting question a's to the original of "Leather-
stocking," — the well-known character in Cooper's novels, —
and the fact that Hoosick claims his burial-place, is dis-
cussed in the following paper, condensed from Judge
Ball's "Annals" :
An early settler in the northeast part of lloosick was
Nathaniel Shipman. His daughter Patience became the
wife of John Ryan. Mr. Shipman was a noted hunter and
trapper, and spent much of his time in the woods. He was
a friend and companion of the Mohican Indians, and fought
with them against the French and the Northern Indians.
In the war of the Revolution he sided with the royal cause,
and was tarred and feathered, and in various ways mal-
treated for his Toryism. About this time he disappeared,
and his friends lost all trace of him for years. When John
Ryan was chosen a member of Assembly he became ac-
quainted with Judge Cooper, of Cooperstown, and learned
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
mnnj Pacta thai lead to the discovery of Mr. Shipman as
still living in the forest in the vicinity of Otsego Lake.
This was iii LJ He was induced by Mr. 1! van to
return t" BoosicV and make his home in the family of his
liii-r. This h>' did lor a time, but often wandered
• to again enjoy his solitary life in the depths of the
forest He finally died, as Judge Mall's •■ Annals" state,
:ii the house of John Ryan, in the year 1809, and was
buried in the village church-yard, by the side of one
.1 : - who was the tir-t person buried in that cemetery.
Judge Ball was so positive of this that he marked the grave
with an oak slab, hoping in the future to place a permanent
monument upon it. It is proper to add that the story of
his 'hath in Hoosicb i- nol sustained by others who have
given some attention to the matter, as they claim that he
died in the West, bul Judge Ball's careful habits of in-
vestigation could hardly have permitted him to be mis-
taken upon this point
The proof that Nathaniel Shipman was the " Leather-
Btocking" of Cooper's novels appears strong. Leather-
Btocking's dog was named Hector, — so was Shipmau's;
Nathaniel Shipman's gun was very similar to LeatherStOck-
ing's. Aziriah Eddy, of Hoosick, once saw in New York
a copy of tin- •• Pioneers." presented by the author, upon a
fly-leaf of which was written a list of the characters, with
their real names, and opposite that of Leatherstocking was
written the name of Nathaniel Shipman. The hook was
read in Mr. Ryan's family, and the descriptions of Leather-
ighlj filled their recollections of Mr.
Shipman as to render his identity perfectly clear to them.
Dr. Walworth, of Hoosick Falls, also had much additional
evidence from acquaintances in Coopers town. Altogether,
ms very clear that Nathaniel Shipman ions Leather-
ing, notwithstanding the fact that another man, long
• was accorded that honor, and a monument
r hi- remains at ( >;-
An account of Mr. Shipman written by Dr. Walworth,
a brother of ( Jhancellor Walworth, and a native of Hoosick,
have been the chief reliance of Judge Ball in his
"Anna!-." A copy of Dr. Walworth's paper furnished to the
writer by Norman Gray, of Hoosick Falls, contains addi-
tional item- I,,, i mentioned above. Mr. Shipman had been
the servant of a British officer in the old French war. and
it i- thought that his acquaintance in Hoosick began through
the building and garrisoning of the fort that stood near the
of tl Id Hutch Church at St Croix. Alter the
R rolution he settled in Otsego County, and being a great
bunt ipplicd venison and other game to the family
1 At the death of his wife he returned
• I! s l»r Walworth writes : ■• I knew him in some
of th rs of hi" life, — that i-, I knew him as young-
know a facetious, jovial old man. who prefers thecom-
the company of of! 1 1 .■ was
■Iwaya full of fun and frolic, and the young po|,]e were
olwaj vo him with ii
I \ n>\\ \ SOCIETIES O.SSCN I VI IONS, I
m isi
Mm;. I ll Lodge, N F and A. M .
nd tin- building elected by iis members
and dedicated to Masonic purposes Oct. G, 1824, is still
standing, being now repaired and occupied as a dwelling.
This lodge was first organized in 1702, the petition for a
dispensation being dated September Sth of that year. This
petition asked for the appointment of Thomas Sickles a>
Master; Wm. Castle as Senior Warden; and Robert Sim
as Junior Warden. Other signers of the petition were
Henry Ten Brocck, Samuel Crary, Stephen Read, Barney
Read. Solni i Kiie_r, Wm. Roberts, Abraham Van Tuyl,
Enoch Stall, Andrew White, Benjamin Hawks, George
Eagor, dames Fairbairn, Henry Brown. Win. Brae, Thos.
Hartwell, Jonathan Chase. A warrant was granted Nov.
15, 1793, and the lodge kept in a flourishing state until the
great anti-Masonic excitement of half a century ago. This
proved a blow from which this ancient body could not re-
cover; its meetings were discontinued, and the warrant for-
feited in 1S32, forty years from the time of its organization.
In 1856 a small band of eight Master Masons obtained
a dispensation from Grand Master John L. Lewis to form
a new lodge, to be called Van Rensselaer, No. 400. The
officers named in the dispensation were Charles Grovcr,
Master; Samuel Crosbee, Senior Warden; and David Ball,
Junior Warden. Other members of the foundation were
Seneca Dorr, Hezekiah Munscll, Jr., Sidney Smith. Edwin
Corbin, and Robert Lord, three of whom, viz., David Ball.
Seneca Dorr, and Hezekiah Munscll, Jr., were members of
old Federal Lodge.
The first meeting was held Feb. 2G, 185G, and the first
candidates initiated were A. C. Parsons, M. F. White,
Charles Byars, Wm. M. Cranston, and J. L. F. Crosbee,
March 11, 1S5G.
The first brethren raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason were A. C. Parsons and Charles Byars, April 22,
185G.
A warrant was granted July 1, 182G, and the lodge in-
stituted and officers installed August 21st.
The successive Masters of No. f 10 have been Charles
W. Crovei-. L856; Wm. M. Cranston, 1857-58; J. L. F.
Crosbee, 1859-GO ; M. F. White, 1S61-GG ; John G. Dar-
roch, 1SG7-70 ; James Waddcll, 1S71-72 ; J. L. Lambert.
1873-74; Isaac Allen, 1875-76; Matt V. Peters. 1877-
78; James W. Allen, 1-7'.'.
The officers of the present year (1879) are James W.
Allen, W. M.; Charles. Palmer, S. \V. ; John Hayes, J.
W. ; dames Waddell, Trcas. ; Henry 0. Peters, Sec;
James M. Carpenter, S. P. ; James Beckct, J. D. ; Wm.
C. Miller, S. M. C; John Gunshannon, J. M. C. ; Rev.
J. I». Skeen, Chaplain ; Charles Byars, Horace H. Barnes,
.1 I. Lambert, Trustees; E. C. W. Hull, Tyler.
A lodge of Mark Masons was formed at Hoosick Falls
in 1797. the first meeting occurring March 16th. The
following officers are mentioned as being present : Jona-
than Twiss, Samuel Frisbic, Henry Ten Brocck, Thomsf
Hartwell, David Chase, Luke Prink, David Wilcox. Other
name- appearing in the old book before ISIM'I are James
Barnet, William Castle, llcnr} Brown, David Matthews.
Cirit Van Hooscn, Nathaniel Barnet, Daniel Noble. Rich-
ard S i Elisha Morgan, Nathan Dean, David Hamilton,
John Pease, Thomas James, Samuel Crary, Reuben Faxon.
Thomas Dewey, Nicholas Ten Brocck, Willct Vary, John
TOWN OF HOOSICK.
:;-.;
Scott, William Walworth, Samuel Stewart, Samuel Milli-
111:111, Samuel Faxon, Adonijah Skinner, Jacob Coinstock.
RAYMOND CHAPTER, NO. 248, K. A. ST.,
is located at Hoosick Falls. On Feb. 3, 1807, the Grand
Royal Arch Chapter of New York, M.\ E.\ Ezra Ames,
Grand High Priest, granted a wan-ant to W. S. Cardall,
Reuben Faxon, William Goodrich, and others, to open and
hold a Mark lodge in Hoosick, in the county of Rens-
selaer, by the name of Hoosick Mark Lodge. This lodge
was afterwards known as Federal Mark Lodge, No. 37, and
existed about eight years. On the same day a warrant was
granted to Ira Mortimer Wells, Samuel Fitch Richards,
Leonard Reed, and others, to open and hold Apollo Mark
Lodge in Troy, and these were the first organizations in
Rensselaer County that conferred any of the capitular de-
grees.
In 1825, M.\ E.\ Ezra xVmes, Grand High Priest,
granted a dispensation to several companions to open and
hold a chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Hoosick Falls,
and on Feb. 8, 1826, the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New
York issued a warrant to Ebenczer Stearns, as High Priest,
Aaron Vail, as King, Charles Leigh, as Scribe, and others,
to hold Hoosick Chapter, No. 112, at Hoosick Falls, Rens-
selaer Co., N. Y. This chapter existed about five years,
when its charter was surrendered.
Feb. 12, 186!), a dispensation was issued by M.\ E.\
Rocs G. Williams, Deputy Grand High Priest, on the rec-
ommendation of Phoenix Chapter, No. 133, at Lansing-
burgh, to Hiram Moses, David Ball, C. C. Bedell, James
Waddell, J. Leavitt Lambert, Smith A. Skinner, Charles
F. Morey, M. L. Powers, W. F. Peters, S. W. Stewart, J.
D. Worth, and L. S. Finch, authorizing them to open and
hold Raymond Chapter, U. D., at Hoosick Falls. (Two of
these companions, viz., Hiram Moses and David Ball, were
members of the old chapter, Hoosick, No. 112, the first-
named companion being secretary of the chapter.) The
officers named in the dispensation were James Waddell, as
High Priest, J. Leavitt Lambert, as King, Smith A. Skin-
ner, as Scribe. The first convocation was held Feb. 18,
I860, and the brethren who first received the degree of
Mark Master were Daniel F. Spencer, Ezra C. W. Hull,
and Charles W. Buck, March 12, 1869. The companions
who were first exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason
were Daniel F. Spencer, Ezra C. W. Hull, and Charles W.
Buck, March 12, 18G9.
The dispensation was renewed June IS, 1870, by M.\ E..
John W. Simons, Grand High Priest; and on Feb. 8,
1871, a charter was granted by the Grand Chapter, — John
W. Simons, Grand High Priest; Rees G. Williams, Deputy
Grand High Priest; Joseph B. Chaffee, Grand King";
David F. Day, Grand Scribe; Christopher G. Fox, Grand
Secretary to Raymond Chapter, No. 248. Feb. 24, 1871,
M.\ E.\ Rees G. Williams, Grand High Priest, with the
assistance of R.\ E.-. John H. Dickerman, Grand Treas-
urer, R.\ E.\ Jackson H. Chase, Grand Lecturer, and other
companions, constituted the chapter in public, and in-
stalled its officers in ample form as follows: James Wad-
dell, High Priest; J. Leavitt Lambert, King; Smith A.
Skinner, Scribe; C. A. Meeker, Treas. ; D. J. M. Howard,
Se« | Rev. C. F. Hunt, Chaplain; .1. D. Worth, C II.;
Ezra Hull, P. S. ; Mali. V. Pen, I; \ ('. W. F.
Peters, M. 3d V.; William II. Faxon, M. I'd V. ; C. W.
Puck, M. Lsl V. ; I). F. Spencer, Tyler. An addn
also delivered by R.\ E.\ J. S. Dickerman ; subject Curi-
ous People."
The successive incumbents of the office of II. P. have
been .lames Waddell, 1 ST 1 : .1. 1,. Lambert, 1872-73; W.
F. Peters, L874-75; E. C. W. Hull, 1876; James Wad
dell, IS77-79. The. presenl officers (1879) are James
Waddell, II. P.; II. II. Barnes, K. ; II. S. Hawthorn, S. ;
W. F. Peters, Treas.; Charles II. Palmer, Se, I , „■ II.
Allen, C. II.; G. E. Belknap, R. A. C. ; John Gunshau-
non, M. 3d V.; R. N. Osterhout, M. I'd V. ; Charles
Bates, M. 1st V.; Rev. J. D. Skeen, Chaplain; J. L.
Lambert, W. F. Peters, Horace Barnes, Trustees; E. C.
W. Hull, Tyler.
The other principal social or benevolent, organizations
existing in Hoosick at the present time ( 1*79) are the fol-
lowing: Hoosick Falls Lodge, No. 430, I. O. O. F. ; a
council of the Sovereigns of Industry; Father Matthew
T. A. B. Society, No. 1 ; Ancient Order of Hibernians,
No. 1 ; Robert Emmett Association, No. 1.
THE CONTINENTAL TEMPLE OP HONOR, NO. 21,
is a vigorous temperance organization formed about ten
years since, and wielding a strong influence in the com-
munity.
THE MOWER AND REAPER BAND
is a favorite institution with the citizens of Hoosick Falls,
and is sustained very largely by the generous contributions
of Hon. Walter A. Wood. The band was organized in
1859 with sixteen members. The first leader was Thomas
B. Cooley. The band as an organization joined the 2d
Vermont Regiment during the war of 1861-115. The
leader then was Willard H. Colton. The present leader is
Lucius Cooley ; Director, Henry Russell ; Sec. and Treas.,
Matt. V. Peters. They have a fine hall, and own a valuable
set of instruments.
A CIRCUS COMPANY
was organized in Hoosick in 1835, consisting of Joseph
Dorr, Oscar Stone, Ruf'us Watson, Lorenzo Sackett, Gard-
ner Wood, and William Darroeh, all residents of Hoosick.
The company practiced a year or more in a building
erected for the purpose, near the river-bank. The company
gave their first public exhibition on general training-day in
1835. They afterwards visited Albany, and made a tour
through several States.
HOOSICK FALLS LITERARY ASSOCIATION
was organized Dec. 5, 1S36. A reading-room was opened,
with newspapers, magazines, and a few standard books.
The institution, however, only had a brief existence.
THE PROTESTANT BUILDING SOCIETY OF HOOSICK FALLS
was organized to buy land, build dwellings, and sell. The
capital was 82000. The first trustees were Charles J.
Sayers, Sylvanus T. Phillips, Andrew Haekett, John Ste-
venson, Lawson A. Clark. The date of the certificate of
incorporation was Oct. 19, 1875.
38J
BISTOKI OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
TIIK HOOSICK FALLS VETERAN SOLDIERS A I 'TIOH
»a- i ir the purpose of grouping to-
il d, - icuring annual decoration
■■.in.' in overy suitable way the patriotic
in • the war. I Boers 1879) are
Charles Byers, President; [chabod Bump, Treasurer;
Henry Trumblo, Secretary; Charles Bu Captain; .1.
I1 . Ball, Lieutenant; [chabod Bump, (I. Edward Towne,
'I'll ■ ass iciation owns a burial-
lot in M y, to bury soldiers who may
have no family connections in town. Through the aid of
and the town and village authorities, the fine
in ■ inding near the intersection of Classic and
M : Str •- was •! itcd Maj 30, 1878. The town \
' towards the monument ; the village, 8500 to purchase
the l"i. and used probably $200 more in fitting it up. The
remainder of the expenso was borne by the association,
I by liberal donations from citizens. The expense of
ill.* mi urn nt was 81500. The association is in a
financial condition. It does considerable benevolent work
in the way of aiding .-irk. infirm, or distressed - ildiers.
■ii- t.. the organizati f the Ass iati m a post of
the Grand Army of the 1! .public had been organiz id, and
irs ; but the charter was finally surren-
ders deeming it bcsl to maintain a home
iation entirely u| their own plan.
X.— PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST.
The Hoosick Valley, as a whole, suggests all along its
route a wealth of olden m n ies scarcely less than attaches
toll the Hudson or of the Connecticut. The
traveler over the Troy and Boston Railroad may catch in
rapid gla ithing 0f the I the valley, and
h in fancy the original landscape when the forests
here in their native loveliness, and none but the red
man walked in their shade.
points of minor interest have been noted in the
ment, and it remains only to allud to
'''• und. In ' nection with this, it
ir as possible several points.*
1-t. The -riM-mill captured by Baum's force was the
lit] of John G. Burck at North Hoosick. The
building is th in 1TT7. except that it has 1
mproved from ti to time, it is one of th
rio buildings or points about which there is no
ili-j
whi.h William Gilmore and the few with
him held until tie;, could break it up was
ul ;it the |".int occupied b
nl bridge. The banks of the stream are high and
d of the 1 1 the
.
unptncni was on the high land known as
H : "i Hill." The second growth of timber h
it fr..m this hill, and from its height tl
omanding ■ I to B tmiugton.
1 nd the approaches from the
un-
■
military eyes, at least, seem impregnable. Seymour C.
G ling is the present owner of the farm.
Ilh. -'The ford where the Hessians and Rangers of
Baum's force" are said to have been posted was at the foot
of '• Hessian Hill," at what is known as the Baruet place,
and near the present bridge.
5th. "The field on the smith side of the river," where
other British troops were posted, was directly south of
Baum's position, across the river, on the present farm of
Thomas Sweet.
Gth. " The foot of a declivity near the mouth of a creek,"
Baum's Chasseurs were stationed. This was proba-
bly at the mouth of a little rill flowing in from the north,
at the bend near the " Up-River Church." This would
then form an advanced post in front of Baum's position.
7th. "The bill a mile to the south of Baum's intrench'',
nt, where the Tories were posted. This was very
evidently the high land- on the farm of Thomas Sweet,
the lower fields already mentioned.
8th. The point when' Stark met Col. Gregg retreating
before Baum's advance, and formed for battle on the after-
noon of the Nth, was a little west of the Vermont State
line, in the vicinity el' the " Percy House."
9th. Stark's encampment, to which he retired after finds
ing that Baum's force was intrenching, on the afternoon of
the Nth. was in the town of Bennington, on the present
farm of Widow Henry, within half a mile of North Ben-
nington village.
10th. The places of the principal fighting. There are
two: first, around Baum's intrenchment, on Hessian Hill.
This intrenchment was a little below the summit of the
hill, on the southwest front, and is readily identified at
the present time by Mr. Calvin Surdaui, who remcnil
seeing the logs there in his younger days; second, a mile
or re from this place, at the west end of the ridge, abi
Walloomsac village, and nearly north from the present hay-
barn of Patrick McGuire. This was the second battle-
ground after Breymann's forces arrived.
11th. The house in which Col. Bauui died stood oppo-
site the Welling Taper -Mill, in Bennington. It was taken
down about fifto n years ago. At the time of the battle it
is said to have been occupied by a friend of the British
cause, who bad beeu an officer in the Royal Marines, and
that was the reason why Col. Baum was carried there.
1 -tli. The principal places of burial. Those killed in
the first fight were buried near the Barnct House, now
owned by S. C. Gooding. In digging putatoes there in
■ 1 1 1 . 1 1 1 ;. bones were thrown out. Those killed in the
1 fight wore buried cast of the brick school-house,
down in the hollow, near the brick dwelling of the '
i Clark and of John W. Clark. The latter
heard this stated by old men who were in the battle. Two
' id i, and there friend and foe slei p side
by -id. . The dead from families in this immediate vicinity
w.re taken home for burial.
13th. Tbc place of the final rout and compl ti capture
laum's force was in the vicinity of the present n
of Mr. William P. Chase, ncai North Hoosick. All
_• those now peaceful slop.- was the hurry and rush of
I. ical tradition states thai a small plat
TOWN OF HOOSICK.
:;-:.
,,l' tri-« >it i if 1 iii the low lands, ai the foot of the hill, south-
west of Mr. Chase's house, was the point, where the British
officers gathered for formal surrender. It. is slightly ele-
vated above the lands around it, and is a historic spot.
To this account of these noted points it is proper to add,
for the information of tourists, that Mr. John J. Cross, of
White Creek village, has an interesting collection of me-
mentos of this battle field, as well as other rare, and unique
1 curiosities. His great-grandfather, [chabod Cross, was in
the French war and in the war of the Revolution. His
grandfather, Elihu Cross, also fought in the Revolution,
and was a major in the war of 1SI2.
John J. Cross has the powder-horn which Ichabod Cross
carried through the French war, bearing the dales 1715 and
1711. It is finely preserved, and has upon it a map of the
country along the Hudson, from Now York City to Lake
Champlain. He also has the powder horn of his grand-
father, Elihu Cross, used in the Revolution, and the London
fowling-piece carried by him in the battle of Bennington.
Elihu was then nineteen years old. Mr. Cross also has a
sword-blade used in t ho battle of Pittsburgh by Elihu
Cross. He takes pleasure in showing to visitors these
ancient treasures, which he has gathered at considerable
labor and expense.
XI.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
Hoosick is a town of considerable agricultural promi-
nence. Fine farms abound in the various valleys, and in
many cases the slopes of the hills are easily cultivated,
(jften nearly to the summits. Potatoes, rye, and oats are
raised with success ; com, buckwheat, beans, and other
crops to some extent. The pastures are excellent, and the
products of the dairy abound. The agricultural statistics of
the town have been given in chapter xxii. of the general
history of the county.
MILLS, FACTORIES, ETC.
Upon the brook in the Bratt neighborhood, below the
Pool, so called, are situated the Hoag Mills, comprising a
grist-mill, a saw-mill, and a flax-mill. These do not date
back to the first settlement of the town, but were erected in
part some forty or fifty years ago. The place is sometimes
called Quackenbush Hollow. This stream. is a tributary of
the Hoosick, and unites with it a short distance from Pe-
tersburgh Junction. The creek in the Mapleton neighbor-
hood has never had any importance for milling purposes,
the flax-mill known as Brown's being the only mill located
upon the stream. There are no other eastern branches of
the Hoosick of any importance except the Walloomsac.
And, beginning at the Vermont line, there are no improved
mill-sites until we reach Walloomsac village. This was the
site of the very early cotton-factory built by one of the
Gordons, well known in the early history of Hoosick. There
were, perhaps, one or two earlier in the country, but this is
so early as to compete for priority. The building was after-
wards converted into a grist-mill, or perhaps the latter was
an addition at the east end. Some twenty years ago the
property passed into the possession of the firm of Stephens
& Thompson, and they have manufactured wall-paper from
that time to the present. Before Stephens & Thompson
49
owned the property i1 »:|- owned for :i time bj A. .v. \V.
Orr.
The next mill site improved mi the Walloomsac below is
at North Hoosick. The McNamara thc-Works ■
established ai the upper fill-, aboul sixt* or seventy years
ago. The\ were continued until tin: manufacture of mow-
ing-machines reduced the demand for scythes. The build-
ing was then sold in A. & W. Orr, who made will paper.
After the death of Alexander Orr the properly passed to
the linn of Stephens .V Thompson, and the mills are now
run by them, making wall-paper, in connection with their
other mills at Walloonisac. The two mills, aboul a mil"
apart, have communication by telephone.
At, the lower falls, North Hoosick, there was established
as early as 1805 to 1810 a, earding-mill, doing also weaving
for customers. This enterprise developed into a woolen-
factory, and this was operated by Timothy MeXamara. It
was afterwards sold to Samuel and Thomas Fowler, and they
changed it into a flannel-factory. This was about 1841.
A few years later this property passed to 0. It. Burnham
& Son, 17 and 19 Broadway, New York. They changed
it to the " Empire State Shawl-Mills." They carded and
spun the wool, but the weaving was done in New York.
When they ceased to operate the mills, the Spauldings be-
came the purchasers. This was about 1861, and they manu-
factured army goods largely. The property again changed
hands, the new proprietors being Reynolds Carpenter and
Andrew P. Carpenter. They continued it as a woolen-fac-
tory until its destruction by fire in 1S76.
On Little White Creek, a tributary uniting with the
Walloomsac west of North Hoosick, is situated the old his-
toric mill of Revolutionary age. It is now owned and car-
ried on by John G. Burck. The date ("a.d. 1776") upon
one of the beams is supposed to indicate the time when it
was built. It was, therefore, but little more than a year
old when it was captured by the British forces, on the
morning of Aug. 14, 1777. It was atthis mill that Baum
wrote his letter, given elsewhere. The letter has a postscript ,
not usually given in the histories of the battle of Bennington,
as follows :
"Beg your excellency to pardon the hurry of this letter, as it is
written upon the head of a barrel."
Mr. John G. Burck, who courteously conducts visitors
through this interesting building, is in possession of the fol-
lowing letter from the venerable historian of Vermont, a
souvenir of the centennial year, 1S76 :
"North Benninoton, July 6, 1S76.
"Mr. John G. Burck : Dear Sir, — Incompliance with your request,
I very cheerfully furnish you with the foregoing copy of Col. Bauiu's
letter to Gen. Burgoyne, which lien. Schenck* read to you yesterday,
and which was written on a barrel-head in your mill, nearly one hun-
dred years ago. It is correctly copied from Gen. Burgoyne's account
of his expedition from Canada, made to the British Souse id" Com-
mons, and published in London, 17S0. Col. Baum had written Gen.
Burgoyne on the 12th of August, 1777. from Batten Kit, near the
Hudson, and from Cambridge, on the 13th, and again from the mill
on the 14th, which was probably the lust letter he ever wrote, he hav-
ing been wounded and taken prisoner the liith, before reaching Ben-
nington. Wishing you a long aiel prosperous occupancy of the old
Revolutionary mill. I am, dear sir, very respectfully,
•• HlLAND Mali.."
* Late .Minister to England.
:>.;
IIISTmkv OF RENSSELAEB COUNTY, NEW YORK.
. > Littlo Wbil I distance above the Bnrck
- located the old scythe-works, established by
rlv in this century, and continued by his
The presenl owner of the property is Mr. Henry D.
ythes, a( one time carried on
largely, was abandoned as mowing-machines grew into
Flax- and cider-mills have been run to
nl at this point A Pew years Bince the dam wasswi pi
1 not rebuilt. On this same stream, Palmer S.
Shrieves built a dam and operated a flax-mill thirty ;
,,r more. W. Eddy also had a saw-mill, and
(his is ^ t ill in operation.
In the southwest pari of the town, on a brook flowing
into the Hoosick from the west, are the Tibbit Mills, com-
prising :i grist-mill, ;i Baw-mill, and a button-factory. As
this neighborhood is :i point of very early settlement, it
i> probable there was milling business dune here hcii.ro
ISOO. 1" this quarter of the town are several flax-mills,
and there ar.- also mills in the vicinity of Wcsl Hoosick, —
the old Nepimore settlement of early times. Shcdd & Clark
ha.l :i Bteam-mill thi
Dpon the Hoosick River itself there are no improved
mill-privi] pt al Hoosick Palls. Various enter-
prises at that point are very fully mentioned under the head
ir!\ settlement. The following more important fucto-
riven in this connection.
Ionian Cotton-Factory was built in the year
1 -J."., commencing a new era in the history of Hoosick
Kails. The building st 1 on the south bank of the river.
the bridge and the grist-mill. It was a substantial
lure of stone and brick, four stories in height, and cov-
ered with slat.-. It- capacity a few years later, after an ad-
(liiinii had 1 n made, was such that one hundred and fifty
hands were employed, running 7000 spindles, 1 54 looms,
and producing weekly 30,000 yards of printing-cloth. The
of this enterprise was Mr. Joseph Gordon, a
chman, who was, trained in the cloth-manufacturing
i-b in. nt- Gl ■ •_ ■ He came to the United States
in 1817, to introduce power-] ns into tins country. In
the year 1820 he commenced making cotton-cloth in
• illing the go "1- from his own wagon in the
Troy. In \^-'.'. he built the Hoosick Factory,
lied by bi- own nam.', but bis name for it was
ill.- ' i. iii minion .-I his native country. In
Mi Gordon was so
mpel him t<. retire from busii
ihcd in financial loss, and the mill was sold in 1827
t 9 uel Shaw Crocker, John Knickcr-
I : i ford, and Ji b Merritt,
and local importance of
the I tinned, with some occasional reverses, until
1868, when, by purchase fr"in Charles II. Merrill & Son, it
the Waller A. W 1 Reaping- and
M I _•■■ and anvil, saw ami
nd spindle, ami for two
i ncth itv than
370 the manufacturing enterprises of
, wi r.- all transfem •! to the north side of the river,
ami lb.- old Caledonian I I. It was
finallv t.ik. n down in I - ■
In the year 1831 the Tremont Cotton-Factory was
erected, by George W. ami Lyman Benedict. The stock-
holders were Seth Parsons, Ilial Parsons, Lyman Wilder,
Harry Patterson, Norman and Hiram Herrington, all of
Hoosick; Joseph Case, of Petersburgh ; Daniel Wight, of
Troy ; and Erastus Ball, of New Orleans. The building
si 1 on the north side of the river, on ground now covered
by the Wood Machine-Works. About 70 bands were em-
ployed, and tbe weekly production was 25,000 yards of
1-bvl cloth. Tbe pay-roll was SS00 per month. It was
never, however, a financial success. In 1855 the building
was sold to Walter A. Wood, who converted it into a
mower- and reaper-factory. It was totally destroyed in tbe
greal fire of Nov. 5, I860.
Tbe Walter A. Wood Mowing- and Beaping-Maclvina
Manufactory is said to be the largest establishment of the
kind in the world. Tiie buildings occupy tbe entire space
embraced within the curve of the river and bounded west-
ward by the abrupt bill which rises at that point. The\
also extend around to the south of the bill and connect by
a railroad track with the extensive shipment buildings of the
firm, mar tbe Troy and Boston Railroad.
Walter A. Wood, the founder of these works, was born
in .Mason. N. II . Oct. 23, 1815, and came to Hoosick
Falls in 1S3G. He was a blacksmith by trade, and worked
at that business for Sctb Parsons, who was engaged in
manufacturing. He married a daughter of his employer,
a sister of T. Russell Parsons and David 1!. 1'arsons, who
have been in late years associated in Mr. Wood's manufac-
turing operations. A few years later Mr. Wood became
interested in tbe subject of mowing- and reaping-machines,
which were then beginning to attract tbe attention of the
country. He made some improvements upon the Manny
mower and reaper, which be was manufacturing to a limited
extent. He gave to the subject much close thought, and,
while making machines in accordance with another man's
patent, be was all the time reducing bis own ideas into prac-
tical shape. In 1853 he obtained a patent for the mower
that lias ever since borne his name. In 1S.i4 be com-
menced in a small way the manufacture of bis machines,
continuing to increase bis works as the demand increased.
In 1866 a company was formed, of which Mr. Wood was
inade piv.-id.-nt. J. Russell Parsons vice-president, Willard
• lav treasurer, and \ O Gear secretary. Tbe company
bas ever been on the alert to introduce new improvements,
and the steady and increasing demand for their machim
solid proof of their su - From 1853 to 1879 the num-
ber of machines manufactured aggregated 302,092. This
record is unequaled in the history of mowing-machines.
Mr. W 1 bas ben rewarded not only by the great
financial success which has resulted from his inventions
and his manufacturing establishments, but by pi izes, mi d
and b i- BUcll OS bave been won by few men. In 1857
he received the grand gold medal of the United State- Na-
tional Agricultural Society; in 1862, the lnt.-rnaiioii.il
Exhibition i lal, London. England; in 18C7, the grand
gold medal. tii-t prize al the Pari- Exposition .also the
I Chevalier of the Legion of Honor); in 1S7.'!, the
_i ni-1 diploma of 1 or, the highest award of the commis-
sion, and the onlj ",i\.ii for leaping- and lie wing-ma-
TOWN ()!•' IIOOSICK.
387
chines at. the \r i < -m 1 1 ;i Exhibition, supplemented by the
Knight's ( 'mss i.i' the Imperial Order of Francis Joseph;
in 1st I, tlic first prize, gold modal, at Bremen, Germany,
International Exhibition, June, 1ST I ; in 1870, four medals
and four diplomas, awarded at the Philadelphia Interna-
tional Exhibition, being the highest honor conferred by the
Centennial Commission; in 1S7S, two gold medals ami an
object nf art. awarded at the Paris International Exhibi-
tion; also the Cross of Officer of the Legion of Honor, the
highest In r thai could be conferred.
During the year 1878, in competitive trials, W 1's
mower, reaper, and self-binding harvester, in addition to
the gold medals and honors from the Paris International
Exhibition, before referred to, took first priz is at Home,
Italy, and at fifty-four of the principal cities of England,
Wales, Scotland, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Sweden,
Denmark, Holland, Australia, Cape of Good Hope, Vic-
toria, New Zealand, New South Wales, etc. From ]^7'.\
to 1877, inclusive, in 36G field-trials, these machines gained
over 279 first prizes;, including 88 gold medals, 04 silver
medals, 8 bronze medals, 13 diplomas, 5 silver cups, and
over £800 in money. Such are the honors paid to one of
Hoosick's manufactures of world-wide renown.
IIOOSICK FALLS MALLEABLE-IRON WORKS.
In the year 1871 a stock company with a capital of
$40,000, and known by the above title, was organized with
Isaac G. Johnson, of New York, as president, and William
Nichols, of Hoosick, secretary and treasurer. The com-
pany purchased 10 acres of land about a mile north of the
village, on the line of the Troy and Boston Railroad, and
on the banks of the Hoosick River. The buildings occupy
about an acre of ground, and are built in the form of a
hollow square. The company is in a flourishing condition,
and is an addition of great value to the local industrial
works of the village. About 300 car-loads of freight are
received yearly ; and about 1500 tons of coal and 800 tons
of iron are consumed. From 75 to 100 hands are em-
ployed, and the monthly pay-roll has often amounted to
more than $3000. The articles made by the company are
chiefly agricultural, but carriage-work, carpenters' tools,
and other miscellaneous articles form an important part of
the business.
XII.— MILITARY.
EARLY WARS.
The accounts of the French-and-Indian wars, so far as
they involved the town of Hoosick, have been quite fully
given in narrating the story of early settlement, and the
general history in this volume is referred to for a more
complete view of those early wars.
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
The one great event of the Revolutionary era in this
immediate section was the battle of Bennington. This
was fought in the town of Hoosick, and, as Judge Ball and
others have suggested, it might well have been called " the
battle of Walloomsac" as it was fought in the valley of
that stream or upon the adjacent hills, and near a settlement
of the same name.
Baum's detachment left the main army of Burgoync at
Moses Kill, in Washington County, obedient to an i
dated An :>. 1777. Tl xpedition moved up the valley
nf the Batten Kill, then across the town of Grccnbush,
along the town line between tin- present towns "I' Jai I
and Cambridge, until ii reached White Creek village (the
i n i poi ii"n Hi' tic [ i e "!' < iambridgc ; then
nearly south along the valley of the Owll Kill and White
Creek. Tin", encamped during the nighl of the 13th neat
Waite's Coiners, in a lid. I .-till pointed out in that locality.
( )n the morning ..I' the I Ith the army made an early inarch,
ami arrived at Si. Croix at eigll k. This old settle
mint was at the junction of the Walloomsac with tic Hoo-
BttC.
In accordance with Baum's plan, he moved farther cast
from St. Croix on the 1 1th. His army was thus very near
to the actual field where the battle of two days later Was
fought.
Believing Stark's main body to l.e immediately '
him, he encamped upon the high ground in-ar a I. aid in the
Walloomsac, and began to intrench, and at the same time
sent an express to Burgoyne asking for an additional force.
The 15th proved to be rainy, and both parties continued
their preparations. The Hessians and a corps of rangers
were strongly intrenched upon the high ground north of
the Walloomsac; another detachment of rangers and tier-
man grenadiers were posted at a ford below the intrenched
mill, on what is known as the Barnet place, at the second
railroad bridge on the route from North Bennington to
Hoosick. A detachment of Canadians and Tories were
posted on the south side of the river, near the ford. At
the foot of a declivity, near the mouth of a creek, on the
east, some chasseurs were posted, and on the south side of
the stream, upon the high lands about a mile distant from
the main iutrenchments, were posted Peters' Volunt. er
Tories, commanded, it is said, by Col. Pfester, elsewhere
mentioned as a resident of Hoosick. This was the disposi-
tion of the British forces. The American forces, under
Stark, were encamped on the Bennington road, upon the
south side of the Walloomsac. Some skirmishing occurred
on the 15th, notwithstanding the rain. That night a de-
tachment of Berkshire militia, under Col. Symonds, and
including Rev. Thomas Allen, of Pittsfield, reached the
American camp.
The forenoon of the ICth passed without decisive action.
It is quite probable that Baum was inclined to await the
arrival of the reinforcements which he had asked for.
Stark sent Col. Nichols, with 200 men, to outflank Baum
on the left. This force must naturally have passed around
" Cobble Hill" to the north, and then up the ridge in the
vicinity of the present place of Calvin Surdam. He sent
Col. Herrick to outflank Baum on the right with 300 men.
This force probably passed down the valley on the south
side of the creek, crossing the stream west of Baum's posi-
tion, and climbing the hills from the southwest, to attack
Baum on the rear of his right flank. While the flanking
forces were executing these movements. Ion men were
making a feint against the front to divert the attention of
Baum from the troops marching to his rear.
Baum still hesitating, Stark at three o'clock P.M. led his
forces to the attack. The action was short, sharp, and deei-
:•■"
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
sive. Theencmy were driven from the field, abandoning all
their camp-equipage to the Americans. But just at this time
the fortunes of the day became exceedingly critical through
the arrival of the force which Baum had sent for on the
afternoon "f the 1 1th. Col. Brcymann, with a British de-
tachment, met the retreating army of B;iuni. when the
whole force that was nut disabled rallied to recover their
camp and overwhelm the Americans, who, in the midst of
their victory, were scattered in disorder. Col. Warner's
tncnl ••( Americans, however, arrived at just this crisis,
fresh and well armed. The battle was renewed with des-
pcratc energy. As the sun went down over the western
hills hut lew of Ratlin's force were left to retreat. 700 of
them were made prisoners, among whom was the commander,
who died soon after of a wound received in the conflict.
I above sketch of the battle is based upon the gen-
crally-received historic- of Baum's expedition. Mr. John
W. Clark, of White Creek village, gives quite a different
version. Mr. Clark is the son of Reuben Clark, and the
grandson of Henry Clark, the latter of whom, with his
brother Jeremiah and his hired man. was in the battle.
In tin' year 1782, Capt. Henry Clark bought of Thomas
Sickles the firm at Wallootnsac that is so well known as
the Clark farm, now owned by John Cox. Here lived
Reuben Clark, the son of Capt. Henry, for a long series of
years ; and John W. Clark was thus born near to the battle-
field, and. as he is now somewhat advanced in life, he heard
in his youth over and over again the story of 1777, with
all of its particulars and incidents. He was present at the
: celebration of IS'.M, held upon the site of Baum's
intrenchniciits. when Rev. Israel Keach delivered an address
that was published. Mr. Clark states that three of the
participators in the battle, viz., Billy Gihnore, Neil Bracy,
and Jeremiah Clark, spoke at that celebration ; corrobo-
rating the statements of Keach's address and the present
Statement, which Mr. John W. Clark considers correct,
and which is as follows:
Baum intrenched his Tones within defenses rather slight
at best upon •■ Bessian Hill" (which place is not disputed
by any), and Stark encamped at the present Henry place,
just over the Vermont line, after having met Col. Gregg,
. in tic usual accounts. These were the positions
taken on the afternoon el' tie- 1 lib and held during the
15th, Stark, having thoroughly reconnoitred the disposi-
tion of the British troop-, determined to execute a surprise
movement Accordingly, before daylight <>/' (lie 16/lt, he
d down the valley of tllO Walloomsac, with a Strong
. nearly to Walloomsac village, then turned, following
Baum's own route nearly until be reached the British in-
trcnchmcnla from the west, thus attacking in the rear. A
tincl on guard was shot, and jusl at daylight tic attack
I be British troop- had not slept u] their
arm-, and were completely surprised. Baum, coming to
tic front not in I'h. Iiol and mortally wound. J.
and in a few minutes the British fled in every direction
through the h Is, fifteen op- twenty of their number being
killed, and onlj one "i two of the Americans The ll_\in_'
i iring to e Bed to the right and left
around St. ok ind back to tie St. Croix mills.
re (ley lie I Brcymann's force-, ami the army was col-
lected and marched eastward again to recover the camp and
still go through to Bennington. Stark, meanwhile, allowed
his forces to scatter considerably, gathering the spoil, but,
learning that British re-enforcements had arrived, rallied
his troops, marched westward, and met the British forces
near Walloomsac village at about three o'clock in the after-
noon. The battle immediately commenced on the high
lands nearly north of the present hay-barn of Patrick Me-
Guire. Col. Warner's regiment came up in time to do
splendid execution. The British fought obstinately, but
were driven down the slopes towards the present house of
William P. Chase, and made prisoners in that vicinity.
Mr. Clark understands that Baum had no cannon at his
intrenchments. They had not been brought up, and were
only used in the action at Walloomsac.
It is a common remark in this locality that none of the
published histories are correct, and this account of Mr. Clark
is here given as showing something of the local traditions
and as expressing the views of a part, at least, of those who
dispute the correctness of the accounts hitherto published.
There was an element in the population of Hoosick loyal
to the British crown, though they were in the minority.
Col. Pfcster (perhaps Dr. Peyster), a retired British officer,
lived near the Onderkirk farm, so.uth of Hoosick Falls.
He exerted quite an influence ; and on the passage of
Baum's expedition up the valley of the Walloomsac, he
joined the British forces with such of his townsmen as he
could induce to go with him. It is a local tradition that
Col. Pfestcr undertook to force Jacob Onderkirk into the
British service, sending a squad of armed men for him.
Mr. Onderkirk escaped by concealing himself in the woods,
and when the squad left he made his own way as rapidly as
possible to the American camp, and took part in the battle.
Tradition rounds out the story by stating that Col. Pfester
lost his life by a shot from Mr. Onderkirk's gun.
The part borne by the town of Hoosick in the battle of
Bennington is not fully known from any records left.
Enough has, however, come down to the present time in
local and family annals to indicate that many of the un-
known heroes who fought for liberty in the valley of the
Walloomsac were the farmers of Hoosick, their sons, and
their laborers. Throwing down their farming-tools, and
taking the old guns used in the .French-and-Indian wars of
earlier days, they rallied to Stark's assistance, and fought
for their country and their homes. Their names were on
no muster-rolls. They did not belong to the army; and
when the crisis had passed, when the tide of invasion was
stemmed, they returned to their farms.
( hi the approach of Col. Baum's army, David Van Rens-
selaer, who owned the store and mills, took a portion of his
goods, and escaped to Albany, leaving 78 barrels of flour,
1000 bushels of wheat, I'd barrels of salt, and £1000
stifling worth of pot and pearl ash, all of which fell into
the hands of the enemy. Isaac Hull, father of Mrs. Joseph
poir. well known in the subsequent history of the town,
was oidciid b\ Col. Baum to grind the wheat, and, under
compulsion, did so.
WAB of 1812.
The ereat public questions involved ill tin' stormy polit-
ical period pied ding and including the hist war with Eng-
TOWN OK IKK (SICK.
389
land excited much attention in Hoosick. In 1K08 a
meeting was held " to deliberate on the embarrassments
which foreign nations and the advocates of rebellion and
insurrection have brought upon the country." This call
was signed by Seth Parsons, Joseph Dorr, Benjamin Wal-
worth, Hez. Munsell, Jr., John Ryan, J. N. Northrup, l>on-
jamin Lewis, J. C. Walworth, Aaron Haynes, John Palmer,
Ashcr Armstrong, and Thomas Osborne. It resulted in a
latter to the President of the United States. In anticipa-
tion of an early appeal to arms the letter closes with this
patriotic passage : "The Republicans of Hoosick, mindful
of the deeds of their fathers and brothers in arms, and of
themselves at Walloomsac when the hallowed cause of
freedom called them to battle, anticipate future triumphs
under Republican leaders when your excellency shall deem
it expedient to direct them against the enemies of their
country." The committee signing the letter were Aaron
Saynes, Abner Crandall, Thomas Osborne, John Matteson,
and John Palmer.
The year previous, 1807, when war was deemed immi-
nent, and the continued services of Mr. Jefferson as Presi-
dent seemed desirable, a proposition to elect him to a third
term was made at a public meeting in the village of Hoo-
sick Falls, — a meeting at which Benjamin Walworth was
chairman and Asher Armstrong was clerk. A committee
was appointed " to write to His Excellency Thomas Jeffer-
son, and request him to be for a third term a candidate for
re-election to the office of President of the United States."
The committee were Benjamin Heartt, Hez. Munsell, Jr.,
and Benjamin Walworth.
Other public meetings were held from time to time, to
consider the subject of the difficulties, and to assist the
government in the prosecution of the war.
During the period when the embargo and non-intercourse
acts were in operation, troops were required at some points
to enforce them. A volunteer organization for this purpose
was formed in Hoosick, of which Gideon Gilford was cap-
tain, Gilbert Barnes lieutenant, Samuel Tappari ensign, and
John B. Dickenson orderly sergeant. The privates were
enlisted somewhat in adjoining towns; among them were at
least two from Hoosick, — Seneca Dorr and Levi Cronkhill.
In 1808, Ebenezer Cross, one of the brave young men
of Hoosick, wrote directly to Gen. Dearborn, Secretary of
War, asking for a captain's commission, and offering to
raise a company. His request was granted. He raised
the company, and four years later did valiant service for
his country.
John Palmer, of Iloosick, was a member of the committee
of correspondence, an earnest advocate of war-measures,
and instrumental in securing enlistments. His son Wil-
liam joined the army, served as captain, was in several en-
gagements, twice wounded, and came home as major, by
which title he was ever afterwards known. In the war of
the Rebellion, 1861-65, the major joined the army of the
Union, with two of his sons, and fought again for the gov-
ernment in support of which he had shed his youthful
blood fifty years before.
John H. Haynes was among the first volunteers of the
war of 1812. He served on the lines during the war. He
lived to a great age. Capt. John Walworth, son of Ben-
jamin Walworth, belonged to the regular army, and served
during the whole ofthewar. Reuben II. Walworth (after
wards chancellor) served in the war as adjutant-general on
the stall' of Maj.-Gen. Mooers. James C. Walworth, another
brother, residing in Argyle, Washington Co., raised a com-
pany of riflemen for the war. Edward Webb, son of El-
der Isaac Webb, of Iloosick Falls, was teaching school in
Stillwater, Saratoga Co., when tin: war broke out. He im-
mediately closed his school, raised a company, was com-
missioned captain, and went into the service. Isaac Webb,
Jr.. a brothel' of Edward, was also in the army. Bloom-
field Webb, another brother, was a cadet at West Point, but
it is not known that he was in the army. The family were
of heroic stock, and were noted for brave and daring deeds.
The number and names of the men who went into this
war from Hoosick are difficult to obtain in complete form.
The following are mentioned in addition to the above:
Benjamin G. Sweet, Capt. Lemuel Sherwood, Ensign John
Ilallenbeek, Benjamin Baker, Solomon Wilson, Stephen
Chapman, Clark Baker, Garrit Ilallenbeek, Jacob Haight,
Job Cass, Jacob Case, Sergeant Watkins, Jacob Vanden-
burgh, Mr. Ondorkirk, Talnian Chase, and William Coon.
These men were in actual service, and shared in hard
fighting.
In September, 1814, at the time of the invasion from
the north, and the attempt of the British to repeat the
Burgoyne campaign of 1777, an order was issued calling
all the militia of this section into the field. This gave rise
to what is known as " the Eddy Expedition." Brig.-Gen.
Gilbert Eddy, of Pittstown, directed Lieut.-Col Dorr, of
Hoosick, to march with his regiment to Troy immediately.
The order was promptly executed. There were three com-
panies of militia at Hoosick, — an artillery organization,
under Capt. Thomas Osborne; one company of infantry,
commanded by Capt. Abram Keach ; and another, com-
manded by Capt. Nathaniel Bosworth. To these was
added a company of volunteers of 128 men, raised and led
by George R. Davis. The whole force took up its march for
Pittsburgh, but the battle was fought before they reached
their destination. A great question of modern years has
been whether they were out fourteen days or not. Pension
agents and claimants have had a practical interest in the
discussion.
Several citizens of this town shared in the Mexican war.
A war-meeting, addressed by Gen. Viele, is said to have
been held at Iloosick Corners. The names of two volun-
teers are recalled, — Adna Solomons and Lionel Sherwood.
There is said to be one soldier of the regular army from
Hoosick, now, or recently, in service upon the western
frontiers, namely, Frank Palmer.
war op 1861-65.
To the President's proclamation of April 15, 1861,
Hoosick promptly responded, and a company was enlisted
which was enrolled as Co. II, 30th Regiment, New York
State Volunteers. The initial movement was made April
24, 1861, when a meeting of citizens was held at the Bap-
tist meeting-house, at which, after patriotic speeches from
Gen. J. J. Viele and others, more than 40 men came for-
ward and signed the enlistment papers.
BISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
v movements continued t" be seconded with
energy and promptness. Money was voted in liberal Bams,
and all quotas wore tilled.
inncxed lis( of the men who served in the war of
1861 from or for the town of Hoosick, is taken from the
: made in the office of the town clerk at the
the war. Many additions have, however, been
made t" it for the present work, and many additional in-
nta with regard to the killed, wounded, and prisoners
have 1 " noted, For assistance in perfecting the record,
ire indebted to Judge Ball's "Annals" with regard to
the 30th Regiment, and to Capt Charles Bates for his
don u] many points.
r Tillman, capt, onl. April 24, 1861, 30th inf., <'■>. II.
1. Hurl.., Bull, lleul . April 21, I801,30lli inf., «'•■. 11 ; bo was llio Orel man who
I ill, roll.
- u | n, onl. April 24, 1801, 30lh Inf., Co. II.
A .' Wc -ti. 1st •• t{< . onl. April 24, 1801, 301b Inf.. (',,. II.
J. lid h, enl. April 24, 1881, 51 1 1 ■ Inf., Cu. 11.
I kpril 24, 1801, K th Inf.. Co. II.
, ■ nl April 24, 1801, : : ■ ■ 1 1 ■ Inf., Co. II.
I . .t,I Vpril 24, I861,30tli Inf., Co. II.
, enl. April 24, 1801 I H.
I w. Ash, enl. Ap I • r . I ... n.
Barn, enl. April, 1801,30th 1m . I o II.
Ih Inf. Co. II.
A Barllnguun, onl. April, l8Cl,30th Inf., Co. II.
Berry, enl. April, 1801, 30lh Inf., Cu. H.
■ I. A| nl. 1801, Hi Inf., Co. II.
i ,_>, ,'nl. April, 1801, '."ili Inf.. Co. II.
Chart nl April, 1801 ! to. II.
Warren I> Igi . • nl. April, 1801, :'."th Inf. Co. H,
nl. April, 1-1, :"ili Inf., ' ". II.
. ■ nl. April, 1801, 30th Inf.. Co. H.
Philip Di ih y, • nl April, 1801, 30lh Inf., i II
Philip Dogray, enl. April, 1801, 30lh Inf., Co. II.
J. r Bdmlgr, enl. April, 1801, 30th Inf.. Co. II.
nl. April, 1801,30111 Inf., Co. II.
1 i French th Inf., Co. II.
.. \ - i. liUrd.eul. April, !>' : II.
I. 1801,30th Inf.. ■ o II
• Im.rnl. Aprl Inf., Co. II.
\\ II • >.; nl, 1861, 3Ulh Inf.. ' II
David Gleasnn, enl. April, 1861, 30th Inl", < U.
nl. Iprii, 1861,30th Inf., Co. II.
w I K lly, enl. April, 1801,30th Inf., Co. II.
th liii., Co. II.
U.1,1, .,i.l. April, 1861, :-■ 'tli Inf.. i II
I I' i ih Inl . ' o. II.
W.C.M 1801, mil Inn, Co. II.
s r Millard, enl. A| Ih Inf., Co. II
- II V I , : . • . . 11
Inf.,1 n
T M Inf. Co. II.
t M int. Co. II.
Inl.,1 II
J V 11
Inl ,Co n
i M Co, II.
ii Inf., Co. II.
h,r. • . it
lii. i II.
I - ii
ii
it
Jan II,
« I ■ II
• I -• • . 1 ' • II
\ T II
II
II \ T tyl r, nl \\ M
t ■
Inl ". • ii
n
• II
la sigh t In the army.
Fr» I Mini Rnn;
Martin Ban itMlnoRnn;
dird in
Jode bah V.irnnm, enl. 1SC2, 125th Inf., C,.». A. ; wounded at Gettysburg, Julj
3, lsr. '.. mi, I ilii'tl so in nftor at Baltimore.
Elijah Beagle, onl. 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A.
C i bin, enl, 1804, 125th Inf., Co. v.
iut, onl. lllth Inf.
John Oatcrhout, enl. Cav.
George Willits, onl. Sopt 0, 1882, lODth Regt, Co. C; pro. Corp., sergt., and 2d
liout, UlO la^t May 11. 1805.
Charles II. Welsh, onl. Sept C, 1SG2, lGUth Regt, Co. C.
James Johnson, enl, Sopt I, 1st;.:, 169th ltegt., Co. C.
David Gibson, onl. Vug. 30, 1SG>, 109th ltegt., Co. C ; ru-eulistcd 2lstCav,Co.
E, Aug. 27, 1- I.
James Pitzsimni ms, onl. Sopt 20, 1862, 109th Iiegt, Co. C.
Olnoy Fuller, orderly aerg. ; enl. Sept. 21, ISGl, Till r.iv.; re-eul. Oct. 6, II
109th Inf., <'". *'; same rank.
Edward O'C lor, onl. Sept. 20, ISGl. 7th Civ.; ro-eiil. Aug. 11, ISO', I.
ltegt., Co. A; pro. 2d liout. and 1st Hunt. C). I, ami ili^cli. for disability,
March. 1801.
Charlos Bates, enl. Sept. 23, ISGl, Till Cav.,Co. C;ilisrh. March 31,1802; re-enl.
Aug. I. 1802, 125th Inf.; pro. Corp., sergt., 1st lieut., and capt.; disch.
Juno -
William Gibson, onl. Oct. 8, 1801, Tib Cav., Co. C.
Danli i I Moon, enl. Sept. 20, 1801, 7th Cav., Co.O.
Edwin Parker, onl. Sept. 23, 1801, Tib raw, Co. C.
Samuel E. Russell, onl.Sept. 25, 1881, 7th Cav., Co.Cj ro-onl. Aug. 1, 1SCJ, li',ih
Regt., Co. A; pro. Bergt., onl. sergt., and 1st lieut.; came out iu ill health
Joseph Robinson, onl. Oct. rj, lM'.l, T 1 1 1 Cav., Co. ('; re-enl. Dec. 30, 1803, 10th
II. Art.
Chnrles Somen, onl. Oct 1, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. C.
James II Taylor, onl. Oi I 0, 1801, 7th Cav., Oo. C.
Daniel B. Tripp, enl. Oct. 8, 1861, Tib Cav . Co. 0.
Wah - Puffer, 6th corp., onl. Sept. 6, ISO'J, 109th ltegt., Co. C.
<iln, y Fuller, 1st Corp., enl. Sept. 0, 1802, ICOtli ltegt., Co. C.
Ephmlui Bradley, enl. Sept. :'., 1802. IGDth Itogt., Co. C; diach. in 1S03 for dia.
Michael Barry, enl. Sept 27, 1802, 109th Regt, Co. C.
Michael Brady, enl. Sopt 5, 1802, ICOtli Regt., Co. C.
Matthew Dwyro, enl. Sept. 0, 1SU2, 160th Regt., Co. C; died at Suffolk, Vil , o(
diai ase, 180:1.
Edward Estos, enl. Aug. 25, ISO.', 109th Regt., Co. C; w ded at Cold Harbor.
John II. Garner, enl. Sept. 10, lS62,lG9tli Regl . I I
Thomas Hurley, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 169th Regl , Co I .
Cornelius A'. Tripp, enl. Sept. 27, 1861,7th Cav., Co. C; re-enl. Aug. 20.
125th Regt, Co. A; wounded At loam's Station, Aug. 25, 186L
John C. Bontley, onl. Jan. 1, 1804, lCth Art, Co. K.
Patrick Carey, enl. Jan. 1. 1864, loth Art, ' . K.
George Cobb, onl. Jan. I, 1SG4, ICtb Art, Co. K.
Jnmes Crozier, enl. Jan. 4, 1SG4, lGlb Art., Co. K.
Jolm Hnmilton, enl. Jan. 1, 1864, lGtb Art., Co. K.
I- ii Uarkell, enl. Jan, I. 1SC4, 16th Art.. Co. K.
George D. Mattcson, onl. Dec. 30, 1863, 16th Art, Co. C.
Alonzo II. Fowler, corp., enl. Nov. .">, 1861, 1-th Independent Bat.
I. vm. in n. Crandall, musician, enl. Sept 2 t. 1861, Tth Cav., Co. C.
Tin onus Allen, onl. Oct 9, 1861, Til. Cav., I
George Burlingham, enl. Sept. IT, 1861, Tth Cav., Co. C; re-enl. in i
M, unite, t liitles.
George Harbor, enl. Sept. 27, ISGl, 7th Cav, Co. C; re-enl. in Co. A. l'2oth '
An;;. I, 1862.
David E. Conger, onl, Oct. 29, 1861,7th Civ., Co. C; died soon after return.
Vm. C. Crandall, onl. Oct IT, 18 1. Tih Car., Co. C.
Patrick r« y, onl. Oct. 19, 1861, 7th Cav., Co. C.
Pardon S. Fullor, enl. Oct 19, 1861, 7th Cav, Co. C. ; died soon after return.
Martin R. N , lib 9i rijt . enl Nov, 1 1, 1861, D3d Regt, Co.O.
Alfred 11. Estabn ok, 6th Bergt, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Regt, Co.0
James Roynolds, 5lh Corp., onl. Nov. 14, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. Q.
TI,,, i Darmady, enl. Nov.2S, 1861,03d Regt, Co. O.
Cornelius Joy, onl. Nov. 27, 1801, 93d Regt, Oo. O.
Nathan Petrol, onl. >>•■>. 26, 1861,93d Regt , Oo. <:.
Daniel F S] enl. Nov. 25, 1861, 93d Rogt, I I
Thorns H I sergt, enl. Ang. 25, 1862, 169th Regt, Oo 0.
Richard Kolly, 2d Corp., enl. Aug. 30, im;j, 169th Regt., Oo. 0.
Edward Conger, blacksmith, onl. Nov. 23, 1801, luth Iiidepemleiit llalloi
after rolurn.
n, enl. Man li 1". 1803, 12 >t 1 • Inf.
John Smith, enl. March 1", 1863, 125th Inf.
Tin onus II. in by. , nl March 1". 1863, I25lli Inf.
William Cox, onl. March It Inf.
Charles Johni mil. March 10, 1863, K'Hi Inf.
John bit »s. onl March 9, 186 I, 169th Inf.
John All. ii, -nl. Mm, 1, 10,1864, 9th II Art
Charles Webber, enl. Man It II, 1804, Dili II Arl
John Dobaon, onl. March 11, ism, I2lh I
I . . .
io* ii Marti Ith Regt, Co C; wounded il
t li^nt arm.
i. 1-.. j. 169th Regl .' '
Junes Bllay, enl Sepl 3, 1-'.'. il Dth Regl, Co I ; killed nt Cold Harbor, Jo»i
I. !-■ I
TOWN OF KOOSICK.
391
Horace G. Richards, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, lOOtli Rogt.,Co.C; disch. 1804.
taMOShaw, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 101 togt., Co O; dls. li. 1 sabllltj nl Port
Royal.
Michael Stein, onl. Aug. 20, 1802, lOOtli Regt , Co. C.
Benjamin F. Tripp, enl. Sept. 0, 1802, 160th Itegt., Co. C; had two lor I ■
lil'ntlliT ill the Ml \ El 0.
BelaWilmarth, enl. Sept. 3, 1802, 100th Itegt., Co. C; disch. for disability, 1805.
ilaxandoi PoworB, enl. March 11, 1804, 12th Cav.
Matthew Manning, enl. March II, 1804, Harris Cav.
Warren Cook, onl. March II, 1804, 4th Cav.
Bobert Tracey, enl. March 11, 1874, 125th Inf.
Abram Melius, enl. March 11, 1804, 125th Int.
ju a Van Ai ker, enl. Aug. 10, 1802, 100th Inf., Co. C; killed 1 ■ v t li.- expl n
of a magazfno In tho enptu 1 Fori Flshor, Jan. 10, 1865.
Joseph II. Bennett, enl. Auk. I". 1802, 125th Kegt., Co. A ; lost his speech while
in tho army, ami never fully rocovered it.
John Booklin, enl. Aug. 10,1802, 125th Uegl , Co G; pro. to sergt. April 9,1865.
I,. CI tiler Ball, enl. Aug. 10, 1m; J; paymaster, with rank ofmaj I S. A.; ho
wi nl itnt ns .[.in. of the l~>tli Inf.
J.David Hull, .urii, .nl. Auk. 20, 1802,125th Inf., Co. A; wounded; a ball
through his log nt battle of Spottsylvania, May 12, 1861.
Stately Bennett, enl. Aug. 26, 1802, 125th Inf.
Albert Bowers, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A ; dlsch. for disability caused
by the breaking of a bridgo at Harper's Ferry.
Icluibod Butnp, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A ; taken pris. ; kept several
months; wounded iu thcbnttlo "f the Wilderness.
Daniel Bin bley, onl. Aug. 20, 1802, I '-."'Hi Inf.; supposed discb.for disability.
Solomon Baker, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A; wounded, and discb.for
disability.
Kdwin A.Baldwin, enl. Aug. 26, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A ; wounded at Gettys-
burg, July 2, 1803, and trans, to Vet. Res. Corps.
Edwin Broughton, enl. 425th Inf., Co. A.
Conrad Butler, enl. Harris Cav.
Daniel Brown, enl. Harris Cav.
George Bout, enl. Han is Cav.
George Has*, enl. Harris Cav.
James Congdon, Corp., enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 125th Inf., Co. A ; killed at Spottsyl-
vania, May 12, 1864 ; said to have been a very brave man.
Win. A. fallen, -eigt., enl. Aug. 1, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A; pro. to orderly;
killed at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863; buried by Capt. Charles Hates.
Dudley E. Cornell, capt., enl. 12'iih Inf., Co. A; resigned.
Andrew Corbilt, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 12~itli Inf., Co. F; an orderly to Gen. Alex-
ander Hayes at Gettysburg.
Bartholomew Carmody, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A; killed at Gettys-
burg; buried on the field.
James S. Cutbush, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A.; taken pris. at Mine
Run ; suffered severely iu rebel prisons.
James Cottrick,enl. 125th Inf.
Joseph Coon, sergt., enl. July 25, 1862, 125th Inf., Co. A ; wounded at battle of
Peaeh Orchard, and also at Ream's Station.
John Craley, enl. Harris Cav.
Charles Cady, enl. Harris Cav.
Reuben Counon, enl. Harris Cav.
William Canady, enl. Harris Cav.
Clement (lark, enl. Harris Cav.
Thomas Crnll, enl. Harris Cav.
Edward Dooley, enl. Aug. 20. 1862, 125th Inf, Co. A.
Jesse T. Dunham, sergt., Aug. 20, 1862, 125th Inf., Co. A ; killed in the battle
of the Wilderness, May 0, 1804; previously wounded at Gettysburg.
David Donahue, Corp., enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A ; died soon after"
return.
Almon Dill, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A.
Patrick Darby, enl. Oct. 0, 1862, 109th Inf.
James Doherty, enl. Harris Cav.
James H. Do Voe, enl. Harris Cav.
Patrick Dwyer, enl. Harris Cav.
Loren Estes, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 125th Inf, Co. A ; wounded at Geltysburg.
John Haw l born, musician, enl. July 20, 1S02, 125th Inf., Co. A ; served through.
Ira D. Hawthorne, Corp., enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 125th Int., Co. A; wounded at
Gettysburg, July 3, 1803 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps.
Patrick Ford, enl. Corcoran's Brigade.
Louis Frenette, enl. Corcoran's Brigade.
Patrick Fitzpatrick, enl. Harris Cav.
James Fox, enl. Harris Cav.
David M. Grogan, enl. 125th Inf., Co. A ; not mustered in.
John H. Gardner, enl. Oct. 0, 1m;.:, 169th Inf., Co. C.
Jerome Gill, sergt., enl. Oct. 0, 1802, 109th Inf., Co. C.
Cyrus D. Gibson, sergt., enl. Oct. 0, 1802, 109th Inf., Co. C.
Frank Gardner, enl. 169th Inf., Co.
Allien S. Hall, served first in 7lli Cav., Co. C; enl. Oct. 0, 1802, 1091b Inf., Co.
I: died at Fully Island. South Carolina.
Benjamin N. Hong, enl. Oct. 0, 1802, 109th Inf., Co. C.
Thomas Hurley, enl. Oct. 0, 1802, 109th Inf., Co. C.
John Henderson, onl. Harris Cav.
Wm. 8. Lewis, enl. Harris Cav.
Jeremiah Kimball, enl. Aug. 27, 1802, 109th Inf., Co. A; killed at Foil Fisher,
Jan. 15, 1864,
i rai I Keach, onl. July 28, I 82,126th i"i Co. A; dl :
G< orge W. Kenynn, enl. An 6, 1802, 1 Ih i"i Co n , li ng at
borne i day ..I i wi. from I imp Do
Richard Ki lly, corp t. 6, 1862 II Hh lnf.,1 I
Jason Love, enl Vug 26, 181 125th Inf., Co 1 taki M, in
Virginia, nnd died In 1 I I pi I on,
Hiram Laddoll, enl n
Win. S, Lew is, e||| II.,- I I I i .
li. in \ M.' iowan, enl. I25tb inf.
Charles II M ier, enl. Aug. 21 i Inf., Co. A
Tli is V. Ma i or, enl In I 1802, 1 th Inl Co I pi i irp .""I
Korgt.
Georgo McDonald, Aug 6, Is'.-', I 16th int.' \
VI in Gellighor, enl. Aug. 20 1862, 126th Inf., Co, n . •■•■ !
Bristoo Station, Vo., Oct. 14, 1 ... rvod through.
i dward Godbeo, enl. Aug. ;., 1862, 126th Inf., Co. A ; trans, to Vol Be Corpa.
Charles E. M y, 2d lieut., enl. 109th Inf., Co. C; pro. to 1st licut. ; w
through I'll lung at Cold Harbor, and dbjeh. for Hie wound, Sept. 21,
1864.
Tb. .mas Moore, sergt., enl. Aug. 26, 1862, 109th Inf., Co. C; dlach li
fin disability.
Krastus It. M.. slier, eapt , enl. In I ill 169th Inf
John Morrison, enl. Corcoran's Brigade.
John Meagher, enl. Corcoran's Hi igade,
John Moore, enl. Harris CaV.
Clark Metcalf, enl Harris Cav,
Patrick McDermott, enl 169th Inf.
Robert Morrison, enl. Corcoran's Brigade,
Win. O'Connor, com. sergt , enl. Allg. I, 1862, 125th Inf.; disch. for die. 181
Charles E. Oiulorkiik, enl. Aug. 1. 1862, 125th Inf., Co. A.
Martin ". Devoe, enl. 125th Inf., Co. A.
John O Brian, enl. Harris Cav.
Clonics Pratt, enl. Aug 26, 1802, 125th Inl., Co. A.
Robert Patterson, enl. Allg. 20, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A; killed at Boynton 11 1.
March 31, 1865
Josso Potter, enl. Allg. 26, 1862, 125th Inf., Co. A; disch. for dis. Nov. 1803;
died soon alter return.
Wales W. Puller, musician, enl. Oct. 0, 1802, 169th Inf., Co. C.
Richard Russell, Jr., enl. Aug 1, 1862, 125th Inf., Co. A.
Charles Rising, enl. Aug. 4, IS02, 125th Inf., Co. A ; had previously served in
4ili Vermont.
John Rising, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 125th Inf. Co. A; disch. for dis. Feb. 1863.
John Roe, enl. Corcoran's Brigade.
Benjamin I. Rudd, enl. Harris Cav.
Peter Ryan, enl. Harris Cav.
John Ryan, enl. April, 1801,30th Regt., Co. II; afterwards re-enl. in Harris
Cav.
James Ragan, enl. Harris Cav.
Merrick Rand, enl. Corcoran's Brigade.
Win. Sears, enl. Ang. 26, 1862,125th Inf., Co. A; killed at Harper's Ferry, .Sept.
15, 1802; first man killed in tile regiment.
Warren A. Sibley, enl. Aug. 11, 1S02, 12.0th Inf., Co. A ; master of the wagon-
train.
Joseph Sibley, enl. 125th Inf.
Ralph Selby, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A ; did not return ; thought to
have died in rebel prison.
Andrew Schmidt, onl. Harris Cav.
Jeremiah Yardien, enl. 125th Inf.
Henry C. Van Vecliteu, enl. 1st Mounted Rifles.
Nicholas Van Wort, enl. Harris Cav.
David II. Wilson, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. A.
Win. Thorington. enl. Nov. 20, 1861, 31st Mass. Regt., Co. A ; disch. to re-enl.
Feb. 31, 1804.
Luther D. Winter, enl. 109th Inf., Co. C.
John Wilson, enl. Harris Cav.
John White, enl. Harris Cav.
Amos Wilson, enl. Harris Cav.
John Watson, enl. 3d (lav.
Horace Jackson, enl. Dec. 17, 1803, 20th U. S. dl. Troops.
Martin Jackson, enl. Dec. 17, 1803, 20th U. S. Col. Tioops.
Norman G. Bennett, enl. Dec. 18, 1863, 20th U. S. Col. Troops.
Nathaniel Wallace, enl. Dec. 9, 1863, 10th II. Art.
George E. Rosevelt, enl. Jan. 1,1804, lothll. Art.
Nathaniel Gates, enl. Jan. 4, 1804, 125th Inf.
George F. Silvernail, enl. Jan. 4, 1804, 7tli 11. Art.
Daniel P. Conkey, enl. Jan. 4, 1864, 10th II. Art.
John E. Kenny, enl. Jan, 4, 1804, Hilb H. Ait.
W. H. Hayes, enl. Jan. 4, 1804, lOlli II. Art.
Oliver P. Vanderkear, enl. Jan. 4, 1864, 16th 11. Art.
George II. Buel, enl. Jan. 4, 1834, loth 11. Art.
Patrick farcy, enl. Jan. 4, 1864, li'.lli II. Art.
Wm.C. Green, enl. Jan. 4, 1S04, lClb II. Art.
Wallace Yalnleiker, enl. Jan. 4, 1S04, 10th H. Art.
Peter Wynkoop, enl. Jan. 4, 1S04, 16th II An.
Lewis Mnckin, enl. Jan. 4, 1864, 16th II. An.
Win. A. Blair, onl. Jan. I, 1S04, 16tb II. Art.
John II. Usher, enl. Jan. 4, 1804, 16th II. Art.
-
BISTOKY OF KKXSSKLAKK (OINTY. NEW YORK.
i
Irt.
lh II. Art.
O.S.C0I rroops.
!!, II. Art.
:l. II Art.
i Vrl.
I..II, II. Art.
■ II \i!
ICUl II. Arl.
I \rt.
• , II \n
. 1861, Ml, II. Art.
nil Inf.
>, era.
Inf.
Ill Inf.
Inf.
I Arl.
I 1804, I'll. 11 Art.
Hi II. Art.
I ;iii II. ah.
I I. Till II. Art.
I, lOUl II. Art.
Hi II. Art.
ISM, ICIll II. Art.
I Inf.
Ttli M. \it.; hod previously served in 30Ui
Ipril, 1801.
■era.
I. Tlh II. Arl.
ChAT. . . 1 ■ ' ' "[IS.
Tlh II. Arl.
I 10 7, 1-1. ICIll II. Art.
I, lOIll II. Art.
- ■. 16th II. Art.
Jen mi I, 1864.
-
: ■
I
far, I II ; r.-- hi, 21ll
M I!
urn.
itthlaj
W Hudson,
11
I. II1I1 Inf.;
M
■
1 r
John U.iK.nl, enl. Feb. 7, 1865, 192,1 Inf.
Seth U. Walton*
Thomas Williams, enl. Nov. 14, 18G4.
John Gannon, enl. Nov. 13, 1864.
Mordan Zehman, onl. Nov. 13, 1864.
. F. Herbert, enl. Nov. 13, 1864.
C instant Barbouas, enl. Nov. 13, 1S64.
I tult onl. Nov. 13, 1SG4.
John Murphy, enl. Aug, 24
Frank Kauftnan, enl. Aug. 20, 1864.
I. n<-iii. Cooloy, onl, Aug. IT, lsi>l ; trans, to army headquarters.
Barney J. Cannier, enl. Sept. 2, 1864.
Daniel Donalds 01. onl, Aug. 31, 1864.
.1 1 s King, enl. Aug. 31, 1864.
Edward Murphy, onl. Aug. 31, 1864.
.I.,in. b Laflbrty, eul. Aug. 31, 1864,
John Uohen, onl. Sept 1, 1864.
Edwin 11. Smith, onl. Sent. 2,
Patrick Glbncy, enl. Sept 2. 1864.
William Hover, onl, Sept. G, 18G4.
II. ni> 0. Link. enl. April, 1861, :iuth RogL, Co. II; killed at second ban
Bull Bun ; huriod on tho batile.fleld.
Thomas liull, onl. sergt, enl. iiOth Inf.; pro. 10 enpt. in Vet. Civ.; killed at
Plena nit Mill, said t-> have Loon alter surrender.
James Brunnan, enl. 30tli Inf.; wounded in Intnd at buttle of Frederick; also la
left sldoat second battle of Bull Run, Ang. Do, 1SG2.
J. Warren, enl. April, 1861, 3Uth Inf., Co. II.; wounded at second battle of Bull
Bun, Auk 30, 1862.
Andrew V. Turner, enl. July 21, 1802, l"tli Vt. Kegt., Co. E; ilisch. Jm
Matthew V. I*eter«, musician, enl. June 10, 1SG1, 2d Inf.; disch. Dec. IT,
at i .mil. GriBln, Va,
J. Dorr Chapmnn, musician, enl. June 10, 1861, 2d Inf. ; dlseb. I' <-. IT. l-ol.at
Camp GritBn, Vn.
Georg, W. li-k, musician, onl. Juno 10, 1SG1, 2d Inf.; disch. Dec. 17, 1861, at
Camp Griffin, Va.
ii II. 1. ittridge, musician, enl. June 10, 1861, 2d Inf.; disch. Dec. IT, 1SG1,
at Cump Griffin, Va.
Durham 0. Abbo, oiusiciun, enl. June 10, 1SG1, 2d Inf.; disch. Dec. IT, Is-.], ,,t
Camp Griffin, Va.
Chauncey Marsh, iim-ici.m, enl. Juno 10, 1SG1, 2,1 Inf. ; ,lis< Ii. I' . IT, 1861, at
' lamp Griffin, \ .,.
Wlllnrd II. Colton, musician, enl. Juno 10, 1861, 2,1 Inf.; disch. Doc. 17, 18Gl,al
Camp Griffin, Vn.
Charles H. White, musician, onl. .In no 10, 1861, 2>l Inf.; disch. Doc. 17, 18GI,al
Camp Griffiu, A* a.; died s i after lot urn.
Willlnm l>. Shaw, musician, out. June 10, 1861, 2d Inf.; disch. at Camp tirirau,
Va. ; rr-onl. in Pa. rogt.
h Russell, onl. Nov. 2", 1861, :'.lst Mass. Kegt.. C '. A : disch. to r ,1 ,
Feb. 13, 1864.
Kl.-azer llussell, enl. Dec. 1, 1801, 31st Mass. Rcgt., Co. A ; ilisch. for disability,
June IT. 1SG2.
Jonathan C Pcckham, enl. Nov. 20, 1861, 31st Mass. Itegt., Co. \.
John J.V. Grovor. onl. May 20, 1801, 31sl Mass. Bcgt., Co. A ; died si
no, Aug. 11. Iso.j.
William Garriiy,cn], Sept, 19, Navy,
Edward Noble, enl. Sept. 1'.'. Navy.
Frcdorick Ortoly, enl. Sept. 17, Ns
Henry Curon, enl. Sept. 12, Navy.
< harles M. Osborn, onl. Sept 16, Navy.
'; I. Sept. II. Navy.
Thomas Johnson, onl. Sept. 1 1. Navy.
■I, H, Chalice, enl. Sept. 19, Navy.
Kilos Odoll, onl. Aug, 16, 1864, Nov.
Lucius Cooloy, ml. Aug. IT, 1864, Navj .
I*.iiri,k ii'lti [an.
John F. Bates, Corp., onl. April 21, 1361, 30th Rogt , Co. 11 ; served II, term
out ; re -en I. in Blsl Haafl. Re .' M sergt
Robert Itubinson, enl. 1804,7th Vt Inf.: died al Brownsville, Texas
J. Iluilley Curtis, oTth N. V. Inf. ; served through the war; said to havi
in tw.ni v-iu., ball
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
w \l.TKi; ABBOTT WOOD,
ol II Dsick I-'. ill-. N. JT., a distinguished American inven-
tur ninl manuracturcr, was Born in Mason, Hillsboi
N. II.. Oct. i':'.. L815, Hi- father, Aaron Wood, ami liis
mother, whose maiden ii.cn,' was Rel ca Wright, werl
natives of Massachusetts, onl both of English 'i
Jill BBtl C "." .
*7%ZterTzs/^fa>-^
TOWN OF IIOOSICK.
Aanm Wood, who was a manufacturer of wagons and
plows, had lived in .Mason from a very early period in bis
lift. I"H the year following the birth of Ins son. Walter, he
removed to New York State, ami settled in the neighbor-
hood of Albany, in which locality Walter grew to man-
hood, receiving his education in the district scl Is of Al-
bany County, ami serving his apprenticeship to the trade
Of wagon- ami plow-making in his father's shop.
At twenty, having mastered this trade, he went to Hoo-
sick Falls and seemed employment as a journeyman ma-
chinist, hut soon afterwards engaged in business on his own
account in a small way. For about seventeen years, till
about 1852, he carried on the manufacture of plows, and
also made castings for machinery. The great exhibition in
London, in 1851, under the auspices of the Society of Arts
of England, of which the late Prince Albert was president,
was the first public illustration of the state of civilization
and of the industries of the world. Pursuant to instruc-
tions from the council of chairmen to the judges, actual
trials of agricultural machinery were instituted, and these
public tests strongly drew the attention of the civilized
world to the comparative merits of American and foreign
implements. Of these by far the most serviceable to agri-
culture were the reaping- and mowing-machines of American
invention and manufacture. The first implement of this
class, a mowing-machine, was patented in America about
IS ll'. and from that date till the issue of the second patent
in 1845, about thirty patents were issued for improvements.
In 1851 a combined mower and harvester was brought out
by John II. Manny, of Illinois, and at the famous field
trial held at Geneva, in 1852, under the auspices of the
New York State Agricultural Society, gained one of the
only two premiums awarded to machines of this kind,
although its construction was admitted to be very im-
perfect.
In 1852 and 1S53 it was further improved by the in-
ventor, and afterwards became the basis of numerous im-
provements by Mr. Wood, who purchased a territorial
right to manufacture. Mr. Wood was himself among the
first to secure patents for this class of machinery. As
early as 1848 he entered upon experiments in their pro-
duction, but did not succeed in perfecting a machine which
lie deemed fit for sale till 1852. when but two were com-
pleted.
These proving satisfactory, be commenced the manu-
facture on as large a scale as possible, and during the fol-
lowing year turned out three hundred machines. In the
immediately succeeding years the business rapidly in-
creased.
In 1860 his establishment was destroyed by fire, but
was rebuilt without delay on a larger scale, and in this
year, despite this serious accident, six thousand machines
were manufactured. In 1870 the works were again de-
stroyed by fire, but were again rapidly rebuilt, and on the
most extensive and improved scale.
In 1SG5, the last year in which Mr. Wood conducted
business single-handed, his factory turned out eight thou-
sand five hundred machines, giving employment to about
four hundred and fifty men. and returning an annual value
of one million dollars. Besides this production, about
50
one thousand machines were mad.- out of tic factor} by
licensed parties, who paid Mr. Wood a royalty. The works
of Mr Wood ;,t this period comprised a main manufai
two hundred and lift \ fei I i irty four l<
four stories iii height, a foundry & th same
ground area, an immense blacksmith shop ■> repaii and
pattern shop, office, and warehouse. Since 1852 ah. .lit
fifty thousand mowers and reapers had been constructed,
and the capacity of the Wood factory now equaled twelve
thousand annually. Mr. Wo...! early perceived the n
sity for such implements abroad, particularly in thi i tl
grain districts ..f southeastern Europe, where the conditi
so nearly correspond withtln.se ..I' tic American grain pro-
ducing areas.
In 1858 he established an office in London, and, securing
a competent representative, sent thither an invoice of fifty
of bis machines. They were the first implements of this
class sent to Europe, and were s] dily sold. The next
year he sent out two hundred and fifty, which were disposed
of with equal facility. Since that date the foreign -il.-
have largely increased, the total number exported by Mr.
Wood up to the close of 1S72 being thirty thousand, fully
ninety per cent, of the wdiole number sold in that country
by American makers.
Up to 1857 one hundred and fifty-six grain- and grass-
harvesters. and sixty-two harvesting-machines had been pat-
ented in the United States. In July of that year a grand
field trial of mowers and reapers was instituted by the United
States Agricultural Society. Fifteen mowers, nine reapers,
and fourteen combined mowing- and reaping-machines en-
tered for competition. In this trial, which took place at
Syracuse, N. Y., the Wood machines bore off the grand
gold medal, the highest prize awarded; again in 1851), and
in 1800 (the last trial of the kind under the auspices of
this society i, similar honors were won. The Society of
Arts of England, stimulated by the success of their London
Exhibition of 1851, organized a second, which was held in
1802. This was the first International Exhibition at which
Mr. Wood's machines made their appearance, although since
their first introduction in Europe, in 1S5G, they had won
the highest awards wherever exhibited, among others the
first prize by the Royal Agricultural Society of England,
at the famous trial at Leeds, in 1801. At the Loudon
Exhibition they won the medal of merit, the highest award
conferred. They were now among the best known machines
in Europe, and rapidly found their way to all sections of
that country, successfully performing their w'ork, and win-
ning the chief prizes wherever placed on trial or exhibition.
At the Paris Universal Exposition, held in 1807, the dis-
play of agricultural implements was very fine, the American
exhibits especially being large and complete. As previously,
at London, the Walter A. Wood machines took the leading
rank, and were awarded the grand gold medal of honor, the
highest distinction conferred ; winning, besides, the first
prize of the great international field trials against all the
world.
The next great victory of the Wood machines was
achieved at the Vienna International Exhibition, in 187i>.
In this exhibition the entire space covered by the ex-
hibits of every kind from the United States did not much
iiistmky of kkn'sski.aki; cointv. new youk.
bondred square metres, including the
— :m ar<-:i considerably less than that
ither Switzerland or Belgium, and nut more
than half as much as allotted to the raw material and
:•■ manufactures of Italy ami Turk 0 this area
duo hundred square metres were covered by the
.■utitv exhibit of agricultural implements, the mowing- and
reaping-machines, however, being the leading feature. " All
tli.- great manufacturers of tho United States were fully
repi strangers, but as tin recognized suppliers
hi' tin- ever-increasing demand in tho agricultural districts
el' tin' Bouth uf Europe, Austria, Hungary, Southern
Russia etc.," and made a fine exhibit. These machines
-unite tlii' and two sub-classes. The former
:' mowers, reapers, and the combined machines
suitable for both purposes; tin' latter, of reapers ami com-
bined machines, which, in the one case, merely rut tin'
rid in tlir other, not only cut, but also bind the
This union of tli" proccssi - of reap-
ing and binding was >!•■ great problem, the solution of
which was first successfully accomplished by Mr. W I.
At this exhibition hi 1 a machine which did this
most illy, binding tin- -rain as it was cut. Its
ations were simply wonderful, although not even ap-
imating to tin' perfection to which it lias siucc been
brought in the hands uf its intelligent inventor. To ascer-
tain tlm relative m srits of the mowing- and reaping-
hines, a '.-rami field trial — open to all the world — was
held at tlm farm ul' M. Schwartz, at Ldopoldsdorf. Nine-
reaping- and sixteen mowing-machines, all American,
. part, the foreign manufacturers nut deemiug it expe-
dient to participate. In this trial the marked superiority
ic Walter \. W 1 machine was again demonstrated
tu tin' world, ami. a irding to the unanimous decision of
tlm jury ami tlm numerous spectators, they were adjudged
I I tlm highest prize, — namely, the grand
ima of h r. It in i % be well to state here that this
dipi designed to bear the character of a peculiar
i main of science, and
iiiun to th ■ education of the I the ad-
. it of the intellectual, social, and material welfare of
in. in [tn - iwi isively by the Council of Presi-
[nl rnational Jury, and
tlm highest I r ui the exhibition, outranking all
lb 'T Other award-.
Iii ti ultnrc in the United Stal ol
to his govei nment, M. Eugene Tis-
ogriculturc, French
iDembci "film [nternational Jury, gave his unqualified in-
\ Wc id in ichin - [n describ-
I the W I Mower" at Lcopoldsdorf,
.Lilly or easily,
ia mora s ithly, or to rl.au the ground
II . i i- "Mr. W 1 1 r in
hum lllO diploma of h r." In a simi-
lar report to the Austrian government, made by Anton
. : thi W ""1 machine as fol-
1 1 - 1 w iihoul any inclination to
uid with. mi oscillation. It is match irds
igth and in perfection "f cutting; in depositing the
ives, in facility of draught, and in general simplicity."
In the same document Wood's " New Iron Harvester" is
described as "one of ihe most solid and useful machines
ever made." Col. Michael, one of the British commis-
sioners, declared them "all but perfect." Professor Lan-
dolt, of Zurich, in his report says, ••The construction em-
ployed by the American manufacturer, Waller A. Wood,
seems to 1"' worthy of special attention for our purposes.
The first cost of these machines is not so great as not to
pay, fur the inure extensive farms, and ul' the smaller farmers
ral can unite for the purchase and use of such a ma-
chine, on account of their high capacity for doing work,
and in spite of the fact that all would wish to mow at the
same time and take advantage of the favorable weather.''
At the recent Centennial Exhibition the Wood machine
again took the lead, securing the highest award conferred
ly the [nternational Grand Jury. Mr. Wood employs di-
rectly in. less than twelve hundred men, here and in Eu-
rope. The capacity of the works at Iloosick Falls equals
nty-fivc thousand machines annually, and the amount
of yearly business equals three millions of dollars. The
Wood machines arc known over nearly the whole civilized
world, and now in actual use north beyond latitude 70°,
and south a- far as Graham Land, while east and west, as
is said of England's possessions, " The sun never sets upon
them." Their great popularity and unparalleled sale l up
to 1 SSI) reaches four hundred and twenty-five thousand)
slamp them conspicuously as the leading harvesting-ma-
chines of the age. Wherever tested or exhibited they have
secured the highest awards, and. as previously shown,
in possession of the five highest honors of the world. A
certain class of Americans, possessing inventive genius, with
pluck and enterprise, have made this country what it is by
contributing so largely to the advancement of the arts and
sciences, and the perfection of machinery, whereby the com-
forts of life have been multiplied and the fruits of labor in-
creased.
Indeed, our country is indebted to this class mure than to
any other for being to-day a nation of exporters and im-
porters. Among this class of American-bom citizens, who
have been such benefactors to their country and people, Mr.
W 1 -lands conspicuously prominent. Mr. Wood's repu-
tation is based U] actual inventive genius, as well as great
enterprise as a manufacturer. Hi- case differs entirely from
that of seemingly parallel ones in Europe, where it fre-
Dtly happens that a prominent manufacturer is reaping
the rewards and honors for machines and improvements
banded dewn to him by his father, which, however, were
not the invention ul' his father, but workmen in his cm
ployinent.
Mr. W 1. as we have seen. In-. m a distinct manufac-
ture, ami from the very smallest beginning, ami almost en-
tirely by reas f his superior inventive ability, developed
a business which subsequenl enterprise increased till it now
I- that don ■ by any other establishment, in the si
branch of industry, in the world. The chief office of the
company, together with the manufactory, still occupies the
site of the original establishment, and Mr. Wood, now
known and honored throughout the world as the name of
no other American is known in this branch of industry,
THE NEW YCRK
PD ILIC
^
^Jfc
wo
TOWN OK BOOSICK.
presides where he firsl indulged in experiments which have
since coined for hira the proud title of benefactor i" Ilia
race. Despite the demands of his extensive business Mr
\\ | limls ample time to perform his duties as a useful
oitizen and to cultivate the amenities of social life.
Hi' has been t wiiv married: first, in L842,to Miss Bessie,
dau"hter of Seth Parsons, who died in 1866, and second,
in 1867, to Miss Lizzie Nicholls, daughter of the K'\
George II. Nicholls, an Episcopal clergyman, of Hoosick
Falls. Mr. WihhI is the possessor of a large fortune,
■massed entirely by bis own efforts. In consequence of his
important services to agriculture, he was decorated with the
Imperial Cross of the Legi if Honor, by the late Em-
peror Napoleon, at the Paris Exposition of 1867; and as
a benefactor to humanity, and the first to introduce mow
fog-machines in Europe, he was similarly honored at Vienna,
in 187a, by the Emperor of Austria, who conferred on him
the Cross of the Imperial Order of Fran Z Joseph. Thus
in his life Mr. Wood has realized the words of the in-
spired writer, who declares, " He that is diligent in his
calling shall stand before kings."
SYLVANUS DYER LOCKE,
whose portrait appears herein, was born Sept. 11, 1S33, in
Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y. He is the youngest of eleven
children, — seven now living. His father, Samuel Locke,
born in Rhode Island, March 24, 1790, and who died in
Richfield, Dec. 6, 1866, was the son of Samuel, who was
the son of Timothy Locke, born in Hampton, N. II., in
1700. Timothy was the son of Nathaniel, the son of Capt.
John Locke, who was the patriarch of the American family.
The elder Samuel served honorably in the Revolutionary
war. Timothy moved with his brothers, John, Joseph, and
Abijah, more than a century and a half ago, to Rhode
Island, where, in 1797, he died at the ripe old age of ninety-
seven. A Bible inscribed by him, and well worn by his
daily use in middle life, has descended as an heir-loom in
the family to Mr. Locke.
The family comes of good old English stock, and traces
its lineage through some of the best blood of the mother-
country. Capt. John Locke, coming in the Puritan tide
that political and religious persecution swept toward our
shores, settled in Dover, N. H., in 1644. Afterwards he re-
moved to Hampton, in that State, and there he planted a
vigorous family tree.
Mr. Locke's mother, Anna Wentworth Locke, was also
of English descent. She was the daughter of David Went-
worth, who was a lineal descendant in the fifth generation
of Elder William Wentworth, who settled in Exeter, X. H.,
in 1639, and from whom descended Benning Wentworth,
Governor of New Hampshire, who gave Bennington its
Charter, and " Long John" Wentworth, of Chicago.
Elder Wiiliam Wentworth was a lineal descendant of Sir
William Wentworth. of England, from whom descended
also the Earls of Strafford, King Edward VI., Lady Byron,
and many others of note in English history.
But Mr. Locke puts lineage in the background. In the
grand battle of life he relies not upon bis ancestors but
upon himself. Hold, -H reliant • he holds thai
perseverance o\ ni all I bin Born pi has
been to him nol a burden bul a jpui to betti i i (fort. Be is
emphatically what the world calls a " self-made" man. Apt
and untiring, he has demonstrated the worth of our public
school system. A.I a "common school" he mastered as
tronomv, geometry, and surveying, and most of the higher
English branches, and there laid the foundation for an
cellent, if not a liberal education, \< tie' b
teen be ei Humoured teaching district Bchools winters, and
■ l rding around.' In these three winters he taught,
and. during the balance of these years, pursued industriously
his studies at Pait field, in Herkimer County, this Si
There', his teachers tell US, he Soon took the lead in his
classes, and, in mathematics, surpassed all others. He ai -
tended that school nearly three years. In his twenty-first
year be became principal of a large "graded" or "union
school" at Herkimer, this State.
In politics, Mr. Locke has always been a sincere, earnest
Republican. All bis family relatives are Republicans. I .
L854, during the Kansas-Nebraska struggle in Congress, he
visited Washington, and for several day- liste 1 to the
stormy debate. In 185G he cast bis first presidential
ballot for " The Pathfinder," John C. Fremont. Soon after,
during the month of November, he anticipated the sainted
Horace's injunction to young men and went West.
In 1857, as a civil engineer on the Wisconsin Central
Railroad, he carried the transit and the level. Late in the
fall of that year, the great financial crisis having knocked
the bottom out of bis railroad, he turned bis attention again
to teaching, and accepted the principalship of a seminary
at Columbus, Ky. He remained South until admonished
in 1859, both by the shakings of the ague and the thunders
of the rising storm of rebellion, he sought refuge from
either, and turned his face Northward. Again Wisconsin
received him, and, abandoning teaching, he turned his at-
tention to the law. In March, 1S60, he entered the law-
office of Bennett, Cassoday & Gibbs, in Janesville, Wis.,
ami in 1861 was admitted to the bar of the Circuit Court
in that city.
At the outbreak of the Rebellion, before the booming of
the first gun fired on Sumter had died away in the North,
he aided in the organization of an infantry company that
was tendered to the Governor of Wisconsin the first of
May. He was elected and received a commission as licu-
teuant ; but, in August, having failed to get into service,
the company was disbanded.
August 13. 1861, at the residence of the bride's father,
near Janesville, he married Ellen Josephine Parker,
youngest daughter of Hon. John Parker, formerly of
Oneida Co., N. Y. Mr. Parker was a cousin of Hon.
Amasa J. Parker, of Albany, and a representative of what,
lias been for nearly two centuries one of the most numer-
ous, leading, and respectable families in America. Four
children have blessed this marriage.
In 1861, Mr. Locke was elected county surveyor for
Rock County, and also city engineer for Janesville, Wis.
He held these offices for nearly eight years, or until he re-
moved from Wisconsin, in 1S69. During all of this period
of eight years he was also continuously engaged in what at.
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
thai lime, ■nd t.. others i a fruitless endeavor to
mtomatic machine for binding grain. His
life- ■lurinir this nd subsequently, with reference to
this machine, will constitute one of the most eventful chap-
in tin- historr of American inventions; for to him,
th. m t.i any other man living or dead, does the world
• -fill nutomatia binding harvester.
Willi a g I in.- from his surveying ami engineering,
-. dollar "f it beyond the accessary provision fur his
Cm, ly put in his machine. Against the advice,
_-. and even entreaties, "t' his friends, who declared
!».- wu pursuing a will-o'-the-wisp, was sacrificing the best
!ii- life in hopeless efforts to obtain what never
i be obtained, he pursued unfalteringly his purpose,
often, bul discouraged never, failure seemed only
infirm him in his purpose, and to add to his determi-
Wondcrfully gifted for the work, he
always In1 was to succeed. I' •- ssed of marvelous
uuitj and skill, ycl failure was yearly added to failure
a- th.- harvests S i, for nearly ten years, he
against fate, to produce what the world had
al automatic binding harvester.
The difficulty was not so much in the production of devices
to manipulate the bands as in handling the grain and adapt-
ing the machine to it.
At last, in 1870, al Hoosiek Falls, N. Y., where he is
now residing, his efforts were crowned with that success
which, sooner or later in life's grand battles, unwavering
•ion and indomitable energy ore almost certain to bring.
In the harvest of that year he had the Pioneer binder.
This machine cut and hound rapidly and well a swathe
eight feci wide. This was at least two years in advance
iny and all inventors and competitors in the grain-
binder field. To him be all honor therefor! Having pro-
--tul machine, the way has been easier for
About March 1, 1869, having previously
arranged with Walter A. W 1 to assume the financial
lertaking, Mr. Locke came to Hoosiek
1 His family came the first of October fol-
II ivor that year to apply his hinder to
Mr chain-rake" reaper was a failure. Later in
eason he applii d his present " rotary hinder" to a side-
delivery apron-machine. This machine was destroyed by
the terrible conflagration that swept away in a single night,
in March, 1870, the extensive works of the "Walter A.Wood
Mowing- and Reaping-Machine Company." Immediately
after the fire be commenced rebuilding his machine, and
during the following harvest it proved eminently a success.
The next year he built five of these machines, all of which
were sent West, and thoroughly tested by Mr. Locke him-
self in the harvest-fields from Southern Illinois to Minnesota.
S I year after year passed, constructing machines at the
manufactory at Hoosiek Falls, and testing them in the
West, to adapt them to run in the hands of unskilled
farmers in all the varied conditions of grain, soil, and
wi-athcr. In 1S74 twenty-live machines were built. In
1875, three hundred. In 1S7G, twelve hundred. In
L877, three thousand. In 1S7S, five thousand five hun-
dred were built and sold. During this year, 1S70, several
thousand more will be put into the harvests of our own
country. South America, Europe, and far-off Australia
and New Zealand. About twelve hundred have already
been sent to Australia. Mr. Locke has obtained nearly
fifty patents relating to harvesters and binders. So, in
return .for a life- work of usefulness to others, a harvest of
wealth is gathering for Mr. Locke. May it come in full
measure to him and to Walter A. Wood, whose strong
heart, clear head, and open hand have been extended in
sympathy and effective aid to Mr. Locke in his great work 1
Most men accord honor to the inventor and his works,
but a few have returned curses. Several of his machines
have been destroyed by the unthinking rabble whose bur-
dens they were sent to lighten. A few days previous to
this writing one was burned in Kentucky. The writii
of Savonarola and Galileo were burned, but the world is
better for their having lived in it.
Mr. Locke is a sincere, unobtrusive Christian, and for.
several years has been a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Hoosiek Falls, to the support of which, and the
enlargement of its church building, he has lamely con-
tributed. Generous, open-hearted, public-spirited, .Mr.
Locke is one of those representative American citizens
whom wealth comes only to widen the sphere of their use-
fulness and well-doing.
JACOB I. KNICKERBOCKER
was Ih^td :it Co pake, Colum-
bia Co., X. Y.,Oct I. 1817.
He ia second ->>n in a family
of four Boris and five daughters.
His parents were of Dutch
descent, but of American birth.
Mr. Knickerbocker !ia<l lim-
ited opportunities for an edu-
cation from books, spending
iiis minority at home on the
farm. At the age of twenty-
one he married Maria, daugh-
ter of Philip and Christina
I irl Niver, and the next
year I L839), with a limited cap-
ital, he began farming for him-
Belf. By industry, economy,
and good judgmenl in all his
business relations, he lias lie-
come the possessor of a farm
of two hundred and thirty-
J. I.KNICKERBOCKER.
five acres, upon which he nov
resides. Mr. Knickerbocker1
life has been wholly devotet
to agricultural pursuits. Char
acteristic of him are his nee
lution to carry forward to .
successful completion what
ever he undertakes, his nni
form temperament, and hi
plain, unassuming ways. H
has been an unswerving mem
her of the Democratic part
since bis first vote, and
a member of the Refon
Church.
His children are Phili|
Mrs. A. Miller, Mrs. 8. Nive
and Homer. The first thn
of these are children by li
first wife, who died in 186!
He married his present wi
in 1867.
■
• a sm — -
KNIL/KLKdUUKLK, oCHOD'
SCHODACK
I.— GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
The town of Schodack was formed .March IT, L795, at
tlio time of the division of Rensselaerswyck. Tails of the
towns of Berlin and Nassau were taken off in 1806. It, is
situated in the southwest corner of the county,the Hudson
Eiver forming its entire western boundary. On the north
it is hounded by the towns of East Greenbush and Sand
Lake, in Rensselaer County; on the south by the towns of
Stuyvesant and Kinderhook, in Columbia County; and on
the east by the town of Nassau, in Rensselaer County.
The population of the town, as given in the census of 1875,
was 4454, and the area of the town comprises 36,666 acres
of land. The name Schodack is a corruption of the In-
dian name Esquatak, which signifies "the fireplace of the
nation" the chief village or council-scat of the Mohicans
being in this town.
II.— NAT U RA L F E A T CJ RES.
The town occupies a beautiful site on the Hudson River,
and is one of the most populous and fertile in the county.
From the river the surface rises in a series of bluffs two
hundred feet high, beyond the summits of which it spreads
out into an undulating upland, inclining to the west.
Bunker Hill, the highest point in the town, is about five
hundred feet above tide-water. The surface of the town is
intersected by numerous deep gullies, which have been
worn by small streams, the most of which flow westerly
into the Hudson. The principal streams are Moordener's
Kill, Vlockie Kill, Muitzes Kill, and Valatie Kill. Moor-
dener's Kill (Murderer's Kill) is said to have derived its
name from the fact that an obstinate battle was fought on
its banks, at an early day, between the settlers and a band
of robbers. Muitzes Kill is believed to commemorate the
tact that over one hundred and fifty years ago a female,
who was crossing the stream, attired, as was the custom of
the day, in a large Dutch cap or bat, was unfortunate
enough to have the valued article carried by the sportive
wind into the stream. As the distracted woman saw her
hat floating away she cried out in frantic tones, " De units
is in de kil ! de niuts is in de kil I" and hence the name of
the stream to this day, although the orthography of the
word has become somewhat corrupted. Adam's Killetyo
(Little Creek) is a small creek, so called from Adam Mull,
who was taken prisoner by the Indians while drinking of its
waters. The principal natural body of water is Hoag's
Bond, at the centre of the eastern border of the town.
The soil of the town is fertile and productive. That in
the eastern part of the town is of a clayey nature, while in
the western it is a sandy or gravelly loam. This latter is
well adapted in some places along the river to the manufac-
ture of brick, a pursuit that has constituted a principal in-
dustry of the inhabitants. The soil i, well calculated for
the growth of the productions common to this section of
the country, and a large portion of the inhabitant* are suc-
cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. Before tie
dement of the town the surface is said io have ben thickly
covered with pine timber.
Beeren Island, a small precipitous island, containing 8 Or
10 acres, is situated south of foreman's Lauding. A fort
was erected therein 1643, both as a fort and trading-post,
by the patroon.
III.— ABORIGINAL OCCUPATION.
It was the Indian tribe or nation known as the Mohican
— which bus been celebrated in the fascinating romances of
Cooper— which, at the first coming of the whiles, held as its
rightful possession not only the present domain of Rensselaer
County, but that included in the present counties of Columbia
and Berkshire. The chief village of the tribe was in Scho-
dack, with other villages perhaps as populous but less impor-
tant, on Beeren, or Mohican Island, and at various points on
the eastern shore of the river. They bad also a village at
Wyomenock, another at Potkoke, a place "about three
Dutch miles inland from Claverack,"* as well as a rudely-
fortified stronghold, erected near the present site of Green-
bush, against the incursions of their enemies the Mohawlcs.
The Mohicans claimed (as did also the other Indian
tribes) that theirs was among the most ancient of all abo-
riginal nations. One of their traditions ran that, ages be-
fore, their ancestors had lived in a far-off country to the
west, beyond the mighty rivers and mountains, at a place
where the waters constantly moved to and fro, and that, in
the belief that there existed away towards the rising sun a
red man's paradise, — a land of deer, and salmon, and beaver,
— they had traveled on towards the east and south to find it,
but that they were scourged and divided by famine so that
it was not until after long and weary joumeyings, during
which many moons had passed, that they came at length
to this broad and beautiful river, which forever ebbed and
flowed like the waters from whose shores they had come;
and that here, amidst a profusion of game and fish, they
rested, and found that Indian elysium of which they
dreamed before they left their old homes in the land of the
setting sun.
IV.— EAK I. V SETTLEMENT.
The first white man to put foot upon the soil of the town
is believed to have been Henry Hudson, commander of the
"Half-Moon," in which be discovered the Hudson River,
in 1(11)9. His clerk or supercargo was Robert Juet, and
the incidents of his pioneer voyage are fully related in the
general history.
■ Meaning Claverack Landing, new Hudson City, Columbia Co.
397
-
HISTORY OF RI'NSSKLAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
On the night of the l">th of September, 1609, Hudson
lay anchored with his vessel near Catskill, where, says his
journal, " we found very loving people ami very old men,
ami were well used. Our boat went to fish, aud caught
i fish." Tin' natives also brought
i. n board the vessel " Indian corn, pumpkins, ami tobacco
The next morning they delayed for a long time, taking in
i. and anchored thai night near the site "I" the
village "!' Athens. Proceeding slowly ami cautiously up
tin- riwr. tin' vessel arrived, on the 18th of September, op-
posite the site of the present village of Castleton, where the
1 lav for many hums, during which time they were
visited by the natives, with whom the commander returned
tn the shore as a guest The following account of tin- \ i-it
iven by De Laet as a transcript from Hudson's own
journal. Be says, —
■■ I soiled i" 'tn' sh 'p- in one of their cat a with an old man, who
hiii" of a iril"- consisting "i" forty men and seventeen women.
n there in a house well constructed "I oak bark, and oircular
in -i it bad tin- appcaram I" being built with an arched
1 n lian '"iii an 1 In- in- lit" tho
thj and there lay near tho bouse, ror tin' parposo of
drying, enough to load three -lip-, bi si !•■- what was growing in the
: into tin- house two mats were spread out tn sit
upon, and somo f I was immediately scrvod in woll a I len
d shed at once with bows and at
in .| i . win. loon brought in a pair of pigcone, which thoy
had -li"t. They likon - dog, nnd skinned it in _■
■ with shells, which thoy bad ;r"t out of tin- water. Thoy sup-
. thai t woald remain with them fur the night; but I returned,
lifter n shurt lime, on board the ship. The land is t tic tinest fur cul-
ror in my life set l"""t upon, and it also abounds in
ption. These natives are a very good people, for
when they saw that I would nol remain with tin m they supposed that
1 of their bows ; and, taking thoir arrows, they broke them
in pieces ami threw them intn the lire."
While tin ttion of this landing of Hudson's has
what conjectural, yel the weight of opinion seems
tu In- that it t..uk place at "f mar tliu present site of Castle-
ton. Tradition points out the hill hark of the village known
Hill, a- thu -put where the hospitable Indian chief's
I, ami line' can tilt t see, with the eye of
.iiiati.iii. the dusky t" inn- of th.' savages s(in occupying
'i wonder ami amazement they saw the scem-
rition sail up the river, having tl j phei i-
in.il while man. ami the little band of Hudson may still be
limbing tu i;- summit to partake of
■ th.' wild children of tin- Western
i where 'In- landing occurred i- stutcd by
Dr. Laet I in latitude 12 1 B', which would
the event at about live or six miles
; I ludson, which i- in 12 1 1'.
.1 in those days
iputation of the . 1 i ~r . ■
run by t! ! I I in .1
v- thai when tin- landing took place tho v< — I musl It
Jut" than Hudson, or n
'
Tilt FIR i mini up | in; TOWN
R I liT. hut ill
i by whom it wa- iii.nl
unkii i !■ Hun. ami .
probably name over at the patroou's invitation and expense
when he made his first attempts to populate his domains.
That would, perhaps. fix the date of the first settlement
about 1630 or 1631.
All trace of some of the earliest Dutch settlers have
been lust. The stay of some was merely temporary, and
tin y returned to the " vadcr-land" after a short season of
sight-seeing in the New World. Others again went still
farther north and helped to make the later settlement of
Schenectady and vicinity, while still others perished in the
sanguinary frays that occurred in the early Indian wars.
An old document on tile in the State department at
Albany shows that on Sept. 2. lliTo. Barent Wyudertse,
master shoemaker, reeeived a conveyance of a tract of land
c ntaining ahuut 74 acres from the Muclticandcr Indians,
said t rant beginning on the east side of Hudson's River,
opposite tin- end "\' Schodack Island, and extending to a
Stream flowing in between Beeren and Seheeter's Islands.
This grant probably embraced part of the present site "I'
Schodack Island. The grantee was a settler in Boverwyck
i Albany i as early as 1(550. I In died about 1089, leaving
no children. His two brothers, Mynderl ami Carsten Fred-
ericksc, smiths, were also among the early settlers. Tilt |
owned considerable real estate in the village, and had a
blacksmith-shop on the north corner of Broadway and
Spanish (now Hudson) Street. The family came from
Ivcren, in consequence of which some of its later members
adopted Van Iveren as a surname.
The must valuable and reliable information that is afforded
of the early settlement of the town is furnished by " A
map of the manor of R.'tissnlaerwyek. Surveyed and Laid
Down By a Scale of 100 Chains to an Inch, By John It.
Blcecker, 1767," which is to be found at the " 1'atr la
Ofliee," in Albany.* While this was made over one hun-
dred years after the first settlement of the town began, yel
a large number of those who arc mentioned are descendants
of those families who first established themselves in the Id-
eality, ami a large proportion of them are still represented
in the town. These were among the Jiml permanent
th rs of tin- town.
Beginning at the southwest corner of the town, along
the river, there appears Grst the residence of Hendriek
Maase Van Burcn (spelled there Tun Beuren . Il<
a son of Maas Hcndricksc Van Burcn, who preceded him
in the settlement of the town, and was buried at Schodack,
April 1 I. 1733, and a gnat grandson of Cornclis Mass Van
Buren, who name over from Holland in the .-hip " Rons
..ii early day. had a farm at PapsktlCC l-laml,
and who. with his wife, were beidt op ecnen dngh zyu
granven, in 1648. Hendriek Maase Van Buren married
Aaltie Winue, Oct. 7. 1731, ami had children, — Ariaantje,
Dirkic, Maas, Daniel, Johannes, Ariaantje I'd . and Jo-
hanncs (2d). Latter descendants of the family settled in
different part- of tin- town ami became widely represented.
Oneofthcni Hendriek ) located in what is now the orchard
uf the widow of Andrew Van Burcn, ami north nf the )
• I' that lady. The house was destroyed by
lire many years ago. Of his suns. Daniel lived in win
In tin l-i'ii may be found, <" lit,
vwirk.
TOWN OK SCHODACK.
399
now tin- Mattice [louse, and Douw built and lived in that
where Mrs. Andrew Van Buren resides.
Tlie nexi settler along the river given on the map is
Wouter Barhuyl (Barheit), one of several of thai 10
who were descended from Jeronimus Hansc Barheit. One
of t Iii-i>i at that time lived opposite where the store is at
the depot, Schodaek Landing. The house is still standing
which ho occupied, ami is owned by Dr. John Squires. He
had a large family. A brother, Peter, still lives opposite
Catskill.
Jeronimus Van Valkenburgh, the next, settler along the
river, was probably a descendant of Lambert Van Valken
burgh, who lived on Manhatten Island in 1615, and in
Beverwyck in 1654. lie did nut remain long in town.
The family is more largely represented in and around Kin-
ilerhook, Columbia Co.
Casparus Springsteen comes next, and lived on the river
near where the first small stream i going northerly along the
river) enters the Hudson. His lather's name was Simon,
and his grandfather was Caspar Springsteen, miller, of
Schenectady. Casparus was born July 7, 174"), and prob-
ably engaged in milling at an early day. The Springsteen
family has since been largely and inlluentially represented
in the town.
Jacub Cornelius Schermerhorn lived near Casparus
Springsteen. The family is a very old one, and has been
; more largely represented in the town than perhaps any
other. Jaeob Schermerhorn, who afterwards attained the
rank of colonel in the American army, was but sixteen
years of age at the breaking out of the Revolution. His
mother wishing to contribute her mite to the cause of inde-
pendence, and being a widow, decided to send her son. She
i melted up the leaden weights which operated the window-
sashes of her house into bullets, furnished him with a good
gun, and started him out. At first he acted as a teamster
in the army-train, but growing larger and stronger, plunged
into active service, afterwards became distinguished as a
patriot and soldier. He lived at Schodaek Landing, on
the site of the present residence of Peter Ten Eyek.
Among his sons were John I., Cornelius I., and Barent.
John I. lived where Mr. Ostrander now resides, in a house
built by a man named Seabring. He and his brother Cor-
nelius I. had one of the first stores at Schodaek Landing.
Barent Schermerhorn occupied what is now the Matson
place. Reyer Schermerhorn. a cousin, lived north of the
present Matson place, and appears on the Bleeckcr survey.
Besides these, Jacob Schermerhorn and Engelie Schermer-
horn resided near the river at the same point, and appear on
the map.
Another family of Schermerhorns seems to have settled
in the north part of the town at an early day. The
pioneers of this family were Cornelius, Isaac, and Jacob.
Jaeob lived where Walter Schermerhorn now resides, in
East Greenbush, and had children, — Jacob, Barney, Corne-
lius, Catalina, and Geratty. Jacob and Cornelius settled
in town, and Barney in East Greenbush, where Walter
Schermerhorn resides. Barney married twice, and had
four children,— Jacob, Walter, Sarah, and Mary. Walter
and Mary still live in town ; the others are deceased. Cor-
nelius had Jane, Geratty, Jacob, Mary, Isaac, Catherine,
Adberthie, .Matilda. John, Martha, and an infant. OF tt
Jaeob is farming in town, near bin 1^ I obusli line.
Jacob Van \ alkenburgh cam ■ n st, and a
of him lived Rocloff Janscn, who married Elizabeth Scher-
merhorn, and had a on Jac • !> Johannes Jan
lived at Schodaek in 1 750.
Still farther en I from the river, and near tie- sou
the second small stream that empties into the Hud
north, appears th ■ re i I no of Nicholas Ketel i Kitl
lie afterwards kept tavern for many year- in the town, at
Schodaek Landing. His son Isaac kepi il after him, and
until his death, when it was taken by his widow and mother.
Since is 15- it has been kept, by Nicholas Kittle, sou of
Isaac.
Another Van Valkenburgh -Hanse — lived jusl wesl of
Kittle in 17D7, while a short, distance north stood the
house of Andries lluvek. East of him, and near the
junction of Muitzes Kill and Vly Kill lived another
member of the Springsteen family. Just easl of him was
the residence of Isaac Midler (.Miller), son of Johannes
Muller, and a descendant of Cornells Stephense Midler, of
Greenbush, in l(iii:>, but who subsequently located at. Clav-
erack, Columbia Co. Isaac MiiHer married Elizabeth
Kittle. North of Midler a short distance lived llendrick
or Diederick Schevers, near the junction of two small
streams; and south of Midler, and near the Vly Kill,
Anthony Pool lived. North of the residence of Mr.
Schevers, and near the junction of two other streams, lived
Peter Lodewick, who was probably the ancestor of the old
and respected family of that name still residing in the
town. East of the residence of Hendrick Van Buren, in
the southeast corner of the town, lived a family by the
name of Molls, a later descendant of whom, Isaac, was a
tailor, and accustomed to go out tailoring among the different
families of the town.
Returning again to the river, opposite the centre of Scho-
daek Island, lived Hendrick Martense Beekman, who was
probably one of the first blacksmiths in the town. His
father's name was Marten, and his grandfather was Johan-
nes, son of Marten. This grandfather married Macbtelt, a
daughter of Jacob Schermerhorn, for his first wife, and Eva
Vin Haeghen* for his second, and had a large number of
children. Next above Mr. Beekman lived another mem-
ber of the Molls family.
At the mouth of the next stream stood Schodaek Mill.
placed there at an early day, and which for many years was
the oidy one in town. Next, north of the mill, lived Hans
Van Buren, and another Van Buren lived just northeast
and back from the river.
Jonathan Witbcck lived on the river, next north of Hans
Van Buren, and at the mouth of the next stream entering
the Hudson. He was a descendant of Jan Thomase Wit-
beck, who was born at Witbcck, in Holsteiu. From 1652,
when Beverwyck was laid out, to 1678, he was the most
considerable dealer in house-lots in the village. In 1664,
in company with Volkert Janse Douw, he bought of the
Indians the whole of Schodaek or Atje's t Little Monkey's)
Island, and the mainland opposite, on the east side of the
* Otherwise, Van Hegen.
-inn
history of kensselakr county, new stork.
river. Next came the resident f Marte Van Buren, and
..I him, back from the river, lived Hans Salsberg.
Northwest of Salsberg lived Benjamin Van Den Bergh,
and east of him Benjamin Van Buren. Still farther cast
lived a man named Fitch. Northwest of Fitch lived Benry
P ter Van Buren, and north of him Evert Lansing. Hans
Witbeck lived just north of Lansing, and north of liiin
ib Jacobus Schermerhorn, Jacobus Van Bagen,
Abraham Van Bagen, Bnusie Van Bagen, ami another
Van Buren. Along the river opposite ami west of these.
I -in. ii- Van Buren.
-iii' the line between Schodack and Bast Greenbush,
upon an island in the river, which has acquired the name
of Stii'it-* Island, lived Joachem and Gerril Staats, -"lis of
Barenl Staats, and lineal descendants of Maj. Abraham
Staats. of Claverack.
in Staats was born May ,'l. 1702, and on May 1-.
1739, married Elizabeth Schuyler, by whom he had chil-
dren,— Neeltjc, Barent, Nicolaas, Elsie, Neeltie, Gerrit,
Philip, Johannes, and Annatic. Of these the most distin-
guished was Nicolaas, who was born Oct. 2, 1743. Be was
an active and public-spirited man. and took a prominent
part in the Revolutionary war. when he rose to the rank of
colonel, and was present at the battle of Saratoga. Nicholas
S its Miller, of Schodack, a descendant of his, has in his
ssion the original commission of Nicholaas Staats as
a captain of a c pany in Col. Killiaan Van Rensselaer's
ment It is signed by George Clinton, governor, and
bears date April 1. 1TVS. Joachem Staats was first lieu-
tenant in the same company. Col. Staats died May 7,
1816, in hi- si veiity-third year.
it Staats married Debora Bccknian, and had chil-
dren,— Jacob, Neeltie, Debora, Anna, Jacob (2d), Neeltje,
Barent, and Bendrik.
Some of the descendants of the Staats family have re-
sided "ii tin- island ever since tie- Brsl -'til' ment. and have
numerous. Others have resided in Albany aud
vicinity. Joachem 1'.. Philip IV. Peter I'.. and Barent P.
are among those who have resided there. The last two
w.re prominent physicians in Albany for over half a ecu-
tur. Ill P. Was mayor of the city several terms.
in P. kept hotel a great many year- in Greenbush
village. The family i- .-till represented on the island.
the survey shows in the middle of the
:i part i.f the town the residences of Caper Bam and
II 3hat», near each other, and a man by the nam
ii in the extreme northeast corner of the town.
John E. and Obadiah Lansing settled in Schodack about
a mile fr,, in tie- Reformed Church at East Greenbush, early
in tin- last century, .rim E. had two sons, ^bram aid
Evert. 0 0., J me -. John, < (arret, and
11 iiih. Evert,! f Obadiah, has a son living at C
-.to. N. V d ted nl ' Ircenbush \ illage
■Villi. mi Lansing, who ban been in trade there since
1 lia, wife of Henry G. Van de Worker.
Hart l 0 it Bath. J imi I. in
i hi- residence at the village of East Gi
lm-li in 1802, and lived wh.r. Samuel S. Warner now
II moved to Greenbush village in 182!), aud
ity-third ;.
As it is difficult to trace the present lines of the towns
on this old survey, it is altogether probable that tradition is
correct in placing some of those last mentioned, such as
Jacob Jacobse Schermerhorn, Hans Witbeck, the Van
Baagcns, and some of the Van Burcns over the Hue and
within the present limits of East Greenbush.
Jacob Jabn was an early settler on the old post-read,
about three miles east of Castleton. He was a Hessian.
and was taken prisoner by the American forces at the sur-
render of Burgoyne. While being marched with the other
prisoners through the town, he slipped from the ranks and
was lost sight of. He subsequently erected a log bouse
upon the exact spot where he escaped, married, and raised
a large family of children, lie lived to an advanced age,
was a man of probity and uprightness, and is said to have
enjoyed the special confidence of the patroon.
Early documents on file at Albany show a grant of land
under water to John M. Van Buren, on June 12, 1793,
and a return of a survey of that date.
From what has been said it is apparent that the west
part of the town was settled considerably earlier than the
cast, and that the settlers, being mostly agriculturists, pre-
pared the rich alluvial flats along the river for purposes of
cultivation. Many of them also traded with the Indians,
and trapped along the streams entering the Hudson for
beaver and other animals. Some of those whom we have
mentioned, however, lived several miles back from the river,
as the description indicates. These were early known in
tin' localities no w respectively denominated Schodack Centre,
Schodack Depot, and South .Schodack.
In the southeast part of the town Joseph Primmer was
an early settler. He received a conveyance of a tract of
land north of Hoag's Pond, from the Indians, on May Hi,
1760, and is more fully referred to in the history of the
towii of Nassau. William, his son, now lies buried on the
west side of the north end of Hoag's Pond. He lived to
be over hundred and four years of age. At the age of
one hundred he is said to have cut down a tree that meas-
ured two and a half feet across the stump, by his own
Unaided exertions.
A man named Shans was also an early settler near
Scott's Corners, in the northeast part of the town. Starting
in the summer of 1 777 to go to Albany with a load of wheat.
accompanied by a negro, they were both killed and scalped
by the Indians. His frightened horse ran at full speed to
Mr. Lansing's, mar at hand, carrying thereby the news of
the horrible tragedy.
Robert W Iworth was another early settler in the town,
and built and for a long time operated the mill in Sehi dack
Valley. He was a man of prominence, and the second
county judge of Rensselaer County, a position to which he
was appointed on March 9, 1803.
Tie- Miller family located quite early at East Scbodacfc.
Jeremiah Miller was an carl} settler of Sand Lake. Of his
four children, .Jehu 1. settled in Schodack, and built a
b itel near the site of the pn sent residence of John Moore,
town clerk in 17IU. He married Elizabeth, daughter of
Col. Nicholas Staats, and had seven children, — Jeremiah,
Catharine, Maria, Nicholas, Stephen. Elizabeth, and Ann.
Nicholas lived and died on the "Id homestead, and Jeremiah
MR. MILTON KNICKERBOCKER.
MRS. MILTON KNICKERBOCKER.
MILTON KNICKERBOCKER.
Milton Knickerbocker was born in the town
of Ancram, Columbia Co., N. Y., Jan. 10, 1815.
He was the oldest in a family of four sons and five
daughters. His father was an officer of the artillery
in the war of 1812. His parents, whose ancestors
were emigrants from Holland, removed from the
place of his birth when he was only three years of
age, and he remained with his grandparents, who
lived upon the farm, until 1839. After reaching his
majority and until this time, he had shared with his
grandfather in the proceeds of the farm, and had in
this way obtained a very liberal start in life for a
farmer. He purchased one hundred and eight acres
the same year in Schodack (since increased to one
hundred and thirty acres), and owns another farm of
one hundred and fourteen acres near Castleton. Thus
as a farmer Mr. Knickerbocker has spent some forty
years in this town.
The same year of his settlement in Schodack,
February 21st, he married Sally A. Pockman, of
that town. Their children are James H., died at
the age of nineteen; Mrs. Albert Shufelt; Mrs.
Gideon Pockman; William S., Milton Irving, and
Frank P.
Mr. Knickerbocker has been called to bear a share
of the public burdens of his town, and to his credit
and the satisfaction of the people has discharged the
duties of those offices. For twelve years he served
as justice of the peace, three years as supervisor, and
one year as associate judge. In politics he affiliated
with the Democratic party until 1872, when he sup-
ported Peter Cooper, and from that time until the
present he has been a staunch supporter of the Green-
back party. Mr. Knickerbocker has not been solici-
tous of public position. He possesses that force of
character and integrity which wins the esteem of his
fellow-citizens; is a man of sound judgment, positive
convictions, and plain, unassuming ways. His wife,
a woman of rare excellence and a model helpmeet,
died April 2, 1878.
COL. \ a mii.i.I'i;
only child of Jeremiab and Orphe
Torry Miller, was l>"rn in the town
; ier Oo., N. 5 .,
March 1. 1819. He is :i direct de-
scendant of Col. Nicholas Starts, after
wh he was named. His father was
a native of the same town, ami oil-
in agricultural pursuits. His
mother was born in Pittsfield, Mass.
Mr. Miller remained with his parents
during their lifetime, ami in hi- ear-
lier v red a good conimon-
school ami business education. In
1849 he visited California, where he
remained marly two year.-. He re-
sumed farming on his return, and in
1864 received the appointment of
COL. N. S. MILLER.
colonel of the 72d Regiment, N. G
S. N. Y., from Governor Horatio Se
mour, which command he held {,
three years. Previous to this, i
1843, he ranked as colonel in the o
State militia, and commanded the 4:
Regiment.
For several years he held the offi
of town clerk, and for two yeai
1S70-71, represented his town in t
hoard of supervisors. In politics C
Miller has taken a somewhat ac-ti
part. He cast his first vote for Man
Van Buren ; has always supported t
Democratic party, and, as a represci
ative of that party from Rcnsseh
County, he was a member of t
State Convention of 1870.
[Photo, by Atkinson, Troj-, N. V.]
. . . ^©©AeK, n. r.
TOWN OF SCHODACK.
in]
looatcd mi the place now occupied In Nicholas S. Miller.
Stephen is still living ;i little west of N. S. Miller. The
latter is a son of Jeremiah. Stephen has three on . of
whom John L. and Edgar live in town, aud Philip in Beth
lohem.
Claudius Van Valkenburgh lived on the " post-road,"
where Mr. Van Alen now resides, and kepi a tavern there
over one hundred years ago. Lie passed li is life there, and
had ten children, — live sons and live daughters. John
settled in Poughkeopsic, Peter in Nassau village in 1815,
Adam al Binghamton, and Charles was a hardware mer-
chant at Albany. Jeremiah settled en the eld homestead,
and tlied there, lie kepi a tavern during (he early pari el'
his life. Maria and Margaret became the Brsl and second
wives of Joseph D. Monell, a lawyer of Hudson, N. Y.
Catharine married lawyer Bushnell, of Hudson. Christina
married a Mr. Beam, who kept a noted hotel about a mile
north of the Van Valkenburgh hotel. Smith Van Valken-
burgh, son of Peter, resides at Nassau village, where lie has
lone been prominently identified with the growth of the
place.
Anthony 'feu Eyck was also an early and prominent
resilient of the town. He was a man of ability, worth,
and influence, aud was tin- first county judge of Rensselaer
County, a position to which he was appointed on Feb. IS,
171U.'
An ancient " map of that portion of the manor of Rens-
selaerwick lying east of the Hudson River," made by John
E. Van Alen, near the opening of the present century,
shows the location of all those in the town to whom the
Original surveys were made.
In the southwest corner of the town appear lots of Van
Valkenburgh, Barbey, and others ; J. 1). Schermerhorn and
Others; Yansen and Schermerhorn, II. and J. .Schermer-
horn, aud others; Col. Beekman (all along the river!, John
Kittle, Kittle, P. V. Van Valkenburgh, C. Iluyck,
L. Weisselse, A .and J. Van Valkenburgh, L. Schermer-
horn, J. and J. Iluyck, C. Springsteen, J. Poor, and J.'
and (!. Folmsbee.
In the south part of the town appear J. Van Valken-
burgh, R. Yansen, W. Snyder, Carpenter, H. Mickel,
J. Turk, II. Shaver, J. Eaton, P. Schermerhorn, C. Schermer-
horn, D. Birch, P. Schermerhorn, P. Mesick, N. Miller, J.
J. Muller, E. Daily, P. Shaver, Daniel Bush, S. Payne, A.
Meribart, J. Lodewyck, II. Mills, A. Rouse, W. Maloney,
Thomas Brown, and C. Witbeck.
In the southeast corner were the lots of J. Mandcgo, E.
Spaulding, D. Sweatland, D. Sluyter, Lurrey and Roker,
Philip Lett, W. Sluyter, J. Peters, A. Ostrander (on the
line), Thomas Tobias, E. Bedell, J. V. B. B., A. Wilson,
iMoses Vail, II. M. McMullen, E. Smith, Ferguson,
J. McMullen, and J. Lemond.
In the eastern part of the town appear M. Galer, M.
Galer, Jr., A. Davis, S. Lathorp, Payne and Deleverger,
A. Garrison, A. Green, H. G. Filkin, T. Garrison, A.
House, Cramer and Conly, J. Davis, T. Bussing, Joseph
Primmer (mostly in Schodack), R aud D. Face, W. Fin-
ney, Galer, A. and J. Mickel, N. Mickel, Iloff,
■ Hamilton, E. Green, II. Shibley, and Storer and Deyo.
In the northeast corner are L. Townsend, Avery, J.
51
\ ickcrj \V. !'.; am i "in i all on the the 12 isl Gn nbush
If Van Coit. -I. 1 1 :
E. Lee, G. Mi lin . \. Abram .1 Pi rry, .1. Shanl II.
I), ckert, - Snyder, If Townsend < » Fo < ' Myi i J
Lewis, .1. ( lain, < '. Van Alstync, and A. I
In the north pait. if the town appear the lots of J. T.
Stiocck, T. Mesick, M. Fritz, T. Van Burei G a. Abram
Ten Broeck, J. Patten, C. Smith, M. Pool, J. Pool. W.
Birrwell, J. Corimic, J. Hogeboom. J. Uoopi B. Mc
Kown, J. McKown, I!. Wordsworth, and Moon- and
.Milton.
Iii the northwesl corner appi ar G. Staats, II. II. V. R ,
C. Van Burcn, Schcrnicrhorn, L. C. Witbeck, J Van
Ilagen, (). Lansing, John E. Lansing, C. Witbeck, P. II.
Van Huron, L. Witbeck, Van Buren B. Van Buren,
G. C. Van Buren, J. Staats, N.Staats, B. and B. Vandcn-
burgh, and Peter M. Van Burcn.
In the west part of the town appear Johannes Van
Buren, P. Van Rensselaer, Es<|., 1!. C. Van Burcn, A.
Ostrander, Dingman, and II. and C. Gardinier.
Clustered in the centre of the town are the lots of John
Moore, J. Payne, S. Hurtenbergh, P. Garrison, II. G.
Filkin, A. House, S. and T. Hitchcox, T. Hitcheox, and
C. Snoeek.
The Reed, Rogers, and Merchant families, together with
others, came from Amenia, Dutchess Co., about the year
1790, and located southeast of the centre of the town.
Abel Merchant settled on the farm now occupied by John
Barringer, and also owned that occupied by George E.
Barringer. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
was at the battle of Saratoga, and in the Champlain expe-
dition. Ho died in 1S20. Reuben Merchant was three
years of age when his father Abel located in Schodack.
He purchased the farm where his son Abel now resides,
near Nassau village, in 1832, and occupied it in 1837. He
also owned the " Nassau Mills," and for ten or twelve years
was a merchant in Albany.
The Knickerbocker family settled quite early near Scho-
dack Depot, and is now prominently represented by Milton
and Jacob Knickerbocker. The Baker aud Barringer fam-
ilies were also early settlers, and others of whom our limits
prohibit special mention.
Dr. Samuel McClellan was a son of Hugh McClellan,
who was born in Currin, Ireland, in 1745, and settled in
what is now Coleraine, Mass., in 1749, with his father
Michael. The doctor was born in Coleraine, on June 14,
1787, studied medicine with his elder brother, Dr. John
McClellan, at Livingston, Columbia Co., and settled in
practice in the town, near Nassau village, in the year 1812.
He became an eminent physician, and practiced until his
death in 1855. Of his two sons, Hugh W., is county
judge of Rensselaer County, aud Robert H. has been sur-
rogate of this county.
TAVERNS.
There have been a large number of public-houses kept
in the town. The turnpike between Albany and Boston
s through a portion of the town, and before the put-
ting through of the Boston and Albany Railroad a greal
many houses of public entertainment were scattered along
-
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
its line. There w< re also a great many competing lines of
tlong it ; ami an old resident states that he
v.ii four-horse stages standing in
ancient hostclrics at one time.
The first inn is said to have been kept by a man n
Barhuyl Barheil in 1778. It is quite likely that it stood
on the Farmers' turnpike (which passed along the river),
ii. -ai S Landing. The Barheit family lived in that
:;\ in 1767, and Woutcr Barheit probably kept the
inn.
J - McKown built ihc tavern on the Boston
ami Albany turnpike, where Jacol ' » resides, soon
after the close of the Revolutionary war.
Nathaniel Brockway had a tavern on the same turnpike
in 1>1J. and John I. Miller built and ke]it one near the
nt residence of John Moore, in IT'.O.
Nicholas Ketel Kittle) kept one at Schodack Landing
quitt i it i.- still kept by a descendant of Ins.
A tavern was kept at an early day on the "old Wilson
." by a man named Wilson. Col. .lames Richardson,
. M and Jacob Cotton, who now resides there,
have kept it since. It is the same that is referred to ahovc.
mah Smith kept the tavern on the turnpike, near
when Win. Westfall now is), at an early day.
I opposite the McKown tavern on the
turnpike a good many years. Tt was first kept by ('apt.
James McKown, and subsequently by Samuel R. Camp-
for a long time. It probably existed as early as 1815;
it was still there in 1S30 or 1835. John I. Miller
kepi ;■ as 1 T ; " > at Castlcton. Cornelius T. and
I. Schermcrhorn, Jacob A. 'fen F.yek. and John I.
Vau - nly traders at Schodack Landing. A
:' other persons have traded in different scc-
':.. town, some of whom are mentioned elsewhere.
I III'. MEDIC W. PROFESSION
fully and ably i d in the town. Dr. Sam-
r the N issau line the fust part of
tin-; 1 had an extensive practice, lli-
1 tn have included Schodack Land-
nbush, and Nassau. Dr. Ebcnczer Bal-
Ctlti- 1 lived at the fool i'f the hill,
Landing, very early.
II 1 in ( )hin. His youngi si son,
II aries t « . India, and
H Is m, Elisha, is a
in a \Y< I ' Balentine was very
ilar in the town, and his departure was much regretted.
I ' -1 - led Dr. Balentine, bul after n suc-
1 of typhus fev.r.
I • ■ ■ wii in November, 1825, and
I. ling.
■ in practi
Kill, and D I Van l»_\ki- aboul eight
D •' ho Von Burcn won in practice at Cas-
I
■ -
d. l'i .
II i Burcn.
After a long and successful practice he died. March 3, 1870,
at the age of seventy years. His son. Dr. James L. Hofi
Imuiii. was in practice prior to his father's death, and is now
one of the leading physicians of the town. Dr. Horace
M. Reynolds located in Schodack in 1857 or 185S, and is
still in successful practice, lie resides about two miles
from Custleton, and has an office in that village. Dr. John
S. Miller resides on the Boston and Albany Turnpike, near
the East Grecnbush line, and has been the leading physi-
cian of that section of the town for upwards of half a cen-
tury. Dr. A. Boycc is also in practice near East Schodack.
Dr. J. Reed Davison was in practice for several years at
Castlcton, and Dr. McLoughlin has been there a little over
a year. Dr. Pruyn, from Kiudcrhook, practiced at Scho-
dack Lauding a short time, married a daughter of Cornelius
Wilsey, and returned to Kinderhook to practice. Dr. Wil-
lis and Dr. Pcasley were each in practice at Schodack Land-
ing about four years. Others have been there for short
periods. Dr. M. Barkman has been there for a short time,
and is stiil located there. Dr. J. M. Sliafer is in practice
at South Schodack.
The legal profession has had but a limited representation
in the town. George W. Bulklcy was in practice at Scho-
dack Landing for live years thirty years ago. G. P. Jenks
has been in practice at Castleton since aboul 18G2.
ROADS AND STAGES.
The first public road that was ever laid in the town was
probably the ; old post-read" front Troy to New York. It
i- said to have been cut through by the English during the
first French war, and used to be called Kiiigsbrut. It is
believed to be one of the oldest roads in the entire State.
The Farmer's Turn]. ike was laid .ptite early, probablj
after the Revolution, and passed along the river. It was
in frequent use. The one now following the same course
is probably almost identical with it.
The Boston and Albany Turn]. ike, now one of tin
passing through the town, was laid in the year 1800.
The first record of a public road contained in the hooka
of the town bears date Nov. 10, 17SS. It began '
poplar-tree, between the dwelling-house of Robert \V 1-
worth, Esq., and Capt. James McKownc, running to the
Hudson River, striking the same at Thomas Harsbi
Another road laid near the same date began at "John Yan
Burcu's, thence to James McKowne's saw-mill, and south
to the post-road between I'.. Lodcwick and Moorcs." The
ription of the early roads is so indefinite, and follow
monuments so perishable and uncertain, that a further con-
rati f them is unnecessary. Most of them have
long since been discontinued. The town now has SO road
districts. The Boston and Albany Railroad ] asses laterally
through the town, having stations at Schodack Depot and
South Schodack, and the Hudson River Railroad passing
along the river has stations at Castleton and Schodack
Landing.
\n attempt to (numerate the different stage lines that
have passed through the town would be equally unni
Their name has been legion. Before the introduc-
tion of railroad facilities, tiny traveled in every direction
through the town. The principal ones were those passing
/7>^??V*^
Photos, by Atkinson, Troy, N. Y.
J/Z??vc</ /r^VSy^rinrw
JAMES HOGEBOOM, M.D.
X\\v. ancestors of this family, which fills a prominent place in the colonial
i political history of the State of New York, ami especially of the county
Columbia, were natives of Holland, and settled about the year 1720 in
it portion of the county known then and now as the town of Claverack,
the site of the present village of that name, which, with the town of
oderhook, then embraced all that portion north of the Livingston Manor.
id immediate ancestor of the subject of these lines, James L. Hogeboom,
noved to the town of Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., about the year 1790, and
erwards to Castleton in the year 1802, and engaged in mercantile and
neral freighting business. He was afterwards elected as a member of the
ate Convention of 1S21 for the revising of the constitution, and subse-
ently a member of Congress for the Rensselaer district,
.lames Hogeboom was born Feb. 2S, 1S00, in Pittstown, Rensselaer Co.,
d early removed with his parents to Castleton, where, during his ehild-
odj he received the usual — at that time limited — common-school educa-
m. Manifesting, however, an early fondness for learning, he was sent to
grammar and Latin school at Stuyvesant, under the tuition of John
ieze, and subsequently to the academy of Lenox, Massachusetts. After
e acquirement of a tine academical education, he determined to prosecute
e study of medicine, and entered the office of his cousin and friend, the
ie Dr. Barcnt P. Staats, of Albany. He attended lectures at the College
Physicians and Surgeons of New York, and completed his medical
ndies. Upon reaching his majority he commenced the practice of his
ofession at Ghent, Columbia Co. Here he remained in successful prac-
!e for about, eight years, and here was consummated his marriage to
elen, daughter of the Hon. Tobias L. Hogeboom, Dec. 11, 182S, who
rvives him. In the following spring he again removed to Castleton,
iere lie spent the remainder of along and useful life. His death occurred
arch It, 1870, after a painful illness of several months. Few men have
od more regretted than he by those who knew him best, yet it seems
range (were we allowed to complain of the provisions of an all-wise
rovidence) that he who did so much and sacrificed so much of personal
;joyment for the alleviation of the sufferings of others, should not have
id an easier release from the troubles and pains of this world to the joys
the infinite beyond. Of a family of four children, only two arc living,
■Dr. James L. Hogeboom, of Castleton, and Charles F. Hogeboom, of
ew York.
Dr. Hogeboom was a man of rare talents, gifted with a memory pecu-
irly retentive and fitted for the acquisition of knowledge, and of singular
nvers of generalization. Almost any subject which he brought his mind
think upon was sure to be thoroughly sifted and digested. Any sophistry
ith which it might be presented or clothed never failed to be entirely
:posed by his clear, penetrative logic. His ridicule was keen, though
"Kl-natured ; many a fine-spun theory, nicely woven and seemingly at-
active, was often completely demolished by a few thrusts of his keen
tire, which made the author of it, though discomfited, often laugh as
"irtily as he himself. We have heard it spoken of him, by one who knew
m and certainly was capable of forming correct opinions concerning
^/>»\/
^-?>x.</
others, that " he was one of the clearest thinkers he ever knew, and pos-
sessed a mind always as clear as a spring of water." He dearly loved his
profession, and was a deep student of medical science, with its collateral
branches; he read much and kept pace with their advancement. Even
during his last weeks of sickness and pain he occupied his mind with
reading and study. The works which attracted his attention most were
those of Herbert Spencer, Draper, Huxley, and Tyndal.
He was one of the most charitable of men; no patient, however poor,
was left to suffer for want of medical attendance, and in many cases both
food and money were furnished in addition. In person he was tall and
lithe, and possessed of much physical strength, and grace. His manners
were genial and courteous, his conversational powers were brilliant, and
his habits strictly temperate; yet above and beyond all, he was an honest
man in every sense of the word ; of deep religious feeling, though not
connected with any church organization. He lived his religion daily,
following both the letter and the spirit of the injunction contained in
the Sermon on the Mount, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to
you, do ye even so to them."
JAMES L. HOGEBOOM,
son of Dr. James Hogeboom, was born at Castleton, N. Y., March 9, 1830.
During his minority he received a good education, and was particularly
fond of mathematics. He engaged in land-surveying to a considerable
extent, and was for some time employed on the topographical survey of
the Hudson River, under Maj. Delafield, of West Point. He studied with
his father, and began the practice of medicine with him at Castleton, before
reaching his majority. He became a licentiate of the State Medical Society
Aug. 15, 1S64.
Dr. Hogeboom has thus far in life been a close student of his profession,
and his medical skill in the treatment of difficult cases has won him dis-
tinction in the vicinity where he resides. He has been called upon to
operate in the treatment of many serious cases of surgery, and has been
very successful. Dec. 29, 1864, he was appointed by the surgeon-general
of the State of New York, in recognition of his ability in surgical opera-
tions, as first assistant surgeon of the 1st Corps of Engineers, then before
Petersburg, Va., but the supposed nearness of the close of the war, and his
large ride at home, prevented his accepting the appointment.
Dr. Hogeboom has been a practicing physician at Castleton for some
twenty years, and in partnership with his father until his death. During
this time he has retained the confidence reposed in him by his many friends
for his integrity and honor in his profession, and has successfully carried
on the work that his father established in 1829, and continued some forty
years.
For three terms ho has held the office of coroner of Rensselaer County.
In polities Dr. Hogeboom is a Republican, anil interested in all matters in
any way affecting the rights of the citizen. In the year L869 he married
Arietta, daughter of John I. Olmstead, Esq., of Albany. She lived only
about one year. For his second wife he married, Dec. I'">. 1874, Anne E.
Shutter, of Albany. They have two children.
■Ms-£s2^&^
Dr. ■ I ■ > i i n Sqi ii:i: was born in the town of Hills-
dale, Columbia Co., X. V., July 4, 1801, and was
lentil in :i family of twelve children. His father,
.1. --•■ Squire, was a native of Connecticut, and came
1 olnmbia County when quite young. ITc was a
soldier in the War for [ndepende ■; was in the
battle with the Indians at Schoharie, took part in
the battle of Saratoga, and was presenl at the sur-
renderor Burgoyne. He lived to be seventy-eight
re of age, and died about 1859. His wife, whose
maiden name was Amy Cole, survived him two
. and died at the agi of eighty.
The grandfather of Dr. Squire was an emigrant
fn.m Scotland, and upon reaching this country set-
tled in Connecticut. His name was A -a Squire.
Dr. Squire received his prejiaratory education in
the common — « -t i « « • 1 at home and in Lenox Acad-
emy, Berkshire ' . M --. He entered Williams
College in I819,and was graduated from thai school
with the usual honors in 1822,
He studied i licine with Dr. Samuel McClellan,
of Nassau, and was graduated in medicine in 1824,
at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New
k City. The following year he settled in the
practice of hi- profession at Schodack finding,
Rensselaer Co., N. A"., where be has since re-
mained.
In his professional duties Dr. Squire has al-
ways administered to the needy, as well as to those
from wlmm he expected pay for his services. His
integrity, his de-ire to accomplish the object of his
life-work, — to cure and heal the sick and render
assistance to the suffering, — his frank and open
manhood, and his acknowledged ability and skillful
treatment of diseases, have won for him the con-
fidence nf the people with whom he has been asso-
ciated l"i' over a half-century.
More than fifty years ago he became a member "I
ill- Rensselaer County Medical Society, and has of-
ficiated a- it- president. He was one of th gan-
i/.er- n\' the ( Columbia and Rensselaer Medical Society
in 1877, which now holds its meeting- at Ivinderhook.
Dr. Squire in politics is a Republican, and for soma
thirty year- has held tl ffice of notary public. H(
married in April. 1828, Caroline, daughter of Samuel
Hitchcock, of Schodack. She did in 1839. He
ha- reared one son, Robert, who graduated in med-
icine at the Alli.iny Medical College, hut was killed
by an accident, being run over by the ears at the
>•!•■ --ing of the Boston and Albany Railroad.
TOWN OF S(M!ol»\CK.
103
limn All y to Boston along the turnpike, and those li>l-
lowing the "old post-road" to New York. Numerous
hostelrica along the routes ili.-jniisnl good cheer among the
dusty travelers.
V.— PERSONAL SKETCHES AND REM IN [SCENCES.
The Hon. John Fitch, of New York City, has kindly
contributed the following brief memoirs of well-known per-
sonages of the (own of Schodack :
Jehoakim 1'. Staats is of the Staats family of that (own
and a descendant of one of the early settlers of Rensselaers-
wyck, horn and hied and died on Staats Island, where was
located the renowned "Overslaugh," which was the poinl
where the fresh waters of the Upper Hudson met the tide-
water of the Lower Hudson, the force of the tide causing
the depositing of the sediment at that point, thus forming
a bar across the river, which has impeded the navigati f
the Hudson. But of late years, owing to the construction
of dykes by the State of New York and the County of
Rensselaer, it has in a measure been removed. Mr. Staats
was a genial, affable, pleasant gentleman. Few men reared
to agricultural life possessed liner manners. He had many
friends, few or no enemies, and died universally beloved and
respected. The Staats family now are, and for more than
two hundred years have been, owners and occupants of the
same farm.
Benjamin Fitch, of Schodack, was born at Norwalk, Conn.
He was a great-grandson of Gov. Thomas Fitch, of that
State, and father of Judge John Fitch, of New York. He
removed from Connecticut to Washington, Dutchess Co.,
N. Y., during the Revolutionary war, where his father died.
He was commissioned by Gov. George Clinton, previous to
the war of 1812, a captain in the Dutchess County regi-
ment of militia. After the war, and in 1815, he removed
to Schodack, and resided on the farm known as " Elmwood,"
on the turnpike from Albany to Springfield, one mile west
of the village of Nassau. In the spring of 18t>0 he re-
moved to Kinderhook, Columbia Co., where he died, and
was buried in the Kinderhook burying-ground, near his
life-long friend, ex-President Van Buren, who, although
acquaintances from youth up, never voted the same ticket.
Mr. Fitch was extraordinarily fond of the Scriptures, was
a constant reader of the Bible, of Clark's Commentaries on
the Bible, and of religious works.
Thomas Hitchcock, one of three brothers of Schodack,
was a man of extensive reading, a farmer, a bachelor, pos-
sessed of great conversational powers, and a finely-stored
mind. He was comparatively a recluse, and devoted him-
self to farming and reading. Few men possessed a finer
knowledge of the history of the State of New York from
its early settlement to the time of his death. He did not
make many friends, had strong likes and dislikes, with severe
prejudices; he took a great fancy to Benjamin Fitch's only
son, now Judge John Fitch, of New York, trained and
drilled him in histories and classics, watched over him in
his academic and collegiate course, through his studies of
the law and the legal profession. Judge Fitch says that
he cannot remember a person possessing in all respects a
finer mind or endowed with a more Christian judgment.
Ai Fitch was born in Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., is of the
Norwich family of Connecticut Fitehi removed to the
southern tier of counties in New York, and who wu om of
the early contractors on I lie Ei ic Railroad.
I Inn. .lames T. Stranahan of Brook lyn, I leu Cli rli
Cook, of Havana, Schuyler Co., I Mi. Fitch contracted
for and complete 1 a 1 ei of the Erie Railroad. Ho
was very successful in business and ami d i fortune of a
quarter of a million of dollars. In the]! fhislifo
was a lumber merchant in Jersey Cil ivhcri lie died in
1877.
William Heyward (Schodack) was born in Columbia
County. In early life Bettled in Bloomi ngrovi Gi nbusl
Rensselaer Co., where his son, -Morris Heyward, now
resides. In about 1828 his eldest son, Wesley Heyward,
then one of the most, polished gentlemen in the county, who
bid fair to become one of its m i I substantial men,
was drowned while bathing opposite Beverwyck, formerly
owned by the late Col. Win. I'. Van Keiisselaer, above
Bath, or East Albany, on the Hudson River. Mr. Hey-
ward had another son William, who removed to. resided, and
died in Gleunsville, Schenectady Cm., where he was highly
respected and was for years justice of the peace. Morris Hey-
ward still owns and resides upon the residence of his lather,
is a kind hearted, wealthy, and truly Christian gentleman.
William Fitch, of Schodack, was of the Fitch family of
Connecticut, and a descendant of Governor Fitch of that
State. Few men possessed the aristocratic, genial, and pol-
ished manner of Mr. Fitch. He could tell a g 1 story,
relate amusing anecdotes, and was a most entertaining
dinm 'i'-tablo companion — such as is rarely met. lie was for
many years justice of the peace of that town. About the
year 1831 he removed to Ohio, where he died, lie had two
sons, — Edward Fitch, who for a while was a merchant at
Schodack Landing, Rensselaer Co., removed to and died in
Ohio; and John Fitch, who read law with Samuel B. Lud-
low, at Nassau village, then with Gen. George It. Davis, at
Hoosick, whose partner he afterwards became. In about
1S32 he removed to Toledo, Ohio, where he now resid
lie was for some years judge of the Supreme Court, and
while on the bench was reputed to he one of the finest
legal intellects in Ohio. He is one of the largest real-estate
owners in Toledo, and now, though over seventy years old,
looks as young and is as active as most men at fifty.
Col. Bradham Yale, for years resident in Greenbush,
Rensselaer Co. We do not know the place of his birth ;
he lived to be nearly one hundred years old, and died at
Eatontown, in the State of New Jersey. His daughter,
Mrs. Dr. Goodrich, devoted her life to the tender care of
and nursing of her aged father, and may a kind and benefi-
cent Providence reward and bless her, her husband, their
children, and their children's children, even unto the latest
generation, for it ! Col. Yale was an officer in the militia in
the war of 1812, and drew a pension for services in that
war. In about 1820 he was colonel of the far-fame 1 Scho-
dack regiment. Among its companies w< re tin Schodack
Republican Artillery (of which Brig.-Gcn. dames Richard-
son was formerly a captain ), the Republican Blues of < rreen-
bush (of which, we think, Maj.-Gen. Genet, Brig. -Gen.
Martin Miller, and Col. Breese were captains), the Nassau
Grays (of which Lieut.-Col. and ex-Assemblyman Win. R.
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
II tnuans, also II I W. Herrick, were captai
and the renowned Banker Hill Barefoors, of which Hai
I; . ra Father-in-law of the Hon. Archibald I McGowan,
■ nator from Herkimer County), the Hon. William 11.
Bodd, Col. Staats Miller, Lieut .-Cols. Andrew 1. Johnson
and Sehermerhorn were captains. X" other regiment in
i; 1 1 1 1 y has produced a- many public men or
mincnt < > til
Thomas Hitchcock, the son of Samuel Hitchcock, who
m til,- old | whose place was lately owned
Mr. Van der Carr, died about 1836. He was oi t'tlio
Goes! farmers, rtioned, as well as polished gentle-
men that the town of Schodack, boasting as it does of its
able men, had at thai time produc d. He was well edu-
i. an only son, lu'ir to a fine property, and had high
hopes and every prospect of a brilliant future. Death li
a shining mark, and when it hit him it took one.
John Mynders was a farmer, well-to-do in worldly mat-
scmplary character, for many years
and also an elder in the Dutch Reformed Church at X
village. He died at a g , is buried in the Nassau
Cemetery, leaving a good name, a good reputation, and a
i farm to his son Nicholas, who. like his father, is a just
and good man.
Gilbert Hitchcock, a bachelor, a good farmer, and a most
llent man, lived to a good old age, was a very intclli-
gcntlcman, was fond of reading, left a
fine property, and when he died the poor lost a good friend.
Harder, a wealthy farmer, son-in-law of John
lers. Inheriting a farm from his father, happy in his
relations, has taken life easily, and had as many
are Usually allotted to those who till the soil,
own a farm, and have everything they want.
John Phillips was a far r. owning a large farm, and
I irge family of children. He was a very peculiar
man in his ways, an active, industrious, and hard-working
man. In about the year 1834 he removed with his family
to Wayne County, where he died a wealthy, well-to-do
farm ' :' his married John E. I '
1 Co. Mr. and Mrs. I
! ' I Edmund L. Pitts, of Orleans
N w York Siate Assembly, and
i from tie M 10 is Di
■! !. 1 1 ■ was a
man who irly and lati . 1 1 had a
- and three daughters, owned a
tth left each of
I i ratic, had
a will of In- OWII, and liked to have his own way, and was
if he did not have it. His son.
Will ! a daughter of Abraham I
and
wle On of hi — li:i-
3mit1
Mr Smith inhci
will of 1. M ! ii which
Mr. Smith li' > family. He was for many
the
Dutch B
John Garrison was a good farmer, a prudent, frugal sav-
ing man. a justice of the peace, a consistent temperance
man, and an active member of the Presbyterian Church.
He accumulated a good property for a farmer, and at his
death left his farm to his son David, wdio still owns and
occupies it.
Ebencz r Davis was a mechanic, wdio made the best
plows of any man in the neighborhood, lie was a pious,
praying Methodist. lie reared a large family, and was an
honest and a good man.
Jonathan rainier, son of the lion. Fenner Palmer, was
horn in the town of Nassau, lie married a sister of the
Hon. Castle W. llerrick. am] was a fanner. 'Was captain
of tin- Nassau Grays; was a very prompt, active, stirring
man. lie removed to Wayne County, where he died.
Thomas Guffin was a man of a strong and active mind,
a pronounced Presbyterian, and a true Christian, living
a good man Would wish to live, and dying as a follower of
Christ would wish to die.
• ! ii Guffin was a I until late in life, when he
married and removed to Grccnbush. He was a wealthy
farmer, leaving a fine property and a good name.
Capt. Elisha Conkling was a farmer, lie married a
daughter of Jc-sse Brockway. He was a captain of the
Bunker Hill Barcfoots, and for a long series of years was a
justice of the peace of bis town, lie was a good fanner
and a good, clever fellow.
John llnyee was a good fanner, a jocose. warm-In
pleasant man; companionable, a tjood neighbor, and a true
friend. It is thought that he removed to and died in
Saratoga County.
George Van Hocsen, a blacksmith and farmer, one of the
most active, energetic, hard-working, and industrious men
in the town. His wife was a daughter of John Garrison.
He accumulated a good property, and with his family re-
moved to Illinois.
Unlet Germond, a farmer, and one of the most i
vering, industrious men that the town ever produced. A
man of most excellent habits, character, and principles.
He worked all the time, worked his laboring nun mora
hours than any other man. and what is more they all HI
him, and would rather work for him than anybody else.
Col. William* Potter was bom in England, cat
Rhode Island when a child, with his parents, was captain
in a Rhode Island militia regiment, and served during n
i'\' the Revolution, and drew a pension as captain. II
moved to Rensselaer County, purchased a farm. He died
in 1833, and is buried in the grave-yard at Kinderhi
r the close of the Revolution be became a lieutenant-
colonel of a battalion of militia in Rhode Island, lie was
a man six feet lour inches high, and at the .hty
could walk as fast, endure as much, and sec as well as most
men at sixty. He was an inveterate fux-hunler, and few
men enjoyed the sport more than he.
David Ridwell married a daughter of Col. Potter, and
is father-in-law of Capt. David M. Conkling, of Scho-
dack, who was a captain of the Bunker Hill ! nod
iccii llciirv, rnn on wore
!!• tin.
TOWN ()[•' SCIIODACK.
105
for n long time a rcsidcnl of the village of Nassau. Mr.
Bidwell owned a good farm; dying, left ir to Mrs. Conk-
ling.
Qideon Castle was born in the county of Dutchess, was
asoldicrin the Llevolution, and a pensioner. He died in
Schodack, al the house of his son in-law, Lewis derrick,
and was buried in the old burying-ground in Hoag's or-
ohard, Nassau. Mr. Castle was a fair specimen of the
old-style gentleman, of elegant manners, fine personal ap-
pearance, erect, soldier-like in bearing and manners, and at
tlir ago of seventy-five time had dealt very kindly with
him.
Thomas Lowcree, son of William L., resided on his
father's place, inherited the homestead, married late in life,
was a most industrious, frugal, ban! working man ; worked
early and late, and saved everything. He died a rich man.
His son, Wiley Lowcree, who served his country faithfully
as a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, inherits his father's
farm, the old homestead, which lias been in the Lowcree
family for nearly eighty-five years.
Reuben Rogers, from Long Island, a soldier of the Rev-
olution, died about 1834. He was the father of Capt.
Harvey Rogers, and of Capt. George Rogers, both of whom
commanded the renowned Hunker Hill Barefoots. Mr.
Rogers was a Presbyterian, and a very active, vigorous, and
industrious man, the owner of a large farm, free from debt,
and set out bis children with a handsome competency.
Mr. Rogers was an old-fashioned man, who worked early
and late. He had the happy faculty of minding his own
business and interfering with no one else.
John Garrison, for many years a justice of the peace,
lived to the advanced age of nearly eighty years, dying
a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a strict teetotaler,
leaving bis farm to his only son David.
John I. Budd and Elijah Budd owned farms adjoining.
They were active, sincere, and devout Methodists, and most
estimable and honest men. Schodack bad many such.
Wm. Lowerce was born in Queens Co., N. Y., near
Flushing, was a soldier of the Revolution, and removed
to Rensselaer County about 1795. He was a good neigh-
bor, a warm-hearted, generous, impulsive man, and a great
practical joker.
William Myers was sui generis. There never was any-
body else like him, because be was not like anybody else.
Wlio was the odd one? Small in stature, active, industri-
ous, and persevering beyond degree, yet he never pros-
pered, and never acquired much of this world's goods.
Naturally fond of hunting and fishing, yet was never
successful at cither. He was very tenacious of his rights,
and constantly in petty lawsuits, usually succeeding in being
beaten. He was generous to a fault. He dug most of
the wells in the neighborhood, worked most of the stone-
quarries, and laid miles upon miles of stone wall. In all
communities we find such characters, possessing patience,
activity, and industry, yet never get anything ahead, and
die poor. A natural blacksmith, as well as shoemaker and
carpenter, a regular Jaek-at-all-trades and master of none ;
a professor of religion, and a member of the Presbyterian
Church.
John W. Lewis (son of John Lewis, a soldier, war 1S12)
was a in. ui i-. feel foui i h, and exceeding!) w II
proportioned; was a hard working farmer. He had
will, and liked to have his own way ; a very kind-hearted
man, a g 1 neighbor, enjoying the entire confidence of the
community.
Jeremiah Shibley, a farmer, was for nine consecutive
supervisor of Schodack, and conducted the
the town creditably to himself and ■ iti fai torilj to the tax-
payers.
Roberl Hitcl -k, for many ycai a merchant in C
ton, was fifty yeai of age; one of the firm Hitchcock,
1 1 mil .t Living-ton, merchants and freighters, running
sloops to New York. Among the Bloops they built and
sailed, was the " Nassau," al thai i inn- said to 1 le of the
finest that sailed on the Hudson River. In those day
grain and pork from the river companies were taken to New
York in sloops. Barges towed by steamboats succeeded
sloops. Steamboats and propellers have succeeded :
The g 1 sloop '• -Nassau," if she bad good luck, made
her round trip from Castleton to New York and back in
ten days. They tell a good story of Mr. Hitchcock, who
was full of fun. On one of the trips of the " Nassau" to
New York, tin y bad some foolish fellow on board, who
was innocent, harmless, yet willing to work. Anchoring
one night in the Highlands, they told this fellow to take the
helm and steer the vessel while the rest " turned in." The
simpleton worked away all night at the helm; in the morn-
ing Hitchcock asked him bow far they bad got? The
helmsman replied that he " got along a good ways by the
water, but not far by the land." Hitchcock, who was an
inveterate story-teller, related this incident in inimitable
manner.
Michael Younghans kept a hotel two miles west of the
village of Nassau about 1820, and continued the same for
several years. Michael was an institution in and of him-
self. The manner in which he murdered the King's Eng-
lish was exceedingly peculiar. He was a wit, a wag. and
humorist without knowing it. About 1834 he began re-
pairing his bouse, adding to it a piazza, with posts extending
from the piazza floor to the extension of the roof. His
description of it was certainly humorous. He said he
" professed to perform to say that he something or other
was doing. He was a-going to get carpenters to impair his
house, firiquelly it in front, open pizarro all round, up-and-
dicular posts on a new destruction !" At another time he
bad been to Albany with a load of grain ; prices were low ;
returning home, he said to one of his neighbors that " this
there world was so much larger than the city of Albany,
that it spoilt the market!" Mr. Younghans was noted for
his fine poultry, especially geese.
About 1830 Bunker Hill Tavern, kept by Mr. Huddleston,
was in its glory. Schodack Landing then possessed an array
of gay boys, that could not well be surpassed in mischievous
exploits. They were once at Bunker Hill on a lark, and as
they passed Younghans', captured and carried away his
gander. Mr. Gander, like Mr. Younghans, was equal to
any occasion ; as the Landing hoys stopped at Beanies' on
the post-road, and at Muitzeskill to wet their whistles, Mr.
Gander, not getting treated, lustily Called for, as the boys
said, •■ Younghans ! founghans! Younghans!" which en-
LOG
BISTORT OF RENSSELAEK COUNTY, NEW YORK.
i his owner t" track thorn home and regain possession
nf his favorite gander. Be sued the Landing hoys for
damages. The trial came on :it Bunker Hill. Younghans
I judgment against them for damages For loss of
time, r.\] . which the boys paid, and owned up
that the old Dutchman was to uch for them ! The old
man could Bing a song and tell a story. Among the amus-
ing incidents of his singing was that which occurred in the
fall nf 1840, after the Whigs had carried the election that
_\.ar. The Whigs in thai vicinity gave a supper at Bunker
Hill. Probably the Hon. Castle W. Hcrrick and Capt.
Smith Van Valkeuburg are the only two persons then
nl now living in the vicinity. John Fitch i now
■ Fitch, nf New York City), then a hut.' boy, de-
livered thi' oration, and Michael Younghans sang Yankee
D lie, givingit in the low country Dutch:
"Ynnkor didcl, '1 lot down,
Dittel, -lull.! lantor :
or vivi-r. voovcr viwn,
Batonnilk und Tontbcr.
■hi. — Ynnkor didcl, doodol down,
Yankor vivcr, voovcr vown '."
Finishing his quaint version with the utmost enthusi-
asm, the audience applauding him to the echo. The high
Dutcher was in his clement ; no pen ran describe it ; his
voice was rich and melodious. He had taken enough of
the "pure old Holland" to make him feel hilarious, and
his performance would have brought down the applause of
any theatrical house ever assembled. Mr. Younghans was
•1 man in every sense of the word, — kind-hearted and
is ie of the best of neighbors, a man who kept his
.in 1 paid his ■!
VI.— ( IV1I. HISTORY.
Tl !LMiiiziti.>u nl the town dates from March IT. 1795,
at the time of the division of Rcnsselaerswyck. Porti
•ii- of Berlin and Nassau were taken nil' of the
in 1806, leaving the territory now comprised within
mils. B foi ■ the ii r] oration the affairs of the i pic
i in a domestic way. under the general direc-
tion of the pati i some of the leading men selected
for the i in .
m filed in the clerk's office at the time of in-
.1 tin re were at that period in the
if the town, beginning at 3 ira • M Kown's,
rum ng the new Albanj Road to Thomas
\ in Ni ss' mills, 159 heads
I freeholds of £100
in value, 1 I persons who had freeholds of £20 and under
but who rented tcn-
' ' I he
tinning tin
; ! northward to
the new i I to J Mi
is' and to the |
In; ,„ |.
100, I | i sons who held
nd under E100, and 125) electors who
The census of ISO", taken after parts of Berlin and Nas-
sau were taken, showed, heads of families, 408 ; freeholders
of £100, 298; freeholders of £20 and under £100, 1;
electors, etc., 15 I.
The census of 1S1-1 showed, heads of families, 525 ; free-
holders of £100, 327; freeholders of £20 and under £100,
8; electors of yearly value of 40s., 200 ; freeholders, white
malis. under eighteen, S28 ; freeholders, white females,
eighteen and under, 454 ; freeholders, white males, forty-
five and upwards. 1S2; freeholders, white females, eigh-
teen (under . 7-'.~> ; freeholders, white females, eighteen
and mid. r forty-five, 540; freeholders, white females, forty-
live and upwards, 184; other free persons. 04; slaves,
151.
The firal town-meeting was held on April 7. 1793
'flu. mas Frost acted as moderator of the meeting, and the
following officers were ehoseu : Supervisor. Aaron Ostnin-
dcr; Ass. --uis. Cornelius Shcrmcrhorn, Nicholas Staats,
Tims. Frost, Jonathan Hoag, Nathaniel Brock way ; Over-
seers of the Poor, James McKown, Isaac Phillips ; Collector,
Henry Shcffer ; Commissioners of Highways, Elijah Kel-
sey, Hosea Hamilton, Walter Carpenter; Constables, Henry
Shcffer, Charles Mason. Honhcii Burton. Joseph Bureh,
Thomas Bremijahm ; Poundmasters, John Van Ness. Jona-
than Hoag; Fence- Viewers. Jacobus Yanderpoel, Jacob
Barhitc, Barent Van De Bergh, David Arnold, Jesse De
Freest, Peter Aulthuyser, George Milleas, Nathaniel Brock-
way, Samuel Brown, Gcrmond Filkiu, Richard Yates;
Pathmastcrs, John K. Lansing, St. Ledger Cowlcs, Darius
Sherman, Jacobus Van Ness. Jacob Van A'alkenlmrgh,
David Beli. Joseph Bell, Joseph Vichory, Cornelius Scher-
merhorn. Jacobus Yolmsbee. John Van Ness, Jr., Harmon
Coun.
Since that time the principal offices of the town have
been filled by the following persons ;
-i PERVISORS.
1 795 I, \. 0. 0 Iran lor; lSUtl-9, C. Scl crinorliorn : 181(1-1.1, Wil-
liaui Lewis; ISH 16, C. [. Scherniorkorn ; 1817-19, W. Brook"
way: IS20 22, S. R. Campbell; IS23, J. Whilbeck, Jr. ; 1S24, S.
R. Campbell; 1825 33, \. Buekm - I , .1 - 1M0
-43, A Buckmnn; 1844, P.O. Ten Eyck; IS45, S. McClollanj
1 SIC- 17. .1. N. Vcddcr; ISIS, Win. \. Budd ; IS 19, E. Conklinj
■ <.. Lansing; 1854-30, S. \V. Tallmn.lgc; 1857-59, Mi
Knickerbocker ; 1860, B. L. Van tloctoii ; 1SCI 52, II. B. Howardj
.1. Schormorhorn ; 1364, II. B. Howard; IS65, M. I. Mil-
ler: 1866-67, John G ".'. II. P. Van Hocson; 1870-
71. N. S. Miller; IS72 73, J. V. 0. Witb«ck ; 1874, O. \ .... \',...r-
his; 1875, Isaac Carpenter; IS76 77. W.I; Di Freest; 1
Frank P. II
TOWN CLERKS.
Drake; I79S ISOO, Jnmcs Ynn>K'nl>urgh :
John Smith; Is. is. John D. Smith, 1^11. Henry Livinj
Brockway; 1817, Matthias Hul.-t : I SJ I, Jeremiah
Shibli I I n II . 'in : 182S, Mil.. Cragin .
lol K. Cninp . Barcnl Hues : 1833, Hi nrj C. I
wick nsing : 181.1, I', i ; 1844, M il-
M W. I..,-I,,T : 1SI0, Ni.li.ila- S. Millrr;
184 ,, Voorhis ; 1 [. Mill, r ; I
\ . Ie \\ itbeck : I »..:. 0. Shibloy ; I • Van
\ in D. nl ii iimucl s. \> nrnor :
h ...I Pnckmnn : 1870, 0 arret
G. Lansing : l\l TJ. Dai id u J. I.ewiB ; 1 >7 1,
Ii.ivi 1 Bcckor; I
TOWN OF SCHODACK.
107
JUSTICES HI' THE PEACE.
is;1/.', Jacob W. Lewis i 1833, William Van Du \braham V.
Sobormorhom ; 1834, Lawrence C. Hogobooin, Salmon Stovcn
.,,,, |835, John Garrison j 1836, Ibial Buokman, William Hai
ri8; is:;;. Vbial Buokman, John Garrison) 1838, Abial Buok
man, John Albortson : 1839, Elisha C. Conklin, John Carpenter;
[840, Nathaniel Griffith; 1841, John Carpenter; 1842, Vbial
Buekmnn; 1S43, Elisha C. Conklin; 1844, Henry M. Smith;
1845, John Carpenter: 1S46, Abial Buokman; 1847, David
Booth; 1848, Henry M. Smith; 1849, Ji M. Dobous, Milton
Knickerl kor; 1850, IbialBuek n; 1851, David Booth; I 52,
Milton Knickerbocker; 1853, Isaac Carpenter; IS54, Lawrence
C. Hogel in: 1855, Abel N". Garrison; 1850, Milton Knicker
bookor; 1 85T, Nathan N. Seaman; 1859, Abel H.Garri on; 1860
Josiah W. Boyd ; 1861, Joel Carpenter; 1862, Nathan X. Seaman ;
[803, Ibol II. Garrison ; 1864, Se aS.Smith; 1S65, Joel Car-
penter; 1866, Silas Cargin; 1867, Abo! 11. Garrison; 1868,
George Eckes; 1S69, Joel Carpenter; 1870, Silas Cargin ; IS7I,
Eli Shafcr; IS72, P. S. Miller; 1873, Isaac Carpenter; 1874,
N. N. Seaman; 1875, Eli Shafer; 1876, P. S. Miller; 1877, I aac
Capenter; 1878, N. N. Seaman; 1879, Eli Shafer, Wm. ft. De
Freest, appointed to 611 i acaney.
VII.— VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Of these there are several in the town. The principal
village is
CASTLETON,
which occupies a pleasant site on the banks of the Hudson,
about eight miles below the city of Albany. It takes its
name from an eminent Indian castle or chief wigwam,
which once occupied the crest of (he hill back of the village
known as Castle Hill.
The settlement of the village began at an early day.
Those who made the first settlements in the locality have
been already referred to. Besides these, Capt. Eslik was
an early resident of the village, and lived on the present
site of Nathan N. Seaman's house. He was formerly a
captain in the merchant marine service. Jabez Robinson.
James L. Hogeboom, Joseph Proseus, and Nathan and
George Noyes were also early residents of Castleton.
The village was incorporated in 1827. At that time ii
contained not over 25 buildings, and about KM) inhabitants.
According to the census of 1875 it had a population of
841, belonging to 187 families. The present population is
probably about 1000. The village contains a Reformed
Protestant Dutch church, a Methodist church, two hotels, —
the American House and Clark's, — five general stores, a
bank, several stores devoted to special lines of trade, and a
number of lumber-, coal-, and brick-yards. It is pleasantly
laid out, the dwellings are neat and tasteful, and a general
air of activity and thrift pervades the place. The commer-
cial interests of the village are quite prominent. Several
barges ply between the village and New York. The Hud-
son River Railroad passes through it, and affords excellent
railroad facilities.
An old store stood on the dock over half a century ago,
and was kept by Livingston, Hurd & Co. Another stood
at the same time where Abram Van Buren lives, and was
kept by Daniel Wilcox. Before Livingston, Hurd & Co.,
McCloskey and Gregory each had a store, the latter on the
:; None appear to have been chosen bj the town prior i" this date.
They were appointed before that. The appointments do no! appear
on the records.
corner where .1. \V \ an Hoi en livi and tin- former on
the corner of Maine and South Strcel I id B urd
were prominent dealers on the dock after Livingston,
Hurd .V Co. Tlie principal traders where Mr. Van Burcn
lives have been Abial Buckman, lb m G V.
Schermerhorn, Philip II. Smith, Smith & Dawson, Smith
& Beekman, and Nathan N. Seamans. Sybil >V Hogi
boom were in trade where the depot now stands nearly
fifty years ago. Lawrence C. Hogeboom wa then ome
time. .Ihiiiis L. Hogeboom was there still earlier. Bell
& Whitaker were in trade in a tore built bj L Hogeboom,
and owned by .1. W. Van Hoesen, near the depot, over forty
years ago. The principal trader- now in the village are J.
W. "Van Hoesen Joel D.Smith, Nathan N. Seamans, C.
G. it L. Llichards, G. D. Curtis, and N. N. Seamans &
Sons.
An old-time tavern was kept bj Joseph Proseus aver sixty
years ago in the north part of the village. The buildin
still standing, and although now used as a tenement bears
over the main entrance the name of ,: Joseph Proseus," in
large letters. In this old building many town- and village-
meetings have been held, and its walls have witnessed many
jovial and hospitable scenes.
Jeremiah Gage and others were early inn-keepers where
Griffith's block now stands. Jabez Robinson also had an
early inn where the tenement-house now stands, north of
the Methodist church. Manasseh Knowlton kept the old
Gage tavern for many years, and was at one lime also pro-
prietor of the present Clark's hotel. His successor at the
latter point was Michael Effler, who was succeeded by
Peter G. Clark, the present proprietor. James Lewis first
had a tavern where the American House now is. He was
followed by Michael Effler, and he by Wilson Ham, the
present proprietor.
Owing to the occurrence of a severe fire in the village
in 1871,
THE FRANK P. HARPER ENGINE COMPANY
was organized in that year. A neat engine-house was
erected on a portion of a lot of land that had been devised
to the village by William Custis in the year 18G4, upon
which to erect "an academy or school-house or some build-
ing devoted to educational or religious purposes." A hand-
some fourth-class steam-engine was secured, which, with
1G0U feet of hose and other useful paraphernalia, consti-
tutes the present fire apparatus of the village. The first
officers of the company were: President, Frank P. Haider;
Chief Engineer, W. P. Smith ; Foreman, W. P. Smith ;
First Assistant Foreman, James M. Dawson ; Second As-
sistant, P. II. Finkle; Third Assistant, George Hudson,
Jr. The present active officers are: Foreman, Gei
Fisher ; First Assistant, George Small ; Second Assistant,
George Noah.
A post-office was established at Castleton at an early day.
The present postmaster is J. W. Van Hoesen.
The first village-meeting held after the incorporation was
on May 7, 1828, at the " late residence of Henry Proseus."
William Fitch, justice of the peace, presided. Since that
time the following have been the principal officers of the
village :
■
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
PRESIDl
Jero-
Win. Civill ; 1834,
. Ralph Buss :
in Stearns;
under; 1843, Philip II.
Buckmnn; 1840-51, Honry Gngo; 1852-
■ 1 D. Smith; 185S, Samuel D.
rdor; 185? \ . Schormor-
, iah \^ . Van Hocscn : '• Scbcr-
, J. V. D. Wit riuor-
horn unman; 1867, John V. D. Witbcok; 1868,
D, Philip Lansing; IS70-71, Frank
P. [larder; IS72, Jnmc." R. Dovrnor; l lv7l,
Downor; 1875-77, I -~s. Abram
i bell.
CL1
31, J. E. Stearns; 1832, Henry
II; 1834, Humphrey Witbeck; 1835
1S40, Pctei '
1841-43, John C.Davis; 1844, Harrison II. Hall; 1845, James
B.Wil eck; 1846-51, Jool D. Smith; IS ,1 lip H. Smith;
0, a. Hi lin r 1 - ; 1S55, Jan os 1 . Ho .-• b m ; IS
: ISGO, Jaiuci I.. Hogcbo : IS61 65, Rufus Rose;
b Boucher; 1S67 68, F. P. Harder; 1869, Silo
irrct Q. Lansing; 1870, Garrcl 0. Lan-
. P. Smith; 1871-75, Wm. P. Smith; 1876, Silos
l, Wm. P. Smith.
In 1870 tbe village voted to become a corporation under
il laws of the State.
SI HODAI K LANDING
i- a pleasant post-village in the southwest part of the town.
:i the Hudson River nearly opposite the vil-
lus, and directly opposite Schodack [sland,
and Hudson River Railroad. It i
ied Protestant Dutch church, two hotels, a
nun. - tl 400 inhabitants. In times
i large freighting business lias been carried on IV
this point, and it U still an important shipping station.
was established early, [n 1825, John C.
Dr. John Squires filled the
1 1 her postmasters have
Kittle. Edwin J. Smith, and the present
n A. Hcrrick.
I Kittle Tavern, a Mrs. Clark kept a
!■ 1840, nearly opposite the
Mr. Wa
tent at the head of the
tioncd,
ti and Smith Peters have been in trade
II' mil it"-.'. 1 : ijamin Van 1 1 ■■■ en
n Smith is now locati d. B
.i number - in trade for
I any of New York
land,
i in 1-7'J. In the
win-
SCHODACK DEPOT
is a hamlet situated near the centre of the town, and is a
station on the Boston and Albany Railroad. It contains
two stun--, a post-office, about -111 dwelling-houses, and has
a population of about 100 souls.
SOI I'll SCHODACK
is situated in the southern part of the town, and has a pop-
ulatiiui of about SO |iersons. It is a post-village, and
does considerable freighting business upon the Boston and
Albany Railroad which passes through it.
1 V.SX SCHODACK,
sometimes known as Scott's Cornets, is located in the north-
eastern section nl the town, and contains a Lutheran church,
a hotel kept bj R. II. Branch, two stores kept by P. S.
Miller and George Eckes, and two blacksmith-sh
Among the earliest settlers there was John Witbeck, who
lived near the fulling-mill at that point, and was a Revolu-
tionary soldier. The Lewis family also settled early just
above the " Corners," and are still represented in the town.
Nathan Frost was also an early settler there. A man
named Scott built the hotel about 1S10, and kept it for a
number of years, whence the name of the place. Among
his successors have been Henry Gardner, John Wheeler,
and John S. Van Denbergh. The first store was kept by
Cornelius Burdwell. about 1827, and was known as tbe " old
red store." Burdwell was formerly in trade at Greenbush.
Nicholas Lester followed, and kept the store about twentj
years. Harris B. Howard, John Garrison, Miller & Water-
bury, Miller & Sharp, and P. S. .Miller have been in
trade there since. The post-oflicc was established about
twenty-five years ago, and Nicholas Lester is believed to
have been the first postmaster. Jacob B. Lape, Harris B.
Howard, and James Brown have been among the incum-
bents of the office since. J. W. Boycc is the present |
master.
St HOD \< K CENTRE
is a small hamlet situated northwest of the centre of the
town, and contains a hotel, blacksmith-shop, and a number
of pleasant dwelling-houses. The post-office at this point
was established al I. The first postmaster was
James Richardson, and the office was kept in the McCouH
Hotel. Others who have filled the office have been John
II. Van Dcnbergh, Nicholas S. Miller, Jacob W. Lewis,
and William Wcstfall. The brick tavern was built in
181C by John Witbeck, who kept it a good many years.
Isaac Huddleston, Goethe, and tbe present proprie-
tor, Gardner, have been there since.
MDITZES KILL
is a hamlet of some size, located on Muitzes Kill Creek, in
the southern part of the town. It contains a fulling-mill,
d Reformed Protestant Hutch church, a store, hotel, and
about thirty dwelling houses. John S. Clapp had an early
tie re, and others have follow, d him in trade. Peter
8. Miller has a small store there now. The posl nffici
Mr. Polii the
tmastcr. A public-house has been kept in the
hamlet for many years.
TOWN OF 8CHODACK.
im:i
u vsten's coknees
is situated about two miles south of Castleton. li contains
ffielve houses and a blacksmith-shop, besides the store of
W. I. k J. ''• Masten, whence the place derives its name.
Clark's Corners and the Baptist Neighborhood
arc located in the northeastern section of the town, the
fitter being the site of the old Baptist Church, — one of
the most ancient religious organizations in the town, — and
the former of a small Methodist chapel. But few dwelling-
houses are to be found at each place.
VIII.— SCHOOLS.
The educational interests of the town received early at-
tention. Unfortunately, all records relating to the first
organization of schools in the town, it' any such record
ever existed, have been destroyed or lost; and tradition
1ms handed down nothing reliable relatiug to that remote
period.
That such schools really were in existence soon after the
settlement of the town we have ample proof, and the well-
known devotion of the Dutch to the school and the church
affords additional evidence of the fact.
At Castleton, Catharine Van Buren, now Mrs. Hannibal
Fink, of Little Falls, donated a lot for school purposes, at
an early day. Upon a part of this a school-house was
erected over sixty years ago. This was followed by a brick
one, which was erected in 1833 upon the same site. The
jpesent school-house was built twelve or fourteen years ago,
and is a large and handsome structure, 56 by 34 feet in
size. Among the earliest teachers at this school was Daniel
Russell.
At Schodack Landing the earliest school is said to have
Stood on the bank of the river, where N G. Spaulding
now resides. The bare knowledge of its existence is all
that can be ascertained about it. Among the early teachers
at Schodack Landing were a man by the name of Van
Dyke, Ebenezer Bliss. Daniel Searles, and Albertine Van
Alstyne, who still resides in that place. In 1825 the school-
house stood where it now stands, and was two stories high.
Preaching was occasionally held in the upper room of the
building. The present school-house was erected about three
years ago.
SCUODACK LANDING ACADEMY
was built about 1844, by subscription, the desire of the
citizens being to sustain academic education. The first in-
structor of the academy was Thomas McKee, who remained
in that capacity for twelve or fourteen years, and under
whom the institution was well conducted and flourishing.
No permanent instruction has been given in the academy
since. The building is still standing, the first north of the
church, and is the property of the latter.
The school-district system now prevails in the town.
There are sixteen districts in all, of which fourteen are
whole districts, and two joint with Columbia County, viz.,
Nos. 4 and 9.
IX.— CHURCHES.
The religious history of the town dates from a remote
period. The most ancient existing church organization is
52
THE REFORMED PRO! EST IN [ Dl I'll CU1 BCH "T
BOI A.I i
which is now located al Muitzes Kill. The exact date of
il stablishmenl of the church is unknown. The old
chun li record dates lack to 1770, but makes no refer n
to an\ previous organization, or to the erecting of a house
of worship. Prom a call given to the firel pastor, howevi
we learn thai for sixti en yi ai prior to L770 he had occa-
sionally and regularly preached at Schodack. Back of that
period it is impossible to trace the history of the m ivemeot.
The membership of the church in 1770 was 63, most of
whom wore leads of families. In 1792 the church owi
a parsonage worth £150, but no pastor is known to have
resided in it prior to 1 798.
From 177" until 1810 the house of worship and the
parsonage were in the neighborl I of Schodack Lauding.
The site of the first church is presumed to have been a
little north of the present Matson residence, hi the brow of
the hill near the road-side. It was built after the usual
fashion at that time, quite or nearly square, with a steep
roof running up from the sides like a barrack-roof, and had
a cupola, in which hung a bell. If it boasted of a stove
(which is doubtful) it stood in the centre, on a pedestal.
higher than the people's heads, and during the singing of
the second hymn the sexton ascended to it by a ladder and
Lie wed the fire. The walls of the church were of suffi-
cient height to admit of a gallery. The pulpit, which was
small and high, and reached by means of a winding stair-
Case, was near the entrance, or between them, if there were
two. The site of the meeting-house was changed in 1810
to Muitzes Kill, and a meeting was held in it in June of
that year. One tradition has it that Col. Schermerhorn
brought about the removal because he considered it detri-
mental to his property to have a church adjacent to it; but
a more probable story is that Elder Michel, who resided in
the east part of the congregation, proposed the change, and
through his instrumentality it was effected. This building
was used by the congregation until Feb. 7, 1S76, when it
was dest roved by fire. The present edifice was erected in
the year 1876, at a cost of $6000, and was dedicated on
December 6th of that year. The old parsonage stood on
the land now owned by Michael Rowe. The house now
occupied by Stephen Dings was also used as a parsonage.
The first pastor of the church was Johannes Casparus
Fryenmoet, who was called by the congregations of Kinder-
hook (Columbia County and Schodack. He was educated
in Holland, and first settled in Minisink, N. J. He be-
came the pastor of the churches at Kinderhook, Claverack,
and Livingston Manor in 1756, which were at that time
the only Dutch churches, and probably the only churches
within the present bounds of Columbia County. The call -
to Mr. Fryenmoet was to labor two-thirds of the time in
Kinderhook and the remainder of the time at Schodack.
He was to receive for his services £135, to be paid by each
congregation proportionately to the services rendered. The
call is signed by the members of the consistory of the
church at Schodack, and by eight from the Kinderhook
church. The names of the members from the Schodack
church are Elders Hendrick Van Buren, Eendricus Spoor,
and Audries A. Huyck ; Deacons Hendrick Schermerhorn,
410
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
G _ 1 od Johannes W. Huyck. The pastor-
ate of Mr. Frjenmool continued tor six 01 eight years, and
umil his death. At its close the membership of die church
was 1 IT.
Tin- church had no regular pastor for twelve years. The
ad pastor, Rev. James Romeyn, began his labors in
17--. Be was called by the churches of Greenbusli and
Schodack. and rendered equal services in each congregation,
receiving a salary of £75 annually from each. He rc-
mained pastor for -i\ years. Trior to his pastorate the
rds of the church had been kept in the Dutch lan-
guage, bul from the close of his pastorate, in lT'.U. they
appear in English. Ai the same date the minutes of the
General Synod of the church were first kepi in English. Up
t-. 1798 there are no minutes of the consistory of the church.
The third pastor was Rev. Christian Bork, who was
called from New Rhinebcck. During the Revolutionary
war. when the British occupied New York, the minis-
;' the I1 i oh churches of thai city fled into the coun-
try lor safety. Dr. Livingston, al that time pastor of the
collegiate church, spent part of his exile at Poughkeepsie.
While tl F his sermons, preached in a barn, was
the means of converting a Hessian drummer-boy, who, in
time, became a preacher of the gospel. This was Christian
B rk, who was called by the churches of Schodack and
Bethlehem, in February, IT'.'S. He was the only pastor
who resided at Schodack Landing prior to 1S21. His pas-
torate was di voted and successful, about 60 members uniting
with the Schodack church during its continuance. It ter-
minal. 1 in 1808.
The successor of Mr. Bork was Rev. Jesse Fonda, who
became the joint pastor of the church at Union village
\ ;. and Schodack in ISO!), and labored with gnat
effect. In 1813 lie was called to the pastorate of the First
1; formed Church of New Brunswick, N. J., and the united
Lion, which lie left, called as his successor Rev.
r Van I'.nren. He also resided in Nassau, and during
his pastorate of live years received 40 members to the
lack church.
In December, 1820, the connection which had existed
between the Schodack and Nassau churches, since the or-
i of the latter in ISO:'., was dissolved, and in the
following M R • [saiah V. Johnson, of Argylc, Wash-
ingl I died to if which now for the
ped the entire services of a pastor. Mr. John-
blyandau --fully a.- the pastor of the church
until his death, in January. 1823.
Sine- Mr. Johnson tie1 following reverend gentlemen
filled tl I the church i Asa Hen-
Van Santvoord, 1-.':' 34 ; John
:•; ; William Bailey, 1-17 56 ; Benjamin 1'.
\ B. Pt ffers, 1869 ::;; and William
1874.
hurch, at the pri sent tine', is in a pros]
ditinn. Tin- meml of Sabbath-school,
loo j Superintendent, \ 1 1 I'
■ i hurch are Hiram \V. Maston, I
i \ Schi rinerhorn ;
. W. Carpenter, An, I. Castle, William
II;'
church. Al
; of the Classis of Rensselaer, held at the church
on the third Tuesday of September, 1S5S, appli-
T11K REFORMED CHURCH OF SCHODACK LANDING
is a legitimate offshoot from the church at Muitzcskill
For many years it was an out-station of that
a meetin;
in Client
cation was made to organize a church at Schodack Land-
ing; and after investigation the church was duly consti-
tuted on November 2d of that year, and the following
persons were ordained to its respective offices: Elders,
Egbert Reed and Peter G. Ten Eyck ; Deacons. .I...-1
Reed and Israel Matson.
The object of the organization was to enable the holy t"
held a legal title to the present church edifice, which had
been erected in 1835 upon land donated by John ScheJ
uierhorn. The newly-organized church continued its con-
nection with the church at Muitzcskill until the year
1866, when it began an independent existence by the call
i.l' a pastor. In that year it was enrolled among the
churches of the Classis of Rensselaer as a distinct and
separate organization.
The first pastor of the church was Rev. Isaac L. Kip,
who held the pastoral office from 1S67 to 1875, when he
was succeeded by Rev. William J. Leggett, the present
pastor.
The organization is one of the most prosperous in the
Classis. and already has a membership of 173 persons. The
Sabbath-school numbers 156 ; number of volumes in the
library, upwards of lino ; Superintendent. 1?. F. Knicker-
bocker. The elders of the church are Robert W. Bell,
Benjamin F. Knickerbocker, Charles H. Lent, and Edgar
J. Schermerborn ; Deacons, Winfield S. Dings, John A.
Herrick, Peter G. .Matson, and Jackson Whanel.
THE BAPTIST CIH'KCII IN SCHODACK
was organized in 1780. The town was then called New
Bethlehem. In 1786 the church reported to the Shafts-
bury Association 17 members. John Carmichael and
wife, Joel Bristol and wife, Mr. Calkins and wife, Ephraim
Jones, Setb Perry, James Lawrence and wife, Lawrence
Townsend. Joshua Huff and E. Jones were deacons.
These were some of the first members, but it is not certain
that all were constituent members. A Rev. Mr. Tubbe
was pastor for a very short time. He died in 17>7 or
1788. With this exception the church was without a
pastor during the first seventeen years of its existence; but
they were frequently visited by ministers who made mis-
sionary lours among the feeble churches, pica. lied, and
administered the ordinances. Soon after their organization
they built a log meeting-house. That was removed, and
the present edifice was built in 1800. It has been repaired
several tim.-s. In 17:'-. Stephen \ an Rensselaer gave the
society a d 1 of 21 acres of land for a parsonage and site
of the meeting-house.
In 17'.'7. Rev. Stephen Olmstcad became pastor of the
church, then numbering 51 members. He remained pastor
thirty-five years, and died in l-:'.2. During his pastorate
I'M m. ml. .-is were added by bapti.-m. Iii 1822, 35 mem-
bers were dismissed to form the Second Baptist Church in
in. and in 1SSM. 1 - were disinissi d to form the church
in Sand Lake The church gave license to preach the
I
TOWN OK SCHODACK.
Ill
gospel to Rev. E. Tucker in 1820, Rev. I'. Knowlton,
1825; Rev. 1!. Bullock, 1827; Rov. 1). W. Elmore, L828;
and Rev. \\r. Harris in 1838.
Rev. S. Olmstead was followed in the pastorate by Revs.
C. C. Williams, is:;ii, two years; D. Ford, 1834, one year;
J. D. Rogers, four years; \Vr. Harris, six years; A. Milne,
1841), eight years; ]'. I'. Sanderson, two years; W. W.
Allen, two years; D. Robinson, 1858, two years; II. M.
Jones, two years; (!. W. Deinars, Lewis Selleek (settled in
lSllli), four years; and Rev. T. II. Green in 1870, and is
now the pastor. I have not the dates of the settlements
of all the pastors.
This church lias received into its membership nearly 500,
but by dismissions, deaths, and exclusions, it now numbers
but 83.
The congregation, from the organization until now, has
included families residing in Schodack, Nassau, Sand Lake,
and Greenbusb.
In the deed given by Mr. Van Rensselaer to the church
it is called " St. Peter's Baptist Church." The early
records of the church were lost by fire.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CASTLETON.
This church began as a missionary station, connected
with the Chatham circuit, in 1836, and was under the pas-
toral charge of Rev. Joshua Poor. The class worshiped
in an old school-house in the lower end of the village.
Occasional preaching was had by Rev. Messrs. Poor and
Jolly, of Bethlehem, and Wallace, of Albany.
In the year 1837 it still sustained the same status. A
revival occurred, and a society was formed, having a mem-
bership of about (JO.
In the year 1838 the present church edifice was built,
and dedicated by Bishop Hedding. Rev. Philetus Green
became the first settled pastor of the church. The first
board of trustees consisted of James L. Hogeboom, John
Stearns, Abel Sage, Ralph Buss, and John E. Stearns.
The following year the church still continued a mission-
ary charge, under the pastoral care of Rev. Dillon Stev-
ens, who resided at Castleton. It comprised classes in the
towns of Schodack and Greenbusb, and societies in the
villages of Castleton and Greenbusb. A small church was
erected at Greenbusb the same year.
In 1S40 the charge was connected with Nassau, Rev.
Messrs. C. R. Morris and C. Barber preachers. The latter
resided at Castleton. The next year the charge was con-
nected with Greenbusb again, and was under the pastoral
care of Rev. C. Barber.
In 1842, Rev. W. W. Pierce and Rev. A. A. Farr were
pastors, the latter residing at Castleton. Revs. H. B.
Knight and A. A. Farr were the preachers the following
year.
In 1S44 the charge became a separate station, and has
since been under the pastoral charge of the following per-
sons: 1844-45, Rev. R. Wescott ; 1846, Rev. J. W.
Belknap; 1847-48, Rev. E. H. Foster; 1849, Rev. S. H.
Hancock; 1850, D. W. Dayton; 1851-52, Rev. J. L.
Cook; 1853, Rev. A. Heath; 1854-55, Rev. H. Warner;
1856-57, Rev. B. Isbell; 1858-59, Rev. Homer Eaton;
1860-61, Rev. R. Wescott; 1862-63, Rev. Truman Sey-
mour; 1864, Rev. E. So I 65 67, Rev. .). Pegg;
L868, Rev. Selah W. Brown; 1869-71, Rev. Andrew
McGilton; 1872-74, Rev. I!. K. Livingston; 1875, Rev.
Edward E. Taylor; 1876-78, Rev. J. G Gooding; L879
tin' present pastor, Rev. E. A. Blaochard.
A parsonage was purchased in 1852 for $1000. During
the pastorate of Rev. Mr. McGilton the present pareooa
was buill ai a cost of $3000. 'I'll'' house of worship « i-
remodeled ami repaired in I -all ;ii :i cosl of aboul $2200.
The present trustees of the church are John J. Fuller,
John II. Porter, Abram Jones, \. A. Sehermerhoro, F. P.
Harder, Matthias Hart, B. II. Van Buren, and Osborn
Earing. The stewards are J. II. Porter, Osborn Baring,
Edward Van Dyke, Thomas J. Hinckly, Henry Comstock
Elijah Comstock, Abram Jones, Isaac Burton, J. E. Collins.
President of Trustees, John J. Fuller; Treasurer, John II.
Porter; Secretary, I!. H. Van Buren.
The church has a membership of about 100 ; average at-
tendance upon Sabbath-school, 80 ; volumes in library, about
160; Superintendent of Sabbath-school, Osborn Earing.
REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH OF CASTLETON.
This church was organized in 1853, and the first pastor
was Rev. E. P. Stimpson, who was settled the same year.
The second pastor of the church was Rev. Edgar L. Heer-
mance, who filled that position from 1861 to 1869. Rev.
George A. Mills, the third and present pastor, commenced
his labors in 1870. The church building at Castleton was
erected in 1852.
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF EAST SCHO-
DACK
was organized May 15, 1842, by the Rev. H. L. Dox, and
the following officers were then elected: Cornelius Burwell,
William Reynolds, Marcus W. Lasher, Jacob Potts, and
Jacob P. Lape. The first house of worship was erected in
1844. The present structure was built in 1872.
Since the organization of the church the pastors have
been Revs. H. L. Dox, May 16, 1842, eight years ; N. Van
Alstyne, July 1, 1850, ten years, five mouths ; M. W. Em-
pie, July 1, 1861 ; J. Kling; and the present incumbent,
C. L. Barringer.
The present officers of the church are J. P. Lape, J. W.
Boyce, and A. Boyce, M.D., Trustees; P. S. Miller, George
Warner, and J. E. Boyce, Deacons.
The Sabbath-school comprises 80 scholars, 14 teachers,
and has 300 volumes in the library. The superintendent
is Geo. Warner. Both the church and Sabbath-school are
in a flourishing couditiou.
X.— BURIAL-PLACES.
These are numerous within the limits of the town, many
of which are private ones, such as the old Schermerhorn
yard, at Schodack Landing, north of the Matson place.
Others are small, and intended only for the use of the resi-
dents in certain localities.
At Castleton there are two burial-grounds adjoining,
designated as the " old yard" and the "new cemetery."
The first was laid out many years ago, and beneath its sod
repose many of the older residents of the town. The
412
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
oljj..- .v record the deaths of Philip Bur-
lingham, who died Sept. 5, 1804, aged fiRy-thrce years and
and throe months. Elisabeth Burlingham, who died Sept.
16, 1804, aged fifty-three years and eight months. Asahel
Strickland, who was drowned July 22, 1805, aged thirty-
nine, and Robert ( 'annul. ad. who died Oct 26, 1805, in
his forty-ninth year. There are several handsome monu-
ments in the yard, prominent among which is that of Dr.
James Hogeboom. The ground was originally donated to
ii- | by Jeremiah and Richard Gage, and Benja-
min E-tis. and cousisted of two village I
The new ground is under tin- control of
Tin: OASTLETON OEMETERX ASSOCIATION,
wliith WLi- incorporated under the general laws of the State
on < >.t. 5, 1855. The ground was laid out the same year,
and originally comprised but two acres. It lias since been
enlargi 1 to >ix. The founders of the association were
Nathan N. Seaman, Joel D. Smith, Abram Van Buren,
Andr.w Harder. John A. Boucher, Augustus Dc Brcl,
and [saac V. Schermerhorn, who were chosen trustees
of the association at the first election, held Dec. 24,
1855. The present officers of the association are Barcnt
1 Van Bo sen, President; James M. Dawson, Vice-Pres-
ident; Joel 1>. Smith, Treas. ; and N. N. Seaman, Secre-
tary. Trust - Nathan N. Seaman. Joel D. Smith, B. I.
Van 11 sen, I'. M. Briggs, C. H. Smith. J. M. Dawson,
and P. II. Smith. The cemetery is neatly laid out, aud
ins a number of handsome monuments and family-
plats. Several bodies have been taken from the old and
Other grounds and laid to rest beneath its sod, among
whom was that of Nathan Noycs, who died May 5, 1S13.
The cemetery at Schodack Landing was enlarged from
the old Ton Eyck family yard, which was used as a place of
interment at an early day. The establishment of the present
irrod in the year 1840. At first it was under the
trol of an association formed under the rural cemetery
but has since become the property of individuals. It
is n p| earance, and contains a number of elegant
Tie' oldi sl stones in tie- yard ate those which
mark thi last resting-place ol the following persons : Jacob
\ i 4 1784, aged 25 years. Kin ths,
and 1- '\.\-.-. Ensign .lam.-- Egberts, died Sept. 1!'. L795,
. .'• i 3 months, and 27 days ; Ann Egberts, died
: i i ."il years and ii n ths; Peter Ten
B ok, died May 11. 1813, a tnd 11 months;
and Antl I Eyck, win. died Jan. I. 1816, aged- 66
i I months. The tombstone erected to the mem-
f Dr. Shirts bears the following inscription:
I useful life Nov. 19,
I, the frank tnd faithful friend,
ftff- i."
i- an ancient bu
Moitces Kill, and another near the Baptist church in the
nort irn. Thi- latter was in use as early
nrials were mad.' back of the
I the latl
I ii. a. i- a nt at oi mctcn ni ar Ea -'
Schodack, or Scott's Corners, and others of moderate pre-
tensions in different portions of the town.
XI.— PLACES AND INCIDENTS OF HISTORICAL
INTEREST.
The inhabitants of the town of Schodack, during the
war of the Revolution, had severe trials in common with
their countrymen in those trying times. The country was
in a constant stale of alarm in consequence of the depreda-
tions of prowling, murdering Indians, and the formers and
residents in that locality had great difficulty in planting and
securing their crops. They planted corn in different plai
for the purpose of keeping themselves and their families
from starvation. For this purpose they generally went in
squads to plant and hoe their corn. The principal corn-field
was on the farm known as the "Evert 0. Lansing farm,"
south of the East Greenbush Dutch Reformed Church.
( me day, while returning to their families at the old " Bomb
Barrack," where they stayed for safety, and when near the
house of David Rector, they were fired upon by a party of
Indians, and a number of them killed and otherwise muti-
lated. For many years after, this spot, where the brook
crosses the road leading to the village of Castlcton.
called the " Murder Plaas," or murdering place. The
" Bomb Barrack" is a memorable spot in the history of
Schodack. It stood on the Barent Vandenburgh farm, at
what is known as Stony Point, about two miles from Cas-
tleton, near the river. Some time after the slaughter of I he
farmers at " Murdering Place," they banded together and
succeeded in expelling the Indians from the neighborhood.
We have already seen by the census of 1S14 that 151
slaves were owned in the town. The practice of holding
slaves was universal among the early Dutch settlers, and the
records of the town are frequently used for the purpose of
noting the manumission or birth of a slave. The following
extracts, with many others in regard to this point, are fur-
nished by the records :
•• U IXDMISSIOX.
•• MY the subscribers, live "f tbc Justices of the Peace of the C IB
of Rensselaer and two el' lie- Overseers of ihc Poor el' lie town "I
lack, in said County, being informed thai a Negro, named Mink,
is the property of Roolilf Johnson, ■•!* t lie Town an.] I
nnd that the said Roelifl" Johnson is inclined to manumit the said
Negro man .Mink.
•• \\ . do certify that the sai'l Negro man Mink appears I" n> 0
bo under fifty years of ngc, and of sufficient ability t" provide foi
himself.
•■ Witness "ur hands this 26tb day of April, I
"'* C. ScttEUMKRHonN, !.,,„„•„, „y ,-,,. p
" NlCnOLAS Sta vrs. J
" .1 en 9 Mi Rows, ) Qt
" 1-v \i Pllll I us, J
ergcert of the Poor.'
" niltTII.
"At Bohodnok Landing, 2Sth February, 1802. Jacobin Van
bad a Black Wench By the Name of BcUcy born the 29th Sept. last.
led this 16th day March, 1802.
" By me,
" .1 I'll- V \W>l:lllll Hell, Clrrt of »'/ 7'.
" I'll) sti ii QnlSWOl I'. I
\ll. -mil Til- \M> « ORPORATIONS.
Mil. NATIONAL BANS OS CASTLKTON
wan organized dan. 25, 1865, with a capital of $100,004
The Br.-t board of directors conipii-"! .I..el l». Smith, PreB
TOWN OK SCI M'K.
413
II. Hastings, Castle \V. [Ierrick, J. V. D. Witbcck, R.U
sell Downer, Andrew Harder, and Edwin II. Griffith,
The first president of the hank was Joel C. Smith, who
slill retains that office; the fust vice-president was Andrew
Harder; and the first cashier was Kdwin II. Griffith, who
was succeeded by James I!. Downer, the present cashier,
in October, 1874. The present directors of the hank are
Joel D. Smith, Abel Merchant, C. W. Herrick, T. B.
Simmons, (1. Van Voorhis, S. I'.. Campbell, Andrew
Harder, F. I'. Harder, and J. It. Downer.
The capital of the hank still remains as first established,
A statement of the institution, made April 4, 1ST'.', shows
at that time the following items:
Loans and discounts $139,475.88
Surplus 111. aim. on
Other undii ided profits 1,253.6 I
Deposits 71,498.00
' SUNNYSIDE LODGE, NO. 731, P. AND A. M., CASTLETON,
was organized in 1S72. The present officers are: W. 31.,
Fred. Hill; S. W., John W. McK night ; J. W, Millard
! J. Green ; Treas., Joel D. Smith.
The sessions of the lodge are held on the second and
fourth Tuesdays of each month, at Masonic Hall.
SCHODACK UNION LODGE, NO. 87, F. AND A. M.,
was organized about the year 1841. The first meetings of
the lodge were held at the "old brick tavern." They were
next held at Schodack Centre, in the tavern known as
"Masonic Hall," from whence, after many years, it passed
on to Scott's Corners, where its sessions are now held. A
large number of lodges have gone forth from this lodge,
among which have been Greenbusb Lodge, Valatie Lodge,
Sunnyside, at Castleton, and Gratitude, of Nassau. David
Booth, of Scott's Corners, and James Van Allen, of Nassau
village, are among its Past Masters.
XIII— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The cultivation of the rich soil of the town has always
constituted its principal industry. The water-power of the
town being of a minor order, has never offered great induce-
ments to the establishment of different branches of manu-
facture within its limits Saw- and grist-mills have existed
from an early day. The first was built before the Revolu-
tion a short distance below Castleton, and was operated by
a Van Buren. It was there as early as 17C7. Robert
Woodworth, James McKown, a Mr. Dickman, and a Mr.
Yeager also operated mills at an early day.
David Bell had a fulling-mill on Moordener's Kill, about
a mile below Schodack Centre, in the first part of the
present century, and as late as 1830. John Alkeson also
had one at Scott's Corners at an early day. A carding-
mill has existed at Muitzes Kill a great many years, and
has been operated by a Mr. Sehermerhorn, Peter S. Hoge-
bom, and others. James White is the present proprietor,
and the enterprise furnishes employment to five or six per-
sons. Samuel W. Talmadge carried on a prosperous busi-
ness in the manufacture of hollow-ware about forty years
ago, and the mill below Castleton now was formerly used in
th<' manufacture of sickles, Stephen Callahan operati the
"old Schodack Mill" now, aid bi idl U in ■■ it as a gl
mill, grinds large quantities of plaster for i be farmei - each
year.
The business of brtckmaking has been a prominent,
industry of the town for many years, and has chiefly been
carried on in and near Castleton, where the soil is well
adapted for its manufacture. The cnterprisi timed
importance about the year L 825, and has since been carried
on by various poisons. The principal yard is now and
has been for many years operated by Nathan N. Seaman,
whose sons are now in partnership with him. Peti r N isi r
also has a yard at Castleton. Many thousand brick are
annually shipped from this point.
A large freighting business has also been carried on from
Castleton and Schodack Landing lor many years. Sloops
were at first exclusively used for the purpose, but barges
have been in much use for twenty years past.
XIV.— MILITARY.
The military record of the town is creditable in the high-
est degree, but unfortunately the materials for publishing
a specific account of the part taken by the town in each of
the wars that have agitated the country are not obtainable.
Of the earlier Indian wars hut comparatively little is known.
In the Revolutionary war there is reason to believe that
most of the old settlers of the town served, though tradi-
tion has handed down the names of some who were Tories.
Among those who served in the Continental army may be
mentioned Col. Jacob Sehermerhorn, William Van Ben-
thuscn, and Messrs. Green and Pools.
A large number of the citizens of the town served in
the war of 1812-15. Among these were ('apt. Abram C.
Iluyek, who commanded a company from this section ;
John I Ketel, David Simmons, Jeremiah Miller, the Van
Denbergbs and Schermerhorns, Jacob Milbam, and Brad-
dard Yale, who attained the rank of colonel.
In the war of the Rebellion the town took an active part,
and contributed its quota of men with promptness. The
list of those who served from the town in the army will be
found below.
Loren Teator, corp., enl. July 31, 1SG2, 109th Rc-gt.
John Hunckstiue, Corp., enl. .Inn. 1864, 7th Art.
Augustus Hunckstine, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, l'25th Reg*.; discb. for disutility.
David Higgins, enl. Aug. 18G1, 47th Rrgt. ; trans, to Invalid Corps.
Fiauk Freeman,
Andrew Freeman, enl. Sept. 1803, 14th R. I. Regt.
John Miller, enl. Jan. 0, 1S04, 109th Regt.
William Sehermerhorn, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 125th Regt.; pro. to 2d Heat.
Simeon Myers, sergl , enl. -May 21, 1S01, 2d Regt; re-enl. Jan. 1804, lOih Art.
Peter Myers, orderly sergt., enl, Sept. 1862, lC9th Regt.
James Barronger, enl April, 1861, 3d N. Y. Regt.; rt-enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 19th
Regt.
Smith Coon, enl. Sept. 1864, 199th Regt.
Lewis Myers, enl. Sept. 1 1, 1861, 3d N. Y. Regt. : pro. three times.
George Tobias, enl. Aug. 1862, 125th X. V. Regt
John J. K. Beekman ; pro. corp. ; cavalry.
William Mes8euger, enl. Jan. 1864, 169th Regt.
Henry N. Th.nl.urn, cut. Aug. 2, 1862, 12Jth Regt.; pro. Heut.; trans, :;t;ih
Colored.
James L. Messenger, enl. Jan. 1802, 91st Regt.
Charles D. Sknse, enl. Oct. 1861, 101st Regt.; re-enl. Dec. 1863, 14th Art.
Clinics Houghtaling, enl. April 23,1861, 20th Regt ; re-enl. 73d Regt.
James Andrews, enl. March 31, 18C4. 91st Regt
John E. Boyce, enl. Oct 10, 1861, 91st Regt ; re-enl. Jan. 1. 1864.
Charles Stommer, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 125th Regt.; i rans, to Invalid Corps.
Abel Wilcox, enl. March ."•, 1863, 104th Regl
414
HISTORY OF RLXSSF.LAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
11. nrj Folnuby. aal. Julr 18, lSi-«, lGlli I
Sua,,, - , 1881; pro. Corp.; seven months
irr.
-
-
.t.
■
lh N. Y. Begt; roi nl. Sopl 1864, lllli Ckv.
., l-'-.J. 171th Rogt
■ ry, ihlp " Hunchback."
:. Iltb Art ; r.-.ul. J..n. SI, 1804.
I il, Rcgt
128th V V. B
:. 1884, I26lh Rogt.; l-i mi •>•-.
- ■ ,. . nl. 11 lih '
, load Rogt.
■
I | R ■
William Bickncll, onl. 126th N. 1 I
\ ig 22, 1802, I25tll R
lh N \ K I ; I r.iri- 1 I ll'.lli R t
1882, 126th I
I
Willi " . onl. 1 _-.Mli R
:. Oth X. V. R
UiN. Y. Rogt
Aug. 12, I-. . ! ,Co. A.
lug. IS Co.A.
lug. 16, 1862, Till II. Aii.; pro. •
nl N iv. I8C1, I02il Rogt
I, Hill Rogt
- iiih, drummer, onl. '.M-i B
.-in ill,, .nl. Ang. 1862, 113th Rcgt.j re-onl.Tth Art
l: .1 ; n-cnl. I26tli I
62, U"<ili Rcgt.; wounded in l<Ti knoo.
, Nbvjt, 2d onginccr, ship u Ticondoroga."
man, irtilp •' rii.ililhi."
■ nil, en I. 18th B
I>ifl in /'"■ Service.
nl. Aug. J. 1862, l-'ith Rcgt; ro-cnl. 109th Rogt; pro.
■ ■. 14,186-1, 177th B
lh Rcgt.; pro. sergt
362; |
-
ISith R igl
,i OnlloUn,
.HI.V.
Lftor buttle ,,f
■ . N . I '.
i- I. n An-
■ Hon
Icr nf 1 1 • i -» town history i- under obligations to
the of Schodack
< !ol, Nicholas S. Mil-
ler. -I 3 bermerhorn, Nathan N. Seaman, Dr. John
J ihn M ark.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
DR. SAMUEL MoCLELLAN
was the tenth child and seventh son of Hugh MeClellan
and his wife, Sarah Wilson. He was born in Colerahj
.Mass.. on the 1 lili day of June, 1787.
His grandfather, Michael MeClellan, came to this coun-
try some forty years earlier, in 1749, and settled in Cole-
rain. The sun. Hugh, was born shortly before his irnmi
fixation. The maiden name of Hugh's mother was .lane
Henry, a kindred of John V. Henry, a distinguished law-
yer of Albany, early in this century.
Hugh MeClellan was a captain in the war which resultc
in the separation of this country from England. The troops
under bis command were called minute-men. His compan
was with the army of Gen. Gates sometime before the car
ture of Burgoyne, and was employed in scouting. Wlnl
so acting they captured a similar party from Burgoyne'
army, which was said to be returning with information of a
practical line of retreat. The muster-rolls of the company
are still on file in Boston. Thereafter Capt. MeClellan was
promoted to the colonelcy of bis regiment, which office he
held at the time of Shay's rebellion.
He continued to represent his town in the General Court
of Massachusetts until he declined to serve longer. But
ancestral honors do not count largely in this country in
making up the individual account-current of the chapter of
life's doings in the short pilgrimage allotted to man in this
Republic. This holds especially true of the life of a doctor.
It is given to him to do good to others, and only from the
overflow of that goodness to garner wealth and honors to
himself. The duties of his professional life require him to
be a studenl in the strict sense of that term. He has
first to learn the structure and complicated offices of the
human body in its perfectly healthy state, and the laws of
its healthy condition. Immediately in the track of thai
knowledge follows the science of pathology, whereon is
founded the fundamental art of diagnosis. The objective
aim of the last-named art is to ascertain and unfold the dis-
eases to which the human body is subject, and distinguish
ihein from each other.
The physician enjoys a twofold mode of studying the
science of bis profession. He has first the teachings
medical writers who have made record of their obser-
vations and experience, and then he has his own observa-
tions, whence he gleans from nature herself. In the one
branch of study he learns what others have thought ; in the
other he learns how to think himself. Thus, as he grows
in v ady and practice, he may grow skilled in the
ait of diagnosis. Therein lies the field where tl Id doc-
tor has il pportunity to excel the young one, and where
the wise man excels the fool. Hence is taught the general
truth that the doctor must learn not only the laws of health
and the abnormal ways of disease, but he must learn to
think, for thinking is an art to be learned, and i • the
less an a it i- incidental to everj special calling
followed by man. In this field of knowledge, cml
within the art of diagnosis, l>r. MeClellan excelled and
In- excellence therein was the chief source of his sue-
,
^^^y^/^y^i^ca^c
:vx
/?,
<7C£y>
TOWN OF SCHODACK.
II.-.
cess. His .skill in the arl of diagnosis grew with his expe-
rience, until his sagacity in that field of observation seemed
almost, intuition.
li was not difficult to trace that excellence in his profes
sinnal character to its fundamental elements. In the first
place, he was conscious that nature had dealt out to him the
faculties necessary to the profession he had selected with do
niggardly hand. There was nothing left for him in do ex-
cept to cultivate and exercise those faculties. He bad the
industry to cultivate, and moral courage to exercise, his fac-
ulties, and hence they bore their legitimate fruit. His
talents were never hidden under a bushel in obedience to
the society rules of the medical order to which he belonged,
He never submitted to regulations which interdicted social
or professional relations with others because they belonged
to another school of practice. It was a common remark of
his that he learned something from all the schools, and he
regarded it a duty to appropriate all that was good from
whatever source derived. He never refused to. counsel lie-
cause the attending physician belonged to a different school
of practice from his. He represented a large pattern of
manhood physically, morally, and intellectually, which could
not be forced within the narrow rules of a bigot. While
he met the duties of his profession as a physician and a sur-
geon, and shrank from nothing, he denied to his fellows the
right to prescribe a standard of etiquette imposing upon him
the obligations to be less than a man or a Christian because
he was a doctor. That expanded feeling of humanity and
liberality characterized his course as a doctor and a citizen.
Dr. McClellan commenced practice in the town of Scho-
dack in 1812, near the village of Nassau, about a mile from
the place where he soon after removed, and where he there-
alter always lived. He died in April, 1S55. His wife
survived him about ten years.
Soon after he settled in Schodack, and before the end of
the year, that section of the State was afflicted with an epi-
demic disease which prevailed very generally and exten-
sively, and was of an unusually virulent and fatal type. It
is now known as typhoid pneumonia, but was then compa-
ratively unknown, and baffled the skill of the best practi-
tioners. Dr. McClellan was pre-eminently successful in his
treatment, of the disease. It was his opportunity, and he
established a practice immediately over a territory larger
than is commonly allotted to one man's ride, aud held that
place during life. He thus commenced bis practice as a
physician, in his first, year, in the front rank of his profes-
sion, and always maintained his place. His professional
day had no morning, but began at mid-day.
In another particular Dr. McClellan's professional career
was notable. He was in the front rank of his profession in
every department as a physician aud a surgeon. He was
counsel when diseases of a difficult and malignant character
supervened, and be also performed the difficult surgical
operations. That was the place conquered by bis own
merits the first year of his practice, and he held it unabated
for forty years. In consequence he became the peer in pro-
fessional accomplishments of any physician in the State.
Dr. McClellan married Miss Laura H. Cook, daughter of
Philip Cook, of Nassau, in 1816, and they had six children,
namely :
1. Laura Cook, who married the Hon \n on Bingham,
and they reside on the homestead at Schodack i Na in
village I.
2. .Mary Elizabeth, who married Parris Barber, of Homer,
N. Y., where she died, leaving two children,
'.'>. Hugh Wilson, wl larried Eunice P. Marvin, and
resides at Chatham, .\. Y ., and is the present countv judge
of Columbia County, (See sketch of H. W . McClellan in
this work, i
I. Sarah Thankful, who married Hon, John T. Hog
boom, and resides at Ghent, N. Y. Mr, Hogeboom was
former county judge of Columbia County.
5. Robert Henry, who married Jeannotte E. Tobey, and
resides at Troy, N. Y. (See sketch of 11. II. McClellan
in this work, page l-.'i. |
(i. Harriet Eliza, who married .Jacob B. Sibley, of Scho-
dack, and who resides at Randall, Wis.
They were all worthy of such a lather, and gained places
in society for themselves.
Dr. McClellan was particularly accomplished and fitted
to social relations. To a commanding personal presence
he joined a persuasive address, uniform and pleasing. The
equality and liberality which characterized his professional
conduct distinguished his personal character in his assoeia-
ates with his fellow-men generally. His address was uniform,
and recognized no social distinctions depending upon wealth
or position. It was remarkable in one respect: while it
was so open aud pleasing as to invite rather than repel con-
versation, it was so commanding as to restrain familiarities.
Again, fully conscious of his own powers, he was a con-
sistent, humble Christian, with a full belief in Divine rev-
elation. He, with his wife, united with the Presbyterian
Church of Nassau in 1821 ; but, in 1840, after the sepa-
ration of the church into old and new school branches, they
removed to the Reformed (Dutch) Church. He found his
highest happiness in his Christian faith, which was fully
expressed in his life.
Dr. McClellan never sought political honors, but be was
a delegate to the Whig National Convention, at Baltimore,
in 1S44, which nominated Henry Clay for President. He
was supervisor of his town in 1S15, and a member of As-
sembly from Rensselaer County in 1S4G.
After a life of industry, usefulness, and honor, the mem-
ory of no eminent and wise citizen is more reverently and
affectionately cherished by the people of the hills and val-
leys of Rensselaer aud Columbia than that of Dr. Samuel
McClellan.
HON. HUGH WILSON McCLELLAN
is the oldest son of the late Dr. Samuel and Laura (Cook)
McClellan. Dr. McClellan was, for forty years, widely
known in Rensselaer and adjacent counties for his skill in
the medical and surgical profession, to which he devoted
his life ; he is well remembered for his eminent moral
character and Christian practice ; for his great mental
endowments, liberal culture, broad aud comprehensive un-
derstanding of men and events; aud was beloved in every
household, for his sympatbic advice and manners, where he
was known as the genial, kindly gentleman.
416
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
A Bkctch of Dr. McClellan appears in this history, ;is
his portrait
Bugh Wilson McClellan, the subject of this notice,
born Dec 2, 1820, n( Schoduck i Nassau village), Rens-
\ V So married Miss Emma P., daughter of
G Marvin, Esq., of Nassau, at Albany, New York,
Jan. IT. 1846. They have three children :
1. Mary Elizabeth, born <>■■(. 22. L846; married Lewis
F itter, i'f tin' city of Troy; has two children.
2 Samuel, born Aug. -•">. 1-C>>>; married Elizabeth
Bi ickway, Juno 5, 1878, and, having the name and pro-
: -II of bis distinguished grandfather, is in the successful
practice of medicine al Nassau village, New Fork.
.".. George, born Oct 10, 1856, is a lawyer, associated
with his father, at Chatham villa" N iw York.
Judge McClellan was given and improved the oppor-
tunity to acquire an education. From the village scl 1.
in hi i 1 iv-. he pursu • 1 his stu lies al the academy,
when, being fully prepared, passed the requisite rigid
examination, and was entered with the junior class at Union
I Schenectady, then und r t li»- presidency of the
i itcd R v. l>r. Eliphalet Nott He was graduated at
the annual commencement of 1 So'D. at niintiTii. Soon after
he entered upon the study of the law in t ho office of the
II !i, John Koon, then al Troy, and afterwards at Albany;
when, after three years of hard study, he was. in 1842, ad-
mitted to practice as an ait. Tiny and solicitor in chancery.
Judgi M CI Han op ned his first law-office in Bethel vil-
, Ontario ('.p.. N. Y.. remaining there two years. He
then removed to Chatham, practicing law until lS3u'. Re-
moving to Albany, lie entered upon a large practice, con-
tinuing until 1866, when he removed to Chatham village,
where he has sin lontinued in liis profession with a large
ssful business. His practice of his pro-
characterized bythorougb honesty. Well read in
the law, full of courage, self-reliant, he makes his client's
own. With careful preparation, his causes are
perspicuously and with judgment to the court.
B . trray of evidence, clear, effective, and eloquent
.u nt. he -■-!■!< > i ■ t fails to convince juries of the correct-
f hi- position.
ntleman of pleasing address and popular man-
in In- been frequently honored with
important pub! II has occupied several town and
ity ■ • tTi • i . 1 1 positions. Was town superintendent of
clerk in 1851, and supervisor of Chatham in
1853-54 r— 71, and county judge of Co-
lumbia < lounty in 1 -77. elected for six years ; all of which
n administered with marked ability.
iin_- with the Democratic party, he has bi a
honored by it with entire confidence in his party fealty.
: life has been d ible and up-
right, and I : is marked with personal integ-
ffieial fidelity.
DB II M REYNOLDS
w.1- horn in Woshil ' 23, 1821. II
lucation in tin common school and
nt Oallupsville tod Knoz At id mics, N Y Foi some
ten years he followed teaching, three of which were at
Unionville. In 1S4."i he began the study of medicine, and
in 1848 lie was graduated from Castleton Medical College.
Vermont
»g8S* l&
V
Photo, by Atkinson,
HR. II. M. REYNOLDS.
He first began the practice of medicine at Lasalle, III.
About the year 1854 he settled at Castleton. N. Y., where
for some twenty-live years he has continued successfully in
the practice of his profe.-sioii. Dr. Reynolds has sought,
during his medical career, to fulfill every duty incumbent
upon liim, and administer to the wants of those in indigent
circumstances as well as to the necessities of the wealthy.
lie holds a leading place among the fraternity of the county.
and has not only been a careful student of the treatment of
diseases, but Well read upon topics of general information,
lie has been twice married ; first to Sophia Casey, of Naa
sau, N. Y., Nov. 10, 1S4'J, and to hi> second wife, Emeline
Ca v. sister of his first wife. June 4, 1855. He has no
children, but has a step-daughter, Mrs A. C. Smith. Polit-
ically Dr. Reynolds is a Republican.
REV. NATHANIEL GOODBLL SPALDING, A.M.
The Spaldings are of English origin. Three brothen
emigrated to this country from the town of Spalding, in
the north ft' England, about the year 1690, and settled in
Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Jason Spalding,
lather of Nathaniel, was of the New Hampshire branch,
and near kin to till lebratcd l>r. Lyman Spalding anil to
B V.Solomon Spalding, the real author of the MomiOO
Bible. In early life he removed from New Hampshire to
\ ermont, where he married lei;. <'• iodell, whose mother,
I. visa Warren, was - c I cousin to Dr. Joseph \\ arren, of
Bunker Hill memory. In 1822, Jason removed to Beet
maiitowii. N. Y.. where the Bubjcct of this sketch was born,
24, 1826. Though nurtured and trained by pious
parents, he was early inclined to skepticism, but the faith-
tibl r&
TOWN OF SCHODACK.
■117
ful counsels, the prayers, ami (lie Christian example of a
noble mother were made at length the instruments of his
conversion at the age of seventeen. Tliis event wrought
an entire change in his plans of life. lie was turned from
his purpose of studying law to that of entering
upon
course of education with a view to the ministry. He de-
pended entirely upon himself for means to obtain his edu-
cation. He graduated at Union College in 1852, and was
appointed pastor of Ohio Street Methodist Episcopal Church,
West Troy. In 1853 he became pastor of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Sand Lake, N. Y., where he was united
in marriage with Harriet, daughter of Dr. Russell and
Polsa P. ( Bull ) Dorr, of Chatham, N. Y. Mrs. Spalding
is a graduate of Troy Female Seminary, and was for some
time a teacher at Poultney Seminary, Yt. In drawing and
painting she has exhibited considerable talent, as many of
her pieces will show ; two of which, viz., a View of Mont
Blanc and the Castle of Chillon, deserve especial mention,
as they have taken prizes.
Mr. Spalding was stationed successively in the ministry,
after his removal from Sand Lake, at Fultonville, Green-
bush, Gloversville, Albany, and Saratoga Springs, at which
latter place, when at the early age of thirty-six, and in the
midst of a successful ministry, he was stricken down with
disease, and after three months of terrible suffering was left
an invalid for life.
But undaunted in spirit, he subsequently accepted the
pastorate of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Johnstown,
N. Y., when, after serving the church a few months in feeble
health, he accepted the principalshipof the Amenia Seminary,
thinking that a change would be conducive to his health.
The next year he accepted the presidency of the Fort Plain
Collegiate Institute ; but his health still remaining impaired,
he reluctantly gave up his chosen profession and returned
to Chatham, when, relieved from the duties of church aud
53
school work, he began slowlj to recover, and turned his
attention to business pursuits, lie now occupies the pulpit
occasionally, and maj resume In- pastoral laboi should lie
regain bis health, lie became general agent of the Home
Life, with an office al Albany, and engaged in real .
operations. He purchased the country-seat of the late
George Van Santvoordt, of Troy, at Schodack Landing.
N. Y., called ■■ Fountain Dell Place," where he now re-
sides, a view of which may be seen on another page of this
work. Mi'. Spalding was recognized in tin- pulpit as an
accomplished speaker, as a man of classically pure anil chastl
expression, and a strong advocate of the principles of the
Christian religion. As a teacher, he had ability to impart
to others the knowledge with which bis own mind was
stored in a simple and expressive way ; and now, as an
agriculturist, he is able to combine the thought and medi-
tation of the scholar and the exercise and practice of the
farmer. The former was acknowledged in his membership
of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, and the latter may be seen
in a visit to bis residence.
His eldest son, Dorr, died in early life, and was buried
on Sunset Lawn, Albany Rural Cemetery. His second son,
Warren C., born in Greenbush, is a student in the Albany
Medical College. Harriet Mabel is a graduate of the Al-
bany Female Academy, and is a writer of some promise.
His youngest son, Nathaniel Bull, is in the Albany Boys'
Academy.
Z. Z. SMITH
is the fifth child and second son of Zachariah and Susanna
(Lown) Smith, and was born on the farm where he now
Z. Z. SMITH.
resides, in the town of Schodack, Dec. 22, 1805. His
parents were of German descent, but of American birth,
both being born in Columbia Co., N. Y., whence they re-
moved and settled in Rensselaer County iu 1794, and re-
mained there until their decease.
418
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Mr. Smiili has gpenl his life as an agriculturist until
1862, having been known as a thrifty, enterprising farmer,
since which time, having acquired a sufficient competency,
he has retired from the active duties of life. He lias never
been an offioe-seeker, but a plain, unassuming man, prefer-
ring the quiet of home to the bickerings of politics or the
emoluments of position. He has always been a member of
the Democratic party, a supporter of law and order, and the
education of the rising generation. He was never mar-
ried.
Photo, by Atkinson, Troy.
FRANK I'. HARDER
was born at Castleton, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., March 19,
[845. Hi.- father, Andrew Harder, was of Hutch descent
on the paternal, and of Scotch descent on the maternal side.
II - father settled at Castleton about the year 1827, where
a u 1- n tided.
Mr. Frank P. rJardci received a good education in Nas-
sau and Meohanicville Academies, and subsequently took
tree in Eastman's Business College, al Poughkecpsie.
In 1864 1 ngaged in the forwarding and freighting
business, which he continued for eleven years, since the
of which time be has been engaged in the lumber
and commission business He La an g the most oner-
and em _ men of Rensselaer County, and
many years ago began to take an active interest in politics.
His efforts in this direction have received favorable indorse!
ment by the citizens of bis town, and bis integrity and busi-
ness ability arc acknowledged by all who know him. He has
been honored by the following places of trust and responsi-
bility :
In the year 1S(!7_6S he was clerk of the village of Cas-
tleton. For several years he has been a trustee, and for
the year- 1--7II-71 he was president of the village. He
represented Schodack in the Hoard of Supervisors for the
years I 878—79, being in the latter year unanimously ei< ctedi
In 1S7.") In- was elected vice-president of the National
Rank nf Castleton. which office he holds at the preseflj
time.
NASSAU.
[.—GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
This town was formed from Petersburg!], Stephentown,
and Schodack, March 31, 1806, and was first named 1'liil-
ipstown, in honor of Philip Van Rensselaer. It received
its present name April 6, 1808.
It lies near the centre of the south border of the county,
and is hounded on the north by the town of Sand Lake, on
the east by Stephentown, on the west by Sehodack, all in
Rensselaer County, and on the south by the towns of Chat-
ham and New Lebanon, in Columbia County. Its western
boundary is distant about eight miles from the Hudson
River, and it is centrally distant about twelve miles from
' the city of Albany. It contains 26,998 acres of land, and
the population, as given in the census of 1875, was 2657.
In 1878 the valuation of the real estate of the town was
$363,995 ; of personal property, $71,305 ; and the amount
of tax on a valuation of one dollar was .0207.
II.— TOPOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTK IS.
The general surface of the land is uneven and hilly.
The central and eastern sections of the town are rooky, and
in many places covered with stone and bowlders. The
hills are spurs of the Petersburgh range of mountains, the
Kinderhook Creek separating them from the Taghkanic
range. Slate of an imperfect character, or schistus, gray-
wacke, cobble-stones, or quartz in veins striated or inter-
mingled, sandstone, and limestone constitute the geology of
the town. Some iron ore has been found in the western
part.
The water-courses of the town are abundant. Valatie
Kill rises in the northeast part of the town, and flowing-
northwesterly forms Hoag's Pond, on the western border,
and continuing south forms the western boundary of the
town for a long distance, and finally enters Columbia
County. The creek affords a fine water-power at Nassau
village. The Kinderhook Creek flows through the south-
east corner of the town, and furnishes good water-power at
East Nassau, Brainard Post-Office, and Tompkins' Mills, a
mile west, of the latter place. Tsatsawassa Creek flows
north and south through the eastern section of the town,
and enters Kinderhook Creek near East Nassau. These
three streams have numerous small tributaries throughout
the town, Valatie Kill draining the western sections of the
town, and Tsatsawassa and Kinderhook Creeks the eastern
and southern portions of the town.
The following article on the " Lakes and Ponds of Nas-
sau, by an old Sportsman," is contributed by Judge John
Fitch, of New York City :
"Among the peculiarities of the town are its ponds and hikes,
among which are Lyons' Pond, Cummings' Pond, Sassuwassa Lake,
the pond near Maiden Bridge, Heruiauec's Pond, and the adjacent
ponds.
" Hoao's Pond sr Nassau village, ie probably tbe largest bod;
water in Rensselaer County, oreated by :i dam overflowing :>)i-.ui three
hundred aores, and covering what was originally a dense hemloek-
Bwamp. Ii is i.-ii l,\ many si roams, contains leveral islands, and, owing
to tin- breaking away nl I In- i la iii sc\ i-ral times u illiin tin- la-t hall-ccii-
tury, is not noted as a fishing pond, although targe quanty ol uokers
are annually Bpeared or caught in nets, ami many large picl i
ami perch, with great quantities of bull beads, are taken. Sunn- forty
years ago il was fringed on Ihe north and wis! sides with bushes,
affording the very best of shelter for woodcook and hiding-ground for
ducks; and in dry seasons, when the pond was low. — the water being
used for turning grist-, paper-, and saw-mills at Nassau, — plover and
killdcer were plenty, ami English snipe were occasiiinall y found. The
piokerel taken from the poud were unususaily large, many of them
weighing as high as four or five pounds each, owing, no douht, to the
abundance of food they received, the pond abounding in frogs, polly-
WOgS, and little fish.
'• Lyons' Pond, a small body of water, covering about one hundred
acres, and fed almost entirely by springs, is situated about two miles
east of the village of Nassau, on very high land, its outlet running
into Hoag's Pond. It contains but few fish other than pickerel,
owing to the fact that in its outlet there are little falls, over which
pickerel and trout only ascend: but suckers, perch, bull-heads, and
other fish cannot, and therefore do not abound in it. It is well filled
with small pickerel, which are readily taken with hook and line. The
cause of the inferiority of the pickerel is their want of food, as the
pond lias mostly gravel bottom, not adapted to the growth of frogs or
pollywogs. On its western border is a fine cranberry-marsh, and,
like Hoag's Pond, its shores were formerly fringed with bushes,
affording shelter for woodcock and ducks.
" Cumhings' Pond is a body of water of about the same size as
Lyons' Pond Although called a pond it is a lake surrounded by
swamps, and formerly was known for its fine pickerel and perch.
The hunting in the swamp surrounding this pond was formerly of the
very best, — woodcock, partridges, rabbits, and ducks, in their respect-
ive seasons, were in great abundance. Time has effected such changes
that game, then plenty in all that part of Rensselaer County, has now
become scarce.
"SASSAWAS8A Lake is situated on the confines of the towns of
Nassau and Sand Lake. It once contained the finest perch and large
amounts of pickerel. It is in the vicinity, and may be called one of
the chain of lakes running from Sand Lake to East Nassau, — Sand
Lake, Crooked Lake, Sassawassa and Cummings' Ponds. All of them
were once fine fishing-ponds, particularly noted for yellow perch of
the finest quality and size, yellow perch being found in all the ponds
in large quantities by the early settlers. Trout also were in gnat
abundance, and continued to be so until the introduction of pickerel,
which have destroyed them.
" Backus' Pond, about throe-quarters of a mile north of the village
of Maiden, covering about fifty acres, is noted for bullheads and pick-
erel, and was formerly surrounded by swamps and marshes, which
afforded fine shelter for woodcock. It is mostly fed by springs, the
water being very clear and quite deep. It is situated on the farm of
' honest' Michael Smith.
" Hkumancb's Pond is a small body of water from four to six acres,
situate about one mile south of Nassau village, on the Chatham Street
mail, on the farm formerly owned by Jacob Hermanee. This pond is
fed entirely by springs and internal springe and wells, which are very
singular and peculiar. The water is clear, cold, and transparent.
On a clear dav you can look down into one of the wells some thirty
feet. It formerly abounded with trout, and now contains many pick-
erel. Its outlet runs into liig Creek, a stream running from Hoag's
Poud to Kinderhook Lake, 'the coldness of the water attracts the
pickerel from the Big Creek, which accounts for the quantities of
419
420
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
them found. In the pond adjoining the outlet vol B very fine Bwampj
mar.«h. too wet to noltim, but affording fine shelter for English snipe,
it being the only -nipe. ground- in the lower part of Rensselaer County
imr from the vicinity of the Hudson Hirer. This pond being sur-
iras formerly noted as a resort for ducks,
ipecially «rood-daoki and diver-, in the tall of the year."
Paanticoko Swamp is a larm- marshy -i-i-iit iu of land in
the eastern part of the town.
The elevations of the town are quite numerous. To the
Bouthwesl corner is a high peak called the Kykout, or look-
oul ; in the southeast section is another peak, known as
Snake Hill; and between tlie two is tlie Meshodae Peak.
The estimated altitude of these elevations is from six hun-
dred to eighl hundred feel above tide-water. Pike .Moun-
tain and Bailey Mountain are in tlie north part of the town,
and attain an altitude of from one thousand t" twelve hun-
dred feel above tide-water. The view from the summits of
these mountains is varied and pieturesi|ue, hills, valleys,
mountains, lake, and glen spreading out before the eye,
while the towns and villages which nestle in their midst
add variety and change to the broad panorama of nature
which captivates the viewer.
The soil of the town is a clayey and gravelly loam, with
hard-pan Subsoil. It is productive under good cultiva-
tion, bul owing t . » the retentive quality it possesses for
moisture, and its readiness to become hard and impacted
under the heat of the sun, it becomes indifferent and unsat-
isfactory under bad manipulation. The southern, western,
and northwestern sections of the town are best adapted to
the use of the plow, and arc most productive. Grass, rye,
potatoes, corn, oats, and buckwheat are the principal prod-
net- of the fields. The ordinary fruits, flowers, and vege-
tables are raised in abundance. .Maple, oak. hickory, pine,
ash, chestnut, birch, beech, elm. wild cherry, and butternut
besides a variety of others, exist in tlie town.
III. EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Over one hundred and fifty years had rolled away, with
all their wondrous changes and vicissitudes, since the
" Half-Moon" had pursued her lonely way up the Hudson,
bearing to its shores the first white men whose feet ever
. ere the first settlement of the town of Nas-
sau was made, [n the year 1760, or at least as early as
that. Joseph l'rimmer and Hugh Wilson located with their
familie- in the locality, the former at the head of what is
now II Pond, and probably on the Schodack side of
the line, and the latter on the site of the village of Nassau,
nl hotel.
At thai lime the large body of water whioh is now
II _• - I' ■ i .-, doI to I"- Been, Bave perhaps in spring or
fall • [l ma kii.wn a- "The Ply," Beaver Dam,
Meadow, an I row all over the land now covered
by the north part of the pond. Several lodges of Indian-
had their wigwams in the neighborhood, which was known
as Oit-ti-ke-ko-mwJe. Tie none of their chief was AV
thr-l.'-k'irniir/;. Flint arrow. he. el-. Cooking-Utensils, and
other Indian relics, which have been plowed up in dif-
Lhe town, and especially in the southern and
west- o bear evidence to the occupancy of the
■oil bj
Indiana Primmer and Wilaon made their pur-
chase, and the latter became the first permanent tchite set-
t/cr of the town. The deed which Joseph Primmer received
bore date May 16, 1760, and was signed by the mark of
the chief Ka-she-Ice-kd-iii itck, and witnessed byT Hugh Wil-
son and John Fitzgerald.* The deed is still extant, and is
in the possession of a granddaughter (Sirs. Schnell) of
Primmer, who still occupies the land, at the head of the
pond, upon which he located.
The tradition about Joseph Primmer is that he was play-
ing, when a young lad. upon the sea-shore of his native
land, and was taken up and pressed into service upon a war-
vessel. He finally reached these shores, and for twenty
years engaged in service upon the Hudson River, making
his headquarters at Schodack Landing. From there he
started and took up his land at the head of the pond. The
Wilson family has entirely disappeared from the town.
Hugh Wilson, a descendant of the first settler, was a coach-
man for Gen. Wool in 1812.
While these were the first permanent settlements made
in the town, and on its western border, it is not to be sup-
posed that they were the first white men to locate in the
neighborhood. On April 1, 1743, David Braiuard went as
a missionary to the Indians in that locality, then known as
Kamarmtck. He resided in a little log hut, on the west
side of Kinderhook Creek, in the rear of the house of the
late Benjamin Budd. near Braiuard. An apple-tree stand-
ing in the yard is reported to have been planted by the mis-
sionary more than one hundred and thirty-five years ago.
He lived with a poor Scotchman and his wife — possibly the
John Fitzgerald who witnessed the Primmer deed — in a
log hut, containing but one room, and having no floor.
Hasty-pudding, boiled corn, bread baked in ashes, and fried
Indian-meal cakes were his diet. Here, in this lonely spot,
far removed from civilized life, shut out from all participa-
tion in the enjoyments that he had there experienced, he
pursued his labor of love. Poor in health, pale and atten-
uated in appearance, he exerted himself to impress upon the
Indians the doctrines of the gospel of peace. That he
labored with good effect the testimony of some of the sav-
ages afterwards proved, and many a tear has coursed down
the dusky face of the wild denizen of the forest as he
listened to the simple story of love told by the pale, sick
occupant of the log hut. Braiuard removed from the lo-
cality on May 1, 1744. and died a few years after.
Soon after Primmer and Wilson had located themselves,
and erected their humble dwellings, other pioneers joined
them. A map of the manor of Rensselacrswyck, drawn
and laid down by John R. Bleecker in 1767, shows thai
there were at that time four actual settlers in the town,
besides Primmer, on its border. These were Hugh Wilson.
II nry Post, John McCagg, and John W. Schermerhorn.
Henry Posl was located about three miles east of Nassau
village; John McCagg, near Braiuard ; and John W.
Schermerhorn, near East Nassau. A road is laid down as
extending from Albany — although nol in any very direct
line — to a point about three miles east of Nassau village.
John W. Sebeiinerhorn passed his life at Fast Nassau,
and died there on Jan. ... 1817. lb- had children, — Abra-
traoeof I iiiarcrald ia left in the town, and it i- not known
where he located, if »l all.
KENNETH M. DAVIS.
CYNTHIA M. DAVIS.
KENNETH M. DAVIS.
Kenneth M. Davis was born at New Lebanon,
Columbia Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1795. He early
engaged in mercantile pursuits, and continued
therein in his native town until 1847, when he
removed to East Nassau, continuing as a merchant
and farmer successfully until near the close of life.
He died in 1866, having pursued a long, useful,
and honorable business career.
Mr. Davis was married in June, 1843, to Miss
Cynthia M. Root, and they had one son, Jared
L. R. Davis, born in April, 1844, now a pros-
perous merchant in the city of Albany, N. Y.
Nearly fourscore years of age, Mrs. Davis is
in giiod physical strength and health, pleasant and
sprightly as people at sixty, her mental faculties
unimpaired, possessed of an excellent memory of
events and people, well educated and intelligent.
She is a most interesting lady. She came from
Puritan and Revolutionary ancestry of the best
New England blood. Prior to her marriage Mrs.
Davis had been for several years a school-teacher.
Jared Root, father of Mrs. Davis, was born at
Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Mass., March 23, 1772.
He came to Nassau, when fourteen years of age, as
a clerk for his brother. On reaching his majority
he became a merchant, and prospered. He was
postmaster at East Nassau for seventeen years,
having received his appointment under General
Jackson's administration.
His wife, Betsey (Lester) Root, was born at
Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y., Nov. 1, 1776.
They were married March 5, 1797, and had one
son and four daughters, Mrs. Davis being the
only one living. Jared Root died Sept. 22, 1849.
Col. Azariah Root, grandfather of Mrs. Davis,
was born at Westfiekl, Mass., Aug. 23, 1728.
He married, May 2, 1751, Elizabeth Shepard, sis-
ter of Gen. William Shepard, of Westfiekl. Soon
after marriage they located at Sheffield, Mass.,
where he was a farmer and leather dealer. Aza-
riah Root served as a colonel in the Massachu-
setts line in the Revolutionary war, and died July
3, 1777, of smallpox, introduced by the British.
His wife died Feb. 1G, 1786. They had eleven
children, of whom Jared, mentioned above, and
father of Mrs. Davis, was the tenth.
I
TOWN OF NASSAU.
l.'l
bom, Cornelius W., Nicholas, Jacob, and Maria, by bis first
wife; by his second wife he had Catharine, Abigail, llnh-
ard K., and |);uiicl. Cornelius settled :il Fast Nassau, and
passed his lite then1. Nicholas also spent his life there.
Richard K. was ;i presiding elder of the Methodist Church.
Jacob left the town about 181-50, and settled in Sand Lake,
where he died. Cornelius Scherincrhorn, his son. now
resides there, lie has been a justice of the peace for a
good many years at Sand Lake, and is a man of influence
and standing.
Thomas Hicks, Daniel Lit/., Titos Huested, Abraham
Holmes, and Maj. Abijah Hush were all early settlers, and
came in and located before the Revolutionary war, in the
southern portion of the town. Reuben Bateman, Nathan-
iel Gillett, David Waterbury, and men named McNeil and
Wiltsie, settled more towards the centre of the town.
Maj. Bush settled where Harvey Hayes lives at East
Nassau. He performed active service in the Continental
army during the Revolutionary war, and crossed the Dela-
ware with Washington. He came from Sheffield, Mass.,
and was of Scotch descent. He had six children, — Orry,
Philo, Lodena, Fanny, Lydia, and Stephen. Orry remained
on the homestead, and died there. Philo resided in New
York the greater part of his life. Stephen had a large
hotel at Little Falls, N. Y., and died there. Fanny became
the wife of Jared Root, and passed her life in town. Of
the seven sons of Orry, John G. resides at Nassau village.
Walter R. is a car-manufacturer at Troy, and Stephen is a
minister, and resides at Waterford, N. Y.
Thomas Hicks kept the first inn in Nassau village, in a
log hut built before the Revolution. It was located on the
spot occupied by the present hardware-store at the corner
of Church Street and the road leading to Maiden. John
W. Schermerhom built a grist-mill at the outlet of Tsatsa-
wassa Pond, at East Nassau, before the Revolution. He
also had an inn, which is part of the present hotel at that
place, and must have stood more than a hundred years.
Opposite the hotel he erected a store, and a little farther
east, the dwelling now occupied by Mrs. C. M. Davis. He
also erected a grist-mill on Kinderbook Creek, just above
the new iron bridge.
The trying scenes of the Revolution greatly retarded
emigration and settlement, and but few families were added
to the town during the continuance of the struggle. Titus
Huested, who had located two miles east of Nassau village
before the war, left during the war, taking his family on
horseback to Dutchess County. He, however, returned
after the war, and remained.
The earliest settler in the north part of the town was
John B. Adsit. He came in before the Revolution and
located at Alps, which for many years was known as Adsit's
Corners. Amaziah Bailey located about 1781, on what is
known as Bailey Mount, near the village of Alps. Isaac
Dunham, giving name to Dunham Hollow, Elmore, Ebe-
nezer, and Titus Sedgwick came in and located in that
section shortly after. By a line of marked trees Amaziah
Bailey carried his half-bushel of corn upon his back six
miles to the grist-mill at Stephentown.
John Turner, father of Jonathan, located very early in
the extreme east part of the town, where Felix Roof now
lives. Benjamin Grcentnan located on the line between
Stephentown and Nassau al t the eame time. Thai
lion was all a wilderness then, and both families Moved in
on horseback.
Patrick and George McGee moved in before or during
the Revolutionary war. and settled in the north part of the
town. They gave name to a small stream called McGee's
Creek, mentioned in somc deeds of land in that Section as
boundaries.
William Rool came from Sheffield, Mass., one hundred
years ago, and located at East Nassau, where .Mrs. Cynthia
M. Davis lives. His brothers Winthrop and Jared fol-
lowed soon after. William subsequently removed to Al-
bany, and Winthrop went West. Jared passed bis life in
town. His daughter, Mrs. C. M. Davis, is still living. ag< d
seventy-nine.
Elijah Adams came in about 1790, Jonathan Devereaux
and Jonathan Emmons in 179."), and John Till't, Henry
Tucker, and Rev. Timothy Woodbridge as early as 1 800.
The deed from Stephen Van Rensselaer to Jonathan
Devereaux bears date 1795; that to Jonathan Emmons,
Nov. 14, 1798.
Jonathan Williams came from Connecticut before the
Revolutionary war, and located in a log house which stood
where James Martin now lives. He engaged in farming,
and lived to an advanced age. Of his half-dozen chil-
dren, Lyman, Philip, and Asa settled in the town on por-
tions of the old homestead. Philip is not now represented
in the town. Lyman has three sons — Lyman, Burdock,
and Asa — and one daughter. Asa has Edgar M. Williams
and a daughter, Anna Maria, widow of Jared Alexander.
Jeremiah Fox came from Columbia County, near Kin-
derbook Lake, about the year 1800, and located near North
Nassau, near the Devereux farm. He engaged in farming
there, and carried on a country store.
His sons were Isaac B. Fox, Bristol O, Oshee G., and
Ethan S., who is yet living in Chicago. Isaac B. was a
man of prominence, town clerk, and filled other important
stations. In 1819 he removed to Sand Lake, and en-
gaged in glass-making, where he passed the remainder of
his life.
His sons were Albert R., Samuel H., Isaac Willard, and
Henry W. Albert R. has been a prominent glass-manu-
facturer in Sand Lake, and in Berkshire Co., Mass., and
Oneida Co., N. Y. He resides at present at Sand Lake.
He was a member of the State Senate in 1848 and '49.
Samuel II. is a glass-manufacturer in Oneida County aud
president of the State Bank of Oneida. Isaac W. resides in
Illinois. Henry W. died in 1876.
In 1790, Dr. James H. Ball, an intelligent physiciau,
settled in the north part of the town,* about a mile south
of Alps, on a farm now occupied by his descendants. He
was born in Bolton, Conn. At the age of sixteen he en-
tered the Continental army, and was taken prisoner by
the enemy and confined in a prison-ship for eleven months,
being released at the termination of the war. He acted as
a justice of the peace in the town, under the first coustitu-
* The deed from Stephen Van Rensselaer to James H. Ball is dated
Nov. 14, 171)8. Patrick McGee and Timothy Vickery deeded land to
James H. Ball on June 10, 1795.
422
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
tun of the State, in 1800 and 1801, ami filled the same
in 1820 and 1821. He was elected to the Assembly
in 1^12 ami 1813, being one of the four representatives to
which the county was at fiist entitled. He died May 27.
1 -:;>>. in the sixty-seventh year of his B
Abicl Bnapp, Elnathan Qaimby, and William B. Hoag,
alter whom Hoag'a Corners is named, .John Casey, and Eli
Viokery, «'-re all pioneers in the north and west parts of
the town, and settled before the present century. Joseph
\1 ... ttled "ii the farm now occupied by his descendants,
four miles easl of Nassau village, in 1794.
Eliphalet K 1 came from Connecticut at an early day
and Bettled tear Nassau village, and built the place where
knson Bingham, Esq., lives, lie afterwards removed to
the farm occupied by David Winters. He was a carriage-
maker by trade, and carried on the carriage-making business
for many years. He bad four sons. viz.. Pitch, .lame- \\\.
Calvin, and Atlas, .lane.- Warren Reed settled in Nassau
village, engaged in the manufacture of carriages, and for
many years was a leading resident there. His -mis, Samuel
and James II.. still reside in the town.
The Dusenberry family came in about the same time as
the Reeds.
V this time there were no regularly laid out roads.
Paths were run from house to house to suit the conveni-
sel tiers.
A •■ map of that portion of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck,
lying east of the Hudson River," made by John E. Van
Alen, near the opening of the present century, shows the
location of the lots of many of the early settlers of that
day.
Commencing at the western boundary of the town and
proceeding Westerly, there appear in the north part the lots of
.1 i tatrander, N. Brown, \V. Martin i west of the lake), W.
Barnnm, M. Klockner, Abner Newton, Carter and Strong,
P St B Arnold, B. Quimby, J. Brown, Moore, T.
Dcvereaux, J. Robins, H. Hamilton. Preelove and Blake, J.
and F I1 rereaux, J. Lawrence, 0. Taylor, Devereaux,
I Cook J. Emmons, McGee and Vickery, I!. Rowley, D.
Warier. Townsend, Patrick Magee, Amaziah Bailey,
1 B. Adam- Adams and Lincoln. Nelson, J. Rock-
well. 0. liurr. .1. Williams. Williams and Ward. Ap-
ple).• I 3 I wick, E Benjamin, Heusted and Mason, S.
and J, Howard, Thurston and Lathrop, L. and M. Waterman,
I. '. • - -I Parks, W. Sweating, B. Culver, R. and S. Sen-
.1 T nil Fails and Ellis, N. Pratt, and Berry.
In the central portion of the town, from i ast to west, ap-
■ I I. .1 B igle, Boyt, E. Aring,
.1 kring M Harris, W Pinch, l>. Champion,
.1 1 1 I I1 Cromwell, W. Cummins, S. Ingles,
1 3i 3 Newberry M I on Sporr, C. Howe,
I, !<■ | K \ dentine, A Pitts J. Mead, E. Northrop.
Q Ni P Laraway, J. Brown, P. and C. Brown \.
Bmith, 'I Parnum, I!. Minthorn, P, Roberts, J.
n, William S ' J ' ll Palmer,
N. II ■ ■ I! lb-!. : 3. G drieh. K. BowkinS, N
Blake, Clothier, II. Bateman,
J. Tarb i •' Can T Tompkins, Aaron Dibol, E. Thon
kley and sons, P Sweet, W.
i,Jr.,— ■ '•'■ I l. an. I D < .ini-
mins, A. Sweet, J. Chadsey, M. Stewart and N. Cahorn, G.
Ellis, T. G. Carpenter, J. Curtis, S. and S. Bailey, and E.
Nichols.
In the south portion of the town, from west to east, ap-
pear Hoag and Vail, A. Ostrander, D. Wilson. C. Dyekuian,
R. Farrington. II. Goes. J. C. Schermerhoru, T. York, J.
Philips, J. Barker, W. Filkiu, B. Mills, D. Waterbury, P.
Tobias and Smalley, J. Hoag, J. Van Hoesen, L. Heusted,
D. Lite, J. Dusenbury, J. Backes, J. Ferguson. J. Paddock,
J. Sprague, S. Brown, C. Van Hoesen. E. Knapp, C. Nick-
erson, J. Twichel, Nickerson, Leavenworth. J.
Marks. T. Hicks, G. and II. Dusenbury. J. Bigelow, B.
Wells. C. Marks. R. Harris. J. De Long, W. Robison, R.
Knapp, R. Harris, E. Stevens, E. Thomas, Nichols,
.T. Harris. A. Bush, John M. Seherinerhorn, N. Rowley.
E. Ferris, G. Magee, D. Sprague. M. Dimond, E. Rich-
mond, E. Smith, Sherman. W. Hays and sons, S. and
W. Bough ton, and H. Mosier.
On May 16, IT'.iL'. Jonathan Hoag, a man of character
and enterprise, of Quaker descent, moved into the town
and purchased a considerable tract of land of Stephen Van
Rensselaer, on the site of and in the vicinity of Nassau
village. He constructed a dam which flooded " Beaver
Meadow" or " The Fly," and makes what is now known as
Hoag's Fond. He also built the race-way. leading the
waters of the pond to the mills at the village. Here he
erected a grist-mill just north of the present site of the
Nassau Mills. It was destroyed by fire in ISIS or 1S19.
He also built a store at the village, where the post-office
now is, a dwelling-house near it, and the hotel. Ministers
of all denominations were hospitably received at his house
as long as the people were without a settled pastor. lie
represented his district in the State Legislature in 1798
and 1799, and was the first representative ever elected from
the portion of the district in which he resided. Other
early settlers are mentioned in the sketches of the villages.
About this period the town became more rapidly settled.
Settlers came in from the banks of the Hudson, from the
counties below, down the river, and from New England.
The\ were mostly of Eiigli.-h. Herman, and Hutch descent.
The log hut was in most instances the only abode of the
early settler. He occupied himself in clearing the land by
felling or girdling the trees, which, dying by the operation,
the roots soon decayed. He cut them up or rolled the
trunks together in heaps and burned them. The a
were -call, re.l over the land, or gathered together and sold
to the asheries, and converted into black or white salts, pot-
ash or pearlash. Or sometimes the wife of the pioneer
would BCrape them together for her own use. and make her
own pearlash, in her domestic economy the substitute for
The uinst valuable of the timber would he split into
.-lave- and carried to Albany for sal.-. The bark would be
peeled from the trunk- and sold to the tannery. The saw-
mill was an early institution, and converted the logs into
timber and boards. Fork and ground Indian corn, with
garden vegetables and fish, and now and then game from
the bum. furnished the food of the settler. Rye was
shortly after added U) the BUpplieS.
The pioneer tavern of the town was kept h\ Thorns]
Hicks, at Nassau village, before the Revolution. It was
TOWN OF NASSAU.
ilv;
simply a log lint, where strangers wore hospitably .liter
laincd, and stood on the site of the present hardware-store
on the corner of Church Street.
John W. Schermerhorn had an early inn at Ivist Nassau,
— probably as early as 1767; and Maj. Abijah Hush had
one there at an early day.
Reuben Bateman had one in the centre of the town very
early; and the VVaterburys had an inn at Watcrbiiry's
stores, in the centre of the town.
In the north part of the town Patrick McGee had a
very early inn, which was located about a mile southwest
of Alps, on land now owned by James 11. Ball. Joseph
tlreeimiaii had the first one at Alps at a very early day.
The Van Valkenburgh tavern, at Nassau village, was for
many years the leading one of the town. It was first kept
by a man named Strong, and afterwards by .Jonathan Hoag
and John Griswold in turn. Peter Van Valkenburgh took
it in the year 1815, and was its proprietor for over twenty-
five years. Maj.-Gen. John E. Wool was accustomed to
give his public receptions there, and many eminent persons
have partaken of its good cheer. Among them were Joseph
Bonaparte, King of Spain, who stopped at the tavern for
; several years in succession ; the Marquis de Lafayette, who
dined at the inn, and held an informal reception in the
ancient parlor; Maj -Gen. Alexander McComb, Maj.-Gen,
, Lewis Cass, President Martin Van Buren, Governor Wm.
L. Marcy, Gen. De Condry Holstein, Governor De Witt
Clinton, and Stephen Van Rensselaer, the patroon.
The visit of Lafayette to the hotel was made in 1825,
on the occasion of his triumphal tour through the country.
He was accompanied by Stephen Van Rensselaer, the
second patroon of the manor of Rensselaerswyek, and a
military escort. The occasion constituted quite an episode
in the life of the quiet little village.
The first store ever kept in the town was by Hoag &
Vail, on the corner where the first tavern was erected.
Another store was kept right opposite, where the post-office
now is, by Jonathan Hoag. Porter & Pardee followed Mr.
Hoag, and Chester Griswold ran the store for a while.
Another early store was kept by John W. Schermerhorn,
at East Nassau.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
The earliest physicians to practice in the town were Dr.
Joseph Gale, at East Nassau, nearly a century ago ; Dr.
James H. Ball, in the north part of the town, as early as
1790; and Dr. Samuel McClellan, in Schodack, just over
the line from Nassau village. Dr. Ebenezer Bassett prac-
ticed at Nassau village as early as 1812, and resided where
John N. Smith now lives. Dr. Montillon Beckwith was a
partner of Dr. Samuel McClellan for a good many years
about 1840. Dr. Augustus Jolls was in practice for ten or
fifteen years in the village. Dr. Philip C. Neher came
from Accord, Dutchess Co., where he had engaged in prac-
tice, and began practice at Nassau village on March 14,
1871, where he still remains. Dr. Samuel McClellan, son
of Judge Hugh W. McClellan, of Chatham, Columbia Co.,
and grandson of the first Dr. McClellan, commenced prac-
tice at the village May 1, 1875. He is still in practice
there.
At Bast Nassau Dr. Joseph Gale was in practice marly
one hundred years ago. Dr. William K . Bcotl was also an
early phy.siei. iii at the same point, and practiced a great
many years ago. lie subsequently removed to Buffalo.
Dr. Cuyler 'fanner praetieed a few year-, and l>i W'.i-
was in practice for a time in 1825. Dr. Turk practiced at
Bast Nassau in L840, and for a long time before. I»r.
John II. Haynes has been in praotio there for manj \ u
Dr. George W. Strait has also been in practice at. Es I \
sail for a long time.
Dr, Smith A. Bought. hi is an ..Id physician at Alps,
where he has liecn in practice lor the past thirty live years.
THE LEGAL PROFESSION
has been well represented in the town. Samuel B. Ludlow
was in practice some time at Nassau village about the year
1820. He remained until 1837 or thereabouts, and then
moved to Oswego. Henry Ludlow and Cyrus Mason were
contemporaries of S. B. Ludlow. Becoming converted in
a revival, they abandoned the profession of the law for
that of the ministry. Mr. Mason subsequently became a
professor in Columbia College, New fork. Fenner Fer-
guson read law in Nassau village, and was admitted to the
bar in 1888.*
John Coons was in practice at the village in 1830, and
Judge Hugh W. McClellan, judge of the Columbia County-
Court, and Robert H. McClellan, surrogate of Rensselaer
County, were also in practice in the town. Edward Peck,
W. C. Benton, Joseph Lant, and Anson Bingham have
also practiced at Nassau village. The latter became dis-
trict attorney of the county, and still resides near the
village.
At East Nassau, Judge E. C. Strait, judge of the county,
Barnes C. Strait, and Nelson Webster have engaged in
practice. The latter two are still there, — Mr. Strait also
having an office at Greenbush village.
HIGHWAYS.
But little is known concerning the earliest roads of the
town. In many cases they were but rough bridle-paths
which followed a line of marked trees, while in others they
followed monuments so uncertain and transitory that a de-
scription of the roads, if given here, would still leave it
impossible accurately to locate them.
The most important were located about the year 1800.
That was the era of turnpike-building. Iu 1813 there
were 135 charters for turnpikes and 36 charters for toll-
bridges in the State. A chain of turnpikes extended from
the State line near the village of New Lebanon, in Columbia
County, through East Nassau, Nassau village, Albany, and
thence on to Buffalo, a distance of three hundred and
* Hon. Fenner Ferguson was born at Jefferson Hill, in Nassau,
about 1S1G. He received an academical education at the Nassau
Academy, and at the age of twenty or twenty-one became a captain in
the militia in the Stcphentown regiment. He practiced law in the city
of Albany, and afterwards removed to Michigan, ulnae he practiced
his profession. He was appointed, through the influence of Gen.
Cass, Secretary of .State, one of the Territorial judges, and was
elected a delegate to Congress, but died while serving as such. When
at school he said il was his ambition to become a United States sen-
ator, and had he lived would, in all human probability, have reached
that goal.
424
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
twenty-four miles. Other turnpikes and roads were laid
mil many converged into this. Oue from Stoekbri i_
came in at Nassau village, another went through Easl
Nassau and Hoag's Corners, and still another passed
through Alps. The four-hora - ige ooaeh filled with pas-
the driver with his toodng-horn, the landlords of
the numerous inns which lined the road, and who wore the
ptaolesand dispensers of all the latest news, were in-
stitutions of '_-re.it necessity ami importance in those days.
,i this time Joseph Brainard buill a toll-bridge
across the Kinderhook Creek al Brainard. He out a road
h end of which a large sign-posl informed
travelers how they could save nearly two miles by passing
by way of his bridge. Nassau Turnpike was abandoned by
the owners, and declared a public highway by act of the
■i.ilnre passed April '.I, lS.'il.
The Barlem Extension Railroad passes through the
extreme southeastern corner of the town, and has a station
:it Brainard.
NEWSPAPER.
The Natsau OazetU was started in December, 1850, by
J. M. Qeer, but did not last long.
MEN OF DISTINCTION.
Of these the town has produced or fostered a great many.
Maj.-Gen. John E. Wool made the village of Nassau his
home for a great many years.*
Hon. John A. Griswold was a native of the town. He
was born at Nassau village in 1818, and removed to Troy
about the year 1835. where, by fortunate business transac-
aetions, he rose to wealth and influence. He devoted him-
self largely to matters of public interest and importance.
He represented his Congressional district in Congress dur-
the sessions of 1862, 1864, and 1866, and in 1868
received the Republican nomination for the office of Gov-
ernor of the State of New York. He failed, however, of
election, though the contest was close and conducted with
spirit. During the war he equipped a regiment of cavalry
at his own ei led the " Griswold Cavalry." He
was largely interested in the construction of the first
•• monitor," and was identified with other public and private
works of importance. He died at Troy, N. Y., at the age
..f fifty rs.*
Oilier prominei ind residents of the town have
d Robert II. MeClellan,i who was surrogate of the
county from I -•">''. r,ii; H.Smith Strait/)- who was surrogate
of the county from 1868 72, and judge of the county
1872 78, and wh" i* now serving another term;
Anson Bingham, district attorney from 1853 56; Hugh
\|.i ;.;,,!,. county judge of Columbia County and Fred-
,.rj, „ || || ..• who represented the Twelfth Senatorial
h ■ B : Countj in the Stale Senate in 1864
tion of the count] ol Rensselaer, the follow-
ns from the town have represented die district in
Legislature, vii Jonathan Hoag, 1798-99; l>r. James
II Ball 1812 13; Maj Abij..h Bush, 1818; Chester
ipbical department ,.f the
M biographical nketch m the general hitto ITlt.
Griswold, 1823, '31, and '35; William P. Hermance,
L829; Samuel W. Hoag, 1840; Ryer Hermance, 1825}
Anson Bingham, 1859-61; Sylvester Waterbury, 1862.;
Iv Smith Strait, 1S5T and 1863 ; Castle W. Herrick, 1872-
73; J. M. Witbeck, 1S74-75.
IV.— CIVIL HISTOKY.
The civil organization of Nassau begins with its forma-
tion into a town by the name of Plrilipslown, by virtue
an act passed March 31, 1806. It received its present
name April 6, 1S0S. The first town-meeting was held it
the town of Philipstown (now Nassau"), at the house of
Pliny Miller, inn-holder, on Tuesday, the 1st day of April,
1806. The following persons were elected town officers:
Jonathan Hoag, Supervisor; William C. Elmore, Town
Clerk; Fenner Palmer, Joseph Finch. Elijah Adams. Jo-
seph S. dale. Titus II nested. Assessors; Charles Mason,
Collector; Samuel Gale, David Waterbury, Overseers of
the Poor; Fenner Palmer, Enoch Benedict, Esq., James
II. Ball, Esq., Commissioners of Highways; Charles Ma-
son. William King. F.benezer Martin. Constables: Enoch
Benedict, Esq., Fenner Palmer, Benjamin Mason. Titus
Huested, Timothy Sibley, Gershom Tabor, Samuel Knapp,
John Turner, Jeremiah Macks, Fence-Viewers ; Jonathan
Hoag, Abijah Bush, Isaac Dunham, Poundmasters ; and
thirty-nine overseers of highways were elected.
" Voted, That Hogs may run in the highway, provided they have on
their necks a sufficient yoke, and in their none a sufficient ring, anil
not otherwise.
•' Joseth Hicks,
" Chester GniswoLD,
" Asa Utham,
" Overseers of Swine"
" Rams running at largo between tlio 1st .lay of .September and tho
10th day of November shall bo forfeited too any person taking up the
same."
■• Voted, That no money be raised in the town for the support of the
poor the ensuing year.*'
" Voted, That the next annual town-meeting be held in Union Vil-
lage, at the house now occupied by John Strong."
The first State election held in Nassau (then Philips-
town) was held three days, beginuing the last Tuesday in
April, and ending the 1st day of May, 1806. The vote
was for member of Congress, one State senator, and five
members of Assembly.
For member of Congress, Hosea Moffitt received 154
votes and Josiah Masters^ received ill .
For State senator, Eastern District, Jacob SnellJ re-
ceived 53 votes.
For member- of Assembly, Rensselaer County, A -a
Mannj received 149 vies: Nchemiah King, 144; Adam
Vates. s in; Jacob Vales. Ill; Powell Gardiner, 97;
lb.beri Womlworili.i 59; William W. Reynolds,? 93;
Ebenezer Foot, 60; Gilbert Eddy,§ 61 ; John Burr, 56.
In the State election of 1807, the votes in the town ol
Yi "i ! ben Philipstown) " taken at the anniversary elec-
tion," April 28, i".'. and 30, L807, were:
For governor, Daniel D. Tompkins,| 65 ; Morgan Lewis,
169.
For lieutenant-governor. John Broome,| 65; Thomas
Storm, 169.
X Kb
i r. .in January J7 to April 7, 1807.
TOWN OF N ^SSAU.
125
For State senators, Eastern District, Charles Sclden,"
,;i | J0hn Taylor,* 64 ; John McLean/ 6-1 ; [saac Kel-
logg,* 64; Abraham Ten Eyek, 108; Edward Savag
L68; Asa Mann, 1 < "> T , Stephen Cuylcr, 1G8.
For members of Assembly, Rensselaer County, James
1,. Hogeboom," 80; Ebenezer Jones," 80; Jacob Sates,"
80; Samuel Vary, Jr., 80 ; Benjamin Walworth, 79; Cor-
nelius J. Schcrmerhorn, 224; Myndert Groesbeck, 224;
John Van Wocrt, 224; Adam Sates,* 224 ; Henry Piatt,
223.
At a town-meeting, April 1, 1828, it was
•• Renin d, I. Thai boars, after two months old, shall bo kepi con
fined "ii pain of forfeiture. 2. That hogs .-= 1 1 ; 1 1 1 be yoked and i ting to
I,,, considered a coinm r. 3, That every tavorn-keeper shall bo
puundui aster."
The following persons have filled (he principal offii
the town at the respective dates given :
SUPERVISORS.
[806 10, Jonathan Hum;;; Isii, Fennor Palmer;t 1S12 13, Barcnt
Vim Vleck; 1814-16, Fennor Palmer; 1817-ls, Bernard Hicks;
[819-20, Chauncey Porter; 1821-22, Wm. P. Hermance; 1823
24, Penner Palmer; 1825, C. Porter; 1826-29, Bernard Hicks;
1830-::::, Henry Lord; 1834, Ryer Hcrmanee; 1835, Stephen
Phillips; 1836 37, Henry Lord; I83S 10, S. W. Hoag; 1841, li.
Hermance; 1842, Chester Griswold; 1843, Seth Hastings; 1844,
A. Bingham; 1845, E. B. Tifft; 1846, S. Waterbury ; 1847,Joseph
Tifft; tsis, E. <i. Tifft; Ism, G. W. Norton; 1850-51, 0. C.
Thompson; 1S52-53, A. Bingham; 1854-55, R. II. McClellan;
1856, S. Waterbury; 1S57-5S, F. 11. Hastings; 1859,0. W. Her-
riok; I860, S. Waterbury; 1861-62, JD. Hermance; 1863, B. II.
Lord; 1861-65, J. C. Enos; 1S66, S. W. Ambler; 1867, Dennis
Lewis; 18G8, J. M. Witbeck; 1869-70, S. Waterbury; 1871-73,
J.T.Germond; 1874-76, Gardner Morey ; 1877-78, Giles Kirby;
1879, Barnes C. Strait.
TOWN CLERKS.
1806-16, William C. Elmore; 1817-18, Isaac B. Fox; 1819-21, Asa
Savage ; 1822-25, William Finch ; 1826-30, Aaron V. Waterbury ;
1831-32, Jonathan G. Tifft; is:;:; 34, Wilson H. Crandall ; 1835,
Samuel B. Ludlow.; 1S36, Edwin R. Ball; 1837-38, Climbs
Waterbury; 1S39-41, Edwin li. Ball; 1S42, Schuyler Waterbury ;
1843, Anson Bingham; 1844, Joseph Fursman; 1845, Schuyler
Waterbury; 1846, James C. Enos; 1847-48, George W. Norton;
1849, Samuel Stover; 1850, Anson Bingham; 1851-§3, Wm. W.
Hemenway; 1S54, James II. Ball; 1S50, Leander O. Daboll ;
1S50, David E. Waturbury ; 1857-58, Daniel Hermance; 1859,
Sylvester Waterbury; I860, Hiram L. Lester; 1861, Edwin II.
Crossett; 1S62, Nelville B. Lord; ISC::, P.Gardner Morey; IS61-
65, Nelson Webster; 1866, .lames a. Cotton; 1867-70, Augustus
Jells; 1871-73, Georgo O. Daboll; 1874-7(5, II. Jerome Hayes:
1877-78, John C. Hitchcock; 1879, George W. Witbeck.
JUSTICES OP THE PEACE
were appointed until 1827. The first election for justices
occurred at the general election ou the 5th, 6th, and 7lh
of November, 1827.
1827, "William P. Hermance, James Iloag, Joseph Foy, Samuel Water-
bury; 1828, Samuel Waterbury; 1829, John Vau DusenjJ 1830,
« Elected.
"(" lion. Feuncr Palmer, of Nassau, was supervisor of that town and
a member of Assembly from Rensselaer County. He owned the mills
and saw-mill at Nassau village, lie had five sons by his first wife,
viz., Thomas, Cornelius, George, Jonathan, and Penner, Jr., and five
daughters by his second wife. Mr. Palmer was a wealthy man. Ho
died at about sixty-eight, and was burie 1 in Koag's orchard burying
ground. A highly-esteemed and kind-hearted man.
X Mr. Van Dusen and all following were elected at town-meetings
the first Tuesday in April annually.
54
li iag ; 18.31, Sponcor fl hit roporl d
tins year: 1 lohn G. D '
Sponci r Wh Li I *n G.
nbury, Lymnn \ undenburg '• Di
(v.), .1- bun Coloraai 1830, Lymnn Vandi nburgli II 10,
Epnpl Dei i 1841 : tor \ tin \ all i nburgh ;
1842, George W. No ' ir C. Thompson (f. I.) \
Henry Kirby : 1844, Lewis .1. Wotei but f, 1845
Strnil : i 16, Th en 1 I 1847, Hi nry Kirby
Oliver C. Thompson ; I 19, George 91 . ffoi n t iO, William
ll awnj '...'! i' Pen Eyol I > 1851, Hi I
ii. i.i. Daniol Ue mana I Oli C.
Dennis Lewis; 1 55 1, Ji C. En I 5, Horn Kit
Olivet C. Tl pson ; 1857,1 Li wi 1858, Jan
1859, IL-ii, .'. Kirbj I 60, \b can lor II. Tuckci 1861, Dennis
Lewi ; 1S62, Jn i 1803, II, ni | Kirbj I 564,
ler II. Tui kcr; 1865, Dcnn Lewi I J «ni I I
1867, J. Van Valkenburgh ; 1808, Alcxandci II- Ti
Carlos Ambler; 1870, Jainc C. Enos, J. P.N. Davis; 1871, J.
Van Valkenburgh, Nelson Webster; 1872, Thomas G. Brown;
is;:;, Lorenzo Strait; 1874, Jamce C. Enos; 1875, John Van
Valkenburgh; 1876, Hear) W.Vickery; 1877, Sail ell .War-
den, Prank E. Boughton; 1878, James C. Eno . i
1879, P. E. Boughton.
V.— VILLAGES AMI HAMLETS.
NASSAU VILLAGE,
situated in the southwest part of the town, is its only in-
corporated village. It was formerly known as Union vil-
lage. It is beautifully laid oui into streets, several of which
are lined with handsome shade-trees, and contains a hotel,
Reformed, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches, a Cath-
olic chapel, Nassau Academy, several stores, a number of
places devoted to manufacturing and the mechanic arts,
and several hundred dwelling-houses, many of which are
very handsome and homelike, and present a pleasing and
attractive appearance. The population of the village is
about 500, and the inhabitants are mostly in good circum-
stances, and are cultivated and refined.
The first charter of the village was granted March 12,
1819, and provided the following officers, viz. : Trustees,
William B. Hermance, Chauncey Porter, Samuel B. Lud-
low, Chester Griswold, and Ebenezer 1>. Bassett; Collector,
Henry Goodrich ; Treasurer, Calvin Pardee.
The present charter of the village was passed April 17,
1866, and gives the following bounds of the village, viz. :
"Beginning nt the east end of tbe bridge across the creek near the
house of Calvin linker, thence running down tbe east side of said
creek to the southwest corner of the lands of Smith Van Valken-
burgh ; thence easterly along the line offence to the road running
from Nassau to Chatham Street; thence easterly and across the road
from Nassau to Maiden, to a point in the southeast corner of the wood
lot lately owned by Samuel W. Hoag, opposite to and midway of the
bouses of Abram Seelcy and Martin Van Salisburj : tbenee northerly
on a line running one hundred feel east of the barn owned by Smith
Griffith to the creek which divides the town of Nassau from the town
of Schodaek ; tbenee along the east side of said creek to the place of
beginning."
The records of the village back of 1839 are missing,
and cannot be found. The principal village officers since
that date have been :
PRESIDl \ Is.
is:;;, II, n ■.;,■ Palmer; 1842, S uel W. Hoag; 1843-45, Smith
Griffith; 1846, limn Her: 1847 10, Che tei Sri i old; IS50-51,
Smith Van Valkenburgh; IS., 'J, linn, [ler; IS53, no n
1854, Smith Payne; 1855, Samuel W. Hoag; 1856; Smith Grif-
fith; 1857, Ryer Hermance; 1858, Henry [ler; 1859, Smith
126
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Griffith; IS60-61, Jeremiah Link; I S62, James Van Alton: 18153,
Jeremiah Link; 1SB4, Calvin B. B < iel II. Smith ;
IS66, 1'. Porter Davis; IS67-0S, J. M. Witbcck; IS69,
Valkcnburgh ; 1870-72, Thomas D.James; 1873-71, J. M.
. n-i,i., K ngman; 1S77, John Van Valkcn-
1878, Ipril, David F. Winters, June, Charles E. Hui sted ;
[Incited.
er Palmer; 1 840, Truman Phelps; IS41, Smith Van Val-
kenburgh; IS42, Chester Griswold; IS43, -' . -l« n T. Ilogoboom;
hil 1845, I'. M. Conklin; 1S40-50, Edward It.
- I Ben n; 1S53, S. D. Ostronder: 1854-55,
VT.C. Burton; 1856-61, Wm. Jacqu s; IS62, Janios A.Calvin;
U ,„. .1., ■ | ... S. I'. Kirbj : IS6fi, !.. >'. Kirby :
1867, no record ; 1S6S rl,A. Jolls; l^TJ 74, William Von Allen;
The tir.-t settlement made in the town was at the vil-
. a.- we have secu, by Hugh Wilson, in 17G0, and
: early families that located there have been elsewhere
mentioned. Others who were identified with the early
development of the villa.-, • have been Samuel W. Hoag,
Thomas H ij - entric yet valuable citizen, who took
a great interest in turnpikes, — Lyman Vandenburgh, John
A1<1, n. William 1'. Hcrmance, Dr. Samuel MeClellan, Smith
Griffith, Or. Ebenezer 1>. Bassett, Samuel B. Ludlow,
i; ;1, in Merchant, ami a number of others, most of whom
:,] | . ar elsewhere. Cornelius Rainier had a grist-mill at the
village in 1819.
The Smith family have been represented in the village a
Ion- time. Nicholas T. Smith, the progenitor of the
family, went from Dutchess County fust to the town of
Ghent, in Columbia Co., and from thence to Nassau, where
he located in the latter part of last eentury, on the farm
ii.,w occupied by Nicholas Mynders, about two miles from
in village. He ] assed his life there as a farmer. Of
his ten children, Tunis settled near the old homestead for
a tine-, and passed the remainder of his life at the village,
where he lived to an advanced age; Henry N. resides at.
i Peter N. located first at Muitzes
Kill, in tli,' town of Schodack, then for a long time on the
farm now occupied by John Kane, in Schodack, near
llagc, and now lives ill the village; •> "hn X.
,t farms in Nassau and Sehodack, and
. Jacob N.. the youngest son,
, the old homcsti id, but has I it Nassau
,i number of years.
Van Valkcnburgh hotel was kept, after Peter Van
V Lcnburgh, by I' I R ' rt, and Alexander Hoes,
1. i Vllctidorph, and David Darling. It
finally became the property of Smith Van Valkcnburgh,
wh" i o tl, >t now stands
I .11! | I him, bj a man
John 1 toll, a Mr. Shi t I mming \-
r. P 1 Allcndorph, J. M.
Will TrafTord & Kingman, and by II.
■
;' in the r of the
by ! it 1-Ji>. Smith \ Clark are
in i ■ ' iboul
1 -> ! • led him.
I.
Jones now lives. Simeon Jones succeeded to the busi-
ness.
Harder & Smith, William Jacques, Edward Jacques,
William Brown, M. II. Smith, and Daniel Smith were
among those who were in trade in the Pardee store after
Robert Mitchell.
The store kept by Hoag & Vail was afterwards kept by
Po on, S. W. Hoag, Foster, Joseph T. Rice, Smith Van
Valkcnburgh in 1837, and for sixteen years. The store
was afterwards used for mechanical purposes, and was
destroyed by lire in 1878.
Smith Van Valkcnburgh built the store where ('. ]■',.
II nested now is, in 1SG4, and kept it until ISO'S. Van
Valkcnburgh & Huestcd were next in trade there, and since
December, 1877, C. E. Huested.
Jonathan Hoag, Porter & Pardee, Chester Griswold,
Cornelius Palmer. Elias Warner, and Smith Van Valken-
burgh were among those who were in trade in another of
the early stores of the village.
The village post-office was established as early as 1811.
The name of the first postmaster is not positively known.
A man by the name of Ellis was an early incumbent of the
office. Jonathan Hoag, Smith Van Valkcnburgh, Chester
Griswold, M. II. Smith, John Secombc, Van Dccar.
and Jesse B. Huestcd were among the other postmasters of
the village. Elias P. Rockefeller, the present postmaster,
assumed the office Aug 14, 1S77.
Among the oldest houses of the village mention may be
made of the one occupied by Frank Clark, which was built
right after 1S1- by Cornelius Palmer. The house occupied
by Edward V. Kruni was built by Moses Vail, the first
part of the present eentury. Jonathan Hoag erected the
building where the post-office is, and the adjoining building,
at an early day. The house occupied by Jacob Hawk is
very old. Simeon Griswold erected the house where Mr.
Mead lives very early. The building occupied by Calvin
Van Saulsbury was built by Jonathan Hoag quite early ; and
Martin Van Saulsbury occupies the old reformed parsonag
An old fire-engine company, known as " No. 1," existed
in the village as early as IS 111. Washington Engine Com-
pany, No. 1. was organized July IS, 1S72. On May 18,
18G6, the village appropriated 8S0O for the purchase of a
lire-engine and apparatus. These were purchased the fol-
lowing August, and are now in the possession of the villi
111 K VILLAGE OP EAST NASSAU
is located in the southeastern section of the town, on Kin-
derhook Creek. It was formerly known as Scheme rhorn's,
or Seh,r rhorn's village, in honor of John W. Schcrmcr-
horu, an early ]i icr of the village, and who did much
by his energy and activity in developing the place.
The water-power of the village has been variously util-
ized by industries that are elsewhere referred to.
The village contains two churches, a hotel, a saw-mill. ■
number of places devoted to the mechanic arts, and a num-
ber of dwclling-hous
John \V. Schermcrhorn kept the first inn in the villaj
at a verj early day. Morgan Harris kepi it afterwards for
a long time. Samuel Wheeler has been the proprictoi ol
the tavern for a di cade of yeai
TOWN OF NASSAU.
127
Pliny Miller kept an early inn where Isaac Hoag now
resides. Ebenezer Martin was there afterwards. Maj.
Aliijah Hush had another pioneer tavern, where Harvey
Haves now resides.
William Root had a store in the village nearly a century
ago. Jared Knot was in trade (hen1 afterwards, and also
where .lames Dusenborry now lives. Kenneth M. Davis
followed next, and erected a new store apposite the tavern,
and was in trade there as late as 1860. Gilbert Webster,
John G. Bush, and Lewis & Davis were subsequently in
trade (here.
James Turner was first in trade where the post office is.
Dennis Lewis, Andrew Marker, Webster & Haves, and
Haves liros. were in trade there afterwards. Edward
Haves is the present proprietor. Samuel E. Gibbs was in
trade on the site where Isaac Hoag resides. George Nor-
ton and William E. Williams were there afterwards. The
building finally burned.
The village post-office was established about 18o0. Jared
j Root, the first postmaster, filled the office for seventeen
years. Dennis Lewis, Gilbert Webster, and the Hayeses
have been later incumbents of the office.
The house occupied by Mrs. Cynthia M. Davis was built
by John W. Schermerhorn nearly a century ago.
IIOAG'S CORNERS
is a thriving hamlet located in the northeast part of the
town. It is situated on Tsatsawassa Creek, and contains two
stores, a hotel, a union and a Baptist church, a number of
places devoted to various branches of manufacture, and a
number of dwelling-houses.
Settlements were commenced here at an early day. Wil-
liam Larkins was a farmer at that point over seventy years
ago. He also operated a saw-mill about "a mile up the
creek from the " Corners." His son Caleb, at an advanced
age, still occupies a portion of the same farm. Daniel
Alexander built a saw-mill — where the grist-mill of John
Taylor is — nearly eighty years ago. Hitchau Holland
operated a tannery up the stream, fifty years ago, for about
twenty-five years. Weller & Swan succeeded him for twelve
or fourteen years, followed by Willard C. Browu. Thomas
G. Brown and H. W. Victor now have a cider-mill there.
A chair-factory was started up the creek by Merrimau
Lester, fifty years ago. He operated it about forty years.
About the same time, Jared Alexander had an iron-foundry
on the creek, opposite the chair-factory. Cyrcnus Harger
and Isaac Wheeler ran the foundry afterwards. Jared
Alexander and Levi Knapp had a cloth-dressing establish-
ment, in a building located below the grist-mill, sixty years
ago. Luther Lyman, Calvin Doty, and Merrimau Lester
were their successors.
James Hoag had a saw-mill fifty years ago, at the " Cor-
ners,'' and a blacksmith-shop where Lester's store now
stands. The saw-mill stood in the rear of the present resi-
dence of Edward Alberson.
William Hoag built the hotel about fifty-six years ago,
and kept it about thirty-five years. Henry Gile has been
the proprietor a good many years. Robert Martin erected
a hotel opposite, fifty-seven years ago, and kept it a good
many years. David Brown was the next proprietor of the
place, ami Elijah •!. Tiffl kepi it for tv. 1 . u about forty
years ago.
Robert Martin kept tie' ti 1-1 store in tie' pi about
fifty-six years ago. The building i^ still standing, and was
changed to a wagon making-shop, run by Tabor Parks.
Elijah G. Tifft occupied the building al one time, Jared
Alexander buill the nexl store, up the ?trcam al the tan-
nery, about the year 1830. Among hi- su
David Blaney, Elijah G. Tifft, John Tiffl 3d . Gilberl B.
Finch, M. .1. & A. L. Lester, and M. J. Lester A: I) <;
Tifft. The goods were moved to a new store oppositi the
grist-mill. Tiffl & Thompson then moved the stock to the
present store of M. .1. Lester, where (Jiles A; Thompson
(Oliver C.) and M.J. Lester traded in turn. The latter
has been there .sixteen years.
Opposite the mill a store was built by Morgan A. Knapp
and Horace Batcman. John Tiffl (3d Srsl occupied it
about thirty-eight years ago. lie occupied tie- real- part of
the " old Robert Martin house," and about thirty-five years
ago built the one now occupied by Win. D. Tifft. Oilers
who have kept there have been Elijah (i. Tifft, Henry Gile,
Calvin D. Lester, Hiram L. & Harrison Lester, Tifft A;
Caswell, C. S. White, and W. I). Tifft for tin: past live or
si\ years.
Dr. Snyder located at this point twenty or twenty-five
years ago, but remained but a few years.
An old house standing in the bend of the creek, near the
chair-factory, is said to be eighty years old. The house
opposite the tannery was erected about the same time. The
"yellow house" at the " Corners" has been built upwards of
seventy years.
The post-office was established about 1835. The first
postmaster was Win. B. Hoag, wdio bad the office in the
hotel about fifteen years. Oliver C. Thompson succeeded
for seven or eight years, when it passed to the store of Tifft,
k Caswell for a short time. Hiram L. Lester succeeded;
then Merriman J. Lester; and finally W. D. Tifft, the
present incumbent of the office.
The first school-house in the locality stood opposite the
grist-mill about seventy-five years ago. Jared Alexander
and Sophia Hunt were early teachers there. A second one
was built below the Corners, on the creek, about fifty years
ago. The present one has been standing about twelve years.
BRAINARD POST-OFFICE
is a small hamlet in the southeast corner of the town. It
was formerly known as " Brainard's Bridge," after Joseph
Brainard, who built the bridge over Kinderhook Creek ;
but as the history of the locality became better understood,
it was changed to " Brainard," in honor of David Brainard,
the missionary to the Indians, who bad a station there.
The hamlet contains a Methodist Episcopal church, a
store, hotel, and a number of dwelling-houses. The Nassau
Cotton-Mills, formerly a prominent industry of the town.
arc located at this point. The Harlem Extension Railroad
has a station at the eastern extremity of the hamlet. Early
stores were kept there by Gershom Tinier and Hastings &
Smith. Others in trade there have been Herriek, Smith &
Co., Hopkins & Hughes, Hughes Bios., and C. E. Hop-
kins, who is still in trade. Edward Kellogg built the store
128
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
• Brainard Station in 1873, and is still the proprietor
u!' it.
The first tavern in the place was kept by Joseph Brai-
nard, about sixty years ago. 11<' was preceded by a man
aamed Stoddard. The present hotel was built at the rail-
road station by E. T. Wait, about -ix years ago. William
A. II. in i- the present proprietor.
The early postmasters of the place were Seth and Fred-
erick II Hastings. Edward Kellogg bus also been an in-
cumbent of the office, The present postmaster is David
Rainey.
Dl MI.Wl HOI l."Y\
i- a hamlet in tin' northeastern corner of the town, and
tins a blacksmith-shop ami saw-mill, a .-mall foundry, a
grist-mill, hoop-factory, and a number of dwelling-hou
\ Pre Will Baptist church stands near the " Bollow,''' on
- phentown line.
Dunham was the firsl settler in the hamlet
eight; B ted a hotel ami a saw-mill at
tli.it point. Jacob White built a hoe-factory there about
•. and passed his life in die hamlet. John
Titl't. another early settler there, died in L813. Simon
Tiffi built a .saw-mill, where I,. Foineroy lives, at an early
■ .t,.lin TilTt ns married t" Anna Vallet, in Rhode Island, in 1 778.
In K'.'l they removed from Exeter, in tlm Rensselaer County,
the farm between Hong's Cornors and Dunham Bollow,
in Ihi rhoro thoy resided during their re-
1 In- farm is now owned and occupied by their tenth
■'i. upon which In* was born, and where he has over
John TifTt and lii- im Rhode Island with eight
iu rour mon to them. Tin- journoy
I miles was mado in twenty-two days, — a trip en
n half that number of hours. The household goods were
i awn by a team of two yokoof oxen, driven by
I tic >r-M-k ,,t | .. and
•win* I in, I iliir-1 sons, boys of twelve and
nveying, in a largo
young children. John TiflVs
- mon, Mara i mt Polly I,
and Charity, who were born in Exeter,
K. I i H'., who were born in
i in. in tin-' " .Manor of Rcns-
■11 married and raised families. The descend-
1 within the lir.-t.
ein, of anj
and merchant - ; they arc in-
honored by the i iwn
led with integrity
i cd !•> their
i and kind neigh-
M
»l II ily's
n n clerk
ihr town n
:,
... ob-
■
«f \h- T"«n ■•( , |„„
day. A still earlier mill was operated by a man named
Adams.
Dunham's tavern was kept after him by his son Riland,
succeeded by Keren Fields and Phinehas Holt.
Joshua Col. man built the first -love al the "Hollow.''
and traded there a good many years. Isaac D. Coleman,
Lorcn Fields, Stephen S. Griffin, and the present occupants,
Leander O. Paboll & Son, have been in trade there since.
'flu- present store stands opposite the site of the old one,
which was destroyed by fire.
ALPS (POST-OFFICE)
is situated in the extreme northeastern corner of the town,
and derives its name from the mountainous character of
ili. section in which it is located. It contains a church,
store, several buildings devoted to the mechanic arts, and a
number of private residences.
Jonathan <!. Tifft had a store there fifty years ago
Among his successors have been Lester Hart. Canny
Viikny. Charles Mallory, Baily & Boughton, John Ad-it,
and .lame.- Upham.
John B. Ad-it had an early tavern where the pi
one is. Opposite him another was kept by Asa Cphaui.
• I si ph Casey rebuilt the Adsit hotel, and kept it a number
of years.
NORTH NASSAU (POST-01 II' I .
as its name implies, is a hamlet situated in the north part
of the town. It contains a store. Baptist church, and a
number of dwelling. houses.
The earliest -.(tiers in this locality were Jonathan Wil-
liams, James II. Ball, the Deveroaux family, the C
family with sons John (now living, aged ninety-four),
Jesse, Jeremiah, Adam, and Silas, and Elijah Adams.
Jacob Hoth. James Martin, Killiaan Bristol, and Roger
Morey were early settlers at or near Miller's Corner-, in
the northwestern corner of the town.
Til first tavern kept in the locality was by Patrick Mc-
Gec, a mile southwe.-t of Alps, on land now owned 1>\ Jai
II. Ball. A man by the name of Burdiek had tin- lir-t at
.North Nassau I P. 0.), about seventy years ago. and ki
it wh.iv J, line- II. Ball now resides. William C. Kin
had a .-lore and tavern in the same place. Wilson II.
fraud; ill kepi the tavern an 1 store abuul I8.J0. Edwin
1!. Ball kept the tavern and store twenty-live years
and giving up the former, continued the latter until his
death, Oct. 6, 1871. John Chaloncr was in trade:
1-71' to May. 1879.
The first school house in the locality stood near the r. -i-
d.ii. f Edgar M. Williams. Jacob Hoff was an early
ti acher,
'I'h.. post-office wa- established thirty-five years a;
The firsl postmaster Was James II. Ball, who has filled
the office almo-t without interruption.
Ml, I I It's i OKNERS
-mall hamlet in the northwestern corner of the town.
Mi i erected and kept a store there forty \
Joel Hitchcock and a man named Burdiek fol-
lowed. Andrew Ituppi i- there now.
TOWN OK N \SS Ul.
429
VI. SCHOOLS.
Tlic educational interests ul' the town received early and
faithful attention from the early pastors of the deformed
Church, who performed the duties of both spiritual and
temporal instructors. The records of the church contain
several references to (his duty by the pastors of the church,
The " catechising of the youth," as it was called, usually
oocurred on the Monday following the holding of religious
services.
Tin- lirsi district school-house was built prior to 1821, at
Nassau village. It continued in use until 1840, when the
present one was erected. A private school was kept by a
Mr. Goodman as early as l^:>5, in the building which had
been occupied by Stocking's store.
Nassau Academy was incorporated mi May 11, 1835,
Samuel \V. [Ioag, Lyman Vandenburgh, John Alden, Wil-
liam I'. Ilermance, Dr. Samuel McClellan, Smith Griffith,
Reuben Merchant, Dr. Ebenezer I). Bassett, and Samuel
B. Ludlow being named as incorporators. The present
school building, exclusive of the dwelling and boarding de-
partment, was built the same year. It passed into private
hands subsequently, and in 1850 to 1857 was conducted
as a Young Ladies' Institute by Rev. Salmon Hatch.
On Jan. 9, 1868, it was again incorporated and received
under visitation by the regents. Some of the teachers under
this second incorporation have been J. S. Powell, A. B.
fViggin, Lev. Mr. Williams, and W. E. Faulkner. Mi.-s
Kate L. Huyser is the present principal of the school. The
school now has from 30 to 40 pupils, some of whom are in
the boarding department. The trustees of the institution
at present, are Castle W. Ilerrick, .James Van Allen, Wil-
liam A. Smith, Alexander Smith, John T. Germond, and
Lev. A. II. Brush.
VII.— EELIGIOUS HISTORY.
Preaching was held in the town as early as 1780, and
perhaps earlier. Rev. Messrs. Tubbs and Drake were early
hearers of the doctrines of the Christian religion into the
town; and Lev. Sampson Occum, a converted Indian, is
also known to have preached in the town at an early day.
These first preachers proclaimed the truth either in a barn
or a log house, and their services were always well attended.
So far as can be ascertained, Lev. James V. C. ltomeyn,
pastor of the churches of Greenbush and Wynantskill,
was the first minister of the Protestant Reformed Dutch
Church to preach in the neighborhood. lie held public
worship about 1789, one Sabbath, in a barn which stood
opposite the subsequent dwelling of Dr. Samuel McClelland,
at Nassau village.
The first church building erected in the west part of the
town was in 1787, by the Lutherans, Presbyterians, and a
few Dutch Reformed, on the west side of the pond. The
land for the purpose was granted by Stephen Van Rens-
selaer.
For several years this house was occupied occasionally on
the Sabbath and other days by ministers of different de-
nominations. The Lev. Messrs. Hardwick, Miller, Wood-
bridge, Lomeyn, Sickles, and others are known to have
pleached there. No regular pastor was ever called to min-
ister in this house. This chinch building Btood nbonl
twenty-five or thirty years, when ii was taken down and
tin' land si .Id. With their share of the proceeds the Dutch
Reformed people purchasi d a pa nag in the ;.
of Darius Munis, which has si been ( hanged for the
one now lii longin ; to the church.
Abniii the yeai 1795 everal individuals, d to have
a house of worship in the village which should be free for
all orthodox ministers, circulated a subscription-paper for
the purpose of raising funds suffieienl to build it. To this
subscription Henry Goes, Dennis Harder, Conrad Van
Houscn, Jacob Van llne-en. John Schermerhorn, and
others of the Dutch Reformed people contributed. Ground
for the purpose was given by Mr. McGowcn, and a chinch
building was raised the same year, but nol completed for sev-
eral years afterwards. Public services, however, were held in
it in an unfinished state, a work bench forming the pulpit,
whilst common stool benches wen used for seats. Differ-
ent ministers from time to time occupied this homely pul-
pit, all of whom were hospitably entertained by Jonathan
Hoag. 1( was subsequently used by the Presbyterian and
Reformed Churches in common, and stood near the pre enl
Reformed Church parsonage on Chatham Street.
PRESBYTERIAN CUURCH OF NASSAU.
By previous notice the congregation of Union villa
semblcd in the church on Thursday, Nov. II, 1802,
and, after the sermons, elected the following officers for
their church : William Southworth and John Strong,
Deacons; Andrew (luffin and Joseph Boughton, Elders.
On Friday. Nov. 1 1', 1802, the following persons of this
congregation applied to be constituted into a church, and
to be admitted to all its peculiar privileges and advantages :
Joseph Garrison, Susannah Garrison, Mary Sherman. Han-
nah Guffin, Martha Strong, Jane Boughton, Lucy Bene-
dict, Anne Garrison. Aaron Garrison. On Saturday, Nov.
13, 1802, the church was constituted of the above mem-
bers. On Sunday, Nov. 14, 1802, they made a public
profession of their faith. The sacrament of the Lord's
Supper was administered to the church on the second
Sabbath in November, 1802, by Jonas Coe, the pastor.
The services of the church up to this time were held in
the old " Free Church building." But at this period it
was deemed advisable to erect a new structure. This was
accordingly done, and on Jan. 13, 1828, a new Presbyte-
rian church was dedicated. It stood about one hundred
feet northwest of Nassau Academy. The building was
moved to its present site in 1848.
The pastors from 1802 to 1828 were Jonas Coe. John
Younglovc, Jr., Young, and Joel T. Benedict. Since
that date the following have served : Lev. Ezra D. Kinney,
1828-29 and 1837-38; Solomon I. Tracy, 1830-33;
Washington Rosevelt, 1834-36; Robert Day (supply .
1838; S. Bryant, 1840-42; John Batoy. 1842-43;
Joseph Hurlburt, 1844-48; Fayette Shepherd. 1850-52;
Lemuel II. Place (supply), L853; Robert Day, 1856-58;
Charles Doolittle, 1859-67; G. R. Alden, 1869 70; C. S.
Sherman, 1871-75; G. R. Knowles, 1876-78. The last
pastor of the church was Lev. Mr. Staunton, now of Easl
Albany. Active services are not now held.
HISTORI OB RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
PRO - . REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, NASSAU.
In the spring of 1803 a mooting was held in the old
church building by tho pond for the purpose of organizing
tl.is ohurch. A petition I thai a church tnighl
immediately circulated, signed by about
60 heads of families. The petition was presented to the
i :- l.\ Henry Goes, -Inly 19, 1803. It
favorably received, and the Clussis appointed Rev.
.1 Sickles, D.D., to organize the church, which was
in tho fall. I * - 1 1 1 » i — Harder, Henry Goes, Nicholas
Smith, and Abraham Welch, Elders, and G ge Melius,
Michael T.Smith, Wm. Jacoby, and Nicholas T. Smith
laincd as the ./. The church became
;■, March "_'. 1 309.
The charge, until 1821, was connected with the church
- hodack. The pastors of tho united churches during
this period b Christian Bork, 1804 3; Jesse
Fonda 1809 13; Peter Van Buren, 181 1-20. From the
time of the separation from Schodack to the present time
tho pastors h >■ Romeyn, 1821-27 ; J.
F Morris, 1829 32; Christopher Hunt, 1832-37; John
P k ■ . Edwin Holmes, 1841-52; Richard
II Si le, 1852-63; and Csaac Collier, L86J 66. The
Rev. Alfred II. Brush, was installed over
the church in IE ■
rly members of the church were: 1S05,
Nicholas T. Smith, Win. Jacoby, Jennie Harder, Peter
Westpha Williams. Garret Herniance; 1806,
adt Smith, John Weaver, Jacob Benedict, Richard
Shipley, Abrum 1'. Smith, Michael 'J'. Smith,
nl Van Vleck, Charles Mason, Elihu Faxon, Henry
Philip Prink. G Melius, Ebenezcr Stott,
II Jacob Van Hocsen, William Schermerborn.
f the church were at first held in the " old
irch," to which reference has already been made
half of which was purchased from the Presbyterians
i a title i" the land i in 1806. On May
n - of the church were sold, and one-
Rcform ation. In the year
: the dilapidated condition of tho
church, in which they had worshiped for marly twenty
unwillingness of the Presbyterian society to
nut tell th" building, the Reformed society,
win 20 families, determined i" en
Dei I larder, < larrcl Hermance,
William Hendricks, William Schcr r-
William Jacoby, and Abram P.
i lot and
■n. A 1"! was pur-
i m ide wiih Nor-
uitablc building, The 1
. 1 1 1 1820, and it- dedication took p
of the pews in the
1 - .' 1 :
2, M had Smith. II. nrv T. Smith; 3, Teunis Harder,
11 I'll- 1, Garret Hermance ;
5 1 burgh; 6, Nicholas T. Smith ; 7. Bar-
1 1 Van
II ■ .1 IL Hermance; 1 0, Zachariah B
John Barringer; 11, William Jacobie, Jacob Myer ; 14,
Paul Ostrom, Carl Earing; 15, Nicholas Jacobie; 16,
Reuben Rogers, Samuel McClcllan; 17. William Henu
ricks : 18, Simeon Griswold. Chester Ciiswold ; 19, Michael
Smith; 20, Abram P.Smith. Frederick Ham; 21, Wffl
Ham P. Hermance, Ebcnczer 1). Bassett; 22, Chauncd
Porter; -'.',. Christian C. Becker; -<i. John Row, Peter
Shufelt; 27. Cons. Van Ness, Henry Wctherwax ; 28,
Pastor; ~2'J. Isaac Van Duscn ; 30, Christian C. Becker;
31, Frederick Shufelt; 32, Henry Barringer; 33, Calvin
Pardee; 34, Rensselaer T. Hoag; 35, Jonas Miller; ".li.
Norman Landen, Henry Landen ; 37, Samuel B. Ludlow;
3S, Peter C. Van Valkcnhurgh ; 39, Henry T. Smith,
Michael T. Smith, Eve Bachus, Elias P. Smith ; 40. Teunis
Smith; 41, The. mas Mickc, Jesse Smith; 42, Frederick
C Ham, Casper Hani, Conrad Ham, Jesse Ham; 43, F.nocll
Shearman, Thomas Shearman; 44. William Lowri . John
Iiiiwiie ; 45, William Stinchart, Henry Lodowiek, Samuel 1.
Haight, J. dm Patts, Roswell Philips; 4G, John Clapper.
1, Elders; 13, Deacons; 12,24,47,48, the poor and
strangers.
The lot of the " Free Church" and the church ediOofl
were sold to the Reformed Church finally. The building
was taken down, and in 1839 the presont parsonage was
built upon it.
The church is in a prosperous and harmonious state at
present. The membership is 360, with 150 families; size
of Sabbath-school, 175 ; Superintendent, Thomas M. Lapo.
The consjstory of the church comprises Elders Thomas M.
Lapc, John P. Barringer, Ezra Iloyt, and Philip P. Bar-
ringer; and DeacotlS William II. Hoag, William S. Shu-
felt, Tunis N. Miller, and George E. Barringer.
METHODISTS— NASSAU VILLAGE.
than sixty years ago a class was formed by the Meth-
odists, and worshiped in a building located just west of
the village, oppositi the residence of Anson Bingham, Esq.
They sold this and erected their present structure, opposite
the Pel'.. lined Clinrell, which was dedicated in the fall of
1833. Rev. Mr. Carpenter preached the dedication
mon. The records of the church arc not well preserved,
and but little else can l.e learned of the earlier history of
the church. It is al present in a flourishing condition,
and is under the pastoral charge of Rev. Cabot M. Clark.
The following have been the pastors of the church: Wil-
liam Anson, Arnold Schofield, Amidon, Samuel
Howe, Samuel Eighmy, Daniel Brayton, Klias Vandcrlip,
Seymour Coleman. Coles Carpenter, Osbom, John
Clark. John Peg-. Pellon, Abiathar Osborn, D.D.,
John Alley. C. R. Morris. ■ Spraguc, Oliver Emnier-
Edward Asa. Samuel Stover. William A. Miller. I,
P tter, J. W. Belknap, Rufus Pratt, William N. Frazicr,
Hi im Chase. Dwigbt, II. C. Sexton, F. Soulc, P.M.
Hitchcock, A. Heath. W. H. Washburn, II. W. Slocum,
A. D Heaxt, C, M. Clark.
Tin: FIRST BAM 1ST I tumii OF NA8SA1
nized in 1790, and a Baptist church was en ted
about two mile.- east of Nassau village. It was erected by
• I |h Brainard, ol Brainard's Bridge. Elders Hall,
TOWN OK N \SS M ,
131
Ford, Ferris, Harris, Loom!?, Thompson, and Ambler are
reoollected as having preached there. April I, 1840, the
building was voted to be taken down and sold.
A PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
was organized before the present century in the 'tb pari
of the town, three miles south of Alps. The building m
erected on the farm occupied by the late Edwin R. Ball.
The Rev. Timothy W Ibridge, who died Dec. 6, L808, in
the sixty fifth year of his age, and the thirty-first of his min-
istry, was one of us ministers. He was one of the early
settlers of that locality, and is buried in the vicinity, on the
farm of Simon K. Adams. The family had two or three
farms in thai section. The church, after flourishing thirty
or forty years, was dissolved by the destruction of the meet-
ing-house by fire.
THE SECOND BAPTIST CONGREGATION
Wts organized in 1820, and have a church edifice in that
neighborhood. Stephen Olmstead officiated as elder in
1821; J. B. Fox as clerk; Dennis Tucker as assistant;
Henry Tucker and Bronnell Sandford as deacons.
THE BAPTIST MISSION CHURCH AT IIOAO'S CORNERS
was built in LS61-62, and the congregation is a part, and
considered as one with the Second Baptist of North
Nassau.
A FREE UNION METHODIST CHURCH
is located east of Dunham Hollow.
FREE COMMUNION BAPTIST CHURCH, ALPS.
This recent addition to the churches of the town was
organized on Jan. 23, 1877, with a membership of Hi,
most of whom had received letters of dismission from the
Free Communion Baptist Church of Stephentown and
Nassau. The names of these latter were John G. Adsit,
Win. Merritt, Mary E. Boughton, Rachel E. Adsit, Emma
B. Merritt, George Plum, Perry Walcott, Mary A. Wal-
cott, and Harriet Upham. The council who organized the
church were Rev. Messrs. J. M. Langworthy, William II.
Fonerden, and I. B. Coleman. The church edifice was
dedicated January 18th of the same year.
The first pastor of the church was Rev. Win. II. Foner-
den, who remained in charge one year. Rev. Wm. Fuller,
the second pastor, commenced his labors in April, 1878,
and ceased in April, 1879. They have no present pastor.
The membership of the church is about 45; size of
Sabbath-school, 51 ; Superintendent, J. It. Knapen. Pres-
ent officers: Deacons E. A. Cole, David Coon, and J. G.
Adsit.
The church was duly incorporated under the general
laws of the State on July 2!>, 1878, and the deacons named
are also the trustees of the church.
A PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
was organized at East Nassau in 1807, Rev. John Young-
love pastor. It had the services of Rev. Mr. Tarbal, Dr.
Beman, of Troy, and Rev. Messrs. Underwood, Hurlburt,
and Pease. The church edifice was built by the Baptist
and Presbyterian societies in conjunction, and was called
the '• Union Church." It was burnt to the ground in
1853. In IS5I the present edifice used bj the Presby-
terians at Easl Nassau was built, and was dedicated in
January, 1855. Rev. M< srs. Barker, Laidlaw, Bender-
son, Henry Neil, Acker, and Snowies have been the
pastors. Rev. W. E. I ll i" enl pastor of
the church.
A Methodist Class was organized at I. II about
the year 1830, and a church buildin I in 1 334.
Aboul the year 1840 a building for the use of the Mcth-
odisl society was erected al Brainard, on land presented
by the late Seth Hastings. A new and more commodious
structure was put up in 1875, about one bundled feel
of the present building. The church is connected with
the charge al Nassau vill i
A Baptist church at East Nassau is in | E con-
struction, and is nearly completed.
The Catholics have a small chapel at Nassau village, and
are under the pastoral care of the priest at Sand Lake.
VIII.- BURIAL-PL U'KS.
The public burial-places of the" town are not very numer-
ous, although a large number of private yards exist.
The principal place of burial is the cemetery which is
located aboul a mile southwest of Nassau village, on the
Chatham mad. It is under control of the Nassau and
Sehodack Cemetery Association, incorporated in 1848.
The yard is pleasantly arranged and presents a peaceful
appearance. It contains a large number of graves, many
of which are marked by handsome stones and monuments.
There is a small cemetery near Brainard, containing less
than an acre of land. The oldest stone standing in the
yard is that of Daniel G. Brainard, who died Oct. 11,
1815, aged fourteen years and ten months. Asa Evans,
" A soldier of the Revolution," died Aug. 23, 1851, aged
ninety-one years, nine months, and twelve days. The
tombstone of Maria Whipple, who died Aug. 9, 1SG0,
aged forty-four years, eleven months, and twelve days,
hears this unique inscription: "She looked well to the
ways of her household, and ate not the bread of idleness."
The Hoag's Corners burying-ground was laid out in 1830,
and contains 50 or 75 graves. The Larkin burying-ground
in the same locality, was laid out about thirty-five years ago,
and contains about 100 graves.
The ground near North Nassau is quite ancient, and
probably was used soon after the settlements in that locality.
The oldest stones standing record the deaths of Lois,
daughter of William and Mary Hunt, who died Aug. 18,
1807, aged twenty-nine years and ten days ; Elizabeth Wol-
cott, wife of Isaac Spencer, who died Nov. 24, 1808, aged
thirty-five years ; and Betsey Vickery, who died July 10,
1809, in her forty-first year. The Devereaux and Williams
families are also buried there.
Other yards exist at East Nassau, east of Dunham Hol-
low, and north of Alps.
IX.— NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS.
The town was the seat of serious
ANTI-RENT TROUBLES
nearly forty years ago. The nature of these difficulties
the vigorous protest which the people made against the pay-
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
in, -lit to tl of both the Van R •- la sr and Living-
f a fixed rent in perpetuity, and the acts of
violence and bloodshed to which they resorted in resisting
tin- collection of such rent-, are matters of general history,
and : pari of the political history of the State.
i- 17~>7 these troubles had existed in Columbia
inty, and they continued t" manifest themselves f"i a
iry in that ami adjoining localities.
nti-renl organization was formed at Hoag's Corners,
in tin' "old Martin Tavern," some thirty-sis years ago.
'I'll,- members of the body disguised themselves as [ndians,
:••.! high-sounding names for their leaders, and with
masks on their faces, and determination in their hearts,
in i do i- resistance to ih' enforcemenl of the legal
demands of the patroon. Little Thunder, tin- leader of the
movement, was Frank Abbott, then a resident id' Hoa •
it now of Albany. Big Thunder was Dr. Bough-
ton, of Alps : while Tuscarora was Thomas Thompson, then
and now a resident of Hoag's Corners.
Tin' exploits hi' the organization were numerous, ami
: rated with siini in Sand Lake
and adjoining towns. Gideon Reynolds, sheriff, with a
25 m en, was captured 1 >y t lie Indians east of Alps.
Their horses were tun; tnd the posse marched
I - in the possession of the
.id upon a deputy, who was summarily treated
of tar and feathers, and sent home with Ills? coiu-
On another occasion Deputy Sheriff Lewis, of
Nas . Was similarly operated upon, his papers
taken away from him and burned at the village.
I - iffi tii • intinued to manifest themselves until the
rmally ami finally adjusted by legal enact-
;inued in the courts
lor m
INCIDENTS.
murders ha\ icurred in the town since its formal
Idler was murdered by a traveling eom-
uth of the village, about twenty-five years ago.
ml;, tried and executed for the
long time proprietor of the hotel at
ind murdered in his bed a number of"
■.. Truman, was suspected of the crime,
of ;!,. charge.
lol- i tnofthc] lal N ssau village broke,
1 c msidcrablc property.
n Kinderhook Creek, was
■. the old Schcrmcrhorn grist-
K II the bridges below on the
l mlial iron bridges have
ind <l ii" at Braimtrd
i
-KM 10.
)t.t- in hi
which ■ y of William
prior to
In lie
• 1 1 to
■
delivery. The latter signed a receipt for the money. This
seems to have been the principal use made of the Walton
book, which contains receipts for money signed by Stephen
Hopkins, Israel Putnam, William Burlingame, Henry
Livingstone, Thomas Paine, Josiali Quincy, and other
notables of that day. The following are copies of two of
its receipts :
•■ .tunc D, i.n. 1711. — Then Received of John Walton thirty pounds
four shillings & oight penec in g 1 Bill? of publiek Credit, in pari
for serving of the Writs Issued out by Gideon Wanton, Esq., for A
Recovery of money duo to this Colony on the Bank bonds which art
for Interest money. I say received by me.
" Tuos. Rice."
"PiioviDF.XCE, Dee. 23, 1742.— Rec'd of John Walton. Esq., fifty
pounds, Old l.nm', y,h. I promise to deliver to Messrs. Green A
Kneeland on my safe Arrival in Boston.
•■ £50. Jos'* Quixcv."
The political views of the owner of the book can be best
learned by a perusal of the following memorandum near the
close of the book. The " rebels" were of course the mem-
bers of the Continental army :
"The Rebels lift Ticondcrogn July the 5 or G, i.n. 1777. with all
Ihelr Canon. Amoniti in, Horses, etc., with the Loss of the Lord Ku
how many."
SLAVERY.
Slaves were held in Nassau until shivery was abolished
in 1821. In 1810, Michael T. Smith, "in consideration
of the faithful service of my slave-woman Rose, ii^ed about
forty-two years, and her woman child, named llebcckah,
aged about three months, have manumitted and set free the
said Hose and her woman child Rebeckah."*
"Sept. -V>, 1S12-— I, William Hendricks, of tho town Nassau. . . .
do hereby certify that Robin, a Negro male child, was born on the
27th day of May, 1S1J, son of Mary, a Negro woman and sla\ e
longing to me."8
X.— SOCIETIES AND CORPORATIONS.
NASSAU, SCUODACK, AND CHATHAM MUTUAL INSURANCE
ASSOCIATION.
The first movement made towards the establishment of
this flourishing organization was on Feb. 2."i. 1855. The
m i ting on that day was attended by Smith Griffith, Jai
Van Allen, Sylvester Watcrbury, Calvin B. Hicks, Edwin
II. Griffith, Edward Jacques, Abel Merchant, 1!. 11. Lord,
Morris Carpenter. Isaac Hoes, and Rycr llermance. The
first board of directors consisted of Abel Merchant i Presi-
des! . Sylvester Watcrbury, John Schcrmcrhorn, J. B.
. John N. Vedder, Ryer Hermanee, Smith Griffith,
and Edward Jacques i Secretary i.
The association has become, since that time, one of the
largest and most successful of its kind ill the Stale. (Ill
D 20, 1878, it bad a membership of 997 persons whose
property was insured, [is losses have always been promptly
paid, and its managcu) hi lii- 1 ii in sale and responsible
hand-. The present board of directors are Smith Van
Valkenburgh | President . Samuel Wilbur, Luther Rider,
• I ob V Smith, Clark (I. Richards, William A. Smith,
i \V. derrick, and Abel Mi n hanl Secretary i.
The president and secretary reside at Nassau vi
the office of the latter is held.
* Town i-
TOWN OK NASSAU.
133
GRATITUDE LODGE, NO. 674, A. F. AND A. M.
This lodge at first worked under a dispensation under
the name of Nassau Lodge, the first meeting of which was
held Sept. 2(5, 1867. I>. 1'. Davis was VV. M.; Aim,,
Gilford, S. W. ; and G. L. Kighmey, J. VV. It was duly
ohartered as Gratitude Lodge, No. C.7-1. on June 19, 1868,
James Gibson, G. M. The first officers of the lodge were:
W. M., George L. Kighmey; S. \V., James Van Allen,
Jr.; J. W., G \ge B. Mitchell. The presenl officers are:
W. M., Aaron Gifford; S. W., Nelson Parmeter; J. W.,
Lester Clapper; Treas., Jacob Grubb; Sec'y, G. H. Ost-
(jtnder. The Past Masters of the Lodge are D. P. Davis,
G. L. Eighmcy, James Van Allen, Jr., John If. Kane,
John L. Holt, and Aaron Gifford. The sessions of the
lodge, which comprises 6!> members, are held at Nassau
village, on the 1st and 3d Wednesdays of each month.
XI.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
While the pursuit of agriculture has always constituted
the principal occupation of the inhabitants of the town,
the abundant water-power at Hoag's Corners, East Nassau,
Braiimrd, and Nassau village has been variously utilized
in manufacture, and' divers other industrial enterprises
have been followed in the town, some of which have already
been referred to.
The grist-mill of John W. Schermerhorn, at the outlet
of Tsatsawassa Pond, was the first manufacturing enterprise
undertaken in the town, and Jesse Smith operated an early
tannery in the town. A century ago a grist-mill at E ist
Nassau was run by Morgan Harris and others. A man by
the name of Sabin operated the mill last, which was finally
carried away by a flood.
Winthrop Root was a tanner and currier at East Nassau
seventy-five years ago. Peter Van Buren, of Kinderhook,
Erastus Hemingway, James Turner, and others, had a cot-
ton-factory there a great many years ago, which was finally
destroyed by fire. The making of potash was also a com-
mon pursuit in the same locality.
Fenner & Palmer had a saw- and grist-mill on the site
of the Nassau Mills, at Nassau village, at an early day.
The mill was destroyed by fire in 1817, but was subse-
quently rebuilt. John Valentine bad it after Fenner &
Palmer, and Reuben Merchant was once the owner of the
mill. Castle W. Herrick now carries on a thriving busi-
ness there.
A paper-mill was built by John Bulbs, about twenty-
five years ago, near the grist-mill. It was operated for a
decade of years, and was then destroyed by fire. It was
rebuilt by Porter Davis about the year 1865, but the en-
terprise proving no longer profitable, the machinery was
removed to another locality.
William P. Hermance carried on an extensive carriage-
manufactory at Nassau village half a century ago. The
enterprise furnished employment to forty men, and for
twenty-five years was one of the prominent industries of
the town and locality, and the class of work done compared
favorably with the best metropolitan manufacture.
A cotton-factory existed at Brainard at an early day, and
was operated by Gershom Turner. Seth Hastings, of the
trading firm of Wilder & Hastings, of Albany, came to
55
the town m L842, and established the Nassau Cotton-Mills
ai Brainard. The pre em brick factory was built, in 1844,
from brick burned in the vicinity. Mi II n tin carried
on the business therewith great success during thi
mainder of his life. Frederick II. Hastin on, a
lawyer of Albany, afterwards joined his father, and en
in the enterprise. Edward Kellogg was also a member of
the firm at i time, The business continued in successful
operation until the death of Frederick II. Bastings, in
October, 1870, The property was then sold to Henry
Tiffany & Co., of New York, and finally became the prop-
erly of the Clinton Manufacturing Co., of Wbonsocket,
11. I., by whom it is at present owned. It contains over
101) looms and 5000 spindles, but on account of ihe busi-
ness depression of the past few years has not been in
operation.
The business of card-printing has been carried on with
great success at Nassau village for a few years past. The
pioneer in the enterprise was Jesse I!. Huested, who began
to print cards in a small way about five years ago. The
experiment, proving profitable, others engaged in the busi-
ness, until at the present time there are no less than six
firms at Nassau village who are occupied in card printing.
Among these are Mr. Huested, Mickler & Co., Jones &
Hitchcock, the Nassau Card Company, George I. Reed &
Co , and George W. Witbeck. The business of each of
these firms is extensively advertised, and large quantities of
cards are sent by them to all parts of the country.
James Van Allen has bad a foundry at Nassau village
for the past twenty years, and manufactures plows, culti-
vators, and straw cutters of good quality. Various other
small industries exist in different parts of the towu.
.i. d. tompkins' xx paper-mills.
This is the largest manufacturing industry at present in
operation in the town, and is located about a mile west
of Brainard (P. O.), on Kinderhook Creek. The site
was originally owned by the Marks family, and was occu-
pied by an early saw-mill. A shingle-mill was added by
the Page family about fifty years ago.
In 1845 the shingle-mill was taken down, and John B.
Davis and Peter C. Tompkins began the erection of a
paper-mill, which was completed about 1S47, and the
manufacture of straw wrapping-paper commenced. In
those days the wet paper was run on laboys, from which
it was cut into sheets, then carried by hand into lofts, and
hung on poles to dry. It was afterwards carried back to
the machine-rooms and prepared for market. It was car-
ried by wagon to Stuyvesant Landing and then shipped.
In 1849, Mr. Tompkins disposed of his interest in the
mill to Mr. Davis and repaired to Chatham, in Columbia
County, where be also engaged in the manufacture of paper.
About the year 1854 steam-dryers were introduced, and
the mill was overhauled and enlarged. In March, 1858,
the property was transferred to David P. Davis, and Casan-
der F. and Oscar E., who continued the business. In
August, 1858, Oscar E. disposed of his interest to the
other two, who carried on the business until August, 1855,
when it was carried on by Casander F. until Feb. 22, 1S70,
when it was purchased by John D. Tompkins, the present
r:i
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
rietor, who is engaged in the manufacture of superior
.•-[raw wrapping-paper.
The process of manufacture is somewhat interesting.
The Btraw is Bret put into largo vats or tubs, boiler] in
lime-water for one or two days until the stubbornness of
the Btraw is subdued. It then passes through a washer
until the lime and alkalies are entirely washed from it. It
then passes into beating-engines, by which it is made into a
From thence it enters a large reservoir, from which
it is drawn by the drying-machine as needed. It passes
through variou of heat and pressure in this ma-
ohine, and finally comes out into sheets for market. The
mills use alMint Ion tons of straw a month, and, when
running full, arc capable of producing 75 tons of paper a
month. Employment is afforded on the farm connected
with the mills and in the latter to 18 men. In 1ST- the
mill was enlarged and its capacity doubled.
XII.— MILITARY.
The military record of the town is entirely praiseworthy.
In the Revolutionary war a large proportion of the resi-
the town took an active part. Special mention
should be made of Maj. Abijah Bush, Dr. Jami - II. Ball,
Simeon Griswold, Guj L ster who died in the town), and
.1. \V. Burroughs.
The town had a large number of representatives in the
war of 1812. Maj.-Gen. John E. Wool, Capt. David St.
John. Capt. Simoon TifTt. Reuben Rogers, Jacob Cole,
i I ias, [saac Wheeler, Jeremiah TifTt, Rensselaer
Launt, and Varnum Babcock were among
these. In the war of the Rebellion the town bore a noble
part, and furnished her quota of men with promptness and
The li.-t of bo! 1 to the town,
prepared from the print..] muster-in rolls of the State and
1 865, is as follows:
- l: ' \
i I \
,Cb.A.
A.
I lb Regt., Co. A.
, A.
\.
■ \.
\
\
■
■
■ V
A.
I
\
v
\
I
i \
\
V
■
■
■
I Ait.
James Brown, rorp., out. Aug. 17, 1861, J4lh Regt.
John II. Wolci.lt, Mil. Jnn. 27, 1SG5, 3d Wis. Regt. ; supposed (lend.
i Vickon enl.OcI 10, 1862; re-enl. Wis. Cav.
Charles K. C int, cnl. Oct. 10, 1862, lsl Sharpshooters.
Jason A. Pomonvt , enl. Dec 7, 1SG3.
Martin C ml. Dec. '.'. 1861, Joili Mass. Rogt
Rdu-nrd Fallen, enl. Dec. 31, 1861, Mst N. Y. Itcgt.; re-etil.
John H. Williams, enl. Sept 1. 1 Bl I. 90th Rcgt.j trans, to T32d Regt
Si Mm B. Williams, pnl. Match 6, 1865, 09th Ri gt.j IrnnB. lo 132d Regt.
Lorenzo A. Herrlngton, sergl , enl. Sept 1861,7th Cav.; re-cnl. 21st Car.
John II. Finch, enl. Aug 28, 1862, 169th Regt.
Win. II. Ashley, enl. An .1861,6th Cav.; re-cnl. ; pro. to 2d lieut.
Silas It. Hayse, enl. Oct. 1861,7th Cav.
I'il 1 She] In rd, on I Aug, 1862, 128th Regt.
Uamilton 1'. Williams, enl. ii.-i. 7. lsi'-J. 1-t Sharpshooters.
Al.nnn Ashley, cnl. Sept. 1864, 9lBt Regt.
James F. Ashley, enl. Sept. 1862, lsl R Bos.
Ilinun B. Thompson, enl. Sept. 9, 1861, 7th Cav.
Sumner Connnt^enl. Oct. 6, 1862; i-e-onl. 16th Art.
David W. Hitchcock, enl. Ang. 28, 1862, 117th Cav.
Ezra neyncr, enl. Sept 1862, 134th Ri jt.
Alfred Stn.it, enl. Feb. 6, I8C5, 128lh Regt, t'o. E.
David ('ran.-, .til. Mar. h. :'.'>, 1m'.."., l.".::.l H.-gt. Co. I).
Alfred Mcllens, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, I26tlt 1:. ■-!.; died nt Andcrsonvillo.
John S. Itiiois, enl. Aug. '-7. 1862, 125th Regt.; wounded tuicc.
Onirics Bcekstine, enl. Sept 1862, 16! til Rogt
Egid .Inlc, cnl. Aug. 1802, 109th Itcgt.; trims, to 22d Regt
Myron D. Virkey, si rgt., enl. May, 1861, lOlh Muss. Rogt.; re-enl.
Charles W. Vickoy, sergt, enl. April, 1864, Mst Mass. Regt
John Beekstinc, enl. Sept 1862, 169th Regt
Jacob Urban, enl. Nov. 1863, list N. Y. Regt
Mordrcai Face, cnl. Sept. 8, 1864, 99lh Kegl ; trans, to I23d Regl.
Joseph Face, enl. Sept. 8, 1864, '..nth Regl.; torn-, lo 123d Regt
Lewis Mills, enl. Ang. 3, 1864, 12th Cav.
John Gofncr, Jr., enl. Jan. 4, 1804, IGlh II. Art.; wounded; trans, to Clh Arl
Joseph Preston, onl. Oct. 21, 1861,91st Regl., Co. F; re-enl. 01b Cav.
Edward McQundc, cnl. Sept. 25,1862, 169th Rogt, Co. A.
John McQuadr, Corp., enl. Sept. 25, 1862, 1691h It. igt, Co. A.
Warren Bnilcy, enl. Ang. 23, 1864. 169lll Rogt , Co. A.
William Bailey, nil. Sept 25, 1802, 169th Itegt. Co. A.
John L. She]. Inn, Edward Phelps.
Nelson Wol stor, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 115lh Regt; clerk in qr.-master't
John II. Kirhy, nil. Ang. 27, 1862, 12:.ih Rogt
Calvin Bush, 1-t lieut, enl. Ang. 27, 1SG2, 125th Regt.
Addison Barnes.
Stephen E. Turner, enl. Auk. 27. 1S02, 123th Regt.; bad previously served nine
months.
William Sw.et, cnl. Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. E.
George P. Dnnning, eul. Jnn. 4, 1864, Oih It. Art; twice wounded.
Ashnry Bacchus, cnl. Sept 25, 1862, II 9th Regt. ; .led at Andcrsonvillo.
Cyrus Gardner, cnl. Sept. 1862, 169th Regt; killed at Cold Harbor.
Rensselaer Palmor, enl. Si pt. 1862, IGOtli Regt ; died at Folly Island, S. C.
J, I,,, M. ] ., < i»l Sept. 27, 1861,58th Regt.; disch. for disability.
William I at-her, enl. Oct. 1S61, 44ib N. V. lb gt., Co. G ; killed in lattle of the
i
Willnnl II. Reed, enl. Sepl 25, 1SC2, 1091b It.-^t ., Co. A ; died at Hilton Head.
John Mithcr, enl. Oct, 1861, 58th Regt
Charles It. Ashley, nil. Aug. 1SC4, Olsl S. Y. Regt., Co. E; killed before Ri.h-
niond.
James B. Sheldon, cnl. Si pt 25, 1862, I1 9tll Rej I . Co. A.
Noah tshloy, onl. Sept 25, 1862, 16911] R I ; dieds iftor discharge.
Bernard II. Ashley, enl. Sept 25, 1862, II Dili Regl . Co. A.
.Iain— Brown, enl. Sept. 15, 1862, I09lb Regl., Co. A ; pro. !•■ corp. and sergt.;
taken prisoner.
I Williamson, cnl. June, 1861, 30lh Rogt; re-cnl. 1864,6th Cav
Jane 14, 1S65.
mdShlllor, cnl Jnn. 1802, K Y. Regt.; tons, to Navy, gunboat'
Royal ;" wounded.
Edward Stickles, enl. Jan. 181 tl It. I. ; died at Aiidersonvillc,
Frederick Knigb, cnl. 6th II. Art
Minard Shanor, enl. Not. 1801, Black-Horse Cn v.; re-cnl. Jan. "., 1SG4, II. Art
Ucnrj Shillcr, enl. Jnn. 2, 1864,160th Regt.; wounded.
Brown, out. Feb 1864, 169th Regt.
Charles Brown, cnl. Sepl 26, 1662,169th Regt; pro. to corp.
ii. alendi r, i nl, Ang. 181 I, 5th \.t
unl. 441 h Regt.; killed at Molvcrn Dill, July I, I
it rj s she h. .nl Ang. 1864, Ii
n II. Hall, nil. Sepl, 18, lsi:l. Isth Regt
larvcd lo death nl Vnders .iodic
Marvel I, Baci bus, musli Ian; cnl I69UI Regt
II. 0 rander, enl. Alt I
i ., is.. i. IGOtli '
John llualcd, t i. Inn, onl. 1861, I lib Regt; dlich. r... disah llty.
..ii. enl. Bay, 1861, I Sib S.Y.;n enl. In lG'JIb Regt, Dec.31,
1. 1. -i.l 1804, •-tl. Regt.; lot! hi
■
• Port
TOWN OK NASSAU.
Daniel Marshal, llout., onl. Sopt, 1862, 121I1 Regt. ; in", in rapt., and lojurod.
Robert Day.
James V.Culviu.enl Vpril 17, 1802, 1001U R t., Oo. A; pro. to capt., Aug. 21,
1802; I" maj. Feb. 12, 1864 ; to lleul -col. Jan. 12, 1884.
Qoraco Kncltwlth, sorgt., onl. Aug. 1802, lGlHh Rogl
OhaunceyJ Brockway, onl. Sept. 1, 1802, 160th Rogt.; trans, for disability to
Vet. Roa. Corps,
bawls SI. Hon ick, onl. April 20, 1801, 6th Regt.
Edward . I. Simpson, onl. Sept. 15, 1802, 125th Kogt.; prisoner at AudoraonvlHa.
],r\\ Robblns, onl. Ang. 1863, ITlli V. S. Inf.
Barrison Clark, cnl, Aug. 1862, 123th llogt.; pro. to color-sorgt. and lieut.
David Thomas Schermorhorn, onl. April II. 1865, 22d Itogt.
Horatio I' Coleman, ml. Aug. 1802, 125th Rogt.
Calvin Sbaw, ml. June 7. 1804, 21st Rogt.
David White, sergl , onl. Auk. 1802, 123th Itegt. ; pro. to 1st limit.
Silas Carey, enl. Aug. 1804, Griswold I'av.
Cornelius Van Dousi>n, enl. Sopt. 17, 1862, 169tb Rogt.; re. onl. in 2 1st Rogt
Dennis dimming, musician, ml Aug. 1862, 125th Rogt.
Daniel Idauis, enl Sept. 21, 1801, 7th Cuv.; re-onl. 21al Rogl
Harvey Shay, enl. Sept. 0, I861,2dCav.; io-onl. IGOth Regt.
Kniersou Shaw, enl. Aug. 15, 1864, 21st Cav.
•I'l lore Cuinuiingx, onl. Auk. 21, 1X02, 125th Rogt.
Andrew Matoon, ml. Nov. 4, 1801, 9l8l Rogt.; disch. fur wounds.
John UcQuade, enl. Auk '■'. 1802, 109th Rogt., Co. A.
(toward McQuade, onl. Aug, 11, 1862, 16Dth Regt., Co. A.
Darius Morris, enl. Auk 11, 1862, 109th Reg., Co A.
Ronsselaor I'uhner, onl. July 30, 1862, I69tb Rogt., Co. A.
Pater Roberts, ml. Auk. 14, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. A.
[rvillg II. Rood, onl. Auk- 'J, 1862, 169th Rogt., IV A.
Henry A. Slack, onl \»s. 11, 1802, 109th Rogt., Co. A.
.inn. B. Sheldon, enl. Auk. 'J, 1802, 10 ith Regt., Co. A.
John 1.. Shelden, enl. Aug. 9, Isii2, lentil Rogt., Co. A.
George Sheldon, onl. Auk. 9, 1802, 109th Kogt., Co. A.
Dorenz Tator, enl July 30, 1862, IGOtli Regt., Co. A.
Died in Service.
Asbury Bacchus, onl S.-pt. 25, 1S02, 105th Regt.;
.liol July ■'.. 1864, at Inder-
sonville.
Gyrus Gardner, onl. Sept. 25, 1862, ICOtli Regt.
Hiram Houtuling, onl. Oct. 1861, 91st Rogt.
Charles II. Ashly, onl. Aug. 1864, 107th N. Y.
Willanl Reed, onl. .Ian 19, 1864, 109th Regt.
0 -ge Bailey, George Sheldon.
William Lusher, onl. May 8, 1801 ; killed in battle of Wilderness.
Lyman Ostrom, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, lUSth Rogt.; died May 10, 1864, Chester
Station, Va.
Harm. in Beckstine, enl. Sept. 3, 1862, 189th Regt.; .lied Sept. 24, ISO:!, at Pin la.
Russell D. Ashley, enl. Sept. 1804, 91st Rogt ; ilioiHiot.il, 1864,al Baltimore, Md.
.Iinlsun Hoag, enl. Aug. 1862, 109th Itegt.; died Oct. 27, 1804, Rhode Island.
George Hortor, enl. Fob. 22, 1864, 58th Regt.; died March 31, 1805, at Capo
Hattoias, mi board the steamer " lion. Lyon."
Thomas Homy Payne, enl. Sept. 8, 1804, 12th N. Y.; died May, 180.3, at Gol.ls-
boro', N. C.
Edward Stickles, enl. Jan. 1861, 169th Regt.; died Sept. 29, 1804, at Anderson-
ville.
Win. Shofelt, sergt,, onl. Sept. 2.1, 1862, 103th Regt.; died at Hampton hospital.
Jonathan Unas, onl. Jan. 1861, 109th Regt.; died at Andersonville.
Paul Roberts, onl. Jan. 1804, I69th Rogt. ; died at, Petersburg, Va.
Pol or lluliorts, onl. Sept. 2.r>, ISO J, 1 0'.lt h Kogt. ; died from loss of arm at hospital.
Rensselaer Palmer, onl. Sept. S; 1S02, 169th Regt. ; died at Folly Island, S. C.
James Brown, onl. Oct 1861, 11th Kogt.; killed at battle of Malvern Hill.
Darius Morris, enl. Sept. 25, 1802, 169th Kogt. ; died at Andersonville.
Noah Ashley, enl. Sept. 25, 1802, lO'.llh Kogt. ; died after he came home.
Washington I.. Taylor, onl. Sopt. 1862, 1 '-I Regt. ; died Oct. 30, 1S02, at llagera-
town, Md.
Marshal C. Knap, enl. July, 1802, 34th Mass.; died Oct. 14, 1804, Shenandoah
Valley.
Henry .1. Knap, enl. Oct. 14, 1S02; d.od Jan. Is, 1803, at Nassau.
HLeazer Knap, enl. April 15, 1801, 3d Coun. ; pro. to sergt.; died April 3, 1862, at
Foit McIIeniy.
Andrew Trumble, enl. Oct. 1801, 115th Regt. ; died June 12, 1803, nt New
Orleans.
rainier W. Dunham, Corp., enl. Aug. 0, 1SG2, 123th Regt.; died July 3, 1803.
James Dodge, enl. Aug. 1862, 125th Regt.; died Hot. 1802.
Henry Loppy, enl. Ang. 18, 1802, 125th Kogt.; killed at Gettysburg, July 3,
1863.
Ceno Oeli, old. Aug. 1, 1861, 40th Rogt ; died Aug. 22, 1864, of starvation at
Andersonville.
Arnold Dennis, corp., enl. May s, 1861, 2d Regt. ; died November, 1861.
The writer lias been specially assisted in the preparation
of this work by Abel Merchant, but would further acknowl-
edge his indebtedness to Smith Van Valkenburgh, Cynthia
M. Davis, Merriman J. and Hiram L. Lester, Edgar M.
Williams, James H. Kail, James Van Allen, and others.
I! I () (J It A I'll I r AL SKETCH ES.
HON. JOHN FITCH.
Judge rl i Jui Fitch i i native of Sehodack, [ten
Co., N. Y. ; is ol' i he Norwalk Fitch family of Connecticut ;
is fifth in line from Gov. Thomas Fitch, of Connecti-
cut, who was judge, chief justice lieutenanl ;ovei nor, and
governor of Connecticut I'm' forty-six u ears;
is fourth in line from Col. Thomas Fitch, who commanded
the sixteen colonial regiments at the attack of Fori Ticon-
deroga, and of whose four Connecticut regiments i British
surgeon composed the song known as "Yankee Doodle"
when the English army, in about 1 756, was encamped at
Greenbush during the French-and English war.
The judge graduated from Union College at the
nineteen, studied law with Judge linell, of Troy, removing
to and commencing the practice of bis profession in New
York City in the year 1 855, since which lime be has actively
pursued bis profession, and has earned during bis profes-
sional career the high esteem til' his associates and the com-
munity for ability, integrity, and energy.
In the bankruptcy Court lie did inure than any of his
compeers towards establishing a uniform rule and system
of practice. Ho wrote many opinions, decided many diffi-
cult and intricate questions, and his opinions and decisions
were rarely dissented from, overruled, or reversed upon
appeal. The judge inherits the peculiarities and idiosyn-
crasies of his family, one of whom was ennobled in Eng-
land for the heroic defense of his property, Fitch Castle,
in (he north of England, in the year 1140.
In personal appearance he is tall, well proportioned, with
searching black eyes. Possessed of quick perception and
judgment, a cool head, he can think and act with calm-
ness and judgment when all around him is in confusion.
Nothing disturbs him. Having indomitable courage and an
iron will, he has ever relied upon his own judgment; he
has usually been successful, and possesses a fine property.
He has a kind heart, and is affable, tender, and agreeable
in his manner and conversation. He is yet a young man,
and a bachelor. He has an extended acquaintance in
New York among its most elegant and refined society.
lie is a Knickerbocker on his mother's side, is a member
of Grace Church, a hereditary member of " The Society
of the Cincinnati," a member of the New York Histori-
cal Society, the Bar Association, the New England Society,
St. Nicholas Society, St. Nicholas Club, St. George's So-
ciety, and of the New York Yacht Club, in which socie-
ties and clubs he takes a deep interest. He is an able
debater, a fine speaker, argues a cause with ability, force,
and eloquence, has a fine library aud knows the contents
thereof, has a fine literary taste, and holds " the pen of a
ready writer."
He is a great admirer of the English common law, and
is a firm believer in the benefits of the court of chancery.
He says the constitution and laws of to-day give free scope to
crime and villainies, affording protection to criminals, while
our courts are unable to give redress to the innocent. All
know, see, and feel this, and the judge has the courage to
say so.
136
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
When the design of building an iron pier at Long Branch
was first entertained, its projectors sel. Fitch, as
the man who had money, mind, perseverance, and strong
common sense, as the person to undertake and carry
through so difficult an undertaking. The directors of
the company met obsta and rascality, from
the commencement t" (he completion of the enterprise,
enough to have discouraged and disheartened men of
nerve ami will, but Judge Fitch and the directors
built the pier, which is a great success financially and
Otherwise, and they are entitled to the honor of building
the tirst iron pier in the New World, and successfully land-
ing the largest steamer, loaded with thousands of passen-
gers, in tin' incredibly short space of one minute and a half.
The judge 1 — sst - greal knowledge of the financial and
commercial wants of the country, and has predicted the
political as well as the commercial affairs of the nation
for the last quarter id' a century with great foresight.
Acting upon his own judgment and knowledge of the
business and resources of the land, aud of the value of its
railroads, he has successfully operated in Wall Street.
Being very much attached to his profession, he is now
giving his entire attention to the practice of law.
DR. GEORGE W. STRAIT
was born at Stephentown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., April 7,
1811. Dr. Strait's father was Shadrach Strait, a native of
Rhi.de Island, and where also his grandfather, Samuel
t ■ . - // . . ' ~
How with Qen Na-
thaniel Oi Revolutionary war, so
i' d from good, pati i'- :•■ Nt n Kng-
I ■ duration : whi n at
fifteeu years of age, passing a rigid examination by the,
superintending committee, he was licensed to teach, and
taught district schools with success for six years.
At twenty he entered the office of Dr. Matthew Turck,
at East Nassau, studying his profession ; thence with Dr.
Shipman, in Onondaga Co., N. Y. ; thence he entered the
Berkshire Medical College, connected with Williams Col-
lege, where he was graduated on the 3d of December.
1834.
Dr. Strait, after leaving college, commenced the practice
of medicine at Clinton, Dutchess Co., N. Y., remaining
three years; then he removed to Philadelphia, residing
there one year. He then located in New York City, where
he practiced successfully for four years. His health giving
way in consequence of hard work and the climate, he was
obliged to remove, and located at East Nassau, in 1841.
There he has since continued in practice with marked suc-
cess, having a ride in the towns of Rensselaer and Colum-
bia Counties. From his large experience and practice he
is called in frequent consultations with the ablest and most
extensive practitioners in the two counties named. He was
four years a justice of the peace, and such was his fairness
and sound judgment that no decision of his was ever ap-
pealed to the higher courts. Although repeatedly offered,
he ever declined further official positions, feeling it the
highest honor to give his whole time to his laborious and
delicate profession.
Dr. Strait was married May 11, 1S34, to Miss Mary
Harris, at Stephentown, having by her two daughters, —
Hannah Elizabeth and Mary Jane. — both of whom married,
and the former died. Mrs. Dr. Strait died Jan. 22, 1S45.
Dr. Strait was again married April 1G, 1S4G, to Miss Emily
Cole, at New Lebanon. From this marriage there were
four children, — three sous and one daughter, the daughter
dying at nine years of age, — and Mrs. Emily Strait died
May 2, 1S55.
Alfred, the eldest son, is a mechanic ; Lorenzo, the second
son, is a farmer, and has been justice of the peace for several
years. He enlisted, when but a boy, in the volunteers in
1865, near the close of the war. The war terminating, he
enlisted in the United States army, aud served three years,
mainly on the Texas and Indian frontiers, when lie was
honorably discharged. George W., Jr., the third sou, is a
farmer. They have all been married, and are residents of
Nassau, where they are respected as good citizens.
(IKORGE I. REED.
\ni"iig the enterprises of Nassau, that of card-printing
has grown into large proportions and become a well-defined
business. One of the leading men in this pursuit is Mr.
George T. Reed, a native of that village, born March 5,
1856
Having learned the art of printing, at the age of twenty-
Mr. Reed Btartcd an office on his own account, running
four presses and giving employment constantly to several
men. Commencing with small capital, by perseverance,
personal attention to his work, liberal advertising in papers
throughout the country, Mr. Keed is now a prosperous and
-ii --fnl Bpeci ii Young American.
TOWN OF NASSAU.
437
In his business he uses some twenty styles of type and
fifty of* cards, plain and ornamental, with constant addil inns
of new varieties. No less than four millions of cards are
printed and sold from this house annually. Six thousand
dollars he pays annually for advertising.
So thoroughly is Mr. Reed's fine work made known
through the press, that he is in constant daily receipt of
orders from all the States and Territories and the Canadas,
and he also receives orders from France, England, Russia,
Sweden, China, anil Japan. The orders are always accom-
panied with pay for the work, by money-orders, hills, frac-
tional currency, coin, and postage-stamps. It is a pleasure
to note the SUCCCSS (if a young man of industrious habits,
Correct deportment, and honorable bearing among his fellow-
townsmen.
JESSE 15. IIUSTED.
Among the energetic and successful business men in
Rensselaer County is Jesse 15. I lusted, long a resident of
the beautiful village of Nassau.
He was born in the town of Schodack, Rensselaer
County, N. Y., the 27th day of May, 1833. He early in
life began for himself, and carved out his own fortune.
With fair observation, good judgment of men and events,
and fertile in resources, he originated and established the
card-printing business. From this enterprise Nassau is
known throughout the States, Canada, South America, and
in China and Japan. Pluck, untiring industry, and a free
use of the press has made this not only a large but a per-
manent industry. In it he has given employment to many
persons, aiding largely in making the village prosperous.
When the post-office of Nassau went begging, Mr. Husted
was appointed as postmaster, and in a short time so in-
creased its revenues as to make it a presidential-appoint-
ment office.
Jesse B. Husted's wife is a daughter of David Shaver.
She is a lady of charitable practices, has many warm
friends among the poor, and is universally esteemed where-
ever she is known.
SCHAGHTICOKE.
I SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AREA, TITLE.
g HAOUTicoKKlica upon tlie Budson River, in the north-
corner of the county, li ifl bounded on north by
the town of Boston, Washington Co., east by Pittstown,
s.uith by Pittstown and Lansingburgh, and west by the
Hudson River, separating it from the towns of Stillwater
and Half Moon, in Saratoga County. The town is consid-
erably wider at the northern end than at the southern.
invenienoe of reference we add the legal description .
of the town a> given in the revised Btatutes of the State:
shall contain all thai part of said count;
bounded M f Hows: Beginning in Hudson's River, at tho northwest
i i-t along the north bounds
or the county to tho middle of II ick Rivorj thence down along
roll's bridge; then a direct course to the 'west-
ernmost corner of the grift-mill heretofore or late of Michael Cook,
westerly along the bona. Is "I" Lansinburgh to
innty; thon northerly along the samo to the place
Tlo- farm acreage of the town as given in the census of
L875 i- 26,383 acres, hut this is considerably less than the
; an a. ..wing t,, the various . x.- pt i. .ns of village plats,
.. not included.
I'ti. hr the charter granted to Albany in 1686, that city
obtained the riirht to buy of the natives a tract of land
within the present limits of Schaghticoke. The city neg-
I this privilege, and in 1798 the same
rigjil II ndrick Van Rensselaer. The nexl
ho sold his claim to the city; Albany thus buying
ded. The city proceeded to make
live this time by securing, in 17n~.an Indian
- [iiare. The consideration for this
Ij coats, twenty shirts, two
I owdcr, thirty ami six pound
of rum. tv if loor. two rolls -'I'
. ira wine, ami some gin," to
them in hand, delivered by the mayor, recorder, and
i ..(' tho city of Albany.
i P . i ine "•. 1688, was bounded
tract." This could not well
lit ..|' tho natives by the
musl evidently i
for the Schaghticoke Indian
who were located in this place by
I tlblc that the
in 17"7 was nearly or quite the
hall- in
-
within lb
the
II k, two I - in width on of the river.
;hticokc tract" and
the " Hoosick Patent" — the titles of real estate at tho
present time must he derived.
II.— NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface of the town is mostly a rolling upland,
averaging about two hundred feet above the river. In the
southeast there are elevations rising to eight hundred feet ;
and the lloosiek River is bordered along a portion of its
course by precipitous hanks two hundred feet in height.
The Budson River borders it upon the west, and receives
the waters of several rivulets in the south part of the town.
Hoop Kill forms the southern boundary, with one tributary
creek, along the valley of which is located the Troy and
Boston Railroad. The Tomhannock Creek, entering the
town from the southeast, flows northwesterly until it unites
with the lloosiek. in the Knickerbocker neighborhood, the
point of early settlement. The Hoosick forms the south-
ern boundary from the northeast angle of the town, at the
Washington County line, to a point just above Hart's Falls;
then flows west and northwest by a somewhat circuitous
route until it unites with the Hudson in the northwest part
of the town. A winding creek, north of the Hoosick. and
flowing somewhat parallel to it, joins the Hudson very near
the line of Easton. This is known as Mill Brook. Inthe
east there are also several small rivulets, tributaries of the
lloosiek.
A prominent feature of the town is the beautiful valley
at the junction of the Tomhannock with the Hoosick. It
is very nearly circular, and surrounded by steep hills. The
Dwaas Kill is a short connecting link between the Hoosick
and the Hudson, and, as its name implies, has a current
"flowing both ways."' It usually flows from the Hud
to the Hoosick, but when freshets occur in the valley of the
latter the current then flows from the lloosiek to the Hud-
son. " It is not uncommon," says Dr. Asa Fitch, " to find it
running north in the morning and south in the evening.
The surface of the town is varied and somewhat peculiar.
Large tracts arc level or gently rolling, but these arc sepa-
rated by \ci\ deep glens, through which the streams flow,
\i si points 'li Boosick has worn channels deep and
wide in the rocky strata, and dashes over many fills ofcon-
rable height This is also true of the Tomhannock,
which makes a plunge at one point of fifty feet, and, just
above, another of nearly equal depth. This feature is also
noticed in the very small rivulet.- which arc tributary to
.tin-.
III.— EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The city of Albany having acquired a title to the
haghticoko tract" in 17<>7. immediately offered the
land.- for settlement, and during the same yen- 17ii7 ) the
m^ (A
CHARLES A. HEMSTREET.
MRS. CHARLES A. HEMSTREET.
'm$Z-'-'Jrl!.:-r. '-.-I -. 7^ — -■"' "■ — ;-■ .■■.-:■,— ..■■■" -^^r,—.^...,. ,-,.rT-- .-^n '■ :-.■— " • •'■,■- . ..._ ,,. ,t , . ...,., .
"■■■■ ■■ ;-■ "
Residence of CHARLES A. HEMSTREET, Schaghticoke. NY
• --,T0R. LENOX •
' T£K* FOUND,-
TOWN OF SCHAGHTICOKE.
(39
following persons became purchasers and located here, viz.:
John De Wandelaer, Jr., Julni Eleernians Vischer, Cor-
set Voeder, Daniel Kittlehuyn, John Knickerbacker, Louis
Viele, and Derick Van Veghten. Others soon followed:
Martin De Lamont, Wouter Quackenbush, Philip Living-
ston, rgnace Kip, and Cornelius Vandenburgh. Several of
these names are still common in the town at the present
time.
A census ol' the freeholders of Albany County, taken in
1720, gives lor the Schaghticoke District the following
nauies: Samuel Doxic, Curset Fcther," Johannes Knicker-
backer, Derrick Van Veghten, Johannes De Wandelaer,
Simon Danielse, Martin Daniel.se, Lewis Kolo, "!' Daniel Ket-
lyne, Deter Winne, Adrian Quacumbus, and Abratn Fort.
The first list given above consists of twelve names, and
the report from the census of IT-JO lias the same, number.
But the names of five, viz., Vischer, Lamont, Livingston,
Kip, and Vandenburgh, found among the first set tiers, are
not given in the census of 1720; while the new names of
Doxie, Daniels, Winne, and Fort appear. The five not
given in the census may have not been " freeholders" in
1720. and still may have remained in town. The names of
two of the five, Kip and Vandenburgh, are found in the
annals of the town sixty years later. The two lists com-
prise 17 different families. Their precise location can now
be determined only in part.
John Knickerbocker! settled on the place now the home-
stead of Joseph Knickerbocker, of the fifth generation.
The sons of John were Herman, John, and Wouter. The
latter went to Albany. One daughter, Elizabeth, became
Mrs. Sybrant Quackenbush ; another, Cornelia, Mrs. Tunis
Van Veghten, and a third, Helena, remained unmarried.
Derick Van Veghten's place was the one now owned by
Jacob Van Veghten, a descendant.
Corset Voeder's (Curset Felher?) homestead is not
known by the local tradition, and perhaps the family did
not remain in town long.
John Herman Vischer did not remain permanently in
Schaghticoke, as the name does not occur to any extent in
the records of after-years.
John D. Wandelaer, Jr., settled about a mile north of
Mr. Knickerbocker ; now owned by Mrs. John A. Van
Veghten. He did not remain in town many years. His
place was bought by a noted minister of the Reformed
Church, mentioned elsewhere.
Daniel Kittlehuyn (Ketlyne or Kittle). The location of
Mr. Kittle is a matter of considerable interest in view of
the destruction of his dwelling and the slaughter of his
family by the Indians. It is described to some extent in
another place.
Louis Viele (Lewis Fele) settled on the present place of
Miss Rebecca Groesbeck,— though a very old Viele home-
stead was the one now occupied by William P. Button.
Martin D. Lamont did not remain in towu long, as his
name appears only in these early papers.
* v"°der. •)- Louis Vide.
tin the orthography given above of John Knickerbocker and
other early settlers, we givo the spelling of the times as near as may
be, although they have a quaint look when compared with the mod-
ernized names of the same families.
Woutei Quackenbush Quocumbus). The name in the
census report is Adrian instead of Wouter. The bom. jtead
was the presenl place of John A. Quackenbush, a descend-
ant.
Philip Livingston's location is uncertain. Be did not
remain long.
[gnace Kip ( Kipp I. This nam.- appears in town through
all its history, but the pioneer homestead docs nol seem to
be determined by local tradition.
Cornelius Vandenburgh located on the present place of
Frank Pruyn, near Stillwater. This is a historic spot, the
point of the old ferry. The 1 se itself bears a very early
date (1732), and is probably the oldest bouse in town.
Mr. Vandenburgh must have been a solitary settler, some
distance in advance of the Others.
Samuel Doxie. He probably remained in town but a
few years.
Simon Daniels and Martin Daniels. They probably left
towu in a ii-w years.
Peter Whine's place of settlement was in the neighbor-
hood of the present William V. V. Reynolds' farm.
Abram Fort settled a mile and a half northeast of old
Schaghticoke, and the present place of Peter Van Veghten.
The following names appear in the records, 1783 to 1785 :
John W. Groesbeck, Samuel Rowland (who lived not far
from Johnsonville, south), Jacob Overocker I who lived near
Melrose), Cornelius Wiley (Pittstown), Win. McCleaver,
Thaddeus S. W. Conat, Nicholas Marters I lived in the
northeast part of the town, and where descendants resided
until recently), George Wetsel (lived near Melrose), Daniel
Elst, Garret Wenat, Rite Pinear, Lewis Van Antwerp
(lived west of Schaghticoke Hill), Thomas Hicks, Sybrant
Quackenbush, Penuel Bacon, Joshua Babcock (lived in
Pittstown), Reuben Morehouse, Walter X. Groesbeck,
Sybrant Viele (kept a tavern at Schaghticoke Hill), David
Browning.
REMINISCENCES OP NICHOLAS BRATT.
The town of Schaghticoke has at the present time one
centenarian, — a connecting link between the present age
and the Revolutionary period of the nation. Nicholas
Bratt was born in Albany County, Dec. 23, 1779.
His father kept a tavern about seven miles from Albany,
on the old turnpike to Schenectady. The family removed
to Schaghticoke iu 1791, when Nicholas was twelve years
old, and settled in the northeast part of the town, opposite
Johnsonville, at the corner where Erastus Curtis now lives.
There were in the family seven children, — Nicholas, An-
thony, Christopher, John, and three daughters. Two of
the brothers went to Chautauqua County.
Nicholas Bratt was a farmer, but worked also at the car-
penter business. He erected many barns throughout this
town, and also in Easton, where he lived a i'vw years. He
put up one of the barns at the old Knickerbocker place.
His home is now with his son William.
The latter has a son married, and an infant child com-
pleted four generations in the room, during an interview by
the writer.
Mr. Pratt remembers that James Mallory was a teacher
in one of the schools he attended, and at another a woman
140
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
whose name he could n.>t recall, bul quaintly described her
. widow, though Bhe was never married."
When his father's family moved to Schaghticoke there
were only Eve or six buildings i Ti y, :>- he remembers
the place 0 these n is n tavern. There were more
in Lansiogburgh. lie remembers the firsl pair of boots
he bought, when perhaps fifteen or sixteen years of age.
Tli. \ wore made \>\ Samuel Osborne, who lived between
\ I ' '1- .iii.l Johnsonville.
'I'll. Unas L. Whilbeck built the firsl saw-mill al Johnson-
ville. II was the "boss" of the patroon farms, and bc-
came the owner of 600 acres of land. The dam for the
lirst mill touched the land of John Bratt, on the north
and for granting this privilege he had the right to
have 100 logs sawed each year. He recalls som
their neighbors when his father moved t.. this town, us
• I - |'h Tanner, Isaac Van Hooscn, Samuel Livingston,
Tmii> Vandcrwcrkcr. Near Dr. Ezekiel Maker's was a
blacksmith-shop in the early times; another at Millertown,
by Jerry Purdy.
Mi Bratt's life comprises the entire historic period of
tlie present national government Horn amid the doubtful
u-ar- of tli" Revolution, he lias lived under the Confedera-
tion and the Constitution.
lie 1, • - the wilderness of a century ago become a
fruitful field, and the desert blossom as the rose. And now
in the evening of his days, surrounded by his children, and
by tli. ir children's children, he calmly waits the appointed
end.
THE DISTB 3CB U3HTICOKE.
m a remnant of the records of the District of Schagh-
g the years of 1783 to 1788, inclusive, the
following names of district officers in those years are taken :
—Caspar Rouse,4 Supervisor; John W. Groesbeck,
-1 Ovcroker, Cornelius Wiley. As-
i: >wland, John Knickerbocker, Jr., Poor-
Thompson,* John Knickerbocker, Jr.,
Icr< k. Commissi rs of Highways; Wil-
'; I I - W. Conat. Collectors; Aaron
las M i- re, Cons Wetsell,
'■ b Overok r, Pound-
Qumphrcy, Town Clerk.
1784.- -Cospai K ; 3c rvisor; Waiter X. Grocs-
' I roker, John Smith, Cornelius
■inin Milks. Stephen Hunt,*
Rowland, J ihn Knickerbocker, Jr.,
1 pp, John Bennett, Michael
1 of Highways; Aaron Vun-
nain.-.' Tli ..1. 1 u M Conocl, Nicholas Masters, liar n
\ iron Vanname, Nicholas
\ Pul mi,*
Cornelius W ,..,.,.,
PS Ct tin- year 17<o and
1784 William W. Kipp, Daniel I I
,: "jatnin M ■ , irrci We,,;, i. J0hn
I' ijah Putoam, Hugh Groesbeck, I
■than Brown/ William Mc
Cleaver, John Ryan,* Rite Pinear, Hazul Shepard * Lewis
Van Antwerp, Thomas Hicks, Sybrant Quackenbush, Gil-
bert Eddy,* Penuel Bacon, James Masters, Joshua Bab-
cock. Reuben Morehouse, Maj. Hicks, Walter N. Groes-
beck, George Wetsel, Stephen Goes,* Silas Wicks, John
Rowan, Jr.,* Sybrant Viele, David Browning, Simeon
Vandercook.*
IV.—TOWN ORGANIZATION.
After the Revolution a general statute was passed or-
ganizing a large number of towns, among them Schaghticoke.
This was under date of March 7, 17S8. In some of the
towns organized by that act town-meetings were held in
April of that same year. The first meeting recorded for
the town of Schaghticoke was, however, the following year,
1789. The name of the town is of course derived from the
Indian tribe settled here about 1G70.
TOWN-MEETING OF 1789.
"Record of town officers chosen on the seventh and eighth of April,
one thousand seven hundrc 1 ami eighty-nine, at tho house of John
Carpenter: Silas Wickcs, Town Clerk: Jacob A. Lansing, Super-
visor! Nicholas Groesbeck, Zcpbaniah Russell, Abraham Viele, Jn
Yates, Martin Weathorwax, Assessors : Walter X. Groesbeck, .lames
Mastors, Ponuol Bacon, Overseers of the Poor: James S. Masters,
John W. Groosbeok, William Kittle, Commissioners for Roads; John
Story, Sybrant Viele, Jacob Groesbeck, Constables: William Gt
beck, Collector; Jure 1 Esbcll, Ashley Goodrich, Richard Bennett,
John Kinnion, Walter N. Groesbeck, Athnicl Williams, John
Wcathcrwax, Jeremiah Spaldiug, Nathaniel Snmburns, Harrison
Quackenbush, John W. Groesbeck, Abraham Viele, Garret WaMnun,
Peter Yates. Pathmostors; Waller X. Groesbeck, A s i Hat . ii-, N:l.
tbaniel Rusco, Fcncc-Vietvers : Walter X. Groesbeck, Pounduiastcr.
■■ Gar-marks to be r. -dcd.
"Town-meeting to be held at Schaghticoke Point."
The names of other citizens appearing in the town
records as town officers, or doing public business, down to
or including 1800, are as follows :
Garret Winne, Martin Wcathcrwax. Wright IYnier,
George Boyd, John Weatherwax, Abuer Dwelly, Joseph
Lovett. Nicholas Groesheck. Nicholas Masters, John Linn,
William Chase. Peter Wcathcrwax, Jacob Overocker,
Isaac Cook, John Vau Antwerp. John Viele, Jr., James
Bolden, Mark Curtis, Richard Hart. Lewis Viele, Jacob
Sipperly, Henry Grawharger, Ezekiel Baker. Lewis Bryan,
Cornelius Van Vcghten, John Knickerbocker, Jr., Nathan-
iel Jacobs, William Wals worth, Barker Collamore, Anthony
Hoskins, Silas Goodrich, Elvcn Hunt. Roswell Ray. Mil-
lard Boyce, Benjamin Kinyon, John Adams. Peter Ben-
eway, James Fuller, Jabez Griswold, Michael Overocker,
Ezekiel Baker, Henry Shaddock. Ebenczer Stephens, .label
Bennett, William Hearld, John Milks. Aimer Dwelly.
George Wetsel, Christopher Sawyer. John Barker. John
Baker, Elihu Barnett, Jabin Bennett, Joab Fish, Aaron
B. Ilium, in. Wynant Vandenbergh, Samuel Webster, Wil-
liam Stephens, Thomas Johnson. William Douglass, Levi
<• .Id. Jacob Stover, Henry Grawharger, Jr., Jabez Gris-
wohl. Aaron B. Ilinmaii. John Crabb, Lewis Kelar, li
tian Weatherwax, Gideon Lewis, Andrew Diver. Tunis
Vide, Wandell Overocker, Jr.. Job Weeks, John Van
Antwerp, John Adam-. Coonrad Sadorc, Luther Talmage,
Jacob Stover, Joseph 15 .John Lightbody, James
B king, John Brewster. Peter Doty, Myndert Gt
WILLIAM PITT BUTTON
MRS. WILLIAM PITT BUTTON.
— __ : _ , . . ■.,. \fii-\ -■.■■■■ ,.. — ' ' '
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM PITT BUTTON, OLD SCHAGHTICOKL.N.Y
.
TOWN OK SCHAGHTICOKE.
Ill
beck, Aaron Van Schaik, James Biggs, William Oakley,
James Grant, Job Fish, George Allen, Nicholas Groea
beck, Peter Acker, Jeremiah Francisco, Caleb Gifford,
David Bryan, Jesse Jadwin, Daniel Ray, [saac Bull, John
Panderpugh, Noah Livings, Joseph Wicks, Jacob Stover,
Jacob Williams, Peleg Manchester, Bgnas Kipp, Philip II.
Banor, David Thurston, William Myers, Uriah Myers,
Uriah Travis, Thomas Louusbury, Job Fish, John Van
Veghten, Kzekicl Baker, John V. D. Speigel, Peter Wol
ley, Nathaniel Llusco, Anthony Stinmill, Peter Row, Ste-
pheu Gaston, James Boss, Thomas Rattooue, Cornelius G.
Waldron, Simon Kittle, Wm. Douglass, Edward Ostrander,
Daniel Carpenter, William Knickerbocker, William Collins,
; Ebenezer Hill, Anthony S. Miller, Peter Doty, Isaac Hart,
, Charles Traver.
The above list gives a very clear view of the men living
in Schaghticoke during twenty yens preceding L800 who
were intrusted with public business.
TOWN OFFICERS, 1783 TO 1879.
SUPERVISORS.
W83 36, Casper Rouse; 1 787-SS, Isaac Thompson ; 1789 95, Jacob A.
Lansing; 179C, Josiah Masters; 1797, Silas Wickes; !79S,Josiah
Masters; 1799, Silas Wickes; 1S00, Jacob Yates fprobablj * ; 1801-
I, Jacob Yates; 1805 6, Herman Knickerbocker; 1807—11, Mun-
son Smith; 1SI2, Jacob Viilcs ; Isl.'l. Herman Kniokerb e'k.r;
lsn i:,. Munson Smith; 1816-17, Wooster Brookins; 1818-23,
Herman Knickcri kcr; I>_L Munson Smith; 1825-29, Herman
Knickerbocker; 1830-31, Alexander Bryan; 1832, Isaac Tall-
mage; is;;::, Alexander Bryan; 1834-35, Ames Briggs; 1836-
37, Edwin Smith; 1838-10, Amos Briggs; 1841-42, Nicholas M.
Masters; 1S43, John Banckcr; 1844-47, Charles B.Stratton; I sis,
Jacob Sippcrly ; 1849-50, William Van Veghten ; 1851, Freci i
Baker; Is./-'. Charles B.Stratton; is;,:;. R. M. Hasbrouck; 1854,
Zachariah Lyon; 1855-56, It. M. Hasbrouck : 1857-58, John A.
ISaucus: 1859, Wyatl K.Swift; 1860-62, John A. Quackenbush;
1863, William Baucus; 1864-66, William Allen; 1867, Win. H.
Buckley; IS68-70, Elisha S. Baucus; 1871, Daniel F. Wetsel;
1S72, William Allen: 1873, Daniel F. Wetsel; 1ST I, Jehu X.
Bonesteel; Is;,, 76, George Manor; is;;, Solomon A". K. Miller;
IS7S, Alonzo 1'. Cooper; 187H, Charles J. Stalks.
TOWN CLERKS.
1783-S8, Evans Humphrey; 1783-H2, Silas Wickes; 1793, Cornelius
Van Veghten; L794-96, Silas Wickes; 1797, David Bryan ; 1798,
John V. D. Spiegel; I7'.l'.l, Edward Ostrander; 1800, Edward Os-
trander (probably); 1801, John V. D. Spiegel; 1802-4, Herman
Knickerbocker ; 1805-6, Sybrant Vide : IsiiT-Il', Wooster Brook-
ins; 1813, Jacob Kingsley; 1814-15, Wooster Brookins; 1816-19,
Allen Cornell; 1820-26, Lewis B.Slocum; Isl'7, Lewis Buffett;
182S 32, Lewis IS. Slooum ; 1833-35, Edwin Smith ; 1836, Henry
N. Wales; 1S:)7, Charles II. Stratton ; 183S-39, Franklin Miller;
lsi", Henry Ensign; 1841, Nelson Mosher; 1842, Edwin Smith;
1S43-44, D. Bryan Baker; 1845, William McGregor; IS-16-47,
John B. Perry; 1848-49, Jamea Nuttj 1800, Otis Robinson;
1851-52, Norman Briggs; 1853 54, Lorenzo Baker ; 1855, Pardon
Briggs; 1856-60, James Nutt; 1861-63, David Myers; 1864-68,
Sidney S. Congdon; 1S69, Charles A. Pickets; 1S70-72, Job
Viall; 1873-74, John Downs; 1875-76, Frederick Wiley : 1877,
Richard C. Gunner; 1S7S, Charles Buffett; 1879, William W.
Bryant.
JUSTICES OF Till: PEACE.
These officers were elected by the people at the general
elections, or appointed by the courts in pursuance of laws
enacted alter the adoption of the constitution of 1821, and
in force until 1830:
Daniel (ioewy, sworn in Feb. 2(i, 182:'. ; Allen Conner, sworn in
March 13, 1823; Alexander C.Tracy, sworn in Oct. s. ls.':;:
5(3
Dai ei I rllmad n n D. I
oi March 15, I 15 Alexander Bi ■ . n n D I
Nichi i,i thola ■ M
■ I. worn in A] il 3 I
' lo 1 ■■ wti'tni t rin'jM.
1830, Lovi Nelson; 1S31 ! Hiram Slocum :
John O. Brow n I I, 1 lin Pel rj I Lovi Nol-
Bon; 1836, William Van Voghten ; 1837, John D.Brown; I
Benjamin Porr, I ', Cyrus A. Lo id 184 u illiam Van
Voghton : is 1 1. Honry N. Waloa 'Ml. . . I 13,
Hi w ley Ran join, Da niol F. Wetsi : . I, Hci
man K nil ki i bocki i : I 15, II. nry W. Mill. . I i 16, Dai
Vi i i eii : ii,, Charli Joj IVilbui I 18, John Ban. 1 i .. i
Lined . 1 - 19, Ephr 'on ;Jon I I Matthew fl . 1,-1. o I
Charlc- J.Wilbur; 1852, Samuel Elcrrick; 1853, I
Slooum : Is.. I. G 'go L. i ; I >5, i -I. Wilbur : I 16,
Liihn Butts; 1857, Thomo E I: 1858, Ephraim Congdon ;
is., ..i, i ■ 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 r , o, B. Slooum ; I860, Elihu Butl ; 1861, Cb
Miller; 1862, John Banckor, Daniel U. Viall; 1863, I
Slocum : I si; I, David Myoi ; 1865, Alp so Merrill ; 1 66, Elihu
Lol - : 1867, Samuel ILirw 1 ; f8B8, gylvi
Chauncey B.Slocum; 1870, .1. S. Welling; 1871, D I G
beck; 1872, Samuel Harwood, Alphonzo Merrill; 1873, Charles
A. Pickett; 1874, John R. Hinds; same tor rancancj |S7.>,
Darius Gifford, Elihu Units: 1876, E. F. Frost; 1877, Elihu
Butts; 1878, James Evans ; 1879, William V. V. Reynolds.
During the first sixty years of its existence as a town,
the annual meetings of Schaghticoke were held at the fol-
lowing-named places :
1789.—" At. the house of John Carpenter." Probably
the farm of the late Daniel Carpenter, in PittstOWn.
1790.—" At Schaghticoke Point, at the house of Benja-
min Holt," — now Hart's Falls, and at the present Sclin. b
tieoke House.
1791. — "At the house of Garret Winne, innkeeper, in
Old Schaghticoke," — now owned by William P. Button,
formerly the Abraham Viele farm.
1 792. — Voted, " to be held where Simon Toll now lives,"
— and was held at the house where Abijah Putnam now
lives. This was at the point where the town-line crossed
the Hoosick ltiver.
1793. — Voted, to be held "at the house where John
Story now lives." Probably at the old " Jane Groesbeck
place" so called, now occupied by Anthony Button.
1794. — " At the house of Jacob Overoeker," on the
turnpike above Melrose.
1795.— " At the house of John Ligbtbody." Probably
in Hart's Falls, at the Schaghticoke House.
1 790. — Voted, to be held " at the house of Elizur Brace,"
but was held at the house of David Bryan, innkeeper,
1797. Probably Schaghticoke Hill.
1798. — " At the house where Jesse Buffet now lives."
The present American House, Hart's Falls.
1799. — "At the house of Sybrant Yiclc, innkeeper,"
and to 1806, inclusive, at Schaghticoke Hill.
1807.— "At the house of Peter Sipperly," and to 181S,
inclusive, at Schaghticoke Hill.
1819.—" At the house of Jesse W. Buffett,"— the pres-
ent American House, Hart's Falls.
1820.—" At the house of William W. Waldron," at the
present place of Merritt M. Turner. Waldron is said to
have paid SI OH for the privilege.
182 1 . — " At the house of William Myers," — the present
house of William Calkins, cast of Schaghticoke Hill.
442
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1822.—" At Allen Cornell's," and to 1832, inclusive, —
3 haghticokc House.
1 -:;:;. — •■ At the house of Benjamin K. Bryan," and in
1834, — the Schaghticokc House.
— •■ At Piatt Buffett's," — the present American
Bouse, Piatt was a son of Jesse Buffctt.
-" At Thomas Esmond's," — Rogers House, at
ghticoke Hill, now a hotel again, after having been a
furni-house for some years.
I-:;?.—- At Ephraim Congdon's;" also 1S3S, 1839, and
1843 to 1847— the present Sehaghticoke House.
1- i-. — ■• At the house of John II. Arnold, innkeeper ;"
and to 1852 inclusive, the present American House.
1849. — •■ At the house of John Downs, innkeeper," and
also 1853, 1855; the presi - hticoke House.
John Downs was the father of the present John Downs,
American House.
NOTES FROM I 111: TOWN RECORDS.
At the town-meeting of 1791, L'-'1 were appropriated fol-
low! P fates and James Masters were ap-
pointed a committee to collect money from Caspar Rouse
In 1793, £30 were voted for the support of the poor and
for other char.
At the town-meeting of 170.") it was voted that there be
. and sufficient pounds erected at the expense of the
town at Jacob Overocker's and at Tunis Viele's, and also at
• . »>i]rioh's.
In IT:1- the town wasdivided into niucteen road-districts.
Al a special meeting. May 18, 1799, one of the resolu-
tions was the following : " Resolved that Mr. be
removed out of the town of Sehaghticoke by a warrant
directed to any constable of said town,'' — a summary way
of disposing of a townsman.
At the annual meeting of 1S01 it was voted that " hogs
are to he yoked and ringed."
■ • annual meeting of 1818 it was voted to raise
81500 for lie- support of the poor, and that the overseers
ight have power to hire a house to keep the
in.
April •'., l»o |. the following resolution was passed:
11 . that any owner or occupant of a farm who does
hit I'm' hi before they go
iable to a penalty of live dollars, to be
ni having cognizance thereof; one-half
ilty shall be lor the use of the | r Mf said
ithcr half ,-hall go to the informer."
■1 is the following, though
must have been laid out. the records of
Which Were ill ihe |l I the .ll-tliet.
ll \\ '.111 II. I
'
or i In-
One of the old town-books includes a department with
the following heading: " A record of black infants horn
in the town of Sehaghticoke since the 4th day of July, in
the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine,
agreeable to an act entitled an act for the gradual abolition
of slavery."
The first registry is as follows : " I, Cornelius Buskirk,
fanner, do certify that my negro woman-slave, named Gin,
had a female child born the nineteenth of August, in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-
nine, named Sarah Francis."
Other similar entries are by Nicholas Groesbeck, Josiuh
Talmage, Peter Yates, John Knickerbocker, Winsiow Paige,
Lewis Yiele, Bethel Mather, William Groesbeck, Leveuus
Vandenberg, John Crabb, Jacob Sippcrley, and several
others.
March 1, 1797. — The under-mentioned persons were li-
censed to keep inns or taverns in the town of Sehaghticoke,
and entered under recognizance :
Wandell Overocker (near the North River, where there
is now the " New Tavern" so called) ; John Travice, Jared
Esbill, Caleb Gifford (on the south side of the Tornhan-
nock ) ; Moses Canfield (he lived just above old Dr. Raker's
on the St. Croix Road ) ; Ephraim Lyons (a descendant
of James Lyons, lived near Buck's Neck ) ; Isaac Bull,
Samuel Storms (south part of the town, where Jacob Dator
now owns in Lansing! jurgh) ; James Brookings (a mile
north of Speiglctown, now owned by John Filkins) ; Na-
thaniel Rusco (on the farm of W. P. Button, between the
two high falls, buildings now gone) ; Jonah More. Elias
Ray, Jesse Buffett (present American House, Hart's Falls ;
Jacob Overocker (on the turnpike northeast of Melron ;
William Douglass (in Speiglctown, Lansingburgh ) ; Pcnncl
Bacon, Obcr Rates. Sybrant Yiele (at Sehaghticoke Hill);
James Lightbody, David Bryan (at Sehaghticoke Hill I.
The sum raised by these licenses was £48.
Several of the more prominent merchants in town, and
in trade for many years, were Edwin Smith, Samuel Wil-
bur, Henry N. Wales, Judge Smith, Mr. Marble, Fellows
& Briggs, and Charles 1!. Stratum.
PHYSICIANS.
The physicians at the present time practicing in Sehagh-
ticoke are Elihu Butts, Dr. E. Newton Real, and Dr. D.
II. Tarbell. The first named has been in Sehaghticoke for
about thirty years. He has in late years given more atten-
tion to law than medicine, and is now a practicing lawyer.
Dr. Real has been in active business in town twelve to fif-
teen year.-, and I'r Tarbell about eight years.
Among the early physicians, Dr. Ezekiel Raker and Dr.
Zachariah Lyon were the most prominent, and were in
lice for many years.
Dr. Small practiced a short time, started for California,
and died on the way. l>r. Bryan Baker practiced for a
time and died yoUDg.
LAW! Kits.
Hon. Herman Knickerbocker, known as the Princa
practiced for a long lime, his residence and office being at
Schauhticokc Hill. Job Pierson studied law in his office.
Zl
Photo, by Atk'inson, Troy, X. T.
^^S^^^gg^^:
Jcdob Eunr Butts was born in Rome, Oneida Co., X. Y., Aug.
26, 1813. His grandfather, Gideon Butts, moved with his family,
ting of hU wife, two BOOS, and a daughter, from Canterbury,
Conn., and settled in Rome, in the year 1801. The names of the sons
were Daniel and Elihu : of the daughter, Ruhy. Elihu, the father
r.f the judge, was by trade a carpenter and joiner. He also followed
the occupation of a fanner. He married Sarah Bradford, of Canter-
bury, C»'no., the issue of which marriage were five sons and five
daughter?, of whom the judge was the third son.
He learned of his father the carpenter and joiner trade, and hi*
early yean were passed in that occupation and work upon his father's
farm. His early education was received in the common schools
"f R-rne. When about twenty years of ngc he left that city and
up hi? residence in Albany, where he opened a drug-store, in
partnership with Dr. Young, at the corner of Broadway and Van
Tr>'mp Street*. He ■-■ ■••ti alter commenced the study of medicine with
Man*h and Arrosby, and, without neglecting his business.
managed at the *ame time to attend three full courses of lectures at
the Alban;- liege, from which institution he was graduated
in 1848. He hi ion two years in West Troy,
two yf&r* in NorthrUle, Fulton Co., and five years in Clifton Park,
Saratoga Co., und^r a license previous to receiving the degree of
: a. In 1850 he removed to Schaghtieoke, having de-
*■■ make that place his permanent residence, and for a
number of yearn continue.! there in the practice of his profession,
and rankcl among thi -killlul physician and surgeon in
that locality. Indeed, though in practice the medical has long since
i to the legal profession, yet the judge has kepi read op in
medical literature, and has continued hi- membership in the Rcns-
^Iit Count
Tn 1868, having heen elected a justice of the peace, his attention
was torne-l to the itady of law. About this time hi- health hecjime
'»hal impairM. and he wa< unable to bear with safety the cx-
fl by night to which a physician Is Subjected ffhorides a wiilc cir-
cuit. Hi.« taste for legal pursuit* increased with nil studies in that
*ion,and at length, having determined to abandon the practice
of medicine, he wa-s admitted an attorney and counselor in all the
State mart* of >'■* York in 1881, and »inre that time has dev-.tr. 1
himself to legal pursuit« with a diligence and assiduity which have
been rewarded by advancing him to a prominent position in the pro-
q of the law. He was admitted to practice in the United States
courts in 1
He has served as justice of the peace of the town since his first
appointment to that office. He is also police justice nnd health officer
of the village of Hart's Falls, and is interested in all local improve-
ments and the education of the young. In discharging the duties of
these offices he has always evinced firmness, intelligence, and discre-
tion, and under his administration it has come to be well understood
that the law cannot be broken with impunity, and as a result rowdy-
ism, pilfering, and disturbances of every kind have become almost
extinct in Schaghticoke and that vicinity.
He was elected justice of sessions in 1S7S. At the time of his
nomination to this office one of the leading Troy papers said of him,
" With Justice Butts upon the bench, the presiding justice will have
as co-judge with him a man learned in the law, especially verso! in
medical jurisprudence, and one who, when called on for his opinion
on any question that may arise, will be able to give it intelligently
and with a legal reason to back it."
Judge Butts furnishes one of the rare instances of a man who has
attained high standing in two of the learned professions : but what-
ever, for the time being, has been with him the object of pursuit,
whether as a business man, physician, or lawyer, he has never been
satisfied to stop short of the highest excellence. From a boy the
judge has had a decided fondness for music, both vocal and instru-
mental, and has found in the cultivation of the art a pleasant relief
from the more arduous duties of his professions.
In politic the judge has been identified with the Whig and Repub-
lican parties. He cast his first vote for Henry Clay for President.
He was married, Sept. 19, 1833, to Mary Ann Minerva llartwell,
daughter of Dr. John IV llartwell, a prominent physician of Oneida
County. Mrs. Butts wns bom March 22. 1S16. The issue of this
marriage were two sons, viz.: Julius Elihu and Charle« Edwin.
The former, a merchant in New York City, married Carrie E. Strat-
too, daughter of Hon. Charles B. Stratton, of Brooklyn. They have
three children, viz. : Lillian E., Alfred X. (deceased), and Anna.
Lillian E. married J. AzroGould, a merchant in Rutland, Vt. Charles
Edwin by profession is a music-teacher.
Both the judge ami Mr?. Butts were converted under the preaching
"f the late Prof. Charles <i. Finney, — the judge at the age of eighteen,
— and both united with the Second Presbyterian Church of Home,
and have been members of the First Presbyterian Church at Schagh-
tiooke since their residence in that town.
For many year- the judge has been a trustee, treasurer, and clerk
of that church, and for the la*t four years the leader of its choir.
TOWN OK SCHAGHTICOKE.
143
Henry I'- Wales also practiced law, residing al Schaghticoke
Hill. Charles J. Wilbur was a lawyer for many years at
t|M- ■■ Falls," and also Thomas C. Ripley.
Ai the present lime, Dr. Buds, as already mentioned, is
a practicing lawyer. Alphonzo Merrill has also acquired
an extensive practice, and a large amount of legal writing
is intrusted to his care.
Y. -VILLAGES.
iiakt's PALLS.
This is a village of considerable business, twelve ami one-
fifth miles distant from Troy, air line measurement, and
situated at the " Great Falls" of the Hoosick. 'flic Hoo-
sick in this part of its coui-se lias a tortuous channel. It
plunges through deep ravines with tributary rivulets flow-
ing through glens of great beauty. The fall in the dis-
tance of half a mile is nearly 100 feet. The " Big Eddy"
is a deep pool northwest of the village, hollowed out in the
river by ages of perpetual beating against the hills. The
water in the " eddy" is very deep. On its wild northern
border is a lonely grave of some early adventurer in these
forest wilds. The eddy is inclosed in a bowl-like valley
around which the high curving hills form three-fourths of
a circle, the opening being to the southeast. Some distance
below is the noted " Buck's Neck," a sharp, narrow tongue
of laud in a turn of the river. The " neck" is high, with
a fringe of trees along the shore, and the upland a smooth,
cleared field. Between the " Big Eddy" and the " neck"
is the "Little Eddy," also a pool of considerable beauty.
On the whole the place is one of the finest within fifty miles
of Troy for a summer resort.
The village has been developed by the valuable water-
power. Mills were built here at a very early day. It was
known in old times as Schaghticoke Point.
There was established here about 1S00, or perhaps earlier,
carding-machines and general clothing-works. C. Joy ad-
vertised in 1805 that he had added largely to his previous
machinery, that he had " a machine for picking wool, doing
it better than by hand;" that " his price for picking, greas-
ing, and carding to persons furnishing their own grease is
six cents a pound, or he will find oil and do it for eight
cents." Before 1813 this enterprise developed into or was
succeeded by a cotton- and woolen-factory.
The public buildings of Hart's Falls consist of the
churches of the Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, and Pres-
byterian societies, the railroad buildings, and the Opera
House, the last of which is a fine new hall, in a block
which is an ornament of the village.
A post-office was established here at an early day. The
scries of postmasters for the last thirty or forty years in-
cludes the following names: Edwin Smith, Charles Strat-
ton, Merrit M. Wicks, Norman Briggs, Stephen L. Ken-
yon, John Arnold, Henry N. Wales, Abraham Myers,
Julius E. Butts, and the present incumbent, Sidney S. Cong-
don. The office was named Schaghticoke until 1807, since
that date Hart's Falls.
The village was incorporated March 20, 1867, and the
first election was held May 7 of the same year. The prin-
cipal officers since the organization have been the following:
1807. — President, Oliver A. Arnold; Trustees, John A.
Baucus, Wm. P. Bliss, Sidney don, Chaunccy B.
Slocam ; Police Justice, Elihu Butl Clerk, Alphonzo
.Merrill; Treasurer, Julius E. Units.
L8G8. I'n ident, Oliver A. Arnold ; Trustci Chaunccy
B Slocum, Sidney S. Congdon ; Clerk Uphonzo Merrill;
Treasurer, Julius E. liutts. Onlytwotru reelected,
as the board was classified so thai the offices of onlj two
expire each year.
L869. President, Oliver A. Arnold; Trustees John A.
Baucus, Win. I'. Bli-s ; Clerk, Alphonzo Merrill; Tri
urer, Julius E. Butts.
1870. -President, Charles A. Pickett; Trustees, Chaun-
cey B. Slocum, Tibbits Briggs; Clerk, Alphonzo Merrill;
Treasurer, Julius E. Butts.
1871. — President, ('has. A. Pickett; Trustees, Michael
McOratts, .lames Canfield; Clerk, Charles II. Harrison;
Treasurer, Charles Baker; Police Justice, Daniel F. tiroes-
beck.
1872. — President, Charles A. Pickett ; Trustees. Sidney
S. Congdon, Clark C. Hill; Clerk, 11. .). Hornbrook ;
Treasurer, Charles Baker.
1873. — President, Charles A. Pickett;- Trustees, Michael
MeGrath, Edward B. Arnold; Clerk, R. J. Hornbrook;
Treasurer, Andrew Sipperly.
1874. — President, , las. Nutt ; Trustees. Lorenzo Baker,
John Downs; Clerk, E.. J. Hornbrook ; Treasurer, Andrew
Sipperly.
1875. — President, James Nutt; Trusties, Michael Me-
Grath, Garret 11. Groesbeck; Clerk, 11. J. Hornbrook;
Treasurer, E. M. Congdon ; Police Justice. Elihu Butts.
1876. — President, Michael MeGrath ; Trustees, Edward
Searls, E. M. Congdon ; Clerk, It. J. Hornbrook ; Treasurer,
Alphonzo Merrill.
1877.— President, Michael MeGrath; Trustees, Fred-
erick Wiley, James Becroft ; Clerk, II. J. Hornbrook;
Treasurer, Alphonzo Merrill.
1878. — President, John Downs; Trustees, Martin Can-
field, Alphonzo Merrill ; Clerk, R. J. Hornbrook ; Treas-
urer, S. S. Congdon.
1879. — President, Sidney S. Congdon ; Trustees, Wm.
P. Bliss, R. C. Gunner ; Clerk, R. J. Hornbrook ; Treas-
urer, J. Bryan Baucus; Police Justice, Elihu Butts;
Superintendent of Streets, Nelson L. Violl ; Collector, Sam-
uel Bratt ; Police Constables, John Askin, Oliver Pecor.
The following is a summary statement of the business of
Hart's Falls at the present time (1879) :
On the southeast side of the river, locally known as
" Brooklyn," is the grocery-store of William J. Winslow ;
the " Brooklyn House," a hotel kept by Michael MeGrath ;
also the residence and law-office of Dr. Elihu Butts.
Returning across the venerable bridge built in 1832. and
commencing at the station of the Boston, Hoosac Tunnel
and Western Railway, the business places on the east side
of Main Street are the furniture-store of James Nutt ;
the saloon of James C. Riley; the variety-store of Mrs.
Mary Parker; the Congdon Block, containing below the
meat-shop of James & George Beecroft, the hardware and
grocery-store of Job Viall, the jewelry establishment of
Andrew W. Rexlbrd, and above the law-office of Alphonzo
Merrill, Esq., and the dressmaking-rooms of Miss Mary
Ill
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COl'NTY, NEW YORK.
man; the Schagbticok II ■- . a venerable old tavern
now kepi by Frederick Thomas ;
the barbcr-sbop of Cbarlea Gerhaeusser; tbe new Baker
ntaining above the fine hall known :is tbe Opera
II Dlincry rooms, and below tbe store of William
\V. Bryant, general merchant, also tbe store of Charles
r. and on the side streel the clothing-store of Lorenzo
r, and the meat-market of Charles W. Herrick (2d).
'l'h. of Thomas Jackson ; the drug-store of Mrs.
.r.l.-; tin- post-office :inil insurance agency of
S. S. Coi »don, who is also telegraphic operator; on Third
,-t of Main, the carriage-shop of James Canfield,
lite, the blacksmith-shop of Albert Hurley. On
_.iin. the new Kane Block, in which there is
the sal i of Mr. Birmingham, and the hardware-store of
Charles Albro; the residence and dental parlors <>f Dr.
James Hornbrook; undertaking rooms by 1'. II. Ragan,
and over them the residence and office of Dr. Hani.-; die
of Dr. IV II. Tarbell ; and the carpen-
ter shop of William C Smith.
Taking the west side of Main Street and beginning al
the south end, .-■ -utli of the old bridge, locally known as
•• Dublin," lir.-t are the paper-mills, two in number, estab-
lished originally by Levi Pickett, and now owned and oper-
lerick Wiley, and David But-
ton; next the {rrocery-store of Garret R. Groesbeck, and
harness-shop of Peter Denegar; the shoe-shop of Moses
Wells; the cable flax-mills, built in 1865-G6, now owned
anil by an incorporated company, Thomas Rape,
lent; next the "burnt district." on which stood the
i j Jai kson, the M; ers block, including
in tl -it a meat-market, above the grocery and shoe-
\ i II. Doty, and on the third floor the Com-
< illage fathers ;" also, in the
burnt district one dwelling-house ; still tracing up the
Main, there m-xt i- the store of Andrew Sip-
ad gen iral merchandise, and in the rear
tin ind office ol Dr I'. N. Beal; the law-office
and also, in the same building, that of E.
1 ! House, by Michael Butler : the
ind baker B rd C. Gunner; the American
II land, dating back to very early times,
nnd now kept bj John Douns, son of n former proprietor
imc, well known to older citizens ; the marble
P i . the paint-shop of
- haick ; a little west the slaughter-house
• i - md farther out, by n lane, tbe slaughtcr-
II S
hticokc Woolcn-
M ills, manufacturing 6n riginally owned and
and now by J. J.
!: Mill S the tin-shop of
• 'iter -Imp of Iia
'• Vitll, tin John Haley, the wit
On tl
Shirt-Works.
1 i Hill, the |
i d -Imp. and also putting
Work in fifty or moil I blisllffii nt runs
twenty-lour sewing-machines by steam-power, manufac-
turing now at the rate of 10,000 or 12.000 dozen shirts a
year.
About half a mile southeast of the village are the mills
of the Schagbticoke Powder Company. They are doing a
large business, mentioned in another place. A village
anecdote is current with reference to Mr. Saston, an early
proprietor of the powder-mills, and an original genius known
as Dr. Franklin.
SCTIAGHTICOKE 1III.L.
This place is situated on the Tomhannock Creek. It
has railroad accommodations by the Troy and Boston road,
the ,-tation mi which is ah. ml a mile from the village: and
water-power for mills and factories is furnished by theTom-
hanno'ek, as elsewhere mentioned. The public buildings
are the Methodist church and the school house of District
No. 11.
The present business of Schagbticoke Hill (1879) in-
cludcs the Rogers Hotel (estate of George N. Tibbits , the
blacksmith-shop of Peter Hurley, the shoe-shop of Hiram
Buel. the store of F. Yates, a saw-mill and a twine-mill owned
and operated by George B. Burton, a grist-mill on the north
hank of the Tomhannock by James Evans, and down the
creek a short distance, the factory for manufacturing powder-
kegs, carried on by Samuel Harwood.
At Schagbticoke Hill, on the north bank of tbe Tom-
hannock, was tbe residence of tbe Hon. Harmon Knicker-
bocker, member of Congress from this district. He was n
noted man. a gentleman of the old school, when integrity
and uprightness were essential qualities of statesmen, lb-
had something of family and local pride; and when a doubt
of his position at home was rather humorously insinuated
by a colleague at Washington, he drew himself up to his full
height, and .-aid. " 1 want you to understand that / am lite
Prince of the tribe of SchaglUicokes?
It i- another favorite anecdote among the people of
Scbaghticokc of this genuine representative of this town.
that Mrs. Madison, wife of the President, once asked him
what was the difference between the Presbyterian Church
and the Hutch Reformed. His theological explanation
promptly given : " Not any. madam, that I know of, except
one sinus short metre and the other long."
MELROSE.
This place is in the south part of the town, and is a
stali n the Troy and Boston Railroad. It has shops,
Stores, a post-office, and a hotel. There is laid out quite a
large tract into lots, between the present village and the
railroad, which, if built upon, will form a large and fine
village. Not far from Melrose is the ancient Lutheran
church.
The present business of Melrose consists of a hotel,
owned by !•'.. I». Strunk, and now kept 1879) by William
Bell; a store, by John <>. Wing, who is also postmaster and
telegraphic operator; and a blacksmith -hop. by H. Stearns,
grant's hollow
i- a mile distant from the old Junction Post-Office (now
M , on the To. and Boston Hailroad, and is in the
cxticme southeast | art i f the town. It includes, with va-
RY
TOWN OF SCNAGIITH'OKE.
II.-.
pious business enterprises, a church of (he Methodist de
nomination, and the school-house of District No. 10.
'flu- principal business at the "Hollow" is the factory
for tin' manufacture of grain-cradles and fanning-milla, now
owned ami operated by a linn consisting of D. II. \ iall, .1.
P. Leavens, and Ezra Hanker. This lias been a thriving
business enterprise for many years past. The firm also
have a store, doing business in general merchandise.
OLD SOHAGHTICOKE.
Tins place in early times was the village of the town,
bat is hardly entitled to the name village now. It is some-
what central for the old "six miles square tract." It was
the seat of tin- early Dutch church, the old Knickerbocker
Cemetery, and had taverns, stores, shops, and general busi
ness.
Other thickly-settled points in town, perhaps as properly
called villages as some already mentioned, are llie vicinity
of the Lutheran church, near the Pittstown line ; the south-
east corner of the town, on the Hudson River; the Bryan
neighborhood, on the Hudson, having a factory for making
grain-cradles and fanning-mills; the school-house of District
No. 9, and a Lutheran church.
The settlement at the southeast corner (mouth of the
Deep Kill), spoken of above, was a place of considerable
business in early times, and there is now a hotel kept there
by Isaac Van Veghten.
VALLEY FALLS.
This village, lying partly in Pittstown, has considerable
of the business located upon the Schaghticoke side of the
river, viz., Wood's Hotel ; store of A. P. Cooper, who is
also postmaster of the Valley Falls office; the Valley Mills
of the Paper Manufacturing Company, C. J. Stark. Presi-
dent ; blacksmith-shop of S. .Smith, saloon of Solomon
Lohnes, a restaurant by Patrick Mehan, and a restaurant
by Michael Hayes.
VI.— SCHOOLS.
There is but little tradition in town concerning early
schools, and we are left, mainly to the town records for in-
formation, commencing iu 17S9.
During the eighty years of previous settlement, schools
had undoubtedly been maintained in various parts of the
town, to a greater or less extent. Undoubtedly in "old
Schaghticoke" the early pastors of the church favored
education, and perhaps even taught the children of their
parishioners themselves. But the times were stormy. Half
or more of this period the dangers of war or war itself
prevailed through all this section, and little was done until
peace at the close of the Revolution left the people free to
establish schools.
The first official action recorded was in 1790, when
school commissioners were appointed under the then exist-
ing laws, viz., Nicholas Masters, Harman I. Groesbeek,
Silas Goodrich, Peter W. Groesbeek, John Crabb ; other
commissioners for two or three years following were Caleb
Gifford, Job Fish, Ezekiel Baker, Edward Ostrander,
David Bryan, Nathaniel Rusco.
Under date of June 3, 1797, the supervisors of the
county certify the amount of money due to the town for
sel 1 purposes: from tie- State, £99 I-. 5rf.; from the
town. LI I His 9d. ; total, £1 13 L2«. 2d.
June -, 1798, another apportionment, from the Si
I I./ from the town £4 I 2». 2d. ; total, £132
ii.<. Qd,
Apporti int of .lime I. IT'.";. was from tie- State,
£90 l</. ; from the town, 645 2d ; total. £135 Sd.
I ndei ilie ihw school law of 1812 13, the commis-
sioners serving one or more yeai i nil down to L844, were
Josiah Masters, Harmon Knickerbocker, Isaac Da La
Vergne, Wooster Brookins, Munson Smith, Job I'
Bethel Mather, William li. Slocum, William Knicker-
bocker. Mynderl Groesbeek, John C. Van Veghten, Nicholas
McMasters, Alexander Bryan, Ezekiel Bakei 2d), John
!•'. Groesbeek, Alexander A. Miller, Ephraim Congdon,
Lewis Bryan, Joseph I'. Mosher, i.aron C. Dennis, Chris-
topher 1. Yates. Daniel Cornell, Alexander VVickes, John
1 1. Brown, Hiram Slocum, William Van Veghten, Zacha-
riah Lyon, Bedford Filkins, Consider Gifford, Simon New-
comb, Joseph Jones, Solomon V. It. Miller, Lewis Buffett,
Julius C. Bement.
During the same period the following persons served as
inspectors of schools one or more years each : John Bi
way. Munson Smith, Nicholas Masters. John \ an \ eghten,
David Bryan, Joseph Levins. Epenetus Holmes, Charles
Devol, Ezekiel Baker, William Knickerbocker, Myndert
Groesbeek, Isaac De La Vergne, Alexander Bryan, Stephen
.Ostrander, Cornelius Van Veghten, Nathaniel Bay. Allen
Cornell, Job Pearsons, Hendrick Miller, Peter I. Yates,
Derick Knickerbocker, John H. Groesbeek, Josiah Kings-
ley, Lloyd Smith, William Argus. Jr., Joseph Janes, Abra-
ham Knickerbocker, Albert P. Masters, Ezekiel Baker (2d I,
Samuel I. Masters, Alexander C. Tracy, William Van
Veghten, John ('. Van Veghten, John W. Groesbeek.
George I. Wetsel, Hiram Slocum, Lewis Buffett, J
Holmes, Simeon A. Cook, William Williams, Nathan
Myers, Isaac Tallmadge, Adam H. Foster, Abel S. Read,
Smith Briggs, Robert M. Williams, Abel S. load. Nelson
Mosher, Franklin I. Bay, Henry Wales, William Warren,
Solomon V. R. Stiller, Joseph Jones, William Wright,
Thomas C. Ripley, Ebenezer Wilbur, Yolney R. Bay.
Jacob W. Miller, Zechariah Lyon, Parismus Shreve, John
R. Haner.
After this the method of supervision by town superin-
tendents followed.
The town superintendents of common schools have been
as follows: Annual elections, 1S44. Merritt M. Wickes ;
1 845, Peter Wetsel ; 1846, D. Bryan Baker ; 1S47, Stephen
L. Kenyon. Biennial elections, 1848-50, Henry N. Wales ;
1S52, S. V. B. Miller; 1S54-5C. Daniel F. Groesbeek.
In June, 185G, this system was abolished, and the
management of the schools was transferred to the district
commissioners.
The school commissioners of 1813 divided the town into
eleven districts. Commencing in the northeast corner of
the town, Nos. 1, 2, .">. and 4 were arranged along the
north part of the town in regular order, No. 4 extending
southward on the Hudson to the mouth of the Hoosick.
No. 5 was south of No. .". and east of No. 4. which ex-
tended south farther than No. 3, and No. 6 was adjoining
1 16
HISTORY 01? RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
\ g in east part of tho town. No. 7 was along the
Hudson River, next -.ititli of the 1 1 1 ■ > n 1 1 1 of the Hooksick,
3 along tho Hudson still further south. The
division fa N - 7 id 8 was at the residence of'Wil-
li.uii Waldron, i I No - sxl nded down to the Deep Kill.
\ 0 was in the southeast pari of the town. No. 10 was
partly or entirely south of the Deep Kill, now in Lansing-
ning al Michael J. Overocker's mills.'1 No.
11 "began at tho south side of Hoosick River, at the Rig
th ■ K< nip lam cotton- and woolen-factory."
The union school-house at Mart's Falls is a fine building,
isi of 813,000. This, however, included the
price of tho site, the grading, and the supplying
r i- with the best improved modern furniture.
The prcscnl corps of teachers fall term of 1879) eon-
Prof, t !. I! Stiles, principal : Miss
I' niing, Miss Clara Richmond, Miss Lizzie Smith,
M -- Lizzie Gunner, and Miss Anna Prendergast, Assistant
VII. I BURCHES.
REFORMED CHURCH.
The early settlers of 1707 soon made arrangements for
public worship. Tli \ arish of Schaghticoke was organized
in 171 I. ami the Reformed Church is therefore one hun-
dred and sixty-five years old. A log meeting-house was
I the same year. This was the eavliesl house of wor-
ship north of Albany. It stood at the point where the
. a short distance east of M iss B ibecca ( rroes-
resi lence, and on the southwest corner.
An early pastor of this church was Rev. EliasVan Run-
He is the clergyman whom tradition reports as
lia\ mod a marriage service while the happy pair
wcr i the opp isitc side of the Hoosick River from him-
t is said to ha oi euro d at a ford about a
junction of the Hopsick with the Hudson.
river bad suddenly risen after tho wedding had been
intcd, and it was impossible for i ither part)
■ the other. The minister took his stand upon
md th be united upon the other. The
rch was duly read, its solemn
rising above the mar of the angry
Traditi m completes
; tli it tli" dominie informed tl next
in that ili" usual fee could be left
_■ fiirm-houf
rship ina\ I 1 until
ted in 17G0, and yet as it
me traditions state that a
border wars, it is
T"' 17117 and
17l not far from the centre
n the midst of that oarlj
1 of the l .
from it,
ilony
' hriatian civilization;
-' the «h with reverent
men of the quaint stylo of church architecture common in
the middle of the last century. It was GO by 40 feet, with
low side-walls and a high-pitched Mansard roof, finished
at the east end with a bulbous turret surmounted by a
weathercock. The pulpit, which bad its canopy and sound-
ing-beard, was mounted on a high pedestal, beneath which
was a small desk for the " Voorlieser" or clerk ; and in fronl
el' this was a communion-table equally quaint. This house
was taken down in 1833. The next one was built on the
same site ; a very good house, but considerably modernized,
and not having that quaint construction which marked the
other. This last was burned a few years since, and in the
changes of residence that had occurred and the drifting
away of the old Dutch families it was deemed best to re-
build at another point, a mile or more away, when' the
present edifice stands. This venerable society seems to I
deemed it necessary to file a new certificate of incorpora-
tion. April 8, 1^7-. The elders named in the certificate
were John A. Van Veghten and II. A. Ileinstreet ; the
deacons were James Wcbsti r, Ira Button. Win. 11. Fort.
The organization of this church took place the same war
as the settlement. 1 T * I T . Hut little is known of the earliest
pastors. From 1745 to 1759 the pulpit was supplied quar-
terly by Rev. Theodore Frclinghuyscn, of Albany. From
ITi'.o to 177:; by Rev. E. Westcrloo, of Albany, in the
same manner. The subsequent pastoral record is as fol-
lows: Rev. Elias Van Bunschoten, the first regularly in-
stalled pastor, serving from 177:'. to 1784. Rev. Lam-
bertus De Ronde, associated with Mr. Van Bunschoten
from 177tl to 17S4, succeeding him as pastor at that date
and continuing until 1705. Rev. Winslow Page. 1795 to
1807. Rev. Stephen Ostrander, 1810 to 1S21. Rev.
Abraham 1». Swiiz. 1823 to 1S29. Rev. Aaron A. Mar-
cels. 1831 to 1834. Rev. Hugh M. Boyd, 1S3G to 1841.
Rev. M. Ackcrman, 1842 to 1844. Rev. A. II. Myers,
1845 to 1817. Rev. Jacob Dc Fonda, 184S to 1856.
Rev. Rutgers Van Brunt. 1857 to 1SG1. Rev. George
White, 1S6J to I8G9. Rev. J. D. Viele, 1870 to 1872.
Ibv. Solomon T. Cole. 1>7_ to IST'.i. The present pastor
(October, 1879), settled a few months since, is Rev. Mr.
Ackcrman.
Of the Rev. Mr. Frelingbuyseii it is said that, whilfl
pastor at Albany, be preached so sharply against certain
■ ! " habits of the soldiers and others as to incur their
bitter enmity. One morning he found beside his door a
staff, a pair of shoes, and a silver dollar. Taking tin •
a hint of dismissal, he left immediately and sailed for Hol-
land ; and ii is said that he committed suicide before reach-
ing his native land, so much did he brood over bis troubli S.
K v. Lambertus De Ronde came to Schaghticoke earli
in the Revolutionary war. desiring to avoid the growing
troubles at New York City, where he bad before preached.
After the war was over he did not return to New York, but
died iii Schaghticoke.
st. joun's b\ lnqei v \l lot heran i hi rch.
This i- a very ancient organization. Formed amid the
dark days of the Revolution, it has rounded out a full cen-
tury of Christian work. The bouse of worship stands
upon an elevation overlooking the country far and wide.
TOWN OK SCHAGHTICOKE
117
Up lo this sacred height the generations have come through
all these years to worship the God of their fathers. The
aongregation of tlie dead have also gathered year by year
upon these grassy slopes.
This church has a long succession of pastors, a roll of pious,
devoted men, viz.: Revs. George Joseph Wichtermann,
1776-9:3; Anthon T. Braun, 1794-1812; John Bachman,
1812-13; John Molt her, 1814-17; William McArthy,
1817-21; John II. Goodman, 1821-28; Jacob X. Sen-
derling, 1828- 19; Sylvanus Curtis, 1850 52; John Selm-
ger, 1852-1857; V. F. Bolton, 1858 1872; J. R. Sikes,
1873-1877 ; N. Wirt, the present incumbent, commenced
his labors as pastor Oct, 11, 1877.
The present organization is as follows:
llev. N. Wirt, Pastor and Moderator of Council; John
N. Bonesteel, James W. Overockcr, Charles Harmon,
Jacob Datcr, Elders; John J. Sippcrly, Michael Overocker,
Edward Webster, E. S. Baucus, Deacons; I). C. Halsled,
Wm. II. Bonesteel, James W. Yates, James T. Wiley,
Charles W. Larabec, Trustees ; D. C. Halsted, Clerk of Trus-
tees, and James W. Yates, Treasurer; L. Overocker, Clerk
of Church Council; the Pastor as Superintendent of the
Sunday-school, and J. N. Bonesteel, Assistant Superinten-
dent.
The present house of worship was built during the pas-
torate of Rev. J. Selmser, and the parsonage about twenty-
five years ago.
Prior to 1850 this church was united with the Bruns-
wick Gilead Lutheran Church, but since that date this body
has called its own pastors.
Its legal corporation was effected May 13, 1851. The
certificate was signed by John K. Hay nor and Henry S.
Clapper, elders. The following were the first trustees:
Thomas Esmond, Jacob Stover, Jacob Dater, Leonard
Green, John J. Sipperly, Allen Way, Mather Webster,
Seneca Dennis, Solomon V. It. Miller.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SCHAGHTICOKE (HART'S
FALLS).*
In the year 1S03 a few Presbyterians in Schaghticoke
felt the necessity of having public worship according to the
forms of their belief.
The earliest written document in the church records is
under date of May 24 of that year, and is a minute of the
steps taken to effect a legal organization. The meeting was
held at the house of Bethel Masters. Trustees were elected,
— Ezekiel Baker, Lewis Bryant, Edward Ostrander, Jacob
Williams, and Nathaniel Rusco.
The certificate of incorporation was sworn to before
Judge Jonah Masters, and was signed by Charles Joy and
John Frost. There is also a document, supposed to be of
earlier date than 1803, in the form of a subscription, by
which the signers agreed " to congregate themselves to-
gether for the purpose of erecting a suitable building for
the worship of Almighty God." This instrument was
signed by 44 persons, 39 from Schaghticoke, 3 from Pitts-
town, and 2 from Easton.
:; This sketch is prepared from a historical address delivered by
Rev. Henry Neill, Jr., July 0, 1S76.
Feb, 24, l BOS, tin ti u I > mi I and a i -■■'! an additional
sum of 8^! for the purpo e "I di fi lying the charges aln
ti i ued. The building v.., tin refore in proi i erei Lion
some time prior to 1805. The nexl record \o 9 I
of the New I '•• bj ti rian church of Si h
Point, and of the proprietoi - mi eting to eleel a trustee in
the place of Ezekiel Baker. They likewi i i i I to mcel
on Tuesday the 19th of the same month, at one o'clock at
the ii 'in h ■ when Mr. Lansing or Mr. Coe would
preach, ami immediate!} after thej would p id to sell
i he pefl ground.
This building was erected on the farm owned in late
years by Mr. John Ralston, and adjoinin ■ the Bryan rum,
on the north side of the road. This meeting house was
never Si ished and never dedicated. An attempt to remove
ii to the present village of Hart's Falls began in 181 I. bul
ii was not consummated until Feb. 1 1, 1820, as staled in
Rev. Henry Neill's historical address of 1876. It is the
recollection of Mr. Job Viall, who is very familiar with this
village, that ii was standing on the site of the prescnl one
in 1819. Its removal here was evidently effected about
that date, and it was dedicated in December, 1820. The
present edifice was erected in 1847-48, enlarged in 1865,
and improved in 1 S7 I.
While the church stood upon the hill there was do reg-
ular pleaching. Rev. Mr. Lansing may have preached
for a few months, but the ministerial supply was not steady.
Services by lay members are supposed to have been nearly
continuous .since 1815. In that year, July 17th, the church
was organized by Dr. Jonas Cue, of Troy, in the second
story of the village hotel, the present Schaghticoke House.
Six persons were examined and admitted as members, —
Stephen Tain tor, Mary Taintor, Olivia Slocum, Sally Mas-
ters, Iluhiah Mather, and Isabella Holmes. The next day
after the organization, Sunday, July 18th, services were
held in the old meeting-house on the hill. The communion
was administered, and eleven children were baptized, among
whom Were those known in after-life as .Mrs. Amelia Skin-
ner, Mrs. Amos Briggs, Mrs. Ephraim Congdon, Mrs. ('ani-
line Morgan, and Mr. Charles Mather. For four or five
years after this there was no regular pleaching. The eom-
mumioii was administered by Dr. Coe mice or twice a year,
and the society mel for worship either in the ball-room of
the Schaghticoke House or in the loft over the present store
of Mr. Andrew Sipperly. A revival occurred in 1820,
under the labors of llev. Mark Tucker, of Stillwater. Suc-
cessive pastors employed for short periods were Rev. Mr.
Ogilvie, llev. Mr. Ambler, and Rev. John Coe, the last
named for some three years. Rev. Thomas Fletcher be-
came the first settled pastor, Aug. 11, 1824. Present at
the installation were llev. Mr. Prime, father of Dr. Prime,
of the New York Observe); Rev. Mr. Beaman, of Troy, and
Rev. Dr. Blatchford.
During Mr. Fletcher's ministry occurred the opening of
the great era of modern revivals, led by Rev. Charles G.
Finney. Mr. Fletcher was largely in sympathy with this
active and aggressive form of church work, though it was
considerable of a new departure in the history of the Pres-
byterian Church. Mr. Job Viall and others, still living,
remember the stirring devotional style of Mr. Fletcher's
US
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
revival in A Methodist camp-meeting was nothing
beside them."
The conservative portion of the church grew restive under
this new style, nnd finally went so far as to employ an Epis-
I minister from Stillwater to come and take Mr. Fletch-
. and withoul notice to Mr. Fletcher. "When lie
entered the ohurch on the following Sabbath, he found the
pulpit-steps guarded on either side, and they said to liim,
■ You cannot preach here to-day, Mr. Fletcher, until we
have had our services." The friends of Mr. Fletcher im-
mediately withdrew to the house of Mr. Baker, and there
listened to their favorite preacher, leaving only a few to
hear the new incumbent The new minister, however, only
preached halt' of the Sabbaths, and no objection was made,
in-, to Mr. Fletcher preaching on the alternate days.
friends of the latter, however, erected a session-house
for separate worship now the machine-shop of C. C. Hill).
The day it was ready for use was the closing day of the new
minister's sis months, and im diately the " new-departure
men" were at liberty to use the regular meeting-house again,
and thus the division really terminated, though, as in every
similar .-a--, it required considerable time for the differences
of t subside. Mr. Fletcher's pastorate terminated
at the end of five years and three months. Subsequent
ministers of the church have been as follows: Rev. J. H.
N fi in April, 1s:;t. to October, 1868, — a long and
pastorate; Rev. G. W. .Martin. August. 1SG9, to
1871. He then went to Denver, Col., where he died sud-
denly, in . I one. 1872 : Rev, J. G. Smart supplied the pul-
pit for a short time; Rev. Henry Neill, Jr., was ordained
and installed June 1. 1872. His services terminated July
1. 1879, and the pulpit is now vacant (September, 1879).
The first elders were elected Dee. 19, 1821, Ebenezer
Smith, John E. Baker, and Josiah Kinney. In 1825,
• niiii Terry. Ezekicl Baker, and Nicholas McMasters.
In Shaftoe and Hiram Slocum were chosen
[n 1-12. Wyatl R. Swifl and Peter B. Ackert.
In 1856, Philip Baker, William P. Bliss, and Jacob Ack-
1861 Samuel Ilarw 1, Paul Greeley. John Ken-
ind Charles ll.iker.
D 2". 1-71. \V. W. Bryan, Edward Vandenberg,
John Ackert, and William Bradl were elected deacons, the
in tin' history of the church.
il u.i- fu-t opened in IS2:i. July 13th, and
1 ' : iker wa- the first superintendent. A Sunday-
school maintained by this church in the Bryan
. f.r nearly thirty years, of which Mr. Jacob
'■•■n the superintendent.
I church dee 1 it necessary to til' a new certificate
of I' n July 19, 1831. The paper was sign d by
and El- ie / r Smith, and the loll,, win"
trustees wore named: Bethel .Mather, [saao Tullmadge,
I . Ben, imiti I' rrj \n. ■ Briggs, Nicb
M M I .jlir.iiin Congdon, Myron Ticknor, Hiram
im.
: men from thil ition ler.
I foi the ministry, — Rev. John E Baker, R
Oral mil.;
the daughters trained in
church,- xi Mary B ij married Rei \ I, ■ < <
Miss Sarah R. Knickerbocker married Rev. Mr. Has- i
kins, Miss Lottie Baker became the wife of Rev. Mr.
Kimball. Rev. John P. Roe married Miss Mary Bliss, and
Rev. Charles Durfee Miss Ellen Greeley. The pastor's
historical address says,'' The choir merits notice. In 1837
the singing in the congregation was at a low standard.
In October of that year, by the efforts of a number of
members of the congregation, Mr. George Lucas, of North-
ampton, Mass., was procured to 'teach a class of young
persons, and fit them for the service of song in the Presby-
terian Church,' as the record reads. At the close of his
teaching the Sehaghticoke Point Musical Association was
formed. During the years 1S43-44 the society procured
the services of Mr. A. C. Carter. The results of his teach-
ing lasted for years. The choristers for the last forty-four
years have been Messrs. Wyatt R. Swift, Capt. Smith, and
Mr. Hincs. William P. Bliss served from 1837 to 1874,
thirty-eight years. In October, 1S74, Dr. Elihu Butts was
appointed chorister."
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP HART'S FALLS.
Early Methodist meetings were held at private dwellings
and also in the school-houses of the town. Among the
private houses were those of Mr. Crawford and Mr. Purdy,
both of whom were early and active Methodists. This was
about 1S22-24. Rev. Mr. Howe, familiarly known as
Father Howe, was an early preacher. The first meeting-
house erected was a small one-story building, now standing
a short distance in the rear of the present church. It had
been a blacksmith-shop, and was purchased by Mr. Corbin
for the use of the Methodists. Ira G. Viall (from whom
many of these interesting items are obtained), with other
carpenters, remodeled the building, arranged seats, and
fitted up a pulpit, and forthwith the sound of the anvil
gave way to the sound of the gospel. The building was
about 20 by 30. This place soon became too small for the
Browing congregation, and another house of worship was
erected on the north side of Fifth Street, at the upper end
of East Street, near the grove where formerly was a bury-
ing-ground. This was 35 by 45, and was built about 1834,
by Mr. John Mann. The father of Mr. Mann had many
years before built the old Presbyterian meeting-house on
the hill, the one afterwards removed to the site of the pres-
ent Presbyterian church. Of him Mr. Job Viall relates
the following village anecdote: Mr. Mann, Sr., not having
received his pay. as was agreed, is said to have exclaimed,
in a moment of vexation, •■ I hope the lightning will strike
tl Id house and tear it all to pieces!" and sure enough,
not long afterwards, a bolt of lightning did go through the
old structure, though it did not destroy it. Mr. Viall
nian\ years afterwards, in taking down the building for the
Presbyterians, saw the proof of this in one of the posts
well shattei, d.
The subscribers (Dec. 30, I B30 to the \u^\ for building
the Methodist church were the following: Franklin Miller,
A - Briggs, Daniel Chase. Samuel R. Welch, John Bano-
ker.T. Lyon, Manser Smith, Mln Cornell, Tibbits Bri
Wm. Jam, .-.John Foster, Hicks Seaman. Job Viall, Hiram
Grissel, Charles J. F. Ru y. Ira Griggs, John W. Law-
ton, ha 0. Viall, II. N. Wales, John Grocsbcck, Simeon
TOWN OF SCHAGHTICOKE.
H!)
Lamb, Isaac Gorham, Jacob M. Stover, Harmon 11. Groes-
beck, William Wiley, Giles Slocum, Bethel Mather, Aaron
Ghnse, Horace Martin, A. J. Wickes, Joel Bulkley, Tertul-
lus Bulkley, Jacob William, John Ralston, John L. Wickes,
Benjamin Ketchum, David Myers, Amaziah Merrick, John
Berrick, Smith Merrick, Jacob Willett.
Of course Ibis list includes many benevolent citizens not
Methodists, but williug to help in any religious work or
public improvement.
The present organization of this church consists of Rev.
R. T. Wade, Pastor; Samuel Chase, Anthony Bratt, John
Haley, Richard C. Gunner, D. II. Tarbell, Frederick Wiley,
II. W. Van Schaack, Francis Mannermann, Job Viall,
Stewards; John Haley, Class-Leader; Frederick Wiley,
Lorenzo Baker, Alphonzo Merrill, George Beecroft, An-
thony Bratt, C. C. Hill, Trustees; D. II. Tarbell, Superin-
tendent of Sunday-school. The school has a library of
200 volumes or more. The membership numbers SO, and
the congregation 125 to 150.
The legal organization of this society was effected Jan.
15, 1831, the certificate being signed by John Bancker and
Samuel Herrick, and the following being named trustees:
Daniel Chase, Franklin Miller, and Samuel D. Welch.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH, HART'S FALLS.
Trinity Church of Sehaghticoke was incorporated Sept.
1, 1S46. The certificate was signed by George B. East-
man, Tibbits Briggs, and Edwin Smith, and witnessed by
Samuel V. Arnold and Edwin Smith. The meeting was
held at the school-house in District 1G, and the following
officers were chosen : Roswell Brown and James Ackhurst,
Wardens ; Zachariah Lyons, Tibbits Briggs, Benjamin
Rogers, Joseph Brown, William Searls, Charles Hayward,
John Quintin, and Edwin Smith, Vestrymen.
Rev. George B. Eastman was the first rector. The
enterprise was not, however, a success at this time. Mr.
Eastman resigned the parish and removed West the same
year the organization occurred. The first meetings were
held in the school-house and in the Methodist Church, and
also in Congdon's Hall. The church can scarcely be said
to have had an existence during the next twenty years, and
yet perhaps it was legally alive. Occasional services were
held in the village by clergymen from Mechanieville and
other points.
In 1SG9, or about that date, Rev. William Bogart Walker,
of St. Luke's Parish, Mechanieville, commenced regular
services at Hart's Falls, and was eventually called to the
rectorship of this church. Mr. Walker immediately went
to work to secure the erection of a church edifice. Sept.
1, 1874-, the corner-stone was laid with much rejoicing by
the families who cherished the Episcopal forms of devo-
tions, and with the kindly wishes of the community. The
ceremonies were performed by Bishop W. Croswell Doane,
of Albany, assisted by Archdeacon Brown, Bev. Dr. Walsh,
and Revs. Messrs Harmon and Widdener. The work was
prosecuted with considerable success, and the first service
was held in the house, though it was in an unfinished con-
dition, July, 1875. The same month Bev. Mr. Walker
resigned, ami from July to October services were held by
Rev. W. T. Gregory, in temporary charge.
57
Oct. 11,1 875, tin' | il. I r. Hamilton,
commenced his labors here, and from thai time to tho
present there lias been vigorous work, resulting in steady
growth and substantial results, Tl Iiurch edifice bad no
windows. These were immediately secured ; other needed
work was done. The edifice is now a neat village church
in good architectural taste. A pleasant parsonage lias been
erected near the church, and the whole property is valued
at about 30000.
The scats are absolutely liee to all attendants, whether
contributors or not. The present parish organization con-
sists of Rev. I!. G. Hamilton, Rector; Thomas L. Dore-
miis and John .1. VVetsel, Wardens; Charles Albro, Ed-
ward Searls, William 11. Layfield, and .lames Albro, Jr.,
Vestrymen. There are 50 families in tint parish, compris-
ing 105 adults ami SO children. The communicants number
about 50.
st. joiin's church (catholic), hart's palls.
Previous to the erection of a church, Catholic pastors
from Lansingburgh came to Sehaghticoke and held services
in the school-bouse. They were earnest and indefatigable
in their labors, going on foot over a wide extent of coun-
try ; from Lansingburgh to Sehaghticoke, to Cambridge,
to Salem, to Schuylerville, and other points, when as yet
no Catholic church was established in this section. This
was the missionary era of Catholic work between Albany
and Lake Champlain, — 1835 to 1S15. Churches now
thoroughly established at Sehaghticoke, Hoosick, Me-
chanieville, Cambridge, Greenwich, Salem, Pittstown,
Johnsonville, and Buskirk's Bridge attest the zeal, sincerity,
and success of these apostolic laborers.
At Sehaghticoke Point, Catholics who were especially
instrumental in founding the church were Patrick Butler,
William Graham, Patrick McGowan, and John Breslin.
The church was erected, in 1842, at a cost of about $5000.
The site was donated by George Tibbits, of Troy, and
additional lam! was also bought, giving ample grounds, in-
cluding, a few years later, a fine parochial residence. The
seating capacity of the church was then about 350. The
church was enlarged and improved in 1863, and it is now
a handsome edifice, with 101 pews below, seating four per
sons each, and additional room in the galleries. After the
improvements of 1803 a bell weighing 1650 pounds was
placed iu the tower. The spire of the church rises to a
height of one hundred and fifteen feet above the water-
table.
At first it was designed to have a burial-ground near the
church, and burials took place there. The remains have
since been removed to the large new Catholic cemetery
north of the village. This last is a fiue tract 14J acres in
extent.
The Catholics of Sehaghticoke, Johnsonville^ and Pitts-
town constitute one parish, with a congregation of about
2000, under the care at the present time of Rev. Father
Edzo, parish priest, and Rev. Mr. Praposter, assistant
priest.
The improvements of the church in 1863 were made
under the management of Rev. Fathers Edge, then the
parish priest. Previous to him the officiating priests had
;
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
K . Path r M Dermott; another also of the sumo
name.
the labors of Fall Ed closed in this parish
his - - have been Rev. Fathers Harrow. Meagher.
I ' . 'Van. and tin- present pastor.
II HU.IIW CHURCH, BRTAN DISTRICT, NBAS THE
HODSON KlYF.lt*
church wa- organized at Bryan's Corners, March
6, 1852,— Hiram C. Bryan, Chairman; Win. T. Blower,
■arv.
Members in church-fellowship present : Hiram ('. Bryan,
- Miller and Agnes, liis wife, Isaac Devoe and Catha-
rine, liis wife, George W. Blewer, Win. T. Blower, Peter
-V. Hurley, Verna Yates, Alexander M. Sip-
perly, Helen C. Devoe, Maria Devoe, Wolf Burger; Dca-
Silas Miller. Matthias Snyder, Win. T. Blewer;
Hiram ( '. Bryan, Clerk.
On motion, it was resolved "thai we adopt the Constitu-
tion & disciplin of the Frankcan Evan. Lutheran Church
-
The following is a list of members' names made on the
6th of March, 1852: Hiram C. Bryan and Elizabeth, his
wife. Silas Miller and Agnes, his wife, Isaac Devoe and
nine, his wife. Verna Fates, Alexander Sipperly,
Matthias Snyder 2d Helen C. Devoe, Maria Devoe,
John W. Boomer, Wm. T. Blewer, George Blewer and
Man Ann. his wife, Martha L. Blewer, George W. Hurley
and Elizabeth, his wife, Peter I. Fort and Anna, his wife,
M itthiaa Snyder, John I>. Van Vechten, Christian Yager,
Maria Miller. Wolf Burger and Margaret, his wife, Bar-
bary Burger, Then,- Brewer and .Man Ann. his wife,
M . ia Buckhout, Man' E. Anthony, Mary J. Van Antwerp,
kin, Clarissa Snyder, Hiram Myers and Maria,
- wife, Fran tl i Myers, James Mabb, Sarah A. Hurley,
John II incr, Truman Snyder, Melissa Myers. Margaret J.
11 beth Haynor, Amanda D. Sipperly, Augusta
rick, Juliet Cole, Julia Kilmer. Sarah C. Yager, Mary
E I '
II. 1852, Rufus Smith, pastor, present. The
I""1'" ' e-,,n- were installed ; Silas Miller, for
j; Wm. T. Blewer, two years; Matthias Snyder.
> rated April G, 1852, and
H C Brj ii Snyder.and George \V. Blewer
■ ar.
1,1 April, 185 William T. Blewer, and
ted deacons for one year,
11 Uhiaa Snyder, and _. \\ .
He- term.
Intel, met at B Corners, and
Rufus Smith i Silas Mil-
\. M. Sipperly set rctary. The
M
The following
Snyder, ll M;it-
\ . M.
■
ll
At the annual meeting held on the 5th of April, 1855
G. Blower chairman, M. C. Snyder secretary, George YV.
Blewer was elected trustee for three years; Peter I. Fort
eleeted deacon for throe years.
At the meeting held the 3d of April, 1856, M. C. Snyder
in the chair, and A. M. Sipperly secretary, William T.
Blewer was elected trustee and M. C. Snyder deacon for
three years.
At the meeting held on 4th of April, 1S57, there were
chosen M. Snyder trustee for three years, and Silas Miller
deacon for three years.
Among the pastors, succeeding the Rev. Rufus Smith,
there have been the following : Rev. George W. Ilemperlcy,
1860-62 ; Rev. Valentine Bolton. 1S66-67 ; Rev. Mr. Sike's,
1876; Rev. M. W. Empie, IS77 ; Rev. Mr. Banks in
charge), 1878 ; Rev. Mr. Wort, 1S79. The present clerk
is A. V. R. .Miller.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCII OP SCIIAGnTICOKF. HILL.
This church has a fine location, and was established at
quite an early day. though somewhat later than the one at
Hart's Falls. The pastor of the church is also in charge
of the one at i r rant's Hollow.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIUItCH, GRANT'S nOLLOW.
This church is situated upon the Deep Kill, near the line
of the town of Lansiugburgh. It is connected with the
church at Sehaghticokc Hill. Further statistics expected
from these churches in reply to inquiries have not been
received at the time of going to press.
VIII.— BTJKIAL-PLACES.
The oldest and most interesting, in a historical sense, are
those in Old Sehaghticokc. It is clear, as already shown,
that the town was settled in 1707, that a church was im-
mediately organized, and though no cemetery was opened in
connection with the church, yet burials In that neighbor-
hood must date back about one hundred and sixty-five
years. It is stated that the first burial took place in 171."),
though the name and place are not mentioned.
The Knickerbocker burial-place is the most noted, as
described elsewhere, but this is limited almost exclusively to
thai family and their connections.
Here viands, however, a monument to Rev. Lambcrtus
De Ronde, one el' the pastors of tl Id church. He had
boughl ile Wandalaer farm, and died there, being buried
in one of the fields, ami the place lost. Mr. Knickerbocker
Mather of the present proprietor, Joseph) consulted the
Consistory of the Reformed Church of New York, with
which Mr. De Ronde had been connected. A committed
to Sehaghticokc and sought for the remains. John
Knickerbocker (grandfather of Joseph) bad witnessed the
burial in hi> boyhood. Culled upon to identify the spot, he
could do it within perhaps an acre. He remembered that
after sinking the grave to a depth of two feet, it was only
by hard drilling it was made deeper. ll was known, too,
that this was the general characteristics of that field, By
using an iron bar and thrusting it down, those seeking
finally found where the bar could go deeper than two I-
and thus they found the remains, and removed them to the
TOWN OK SCHAGHTICOKE.
151
Knickerbocker cc tcry. The Consistory erected over
t Iniii a monument, that now perpetuates the name of this
minister of the Revolutionary times. Ii liars the inscrip-
tion :
" Erected by tho Consistory of the licforme 1 Dutoh Churoh of the
cilv of New York, in commemoration of the long and valuabli
Hoes of ttov. Lambcrtus Do [tonde."
Two other inscriptions attract special attention. One of
tin' pioneer :
■• In memory of Johannes Knickerbocker, dir.l 1749, aged seventy
Bears."
"His wife, Anna, died 1732, aged fifty seven."
Another of the " Prince" :
"Horman Knickerbocker, a representative in tho Eleventh Con-
gress of the United States, and for many years judgo of the enmity
of Rensselaer, burn July 27, 1779, died Jan. 30, IS5i."
Other burials in this neighborhood are scattered over
many farms and sometimes but few in a place. As in other
towns, so in this, while much attention is given to the new
cemeteries, very little care is given to the old, except in a
few instances.
Near the new church, built by the Reformed society, is
a burial-ground of modern times, and kept in good order.
At Hart's Falls there is located, northwest of tho village,
the fine new cemetery. This is handsomely laid out, and
is not excelled by any of similar scope and design in the
county. Already many handsome monuments stand upon
the lots, their tall white shafts in fine contrast with the dark-
green foliage of the surrounding trees.
Not far from this new cemetery is the Catholic burial-
place. This is quite new, but is well laid out and carefully
attended to.
Around the Catholic Church it was at first designed to
have the permanent burial-place of the society, but this was
abandoned upon the opening of the one just mentioned.
Some bodies have been removed ; a portion have, however,
been left, and the place is in good preservation west of the
church edifice.
Other burial-places may be summarily mentioned as
follows :
The Bryant burying-ground, first used eighty or one
hundred years ago; the Corbin ground, closed now, unused
for a long time, — an old plat laid out by the grandfather of
Job Corbin ; one southeast of Hart's Falls, on the present
Myers' farm; old, unused at the present time; one at
Schaghticoke Hill, connected with the Methodist Church,
now unused; one on the John Herrick farm, a place of
very ancient burial, now a cultivated field without stone or
trace of any kind, said to have been opposite the house
across the road ; one on the adjoining farm of Charles
Herrick, an old burial-place laid out by Judge Groesbeck ;
one at the Lutheran Church ; very old, not much used at
the present time; a very old one on what is known as the
Button farm, now owned by Lewis Tibbits ; one in the
village of Hart's Falls, where the present residence of
George A. Fellows stands, remains supposed to have been
removed, formerly known as the Kline ground; one in
Hart's Falls, on Fifth Street, present place of S. S. Cong-
don, known as the Buffett burying-ground ; remains re-
moved ; one near Edwin Masters', the old Masters' family
bmial place ; oi i the Tallmadge farm ; bodies taken up ;
our on the Jacob \tckcrl farm; remains mostly removed ;
and still many others difficult to locati
THE ELM.WOOD CEMETEHl ASSOCIATION
was incorporated April 13, L863. The following trnsl
were named in the certificate II in, Bu Jacob Y.
Kipp, Amos Briggs, Zachariah Lyon, Paul Greeley,
Chauncey I!. Slocum, Samuel Herrick, John Ackert, Wm.
Allen.
IV Town SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS.
HOSIER LODGE, No. 70, V. AND A. II.
The charter of this institution bears date Jan. '■'•, \~'J'K
and is signed by John Adams, Grand Secretary. Ii au-
thorized Josiah Masters to act as Master; James Shel ton
Masters as Senior Warden; and .lames Mallow as Junior
'Warden of a lodge to be instituted al Schaghticoke. The
officers were installed by a delegation from I >e Witt Clinton
Lodge, of Troy, Feb. 7,1799. It is recorded thai there
were present Reuben Morrison, Win. Underbill, Abraham
Underbill, Ezekiel Baker, George Allen, Manson Smith,
Nicholas Masters, Peter Wooley, James .Masters, .lames
Mallory, Peter Wooley, George Allen, Reuben Morrison.
This lodge met for many years in a building belonging to
Myron Hamilton, just south of the Presbyterian Church.
This building was destroyed by fire. About 182-1 the
present Schaghticoke House was being remodeled by its
proprietor, Mr. Cornell, and the Masons, being without a
room, offered to put on, at their own expense, an attic
story. They were allowed to do that, and the hall, now in
that building and now in use for Masonic purposes, was
then erected.
Mr. Ira G. Viall states that he repaired the rooms some
years after they were first opened ; that while doing so a
goat belonging to the proprietors of the tavern ran up-stairs,
and Mr. Viall rather unceremoniously shut him up in one
of the anterooms. Soon after, a group of girls came up to
see the room Mr. Viall was repairing. After looking at
the charts upon the walls, the desks, chairs, and parapher-
nalia, Mr. Viall told them they had not seen the "goat."
Oh, '' they didn't believe there was any such thing ;" " Mr.
Viall was only fooling them ;" " Masons had no goat."
" Well," said Mr. Viall, "you open that door and look in
for yourselves." Of course they opened it, and of course
the goat made a dash for liberty, and the girls and the goat
made good time in getting out of the building. They never
doubted afterwards.
Soon after this lodge-room was opened there ensued the
Morgan excitement, in which most of the lodges of the State
suspended. Homer Lodge weathered the storm only to die
in the calm that followed. It is on record that they met
statedly down to about 1S47. The last officers were elected
in that year, as follows: Tibbits Briggs, W. M. ; Amos
Briggs, S. W. ; Ephraim Congdon, J. W. ; W. It. Swift,
Sec.; Zachariah Lyon. Treas. ; Isaac Tallmadge, S. D. ;
Aliram Knickerbocker, J. D. ; Herman Knickerbocker, S.
S. ; Bethel Mathers, J. S. ; John P. Groesbeck, Tyler.
For sonic years before thai the Masters bad been, W. 11.
Swift, 1S28 to J.832 (perhaps to 1834), inclusive; Isaac
152
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Tali: 1837, inclusive ; W. K. Swift (again),
. 1839; Zaohariali Lyon, 1840-41; and Tibbita
-17.
work, and its charter was
r. AND A. M.
This new organization held its Brst business m leting
\ .13, 1867. The following were officers at that time:
Win H. Steele, W. M W*. Finch, S. \V. ; ('has.
A Pickett, J. W. ; John A. Baucus, Treas. ; Chaun
B. S iro, Co S
M iters of the lodge have been Win. II.
Finch, Win. Bogart Walker, George 1>. Bur-
Ion, ;c Finch a second time. The present oflG
1879 areGeorgoW. Finch, W. M. ; James E.
M ncr, S. W. ; W. 11. Layfield, J. W. ; S. S. Congdon,
!; I Gunner, Sec.; W.J. Cornell, Charles Albro,
Thomas Jackson, Trustees ; C. N. Beccroft, S. P.; Nelson
I. Viall.J. D. ; W.J. Cornell; Marshall, A. P. Cooper,
i ,; lain : W. W. Wcstbrook, Tyler.
The Is in the Schaghticokc House, as did the
There was a lodge of Odd-Fellows for a few years. It
flourished during the period when the Masonic communi-
=uspcnded. They hail a room in the building
thai stood upon the site of the present Congdon block.
Various temperance orders — Sons of Temperance. Tem-
plars, etc. — have also had a brief existence from time to
time. Others, social, literary, or benevolent associations,
n organized occasionally, hut have left few records
from which t" gather facts.
X.— PLACES OF BISTOEIC INTEREST.
• in;. ti sting historical places in Schaghti-
the old Knickerbocker homestead, not only on
• thf family and historic traditions that are inime-
ted with it. hut by reason of the fact that it
; point in " 0 'Uicoh ." — the
I mial times and of Revolutionary rcuii-
inncs Knickerbocker in 1707 erected his
■ nt well-preserved family resi-
ilutionary war. Every room
1 every field its historic memories. Five
Knickerbockers have lived within these walls.
robably one hundred and fifty years old, and
i ly lor modern archi-
innih of the house is the " ( )ld
und which the Indians met to di
the burial-ground of the Knickcr-
H Johanna Knickerbocker;
n m irking th . erected,
and ■ t form ch harmony with the era in
win Ground him are buried the gathered
l .nitil'ul burial j
>t bound
■
Within ill many rare and valuable i
the olden times. Here is the old Dutch clock that has
ticked for more than two hundred years in the families of
the Knickerbockers; the venerable Dutch Bible that be-
longed to the first church and adorned the first pulpit in
this valley. Here, too, are rare paintings and cherished
relics of the war periods of this locality. Beautiful speci-
mens uf Hutch tiles adorn the mantels above the old fire-
places ; the heavily ironed doors, made in sections, tell their
I i ■ ction and d fense.
The long line of the Knickerbockers is now represented at
the old homestead by Mr. Joseph Knickerbocker, a genial
and courteous gentleman, whose conversation is rich in an-
cient lore, and in the treasures of education and culture.
There is a tradition that the Knickerbocker cemetery is
the site of an Indian burial-place, and that the associations
of this spot were sacred to the aboriginal tribe that lived
in this valley, as well as to their successors, the whites.
A mile or more northeast from the Knickerbocker hoine-
stead is the site of the fori that was garrisoned during the
early wars, — 1740 tol70t>. The same fort, repaired, was also
held during a part of the Revolutionary war. Col. Knicker-
bocker commanding.
This entire valley of 12011 acres or more is full of the
romance of early settlement and traditional stories of bor-
der warfare. Almost every farm has its legend of pioneer
life or warlike incident.
On the south side of the Iloosick River, a mile and a
half b'low the " Buck's Neck," is a field of perhaps fifteen
acres, that was originally an Indian burying-ground.
Within the memory of men yet living, there was an exca-
vation known as the Indian cellar. William P. Button
states thai he helped plow down and level the place, and
has often plowed up bones on that lot.
Across the river, opposite the " Buck's Neck," another
field is still known as " Indian Square." It was a favorite
Indian planting-ground.
The homestead of the I>!oe ■Iots is also a Spol around
which cluster many interesting reminiscences. It is the
place where Mrs. Bleecker wrote those charming letters
during the Revolutionary war, which, together with cer-
tain memoirs, form so fascinating a volume. Mrs. Ann
Eliza Bleecker was the youngest child of Mr. Brandt
Schuyler, of New York City. She was born in October.
1752. and married in 1 T • > : > to John J. Bleecker, of New
Koehelle.
Alter a short residence in the capital they lived for a
year or two at Poughkeepsie, and then taking a liking for
the northern pari of the State, they removed "to Touihan-
niek. a beautiful solitary little village, eighteen miles above
Albany. Here Mi Bleecker built him a house on a little
eminence, which commanded a pleasing prospect."
Until the memorable year of 1777 they lived in the mosl
perfect tranquillity; fair prospects were opening on every
side Her mother, a widow, lived with them, and her half-
r. Miss Ten Kyck, was a cheerful companion. Her
attentive husband and sprightly children closed the circle,
and left Mr-. Bleecker with scarcely another wish Inside.
All this was suddenly ended by the incident- mentioned
rhere, and then came years of trouble, in which sick-
id death invalid the flying household band.
C. J. OLDS. Superintendent.
TME 8©8=T ,']©®XE PoWEXSH ©®R0IPA;
THOS. DO
~L._
Si, §©(H]^OTU
-JS, Secretary.
WM. P. BLISS, President.
•-^w
^Ofc*
?UBK^
^O
TOWN OF SCIIAOIITICOKK.
153
Wliere was the "solitary little village eighteen miles
north of Albany," to which the Bleeckers came in 1771-
72? We arc obliged to excite curiosity without satisfying
it; hut ii is clear the description applies very well to that
portion of the Tomhannock Lliver between Schaghticoko
Hill and the place of \V. P. Button. The see if the
Kittle massacre is another place of historic interest. Mrs.
Bleecker's memoir of Maria Kittle, included in the volume
already alluded to, says that Mr. Kittle "lived on the
hunks of the Hudson, eighteen miles above Albany," and
sliu further says, his house was "situated cm an eminence,
with it green inclosure in the front, graced by a well-culti-
vated garden on one side, and on the other by a clear
stream, which, rushing over a bed of white gravel, gave
tliem a high polish that east a soft gleam through the
water." In other parts of the story Mrs. Bleccker de-
scribes Mrs. Kittle as walking out after tea "along the
banks of the Hudson ;" also that Ballstown lay six miles
to the west. When Mr. Kittle left his family to go to
Schaghticoke for wagons, after the death of his brothers,
he said he would not be gone " more than an hour."
After the captives started for Canada, they " forded the
broad stream of Tomhannock and the rapid river of
Bosack."
Some of these statements may not harmonize with each
other as tested by distances measured at the present time,
but the general conclusion would seem to be that the Kittle
homestead was near the Hudson River, some distance below
the mouth of the Hoosick ; and if the "white graveled
stream" refers to a tributary of the Hudson, then the resi-
dence of Mr. Kittle must have been near the mouth of
some rivulet in the southwest part of the present town of
Schaghticoke.
XI.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
AGRICULTURE.
Schaghticoke is a fine farming town. The soil is generally
a fertile, sandy, or gravelly loam. Abundant crops of po-
tatoes, oats, corn, and rye are produced. The yield of grass
is excellent, securing good pasturage and a valuable crop of
hay. The town has many farms under excellent cultiva-
tion, showing thrift, energy, and success among the owners
of the soil. The town has always enjoyed convenient mar-
ket facilities. The city of Troy was easily reached by
teams in the old days before the opening of railroads, and
produce is still largely marketed in the same way. The
opening of the Troy and Boston Railroad through the
town, with stations at Schaghticoke and Melrose, afforded
readier methods of transporting produce than before. Re-
cently these facilities have been increased by the building
of the Boston, Hoosac Tunnel and Western Railway.
MILLS, FACTORIES, ETC.
On the south border of Schaghticoke flows the Deep Kill,
and from the legal description of the town the first mill
privilege improved on this stream to be noticed in the
history of Schaghticoke is the old Cook grist-mill, which
stood at the exact southeastern angle of the town, as tin'
language of the statute already quoted describes the eastern
boundary as extending " i" tlio wcsternraosl corner of the
grist-mill heretofore or late of Michael Cook, iN Cooks-
borough." This description b used in
1819, when pari of this town was annexed to Lansingburgh,
sixty years ago.
Tin' next mill-site improved below is the one now i
by Viall. Leavens .V Banker lor their fanning-mill and
grain cradle works. Thi rei i tablished about the
L836 ; no mill were mi this site before these were built.
The place is on the old Wlckwire farm.
Next In-low is the old mill-site mi the farm of the late
Jacob \. Diven. A saw-mill was built there in early times,
I. hi there has been none there lor more than fifty yi
This was tin- place spoken of as Overocker's mills in the
descriptions of roads and school districts, 1789 to 1800.
There arc no other improved mill-sites on (he Deep Kill,
noron the streams flowing into it. Northward from the
mouth of the Deep Kill, upon the small creeks flowing
directly into the Hudson, there have been no improved mill-
privileges except at the Bryan works. A saw-mill was on
or near the same site in early times.
(' mencing upon the Tomhannock Creek, at the Pitts-
town line, there is no mill-site improved until the villagi of
Schaghticoke Hill is reached.
There are the grist-mill of James Evans, and the saw-
mill and turning-works of George Burton. Just below the
grist-mill was formerly a woolen-factory, and the buildings
together were known as Knickerbocker's Mills, having been
built by a member of that family probably as early as L800.
About three-fourths of a mile below is the keg-manufac-
tory of the Schaghticoke Powder Company ; this is a modern
affair, and there were no mills on this site previously.
For some distance below this point the Tomhannock de-
scends with great rapidity, forming two cataracts, — one
30 feet, and the other 50 feet in depth. The water-power
at these falls has never been improved.
Between these two cataracts, a mile and a half perhaps
below the upper, was an old grist-mill, given up as early as
1810, and dating back for its origin many years. Mr. W.
P. Button has one of the mill-stones for a door-step at the
present time. The grist-mill was succeeded by a saw-mill,
was taken down about 1S52, and there have been none
erected since.
Just above the lower fall of 50 feet could be seen some
years ago the remains of an old bellows-factory, where, per-
haps as early as the Revolution, hand-bellows were made
for domestic use, — a specimen of ancient kitchen utensils
unknown to the children of the present time. It is the
recollection of old people that in. works have been carried
on there for seventy years past.
Traveling down the stream to the residence of Wm. P.
Button, we reach the oldest, improved mill-site in town.
Here, upon a small brook flowing across the farm of Mr.
Button and emptying into the Tomhannock, was the first
grist-mill built north of Albany on this side of the Hudson.
This grist-mill stood very near Mr. Button's dwelling-house.
The remains of the old dam were about ten rods above.
From there was taken only last year (1878) a large and
valuable stick of timber, some two feet in diameter. At
this same place Mr. Button has erected a small dam, and
;:. I
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the water-power thus secured to run the family churn.
Sral grain ground and the last churning done by tins
il little stream were one hundred and fifty years apart
in their respective d i
mhannock, a short distance below, is the mod-
ern flax-mill of Mr. Anthony Button, There was t>" mill
on tl riously. In the year 1852, during the work
the Albany Northern Railroad now the Huston, Hoo-
Tunnel and Western), the stream was changed some-
what in the vicinity of the grist-mill site between the two
:i new water-power was formed, which Mr. Elislia
i to utilize by erecting a paper-mill upon
it. 'I'll i- was operated for a few years, was then burned
down, and never rebuilt
A short distance below the flax-mill of Anthony Button
-Train forms the junction with the Hoosick, the valley
around being the heart of "Old Schaghticoke."
Ther ts flowing into the Hoosick in tlio
northwest part of the town. Upon one of these, the Wara-
panaconk, there has been some improvement of the water-
r. There is said to have 1 n an early saw-mill on or
near the site of the present William II. Buckley Mills.
These last, consisting of a flax-mill, a planing-mill, and a.
cider-mill, were erected about twenty-five years ago. Mr.
B klcy had a flax-mill for a short time at another poinl
upon his farm near a small creek.
the Wampanaconk Nathan G. Akin had in late
. flax-mill.
I the winding stream north ol' the Hoosick, and
approximately parallel to it. there was a mill in 1820 to
ibout that period, built by Peter Y. Van Antwerp,
of the hous • of Anthony Bratt. There was also upon
this stream a saw-mill in Mill Hollow, so called, an old
aflai ty or sixty years ago, but probably giving
to the creek and the hollow.
II -i.-k River, commencing at the northeast
f the town, the first mill-site improved was at John-
ii the Pittstown side of the river. Th i e
n no works on the- river between Johnsonville and
\r the latter place, in Schaghticoke, is the
r mill of the present time, and on this site for-
i-fuctory, erected about 1830, by Giles
urn, and B tween Valley
H Falls are the mills of the Schaghticoke
' first csta ilished a few years after the
At li men to improve the water-power
imin Joy. The latter was a Boston
and the former the resident manager. Their
bine and a grist-mill, were erected on the
e.v mill. The latter
I I ' ommenced the work
ills, and was torn down by him.
Thi After Mr. Pickett, subsequent
• I lin |{:iiiker. John Buck-
■
I .
of the
ili«- ruins are now
machine-
shop by George Brown and his son-in-law, Giles Sloeuru.
This afterwards became Congdon's cotton-factory, and was
burned. It was rebuilt as a twine-factory and made rope.
Ir was again burned and not rebuilt. Some distance below,
on the same side of the stream, was a cotton-factory, built
h\ Waddell & Shepherd about 1816 or 1818. They oper-
ated it for perhaps twenty years. It did a good business,
but was destroyed by fire and not rebuilt.
On the north side of the river, just below the wagon
bridge, was a factory known as the Schaghticoke Linen-
Mills, a manufactory of duck. It was founded by Benja-
min and ( Iharles Joy, perhaps as early as 1800. in the midst
of their other operations. This mill was carried on success-
fully for many years, finally stood unused for a time, and
was at last remodeled for the present Cnhlc Flux- Mills.
These were founded by a company incorporated in 1ST1.
Thomas Lape formerly of Lape & Sproat) is President;
E, \. Hartshorn I formerly of Hartshorn & HilH, Secretary ;
and E. E. Starks, Treasurer. They are engaged in making
flax twines, yarns, shoe-threads, etc. Their office is No.
179 River Street, Troy. They employ 200 to 250 hands,
consuming about 6000 pounds of raw material a day, and
turning out about 5000 pounds of finished work in the
same time. This company, supplying largely the markets
of the world, has a branch salesroom at No. 118 Worth
Street. New York, and 31 and 33 California Street, San
Francisco.
Next below, on the same side of the river, was the old
factory, now in ruins, known as the Rensselaer Woolen- and
Cotton-Mills, though cotton work received the most atten-
tion. These were established rpiite early. They were
burned in 1820 or 1821, rebuilt by Briggs & Hart, and
were rundown to ISO1.) or 1S70, when they were again
burned and not rebuilt. There bad been a grist-mill con-
nected with them for several years, and this was also burned,
the lire having started, it was believed, in its second story.
Next to be mentioned are the present SchaghticoM
Woolen- Mills. These mills were founded by a company
incorporated in ISO I. of which Amos Briggs was presi-
dent and Br. Thomas Vail treasurer. The company
erected the present large and convenient buildings, supply-
ing them with the best of modern machinery. The goods
made are Fancy cassimercs, and 175 hands are employed.
Owing to business reverses, the affairs of the company were
closed up October, 1878. The mills were run for a time
by the receiver, and in .March. IS79, became the individual
property of J. J. Joslin, residing at Buskirk's Bridge.
I li mills are now doing a large business, running over-
time, and finding a quick sale for all their products. Mr.
.1. E. Tinkham, the resident agent and general superinti nd-
eiit. came from New England to this place in 1806, having
been thoroughly trained for his business in the best fac-
tories of his native section. He has now full charge, under
Mr. Joslin's ownership, as he previously had for the com-
pany, The buildings are very large and the water-power
i- ample.
\ to the woolen-wills is a grist mill that has been run
for several years, and the proprietors now arc George Ewart
ii>
An enterprise of considerable magnitude was attempted
TOWN OF SCHACHTICOKE.
155
;it mil' time a( the" Buck's Neck." The design was to use
this immense water power for a chain of factories. The
building of a dam was contracted for, to extend from the
"Neck" to the field opposite, known as " Indian Square."
A raceway was constructed for some distance down the
river-bank, with conduits to furnish power to a series of
mills, oiu' below the other, in succession. The dam was
what is technically known as a " brush" dam, — trees with
their tups on, bolted in successive layers to transverse tim-
bers, anil the whole to receive a heavy embankment of earth.
Jusi as the dam was ready to receive the earth — al a most
unusual season of the year — there occurred one of the se-
verest freshets known to the valley. The unfinished dam
was lifted bodily by the force of the water, turned over,
carried down stream, and tore into a thousand fragments.
The germ of a future manufacturing city was destroyed in
a brief hour. The attempt was not renewed, and the waters
sweep around the " Buck's Neck" as of old, unfettered by
dam and unvexed by water -wheel.
There are no other mill privileges improved on the Eoo-
siek below, and this completes the survey of the mills of
this time.
XII— MILITARY.
FRENCII-AND-INDIAN WARS.
The Schaghticoke settlement suffered greatly during the
forty years preceding the end of French rule in Canada.
The place is said to have been often swept by fire ami
sword, the church and the private dwellings burned, and
such of the inhabitants as were unable to escape to Albany
carried into captivity. No general massacre occurred, how-
ever, as the opportunity of fleeing south to the city, from
which they had emigrated, was much easier than for other
pioneer localities, and besides, the old Schaghticoke fort was
garrisoned, in 1746, with two companies of soldiers, and
the force was kept there for several years. The fort was
about a mile northeast from the old Knickerbocker mansion.
This was a much-needed protection, and was successful in
Saving the community from the savage horrors that marked
the destruction of other infant settlements.
The slaughter of the Kittle family was one of the most
tragic occurrences of the Indian wars. The name of Kit-
tlchuyn or Ketlync appears among the early settlers, being
the same family name, though the usual account of the
Indian attack speaks of Mr. Kittle as having settled in
Schaghticoke about 17'Sfi. The family consisted of Mr.
Battle and wife, a daughter Anna, and an infant son; also
living with them was a brother of Mr. Kittle, with bis
wife. A third brother, Henry Kittle, was also a member
of the family. The two brothers had been living near Fort
Edward, but had been invited by Mr. Kittle to settle tem-
porarily in Schaghticoke, on account of the danger from
Indians in the vicinity of Fort Edward. There seems also
to have been a fourth brother living with them. The dan-
ger of attack in this more southern settlement, however.
grew so pressing, that they resolved to move to Albany.
The daughter Anna was a great favorite with the neighbor-
ing Indians, and the whole family were on terms of friend-
ship with them. Even while making preparations for re-
moval, several Indians, liviiur in wijrwams near, called, and
assured .Mrs. Kittle that hi hould be notified in case of
danger; and, to make her more confiding in theii friend-
ship, one of them presented lei with a belt interwoven
with silk and beads. The family were thus lulled into fatal
security. Though Mr. Kittle was somewhal suspicious
yet the flight to Ubanywa postponed for a few days. The
next day alter this friendly call .Mr. Kittle and hi- brother
Peter went oul hunting. < >u their return, whili pa
along the bank of the river, within a few miles of their
home, thej shot a hit doe. Immediately after two ea\
appeared, and fired upon the brothers, killing Peter in-
stantly. Mr, Kittle immediately shot one of the India
clubbed the other with the butt of his gun, and lefl tin m
both for dead. Placing the body of hi.- brother upon a
horse (which they bad with them, according to the ac-
i t I, In went home with the sad news. Arriving there,
he inn liately started for Schaghticoke village to obtain
wagons for immediate removal to Albany. He bad been
gone but a short time when a i ipany of Indians, with a
wild yell, burst upon the defenseless family. The married
brother, with bis wife, were murdered in the most shock-
ing manner. The little children perished in the burning
buildings. Sirs. Kittle and the brother, Henry Kittle, ware
taken prisoners.
Mr. Kittle returned to find the tragedy over, — Ins house
in ruins, the charred remains of his children, and the man-
gled bodies of bis brother and brother's wife, sad proof of
the ferocity of the attack. Pursuit was useless, any at-
tempt at recapture useless, as Mr. Kittle supposed the
others had been murdered, and their remains burned with
the buildings. The result was one of the romances of bor-
der warfare. The captives were taken to Montreal. Mrs.
Kittle found one of her old neighbors. Sirs. Bratt, who bad
previously been taken prisoner. She received the kind at-
tention of the ladies of Montreal, but heard no tidings of
her husband. He supposed bis wife dead, but made efforts
to find his brother Henry, whom be thought to be alive.
In this he at last succeeded, and then, for the first time
after the tragedy, learned that his wife was not dead, but a
captive. The prisoners were finally ransomed, and Mr.
Kittle gathered around him again the broken remnants of
his household.
Herman Van Veghten, the son of Dirick Van Veghten,
the early settler, was shot by Indians in 17-Ui.
Among the incidents of the Revolutionary war was the
death of Maj. Derick Van Veghten. The American army
was lying nearly opposite, in Saratoga County, in Au-
gust preceding the battle of Bern is Heights. The in-
habitants of Schaghticoke had left their homes mostly;
their families were ill Albany, or elsewhere; many of the
men were in the American army, and perhaps some of the
loyalists were in the British camp. The fields of ( )ld Schagh-
ticoke were deserted, but crops were growing there, and
Maj. Van Veghten, in company with Solomon Acker,
crossed the river to see the crops and what was the condi-
tion of things at home. While the two were busy in their
examination of the country, and were on land known in
late years as the Jacob Yates farm, they Were fired upon
by I ndians or perhaps Tories. Several shots were exchanged.
Maj. Van Veghten was wounded two or three times slightly,
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
finally -truck by a bullet, whicb perforated his tobacco-
M\ wounded bim. Feeling assured that lie
i] Band must die.he said to Mr. Acker, •• Sol-
yoursclf; you ennuot save me." Re-
ally, Mr. Acker sough ( safety in flight. Dashing
and fording the river, with the bullets
around him. I d in reaching the army
!mi. -lit was sent over and the body of
\| Van Veghton This account is furnished
by \V. P. Button and Ira Button, who remember, in
theii I the tall and stutcly figure of the venerable
\,k.T. and heard him tell the storj of
th. The precise spol where the
• ill pointed out upon the farm of W. X. V.
I; -.■,-'•■ n descendaul of the Van Veghtens. And tlia
ision of one of the Van Veghten
family, in V\
• ' the bill-side, in the rear of tlu- house, now the resi-
W. P. Button, is n slight ravin.-, almost a trench,
half-way up the hill, perhaps. The farm is the old Viele
Mr. Button bought it in the year 1SI11 of .John
\ • n a man seventy-five years old. During the year
1777, about the same time as the slaughter of Maj. Van
\ . n, the Viele family, with others, were in Albany.
Their household g Is. in part, taken with (hem, but
iri.-d in the ravine spoken of above. Tories oc-
Si cing two or three men riding by one
- as they supposed, or aid to the Ameri-
itchcd for their return, and from
inc fired uj them. One man
fell from his horse dead near a butternut-tree, now standing
on tin site the house of Mr. Button.
tradition with reference to the occurrence is that
tli. 1 really fired upon and killed one of their
who had been to the British camp with in-
lid B
i the memoirs of Mrs er, published in IT'1.'.
mewhat rare , the following account is mostly
:i :
no of the early settlers of this
previous to the Revolutionary war.
' ! n ker went to Albany
■ for his family. EIc had scarcely
ceived intclligi nee
■hin two miles of the village, burn-
re t 1m-iii. This was doul
luld not well be obtained in
i. she inn liatcly took
while another one about
nipanicd by a young
nd furniture !•• the mercy
The roads
■i and children,
\ r wnlking
• 1 1 ] .i f the
I her journey
pherc
ived :
many of
he wandered from I.
to house, and at length obtained a place in the garret of a
rich old acquaintance, where a couple of blankets stretched
upon some hoards were offered as a bed.
She. however, sat up all night and wept, and the next
morning Mr. Bleecker, coming from Albany, found them.
and they went to that city, from whence, with several other
families, they set oil' by water. They Went to Red Hook,
and after the surrender of Burgoyne returned to their home.
It appears from this account that there was considerable
apprehension that Burgoyne would succeed in capturing
Albany, as families went down the river to Dutchess
County.
Mrs. Bleecker adds still other interesting incidents. In
August, 1781, four years later, Mr. Bleecker, with two
other men at work in the harvest-field, were taken prison-
ers, and in . -ha rue of their captors started for Canada. Mrs.
Bleecker. awaiting her husband, and apprehensive from his
long absence that something unusual had occurred, sen! ■
servant for him, who soon came back with the report that
the men were nowhere to be seen, but the horses and wagon
w.re in the road tied to a tree. As small parties Prom
Canada were known to be skulking in the forest. Mrs.
Bleecker was at no loss to account for her husband's ab-
sence. The neighbors were immediately aroused, but a
search in the vicinity revealed no trace of the prisoners
or their captors. Mrs. Bleecker immediately started for
Albany to secure help, but in a few days Mr. Bleecker
returned. The Tories had been overtaken by a party from
Bennington and the prisoners released.
The old Col. John Grocsbeek house that was taken
down some years ago by W. P. Button was one of the
buildings that bad been shot into during the Revolution.
In the repair of the house by John J. Groesbeck. an old
clapboard, pierced with many bullet-holes, was taken out
as a memorial of those times, and is now preserved at the
old Knickerbocker homestead.
The names of Schaghticoke soldiers in the Revolution
now remembered by citizens are as follows : Solomon Acker,
Pi ■ \ el . John Van Antwerp, Maj. Derrick Van V. --li-
tem John L. Van Antwerp, Col. Peter Yates, Col. John
Knickerbocker.
In the documentary history of the State appears the
following muster-roll of the officers of the 14th Regiment
for the Schaghticoke and Hoosick district:
'"Oct. 20, 1775.
OF Till: ROlltTEKNTn RR01MKXT, IIOOSIrK 111. Sell AC1HTI-
" Col. John Knickorl kor, Lieut-Col. Daniel Bratt, '■ I Mnj. P. rink
V:in Voghtcn, '-'•! Moj. John Van lon-.-l.n-i- Adj. < linrli II. T..II,
Qrttn. [gnas Kip.
Cnpt. Il.-ii.lrii-k Vnndcrhoof, 1st Lieut. Sama
Kcl -liinn. 2d Lieut. Nathaniel Ford, En*. Jacob Uallci
i t. Wall V . . . i be i . I ' Lieut. Wj mint
h, 2d 1. 1. -..I i D tiport, Ens. Js
t. John J. Bleecker, lei Lieut. John Snydtfl
2.1 Lieut. Matthew D. Onrmn, ben Thorn.
' Vm Woci It, l-i Lieut. Join
Ihi M.irrcl.
t, I ii Palmer, 1*1 Lieut. John Johnson
2d Li' 1 ii-. Jonathan I in
. •. Daniel B. Bratt, 1>- Lieut. Mi ihael Cams
TOWN <>!' SCHAGHTICOKE.
157
"Seventh Pmiipnui/. — Capt. Van Ren olaor, 1st Lieut. Michael
Ryan, 2d Lieut. , Ens. I'oter [Iartwcll.
" Mi'nnt' 'Z'"- Capt. John J. Blccekcr, lsl Lieut. William Til
L',l Lieut. Thomas Hicks, Ens. Jonathan Rowland.
" M I IT. V [81 ii I u.
•• I'll,/." (i,( All i Countj
WAR OK 1812.
During this contest, Col. William Knickerbocker, of
Schaghticoke, was in command of a regiment, and many
from this town cither participated in tin- war or wen- in
die " Eddy expedition,'' mi called, that marched north at
the lime nl' the battle of Pittsburgh, but was nol in time
In join in that fight, and returned home in a lew days.
war ok 1861-65.
The following list of officers and men serving in the
Onion army in (he war of the Rebellion is the best that
(•mild he prepared after considerable labor in searching the
primed muster-in rolls of the State, aided by the recollec-
tions of Alphonzo Merrill, Esq., Mr. Baker, and other
citizens, together with revision by Mr. Alexander Sloeum,
Troy.
The chief difficulty is that there is no record whatever
in the town clerk's office of Schaghticoke, the law of 1875,
providing foe a complete record, haviug been disregarded
entirely.
ARMY LIST, WAR OK 1861-65.
J. V. X. Vnndcnburgh, i apt., onl. Uig. 28, 1862, 125th Begt., Co. K.
Charles A. Pickett, 1st li.ut., onl. Aug. 27, 1862, 125th Regt., Co. K.
McGregor Steele, 2il lieut., enl. Aug. 27, 18C2, 125th Regt , Co, K.
Lafayette Travis, Jth sergt, enl. Aug. 27, 1802, li'ah Regt., Co. K; killed in-
stantly at Gettysburg.
Jacob F. Force, 1st cup., onl. Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Regt., Co. K.
Joli A. Grant, 2.1 Corp., enl. Aug. 27, IS62, 125th Regl , Co. K.
Win. Holden, 3d Corp., enl. Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. K.
Morgan L. Wood, Itli corp., enl. Aug. 20, isfij, 125th Regt., Co. K ; died in the
service.
H. C. Overocker, 51b Corp., onl. Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. K.
George A. Bryan, sergt, enl. Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. K; pro. to 1st lieut.;
killed i.y u sharpsbooter at Petersburg ; body brought home for burial.
W. W. Van Schaick, 2d sergt, onl. Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Regt, Co. K ; wounded
at Gettysburg.
Henry W. .Miller, 3d sergt., enl. Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. K.
Philip Acker, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 1251b Inf.. Co. K.
Jobn Bacon, enl. Aug. 27, 1802, 120ili Inf., Co. K.
Levi Buflbtf, enl. Aug. 27. 1862, 125th Inf., Co. K.
John Fisher, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, I25th Inf., Co. K.
Archibald Fisher, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 125th Inf., Co. K ; prisoner; died at Andor-
Bonville.
Douglass Fisher, enl. Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. K ; diod in the service.
Lorenzo Guest, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 125th Enf., Co. K; wounded.
Win. P. II igndorn, enl. Aug. 27, IS62, 125th Inf.. Co. K.
Andrew Houck, onl. Aug. 27, 1862, 125th Inf., Co. K.
Cliarles Houck, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 125th Inf., Co. K.
Abraham J. Kipp, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 125th Inf., Co. K.
Thomas Rain, ml. Aug. 27, 1862,125th Inf., Co K ; wounded.
William Rain, onl. Aug. 27, 1862, 125th Inf., Co. K.
James K. Simons, enl. Aug. 27, 1862,125th Inf., Co.K; several limes a pris-
oner; suffered severely on Sherman's march to the sea.
Win M. Tice, enl. Aug. 17, 1802, 12.Mli Inf.. Co. K.
baac Kipp, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 125th Inf., (Jo. K ; killed ill Fisher's Mountain.
Win ii. Hoffman, enl. .1 5, 1861, 03d Regt., Co. G.
Washington I, Snyder, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 12.".th Regt, Co. C.
I lac Van Schaick, eul. Aug. 21, 1862, 125th Regt., Co. K.
Win. II. Fisher, enl. Oct. is, 1861, Black Horse Cavalry.
James II. Caswell, onl. Aug. 12, 1861, 3d Cav., Co. D.
John Dooley, enl. Dee. 18, 1863, ir.lh Art, Co. I.
Edward Fenncll, eul. Dec. 10, 1863, loth Art, Co. I.
Fayette Vaughn, enl. Jan. 2, 1864, loth Art., Co. I.
Arthur Vaughn, enl. Jan. 2, 1864, 16th \n , Co. I
Asihel s. Vaughn, enl. Jan. 2, 1804, 16th Art., Co. I.
.lames C. Davis, Oth Corp., enl. Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. K.
Michael loomey, enl. Aug, 27, 1862, 125th Int.. Co. Ii.
Win. Fisher (oi f four brothers in the service), wagoner, enl. Aug. 27, 1862,
Jacob Flouck, onl. Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. K ; killed at the Becond battle
of Hull Bun.
58
■I 'I O' ill ' In lb
Calol ' Bakoi I i il
Hi' Ii." I c
John Mi u ,u, ,, .
I i.iul lug. 27,1 [nf.Cn.l
Jai oh 1 \ ... till rp.onl Inf., I
Alex inder WhyJand I I ei ...■
(ho tn.it, h i,, Andi i mvllli
II. Wolf, enl lllg.27.Ml ',1
Geori i Woir, enl. Aug. 27, 1 I
Win. II Wolf, enl. A Inf., Co K.
Sin Ward.eul. Ai r, 1 1, 125th Inf., Co K
Job A. Grant, enl. Aug 27,1 1,1 III Inf., I
Me It el IT Mull i, , t,l S,t |8l I .1,1 '.I.
u to .il, Cowan, eul. Aug , i I | I voiindcd
Jason Roliblns, onl K.
David Milk, onl lu i I In thonrn
Josiah Sloeum, onl. Ii 1802,1 Ii Inf., Co. ]<
Charli iStrntton, • ill In f, 181 il t i nl ,i i. . died o prlsonei ,,i Ander-
BonvMle.
Joseph si ,, enl ' 125th Inr., Co. K.
E s, Thomson, enl, An 1,1 I Inf., Co. K ; wounded.
Cliauncej White, onl. Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. K ; wound d at Gettysburg,
and died in the hospital.
Win. Holden. snl luj 17,1862,1 i I,, Co. K.
Henry I.. Bliss, enl. Aug. 27, 1802, t25th [ul , Co K; pro. lieut. in I . s. Col-
ored Troops.
Ezra Btirch, onl. Aug. 27, 1862, 125th inf., Co K died in the ervice; body
brought home for burial.
C. J. Crandall, enl. Aug, 27, 1802,125th Inf., Co. K.
w in Cut. eul An : !7, 1862, 126th Inf., Co. i\ ; died at Lihhy Prison.
.la s Doyle, enl Aug. 27, 1802, 125th Inf., Co. K.
Timothy Fields, enl In . I 62, 126th Inf., Co. K.
Win. M. G si,,-, I,, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 125th luf, (',.. K.
George Green, enl Aug. 27, 1862, ISoth Inf., Co. K.
Solomon linker, eul. I lee. 24, 1863, 16th Art., Co. A.
Sylvosti i limit in, I,!, e :. n, -,,, . Co. K.
Obed i:,,i i ». 11, enl. Jan. 2, 1864, 16th Art, Co. K.
ll.i, i_v Bobbins, 14th Heavy Artillery, colored
Cliarles II. Brownell, eul. Aug. 0, 1862, I25th Eegt., Co. K.
Emery Beauchamp, enl. Aug. 22. 1862, 12 Kb Ri t,< to. K.
Ezra I5tir.li, enl. Aug. 0, 1862, 125th Regl , Co. K.
Win. Doty, enl. Aug 1.'., IS62, 12 ith II' _l , I'". K.
A.J. Doty, .nl. Aug. 5, 1662, 125lh Begt, Co K.
William Mi Gowan, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 125th Begt, Co. K.
Warner Hoyt, eul Aug. :i, 1862, 125th Regt , Co K.
James E. Mabb, enl, Aug. 1, 1862, 125th Begt, Co. K.
Thomas Rain, enl Aug, 12, 1862, 125th Regl , Co. I.
Jason Bobbins, eul. Aug. 11. 1862, 125th Begl , <'■•. K
Win. Thuaile, e,,l, July 28, 1862, 125th Regt , Co. K.
s. w. Washburn, enl. July 20, 1862, I2;,ili Regt , Co. K.
lit,. in. 1- I'm ley, enl. Aug. IS, 1SH2, 125th Regt, I'... K.
Win Gallagher, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 12:.th Regt, Co; A.
Robert Patterson, enl. Aug. "•, Isti2, 125th Rogt, Co. A.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
WILLIAM PITT BUTTON
was born in that portion of the old town of Schaghticoke
which has since been set off to Pittstown, Jan. 22, 1806.
lie was the youngest son of John and Mary (Ransom) But-
ton. His father and mother were natives of Connecticut,
they had thirteen children, — seven sons and sis daughters.
One son died an infant. Six sons and six daughters lived
to adult age, were married, and raised families. After the
birth of two children, the family moved from Connecticut
and settled in Pittstown on the farm now owned by Clark
Perry, where they remained about ten years. Here four of
their children were burn. They next moved on to a farm
owned by Abrani Lansing, situated about a mile west of
the hamlet of Cooksborough, at that time in Schaghticoke,
now Pittstown. 2\.t this place the rest of the children
were born. In the year 1 S I 2 the family moved on to a
farm, then and still owned by George Tibbits, in Scltagh-
438
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ticoke. Here, March 1. IS19, the mother died. His
Father was again married in 1825, to the widow Lowe. By
this union there were three children. The father died
\ . '■ -
William Pill Button waa seven years of age when his
Cither removed on [.. the (arm last named, and he worked
..ii it until he was twenty-one years of age. His education
imited to an attendance in winter upon the district
il. When In- first lefl home In- lived with liis brother-
in-law, Elilm Blanchnrd, who kept at that time a tavern at
lliil. 11.- worked for him eight months at
nine dollars per month. The following two years lie
worked lor lii.» father, receiving eight dollars per month.
11 next worked for Ids brother, Ransom Button, two
■ ten dollars per month. In 1831 he purchased
Ids fint farm, consisting of one hundred and seven acres,
I ho Viclc, paying one thousand eight hundred dollars,
f..r which lie ran in debt Ho had saved from Ids monthly
earnings a sufficient am. .nut to stock ii. The next year,
j:;. 1832, he was married t" Lois Buckley, daughter
of Jubci Buckley, of Schaghticoke. Mrs. Button was
turn Nov. 12. 1807. By her lie had six children, — four
- and two daughters, viz., George W., born Dec. 31,
1832, di i 25, 1852. David M.. a farmer and
uivr in Schaghticoke, born Feb. 2.'!. l^ilii,
man ID 23 1857, to Eliza Jane Baucus, daughter of
Jam - W Ba l IS. Three children, Warren W., Minnie,
and ; D. Edwin S., born Aug. 25, 1839, died
M h 21, 1-7- J. Warren, born July 4, 1842, died
Maj 13, 1849. Sobry Ann. born Nov. 8, 1814. married
1 I. 1867, ' [saac Mabb. Three children, viz., Ida,
'. . \V.. and Clarence. George W. is deceased. Sarah
.1 i . born Oct. 22, 1818. living at home. -Mrs. Button
died March 1. 1849.
Mr. Button was again married June 20, Hon, to Mrs.
ii Wing, widow of Morgan Wing, and daughter of
i.l ami Susan Loundsberry. She was born May 2,
1-17. iii Pittstown. The issue of this marriage were two
daughters, viz., Emily Frances, horn June
25, 1851, married Nov. 21. 187G, to Andrew Button; they
1 . Mcritt, born Nov. 21, 1852, a
ticoke. Harriet Amelia, born July 12,
1855 keeping house l'..r her brother Meritt. Theodore,
1» : • 1 -.V.i. living at home.
\- the tine of the purchase of hi- Brsl farm it was very
much out of repair, and at the end of the firs! year Mr.
...■•I one hundred dollars for interest money,
for which le 'i dollars interest. Alter the
fir-t year he «:i- enabled to mccl principal and inti
■ r than il due To the original one hundred
aiel .eld. d li..tn time t.. time lots ad-
j..ii d sixty tin. ■•• acres, also the
K' r farm of one hundred and ninety -i\ u
k firm ..( ..ii.- hundred and seventj seven
I nil of "He liundn d and fifty
l ! David M in the purchase
•ho f.inn in Schaghticoke, now owned and occupied by
the I itt.r II In lintidsom
I it:.l except his
nd a will I \|r Hut
ton furnishes a marked example of what may be accom-
plished by dint of hard work, accompanied by an intelligent
application of means to ends.
In politics he has been identified with the Whig and
llepiibliean parties. The only public office which he has
ever consented to fill was that of highway commissioner,
which he has filled at one time and another for twenty
years, and in this capacity has rendered his town marked
service. The successful controversy with the Albany and
Northern Railroad, in which he was ably seconded by the
late Abram Myers, by which that company were compelled
to build three bridges over their tracks, was a marked in-
stance of his perseverance and tact.
In both attempts which have been made to divide the
town he has been a strong opponent, and rendered efficient
service upon the committee appointed by the citizens of the
town to look after their interests.
No man in the town of Schaghticoke has probably done
more in the way of saving useless expense by successfully
opposing the opening of roads and building of bridges
which were not required by the public needs.
Mr. Button united with the Methodist Episcopal Church
of Schaghticoke Hill in 1835. He was a trustee of the
church for many years, and has been and is still one of its
principal supporters.
CHARLES A. IIEMSTREET
was born in the town of Watervliet, Albany Co., N. Y.,
Feb. 17, 1814. His grandfather, Charles Hemstreet,
owned the farm in Watervliet upon which the principal
part of the thriving manufacturing city of Cohoes has
since been built. The house which he built, and in which
all of his children were born, is still standing. He owned
a grist- and earding-mill on the Mohawk, which, with seven
acres of land, he subsequently gave to his sons John and
Albert ; the latter the father of Charles A. Having what
he considered a favorable opportunity he sold bis property
in Watervliet to Richard 1'. Hart, then of Troy, and pur-
chased, about the year 1S22, the farm of one hundred and
forty-six acres situated on the Hudson River, in the town
of Schaghticoke, opposite Mechanicvillc, and which has
been held in the family ever since. He died March 5,
1847, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. His wife
.lied Sept. 27. 1826. Both were buried on the farm.
In lSJi; his father, Albert Hemstreet, disposed of his
mill property at Watervliet. and purchased a farm in
Schaghticoke next east of the farm owned by the grand-
father, and which is now owned and occupied by Mrs.
Maria Waldron, widow of Peter W. Waldron. and sister of
Charles A. Hemstreet. On this farm both the father and
mother died; the father. March 2.i. 187)8. aged seventy-
five years and seven months; the mother, May 10, ISO!),
0«od eighty-six years and six months. They are buried in
a family lot on the place.
Charles A. Qemstreel was the third child in a family of
six children. The eldest, a daughter, died an infant. One
brother, Henrj A.., is deceased. His brothers, Jacob V. A.
and Abram V. A . arc still living.
TOWN OF PBTERSB1 RGH.
159
At the tiling his father moved on to the farm ahove nun
tinned Charles A. was ten years old. On this farm lie
worked up to the time of, and one year after, his marriage.
His advantages for education were limited to the common
school, lie was married March 10, lS.'.li, to Maria Yates,
daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Yates. Mrs. Ilcm-
strect was born in Schaghticoke, Dec. 11, 1S1G. Her
great-grandfather, Peter Yates, was a colonel in the Revo-
lution. Her grandfather, Jacob Yates, was a Captain. The
farm where she was born, situated on the Hudson River,
in Schaghticoke, was held in the family for several gen-
erations. It is now owned and occupied by 11. M.
llasbrouck.
One year after his marriage -Air. llemslreet moved on to
a farm of about sixty acres owned by his father, which he
subsequently purchased. He resided here four years. He
then (1841) rented his grandfather's farm, which he car-
ried on as lessee for twelve years. Upon the death of his
uncle, to whom the use of the farm during his life had come
by will of his father, the farm was sold for the benefit of
the heirs, and Mr. Hemstreet became its purchaser. In
this purchase, together with what he owed on the sixty-acre
lot named above, he incurred a debt of about eleven thou-
sand dollars, with interest at seven per cent., a large under-
taking in those days, and some of his good neighbors
prophesied a failure. But with excellent health and a
" will to win," coupled in all In undi rtakingt !■'. the
pathyand active co-operation of bis wife, who equally with
himself, inherited from a Dutch ancestry those habit
industry and ei j o characteristic of the race and
essential to success, Mr. Hem treel has been able to carry
out his plans, and has proved his doubling di ighbors no
true prophets. By the will of his grandfather, in 1852, be
came into possession of the ferry over the Hud on River
between Mechanicville and Schaghticoke and i^ still its
owner.
In polities Mr. Hemstreet lias been identified with the
Whig and Republican parties. He has no! been an aspi-
rant for office, but has served as town assessor for si
Though not a member, he has ben a trustee of the
Presbyterian Church of Mechanicville for many years.
Mr. and Mrs. Hemstreet have four children, as follows:
Alida, born June 10, 1837, wife of Louis Rowland, a mer-
chant in Mechanicville; t bey have one child, — Willie L.
Elizabeth, born June 30, 1831), wife of William Baker, a
farmer living in Half-Moon. Helen Frances, born Aug.
8, 1841, wife of Elbert Ellis, a farmer in Broome, Scho-
harie Co. Abram Y., born March 28, 1844, married Eliza
Baucus, daughter of George W. Baucus, of Schaghticoke;
lives near his father, and carries on the farm. A represen-
tation of the two residences, with portraits of Mr. and Mrs.
Hemstreet, appear on another page of this work.
PETEESBUEGE
I.— SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AREA, TITLE.
Petersburg!! lies upon the eastern border of the county.
It is bounded north by Hoosick, east by Pownal, in Ver-
mont, and Williamstown, in Massachusetts, south by Ber-
lin, and west by Grafton. The town approaches the form
of a triangle in its outline, being much wider on the south-
ern line than on the northern. Upon its eastern boundary
is a monument marking the termination of the division line
between Vermont and Massachusetts.
The farm acreage of this town is stated by the census of
1875 at 24,473 acres, but this must not be understood as
a full statement of its area. There are many exceptions, as
highways, village plats, and other portions not included in
the statement.
This town occupies the northwest corner of the old
Rensselaer manor, and the title to the soil is derived from
the representations of that estate. The farms were origin-
ally held by a lease tenure, and the town was subject to the
discouragements and difficulties that seem to be incident to
the feudal system upon American soil. In later years the
property has been sold, and farmers hold their estates by
deeds in fee-simple. It is said that only one farm remains
subject to perpetual rent.
For convenience of reference we insert the official de-
scription of the town from the revised statutes of the State :
" The town of Petersburgh shall contain all that part of
said county bounded southerly by Berlin, easterly by the
east bounds of the county, northerly by the north bounds
of the manor of ltensselaerwick, and westerly by Grafton."
II.— NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface of the town consists of two mountain ranges
separated by the valley of the Little Hoosick River. The
highest peaks rise from 1000 to 2000 feet above tide-water.
Some of the heights are precipitous, barren, and almost
inaccessible ; but others rise with gentle slopes, and are
cultivated in some cases very near if not cpaite to the
actual summit. There are many rounded heights crowned
with forests, presenting scenery not so much rugged and
grand as pleasing and delightful.
The town is drained by the Little Hoosick over nearly
its entire area, except in the northeast part, where the
Hoosick crosses a portion of the town. There are several
rivulets, tributaries of the Little Hoosick, flowing from the
west, and two or three from the east. The jutfetion of the
Hoosick with the Little Hoosick is near the north part of
the town. The early settlement that grew up at this junc-
tion was known in colonial times as Hoosick or Hosac, ami
its history is mingled to some extent with that of the town
of Hoosick, to which reference is here made.
BISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
III. -KA1M.Y SETTLEMENT.
of the first entry upon this portion of the Van
|; .. ier manor is usually given as 1750, and, in view of
what is known concerning the colonial village of Bosiek, ii
thai even an earlier date may be safely assigned.
Rut Lhe earliest names that are definitely determined seem
ind upon ;i map drawn by John K. Bleeckcr
in 17
T.iU i n^r the juncti f the Little Boosick with the main
irtiog-point, these early names may be located
a mil.- or more up the Little Boosick, and on the
side, was the homestead of Peter Backus, now the
Alv.ih Webster farm. A little Below, mi the oast bank,
II ins Backus, now a pail ni'ih,' Webstcrfarm;
house lor. no. Still farther down, and mi the west
bank, lived John Ruytcr, on (lie Akin Brimmer farm. An
..!• I cellar still marks the spot. Very near to the mouth of
tin- Little H -: '• . mi tin' w.st side, was Benry Letcher's
homi -I'.i-l. A cellar and an old well still show the spot.
1 ■ the main stream, hut only just above the junction, was
tin- place of Bans Lantman. This was on tin- north side
of the river, the present place of Lucius E. Green, better
known in past years as the Joseph Case place. Directly
iih side of the river, was the farm of
Barenl Boag, on thi Gi d Brimmer farm ; present build-
in-- a little east. The homestead of John George Brim-
mer was ah. .ut a mile above the junction of the two rivers.
mi tin- north side.
. south of Brimmer's, upon the opposite side of the
im, was the residence "I' Jacob Best. This was on the
m firm of [chabod F. Paddock ; buildings occupy the
A little beyond Brimmer's, on the north side
of the river, wa- a In. m. stead marked on the map, but no
name attached, — probably also belonging to Jacob Best, and
now tie- residence ofSilas ('. Eldred. A little farther up the
. i in ihr tract inclosed by a curve of the river to
the south, were the homesteads of Petrus Yosburgh aud
I1 I, a farm now owned by Green Brimmer.
'.•■r along, mi tie- north -id.-, at intervals of about one
hundred were the residences .•!' Franz Hums
and .Inri.i Kreigcr. Daniel Brimmer remembers tie- latter
. ..Id man when Brimmer Was
a boy. Tie n at short distances up the valley, and on the
-• three more, — Benry Young M I1
Nearly opposite the last
itti -id. of the Boosick, was a farm
marked "hereto I. Farther east appears
tie i d I Van \rniin. The last five, according to the
opin I' M Brimmer, were in Vermont a- the
line - lie- ii me ■•! Peter Simmons, from whom
i t.. derive in nam.-, also nppears uj this
•nth part. Bull's " Bistory
Berlin," written in 1-.')-. says thai David Dcnnison was
Pel Siroi ' .mi.
1 1 iv. and undoubtedly
through the direct influence of the patroou.
. nigration flowed in
thi.« •. from Ii i Tie-.
- hich
the " Lord of the Manor" had caused to be widely circulated
as to the valuable timber, the fertility of the soil, and the
salubrity of the climate in this section.
William W. Reynolds came from Rhode Island in 1780.
II.- had eight children, viz. : Parley, Thomas, Benjamin,
Elijah, Howard, Amy, Hannah, and Polly. Descendants of
this family have been numerous in the town, and the name
is still prominent. Amy became the wife of Noah Smith
after being Mrs. Whitford. She was the woman murdered,
mentioned elsewhere. Hannah and Polly became succ
ively the wives of Benjamin Babcock.
Ichabod Prosser. from Von t. came in soon after the
Revolution. He settled on the Asa Prosser farm of late
years. Mr. Prosser was in the battle of Bennington. He
had two sons. John and Asa. His descendants are still in
town. The three Randalls, Joshua. Thomas, and Benja-
min, came in probably at the close of the Revolution. They
settled in what is still known as Randall Hollow. Abra-
ham Lewis and Augustus Lewis settled in the same neigh-
borhood, and in what is known as Lewis' Hollow. Oliver
Spencer was another of the ] ioneers near Lewis' Hollow, a
long time overseer of the poor, and noted for integrity and
truth. Stephen Card's homestead was the present Craw-
ford farm. Sylvanus Stephens settled in the same neigh-
borhood. Stanton Bailey, from Connecticut, settled previous
to the Revolution on the farm owned in late year- by \V.
B. Odell. Gideon Clark settled near Bailey on the farm
in late years of J. G. Clark, lie was a soldier and pen-
sioner of the Revolution. Sterry Hewitt, from Connecti-
cut, also a soldier of the Revolution, came to this town with
an ox-team soon after the close of that war. He settled on
the farm of the late Col. John B. Hewitt, a grandson. Asa
Mason and David Mason, from Rhode Island, settled in
1794 on the present Clark Maxon farm. They purchased
loll acres at five shillings per acre. Joseph Allen, from
Klh.de l-land, settled about 1790 on the present Clark
Peckham farm. Be was a soldier of the Revolution. Wil-
liam lliseox. from Rhode Island, settled iii 1788 mi the
Livingston farm. James Weaver, also from Rhode Island,
settled on the John II. Weaver farm of late years. If-
was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. and took pari in
the battle of Bennington. Thomas Phillips, from the same
Slat,-, settled about the close of ihe Revolutionary war on
the present farm nf Rev. 1'. G. Phillips.
Si ill earli.-r than in of these Was lie- settlement of the
Church families. There were four of that name who came
in about 1780, — John. Nathaniel, Hannah, and Elizabeth.
The homestead of one or more of them was the farm win
in later year-. Peter Church resided. The latter was born
the year tin- Federal Constitution was formed, raised a
family ..I eleven children, and lived to an advanced a
dung in the Bpring "I 1879. Simeon Odell came from
Columbia County about the close of the Revolution. Bo
settled in Day fool Bullow, or ISasI Bollow, and took up
1000 aen .-. Bis pioneer house was taken down a few years
-i A grandson is Squire G. S. Odell. The place had
ii- name from two Day foot brothers, who were a little
earlier than the Odclls. The Dayfoots are said to have
sided with England in the war of the Revolution, and join-
ing the British army did not return.
ECJ^nyniLToisr olahk.
Joseph Clark, grandfather of Hamilton (lark,
was born in Rhode Island, Sept. 14, 1728. lie
married Deborah Pendleton, June 11, 1752. She
was born May 9, 1737. They had fifteen children,
the youngest of whom was Benjamin, who was born
on the 4th of June, 1781, in Rhode Island. He
settled in Petersburgh at an early day, and was a
blacksmith and farmer by occupation. He married
Mary Stillman, of whom six children were born,
viz.: Albert, Hamilton, Franklin, Lorenzo (deceased),
Mary (deceased), and Edwin. In politics lie allili-
ated with the Democratic party until within a few
pears of his death, when he became a Whig and
Republican. He was a member of the Seventh-
married Charles lv Sweet, of I'etersburgh ; and By-
ron F., who is an enterprising and successful mer-
chant of the same place.
Mr. Clark commenced life poor, and followed the
blacksmith trade until 18.50, when he began the
manufacture of shirts in Petersburgh, which he car-
ried mi successfully until his death, Nov. I, 1871.
lie was a deacon of the Seventh-Day Baptist Church
at Petersburgh, and was one of its principal mem-
bers. His son, Byron, was born in Petersburgh,
dan. 30, 1850. He received an academic educa-
tion, and taught school one term. He married
Addie A., daughter of Hiram D. Hull, of Berlin,
May 24, 1871. They have had three children,
Photo, by Schounmaker, Troy, N. V.
Day Baptist Church at Petersburgh. He died
about the year 1858, leaving the record of a good
name.
Hamilton Clark was born, Feb. 23, 1811, in
Petersburgh. He received a common-school edu-
cation. He was reared as a blacksmith, and was
the first man to manufacture the shank hoe, which
became so popular. He married Eliza, daughter of
Deacon Z. Scriven, of Petersburgh, of whom two
children were born, as follows : Jane E. and Ed-
mund H., who now resides at Long Branch, N. J.
Mr. Clark married, for his second wife, Mrs. De-
borah Reynolds, wife of S. Reynolds (deceased), and
daughter of Thomas Randall, of Petersburgh, March,
1843. They had two children, viz.: Louisa J., who
viz.: Eva B., Everett B., deceased, and an in-
fant,
Mr. Clark was engaged in the mercantile business
at Petersburgh with Messrs. Kellyer & Reynolds,
under the firm-name of Kellyer, Clark & Reynolds,
for three years ; was with Charles Reynolds one
year in the manufacture of shirts, when he carried
on business for himself a short time, and then closed
out to Capt. S. E. Reynolds and his mother. He
immediately began mercantile business at Berlin
with H. B. Green, and continued three and a half
years, when he returned to Petersburgh and bought
out A. C. Burr, in September, 1875, and has been
a merchant there ever since. In polities he is a
Republican.
c^c^, 3t/$2^s&j
William W. Reynolds, Sr.. was a native of Westerly,
l: I . and settled in Petereburgh in the year 17S0. He
had a family of eight children, of whom Parley Reynolds
w.i- the Bret, born in Petereburgh, Aug. 24, 17S0, "the
the family came, then consisting of Mr. and Mrs.
William W. Reynolds and their two sons, Thomas and
Bonjamin. who were born in Westerly, R. I."
• red at an early age into the mercantile busi-
ness as a ol'-rk fur his eldest brother, Thomas, and after a
few years he wu taken in as a partner. Commencing
lif.' ; ttu-iitiun t" business he became one of
the ;i of his town. He married Esther Holmes,
Stonington, Conn. lie held several town offices, and
wa.« 1' • of the Jeffersonian school. He
was strictly honest in all bis business relations, and he and
his brother Thomas became the leading men of the (own.
Hi died Jan. 22, L861, leaving the record of an li"iiest,
I mful life.
William Whitford Reynolds, -"ii of Parley and Gather
wis born in Peteraburgh, Sept, -'>. 1 B16. He re-
rod a common-school education, and al the !_•■■ of fifteen
had Ahieit this time he settled on
a farm with hi- I illowingth soupation of a farmer
and r-i-'ivin^ his property from his father. He mai
r of Braddook Peckham, of Grafton, by
whom f"tir children were l«>rn. of whom "ii ly, Charli -
W . i- Imog. Mr* U irj Reynolds was born in Grafton,
Mr. Reynolds was an eminent advocate of the principles
of the Democratic party. He was often called to occupy
positions of trust and honor in his town, among which may
be mentioned that of supervisor for four years. He was
also a prominent Mason. His death occurred June 4, 1 S76.
Mrs. Reynolds is still residing on the old homestead in
Petereburgh.
Charles W., son of William Whitford Reynolds and
Mary Peckham, was born in Petereburgh, on the 8th of
February, 1848.
He received a common-school and academic education,
and taught school several terms. In 1S69 he commenced
business as a merchant in Petereburgh, and continued four
years; then began the manufacture of shirts, in company
with David II. Kellyer. The business has continued to
grow from the first, and to-day they have a large and lucra-
tive trade.
In politics he follows in the footsteps of his honored
father ami grandfather. He does not aspire to any official
position, preferring to attend to his legitimate business,
lb' is an enterprising young man, intelligent and courteous,
and by his strict business habits is making a handsome
fortune. He married Lucy M., daughter of Alonzo and
Mary J. Gifford, of Albany, by whom two children have
been born, viz. : William (t. and George Trcadwcll.
Charles W. Reynolds inserts the above portrait and biog-
raphy in memory of his honored father.
TOWN OF PETERSBURGH.
161
Other persons here earlier than 1791 were the following,
:,s they were elected to office thai year:
Hezekiah Coon was a pioneer on the present Adelberl
. Moses farm, having bought a tract of some 300 acres. His
|,0USe stood until about L872, and was on the site of the
present new one. He left several sons. Aaron was the
father of the present town clerk. Jonas Odell was a son-
in-law of Simeon Odell, and an uncle of Squire G. S.
Odell. John Greene settled on the present territory of
Berlin. Benjamin Hanks lived in the north pari of the
town. John Nichols' homestead was probably in the Hoi
low, some four miles east of South Petersburgh, on the farm
now owned by Evan Jones, afterwards in the Hollow above.
Ahel Russel was probably in the north part of the town,
there still being a Russel farm in that section.
Between 1791 and 1800 other new names appear, as fol-
lows, among (lie town officers, but the date of their settle-
ment is not, however, determined by that fact, except that
they were here before 1S00 : Aaron Cole, [chabod Irish,
David Hustis; William Clark lived on the present farm of
Albert Reynolds ; Archibald Thomas lived near the present
plaee of Dr. Moses, opposite ; George Gardner, who was a
merchant, partner of Asa, at Petersburgh village; Laban
Jones, from Rhode Island, who lived east of the village;
Stephen Potter, who lived on Potter's Hill, the farm being
now owned by John H. Wells ; John G. Croy, who lived
in the north part of the town, farm now occupied by Ran-
som Crawford ; Lyman Maine, who was from Stonington,
Conn., came in 1700, and settled where Norman Maxon
now lives.
The settlers in this town endured many hardships in the
early years. They were obliged to go to Albany to get
their grain ground, and instances are told of carrying it on
their backs, making the long journey on foot. It was diffi-
cult to raise much that could be turned into money. To
all this was added the discontent with the lease tenure.
Surely the men of that age who settled Petersburgh must
be credited with patience, industry, and heroic determination.
I\^ —ORGANIZATION.
The territory of the present town of Petersburgh was
originally included in the civil organization known as Rens-
selaerswyck, whose limits were coextensive with those of the
manor. In 1784, Stephentown was formed, and for seven
years the people living within what is now Petersburgh
were under the jurisdiction of that town. It was, however,
an immense region, and the convenience of public business
soon led to a further division. Petersburgh was formed
March 18, 1791 ; subsequently its limits were considerably
reduced. Its boundary, on the line of Berlin, was changed
in 1793; parts from Berlin and Lansingburgh were an-
nexed from this town in 1806, and parts of Grafton and
Nassau in 1807. The name of Petersburgh is said to have
been given in honor of Peter Simmons.
In pursuance of the act of incorporation the first towu-
meeting was held as stated in the following record:
"At a town-meeting Holding at the dwelling-house of Hezekiah
Coon, In Petersburgh, Ipril 5, 1791. This day voted Hezekiah
Coon, Moderator ; Jonas Odell, Supervisor : John Greene, Town Clerk ;
Benjamin Hanks, Randall Spencer, John Nichols. Assessors; Abel
l;, i ,i I, ; Matthew Randall, C i
dall, Hozi l i iii I Pi m
■• \ 0ti i. 1 1, .,■ the i on tn.1 i' rod Colla tor Shall Pi
Bail. \ oted, Th d then ball I ■ bul two < insl iblei for the town of
Pi tor burgb in the y co 1701
•• Stophi ii m.i Phim in 1 ! iblcsandi Cbarli
Gn ono, Vbi iliu . I, Hi sol ib C i, Fonci
•■ \ ,,i,i, ' i in epRu the Bftcentfa of Scptcmbor until
fifteonth nf Novembor bo kepi 1 I:;""
ball hi rbi reitcd to th I I I o« n.
■• Voted, Benjamin Hank & Hozokinl n, Pi an Into t<
■■ Voted, That Wolves cotehe I an 1 killed in Poti I iburgb shall I
coivo \ I niy of Ten Pound . to bo paid in pru
•• Voted, Thai thi ual Tow k tin • b al Hi si I
■• John Gbi
To further show the organization of the town and the
names of men doing the public business of thai early period,
we make additional extracts from the records
■ ■ \i :l town Tin . ting, held al Hozekiab Coon . o icordir, to ad-
journmenl April 3, 1792, vote I, this day, Hozoki th Co in, Mod i
.1 3 Odell, Supervisor; John Green, Town Clerk ; R lall Spoil
John Nichols, Mil'! Lewis, Aaron Cole, Asse ors; Luke Gn ai
Joshua Randal], Abel Russel, Commissioners of Roads; Hezekiah
c Charlcs"Greenc, Poormasters ; Stephen Maxon, Phineas Lewis,
Constables and Collectors.
•■VoU-.l, Benjamin Hanks, Hezekiah Coon, and Jonas odell,
Pound masters.
"Voted, That hogs shall not be free commi rs."
During the next eight years, down to and including 1800,
the following additional names are found in the records as
citizens holding office or doing town business : Caleb Bent-
ley, William Reynolds, Luke Greene, Robert Sims, Edward
Greene, Ichabod Prosser, John Reynolds, Jr., James Lewis,
Ichabod Irish, William Scriven, Jr.,* Stephen Maxon, Jr.,
Eliphalet Niles, David Hustis, William Clark, Oliver Hall,
Abel Owen,* Rusmiah West* Thomas Palmer, Asa Lewis,
Zebulon Scriven,* William Sweet, Archibald Thomas,
Manser Greene, Lemuel Steward,* George Gardner, Simeon
Ilines, John B. Babcock* Laban Jones, Stephen Potter,
Reuben Wait,* James Maine, James West,* Abel Russel,
William Satterlee, Cornelius Liteher, John G. Croy, Job
Greene, Asa Maxon, and Joseph Burdick.*
OTHER ITEMS PROM THE TOWN RECORDS.
In the early times a sharp watch was kept over new set-
tlers coming in, as to whether they were likely to become
a town charge. We find the following entries in the poor-
master's book :
".March 3, 1795.— Reuben Warner informs that he with his wife
Olive, children Eunice, (Hive, Anna, hath come into this town with an
intent to sojourn. As to their circumstances, they are healthy per-
sons."
"Aug. 11, 1795.— William Prosser informs he lias taken into his
house a family, their names as follows : Jedediah Osten and his wife
Jemima ; children, Asa, Nancy, Ross. Jedediah, and Marvel. As to
their circumstances, supposes them to I"- worth £8. Recommended
the man to be good for work."
"May 16, 1805.— On the complainl of Archibald Thomas thai Mar-
garet Amazon is likely to heroine chargeable I" the town of Peters
burgh, that she is delirious and strolling about; recording the same,
sixpence.
"To notifying the authority on the above complaint, 25 cents; to
hiring a man to carry Mrs. Amazon to Rehoboth, 75 cents."
* In that part of the town afterwards Grafton.
-
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Tlu- following shows the early fear with respect to iuoeu-
latioo :
'7 the i>mnlli»-r being brought into the town of Peters-
ltd April 7, 1 7'.'."'.
the inhabit rats aforesaid, that if any person osso-
n, .'f any poraoD that is associatod without tho con-
■ i tliu authority "i Baid town, or when associated refusing to bo
icd without such boun 1- as tho au-
di appoint, or shall eomo out of such 1 so without the con-
i tin- authority el '.. oto., shall forfeit ami pay the sum of £10
ib and every offense"
In the " Anti-K'tit war" Petcrsburgh took a decisive
[•art. though no blood was shed within its limits. The
blowing of a horn being the agreed signal to summon the
Indians to any given point. The anti-renters required the
blowing of dinner-horns to be given up for a time. If a
family refus - 1 to comply and persisted in the old-fashioned
rail to dinner, they often found uninvited guests suddenly
>r. who persisted in eating up the dinner without Cere-
mony.
PLACES OF HOLDING TOWN-MEETINGS.
'flio different places where town-meetings were held in
1' ■ rsburgb during seventy years following the organiza-
tion of the town are here given, viz. :
1791-02, 1794.— "A( the house of Hezekiah Coon.;'
This was tho pr«.-. nt place of Adelbert Moses, then an inn.
1793. — "Al Maxon Randall's." Supposed to be at the
re, near the Mi — Hotel of the present time.
IT'.'.".. 17!>8, 1801.— "At John Woodburn's." This
was an inn a mile south of the Moses Hotel, on the site of
the present residence of Win. Reynolds.
1796-97. — "At William Burlingame's."
IT'.1'.'. — "Al James Lewis'." A very early tavern, on
tli.' farm of the late Wm. W. Reynolds, now owned by his
ison, Hiram Reynolds.
i-4 Al the house of Samuel Stone." This was
in tin- north pari of the town.
5 6. — " At the' house of Archibald Thomas," on
tlw site of the present residence of J. Dennison, opposite
1 1 M
At the house of Joshua Randall," north of
the M - II itel, on the farm now owned by Green Arms-
bury.
: : \i tli- ho. !-■ of John Powers." The
: ■ M ll..tel.
1812.— "Al the hou f Waiie Stillman." Perhaps
tli.- Woodbum House before mentioned.
1813. — "Al the hou f Jesse Stillman." Moses
II
1-11 At tin- hou M izon." Moses House.
1815 '•'■ At the house of Aaron Worth in
This was the pre nt M i H
the - tme I so under various nami -
Hiram M \ n Worthington again, Mo» A Worth-
CD I' Thurber, N P. Bal k. J. W. II .1 — . and
M II ndall.
1857 ."•- \> the hou i 'm Collard." Thi-
ll kiah Coon now lives.
\' ■ .1 S E h I Mr C
;
I860.—" At the house of George W. Bovie," at North
Petersburgh.
1S61-G2.— " At the bouse of H. W. Eldred." Place
of Mr. Coon.
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS, 1791-1879.
SUPERVISORS.
1791-92, Jonas Odcll ; 1793-94, Caleb Bcntlcy; 1795-96, Randall
Spencer; 1797-9S, Abel Lewis; 179'J-ISOO, (ieorgc Gardner; 1801-3,
Win. W. Reynolds; IS04-5, John Reeve; IS06-7, Georgo Gardner:
1S0S-10, Asa Stillman: IS 1 1-13, Silas Maxon; 1814-15, Joseph Case,
.lr. : 1S16-1S, Thomas Reynolds; 1S19-20, Aaron Worthington;
1S21-22. Ebcnezer Robinson ; 1S23-26, Aaron Worthington : 1S27-3I,
Parley Reynolds; 1832-33, Joshua Randall, Jr. ; 1S34, Parley Roy-
nolds; 1S35-36, Stephen Reynolds, Jr. ; 1837-3S, Parley Reynolds;
LS39-40, Aaron Worthington: 1S41-42, Noel . I. Reynold.-; IS43-44,
Aaron F. Worthington ; 1845-46, David G. Maxon: 1S47-48, Wm.
W. Reynolds; 1849-50, Noycs H. W. Reynolds; 1S51, Joseph Case;
1S52-53, Eben C. Reynolds; 1S54-55, 0. D. Thurber: 1S5G-57, Win.
W. Reynolds: 1S5S-59, Aaron F. Worthington ; 1800-61, David 8.
Maxon; 1S62-63, Lucius E. Green ; 1S64, Horace W. Wells ; 1 865-67,
Lucius E. Green; 1868-09, Wm. II. Cran lall ; 1870-72, W. T. Rey-
nolds; 1873-74, John W.TilTt; 1875, Stephen H. Eldred ; 1876, Wm.
T. Reynolds; 1S77, Lucius E. Green; 1878-79, Silas E. Reynolds.
TOWN CLKRKS.
1791-96, John Greene: 17H7-9S, George Gardner; 1799, Randall
Spencer; 1800-5. William Clark; 1S06-7, Asa Stillman : 1S08 10,
John Bowles; 1S11-13, Russell Wilkinson; 1S14-15, Ichabod Ran-
dall; 1816, Asa Stillman; 1S17-21, Benjamin Clark ; 1S22-25, John
W. Reynolds; 1S26-29, Benjamin Clark ; 1S30-34, Benjamin B. Ran-
dall : 1835-37, Squire Allen: 183S-39, Daniel C. Morcy; IS 10-41,
Benjamin Weaver: 1S42-44, Isaac B. Maine; 1S45-47, Seth Worth-
ington:'*' 1S47, Isaac B. Maine ;f 1S4S-52, Robert Reynolds; 185:
Hiram Moses, Jr.: 1855, Robert Reynolds; 1S56, Jeremiah Allen.
Jr.: 1S57, Silas W. Waite; 1858-59, Jeremiah Allen, Jr. ; 1860-61,
Thomas L. Nichols; 1S62, Aaron F. Worthington; 1S63, Hezekiah
Coon; 1864, Hiram Moses, Jr.; IS65, Silns W. Waite; 1806, Billings
B. Hewitt; 1SIJ7, David G. Maxon; ISGS-69, Hiram Moses, Jr.;
1S70-72, C. W. Reynolds; IS73-74, Hezekiah Coon; 1S75-76, Edson
J. Allen : 1S77, Robert Reynolds; 1S7S-79, Hezekiah Coon.
JUSTICES OF TIIK PEACE.
Previous to 1S21 they were appointed by the Governor,
and their names may he found in the county civil list.
After that date for about ten years they were elected at the
general elections, or appointed by the courts. The follow-
ing names appear upon the roll of justices in the office of
the county clerk :
Isaac Saunders, sworn in Feb. 25, 1S23; Thomas Reynolds, sworn in
Feb. 25, 1S23; Joseph Case, sworn in Sept. 30, 1823; Isaac Saun-
ders, sworn in Jan. 1, 1S2S; Nathan Nolton, sworn in Jan. 2,
1828; Elihu P. Powers, sworn in Jan. 5, 1828; John Ucnning,
swoii in Jan. 15, l^JS; John Hcnning, sworn in Jan. I. 1"'-".':
Nathan Notion, sworn in Jan. 5, IS30.
Election of justices at the annual town-meeting coui-
menccd in 1830, and the following are the persons elected
to that office to the present time:
Elihu P. Powers; 1831, Isaac Saunders; 1S32, Sonford Hewitt;
1833, Nathan Nolton; 1834, Alonzo H. Eldred ; 1835, Benjamin
B.Randall; 1836, Snnfurd Hewitt; 1837, Nathan Nolton; 1838,
Alonio II. Eldred; 1839, Nathan 8. Green; 1840, Orlando 1>.
Thurbci ; l-H. Nathan Nolton; 1842, Daniel M. Brimmer: 1843,
ii Wordcn ; 1844, Torranl D. Cutler ; 1845, Nathan Nolton,
Zilu II. Scrivcn ; lsn;. Elihu P. Powers ; I > 1 7. Simeon Worden ;
1848, Elijah 8. Randall; 1849, Hezekiah Coon, Simeon Worden)
1850, .lam.-- II. Kilo 1. 1861, Darwin D. Maxon; 1852, Gild
oi office.
| T" till viic.u ev .
TOWN or PETERSBURGH.
163
S. 0, It'll; 185.1, Hezekiah Coon; 1854, E'.ihu P Powei \ 1855,
gilaa C. Eldred ; 1 850, Justus Notion ; 1857, Giles S. Odell ; 1858,
Daniel M. Brimmer; 1S5U, Silas C. Eldred; I860, Samuel J.
Phillips; 1801, Giles S. Odell, Robert Reynolds; 1802, Andrew
i;. Coomer; 1863, Ji a 11. Eldred; 1804, J 1 V. Wells; 1865,
James P. Groenman; 1866, Henry I Maxon; 1867, James H.
Eldred; l868,John II. Bonostecl; 1869, Edwin K. Chirk, George
10. Powell; 1870, George E. Powell; 1871, citizens are unable to
give the name; 1872, D. Richmond Webster; 1873, Edwin R.
Clark, Silas E.'Rcynolds; 1874, George E. Powell, Win. li. odell ;
1875, Henry G. Brimmer; 1876, David Allen, D. Richmond Web-
ster; 1S77, Orlando D. Thurber, Silas !:. Reynolds; 1878, George
E. Powoll ; 1S7U, Eugene Brimmer, William II. Randall, Ebenezer
Stevens.
It is a matter of regret that the first volume of the town
records lias been defaced, and whole leaves torn away in
various parts of the book. The records in it covers a period
of nearly sixty years, — 1791 to 1853.
TAVERNS.
The first tavern is stated to have been kept by Cornelius
Letcher. This was at North Petersburgh. Hezekiah Coon,
the grandfather of the present Hezekiah Coon, kept an inn
at an early day on the Adelbert Moses place. This was
probably from 1785-98, or later, as the first town-meeting
of 1791 was held there.
John Woodburn kept an inn half a mile north of Mr.
Coon, on the site of the present residence of William
Reynolds.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Maxon was an early physician. He probably prac-
' ticed about 1800, and for some years before, perhaps some-
what later. There is no certain information of any physician
preceding him. His successor was Dr. Ebenezer Robinson.
He practiced for thirty years, leaving town about 1830.
He kept a store for a time in Berlin, and finally removed to
Bennington, Vt., and died there.
Dr. Hiram Moses, the next physician of Petersburgh,
was born in Norfolk, Litchfield Co., Conn., Sept, 19, 1800.
He graduated at the medical school connected with Yale
College March 1, 1825. Immediately after he joined his
brother it) Hoosick, with whom he had previously studied.
In September of the same year lie came to Petersburgh,
and soon entered upon an active practice, extending over
several towns in this county and in Vermont and Massa-
chusetts. It is estimated that he annually rode ten thou-
sand miles for a long series of years. He married, March
30, 1828, Abalina, daughter of Gen. Worthington. He
has five sons, — Dr. Hiram Moses, Jr., Thomas, and Adel-
bert A., farmers; Charles J., hotel-keeper; and Solon W.,
a professor of music in Illinois. Hiram 3Ioses, Jr., gradu-
ated at the Albany Medical School ; immediately became
the associate and, in later years,, the successor of his father.
At the age of fifty, he is in the midst of a wide and suc-
cessful practice. Dr. Moses, Sr., now retired from the
active duties of his profession, is quietly passing the evening
of a long and useful life, surrounded by his children, and
in the midst of the people in whose families he has been so
lie (uent a visitor for more than fifty years.
Other physicians have practiced for brief periods in this
town during the time of Dr. Moses, among whom may be
Dr. Hull and Dr. Maxon.
l.\\\ 1 I Its.
The town has had several gentlemen doing law bu
to some extent 1 1 c H ji time to time. Michael \V. Van Avery
was a regularly admitted lawyi r. ( (there attending i" law-
suits were his brother, James Van Avery, and also Joseph D.
White, now of Hoosick. Silas E, Reynolds, al the present
time residing here, is a lawyer regularly admitted, bul prac-
tices only to a limited extent.
V.— V I I. LACKS.
PETERSBURGH,
sometimes known as South Petersburgh, and anciently
as Rensselaer Mills, is seventeen and seven-tenth miles
distant from Troy, air-line measurement. It is situated on
the banks of the Little Hoosick, and on the slopes of the
uplands near. It is in two distinct portions. The easl
part is near the river, comprising the mills, post-office,
stores, several shops, the Maxon Hotel, and private resi-
dences. The west is separated from the east by an inter-
vening space, and lies considerably beyond the bridge over
the railroad. It comprises the three churches, the Moses
Hotel, stores, shops, and a few dwellings. Midway between,
accommodating both, is the handsome school-house of the
district. This is arranged for two teachers, and is intended
to afford the opportunity for studies of an advanced grade.
The railway depot is half a mile south of the village.
The difficulty of the grade is said to render it impossible to
locate it nearer. It is a decided inconvenience as it now
stands.
The present business of the village may be mentioned
as follows : The cabinet-shop of Jacob I. Wenck ; the
turning-works of M. L. Powers; the Stillman carriage-
factory, by A. L. Stillman, an old affair, established by
his father, Paul Stillman ; Porter Hakes, machinist and
general tinker, said to be one of the most convenient men
in the village ; the grist-mill, the legitimate successor of the
old log mill built before the Revolution, run now by Green-
man & Green ; store of E. I. Allen, an old point of trade,
formerly kept by George and Asa Gardner, and later by
Parley Reynolds ; blacksmith-shop of G. L. Scriven ; store
of A. P. Babcock, about 8 feet by 12, in which his sale
of goods is said to be scarcely second to any other in the
village; harness-shop of Thomas McCabe; Well's mills
(flax, saw, and eider) ; Keller Reynolds, in the shirt busi-
ness, extensively cutting and making on his account; Sweet
& Randall's store, the old stand many years ago of Ebon
C. Reynolds, and now doing a fine business ; over this
store, the shirt headquarters of S. E. Reynolds ; meat-
market, Lewis & Maxon ; store of B. F. Clark, originally
opened as a grocery-store by Squire Allen, fifty or sixty
years ago; millinery establishment of Mrs. A. N. Allen;
carriage- and blacksmith-shop of A. N. Sweet, first opened
there by L. Scriven; adjoining also the wagon-shop of G.
II. Suderly ; the Maxon House, now kept by Franklin J.
Welch ; the hotel of Charles Moses, the old tavern kept for
many years by Maj.-Gen. Aaron Worthington ; the shoe-
shop of Henry Goodemont ; the store of Mr. Otten, a new
resident in the building, this for some years has had a
public hall overhead.
L64
HISTOR. OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
A little north of the Ottcn store was for some years a
. in which S. Worden, Amos Slawson, and Robert
I; . ■ Ids traded. Their was at one time a hotel kept for
• a Mi thodisl church. Oppo-
l> M - - on the site of the present
Dennisoo was probably the earliest store in the
ii part of the town. Jonas Udell traded there, and Mrs.
I dl as early, perhaps, as 1 800. The house of Hezekiah
I . was built for a hotel and used as such for some years,
|r was k.- j . t at Grstby Joseph Sanborn, and owned byNoyes
D W Reynolds. Other landlords were N. P. Babcock,
John S. Eldrcd, II. W. Eldrcd, S. C. Eldred. and S. H.
Tin' post-office was established here in 1822. Maj.-Gcn.
n Worthington was an early postmaster, and probably
tli«' tir-'. .in 1 s irved t'"r many years. He served in the war
.if 1812, but his title was acquired in tin' militia. The
- for some years ]>ast have been
II ki d ' Kn iwlton, S. C. Eldred, (J. S.
. -1ar.il A. Wells, Stephen II. Eldred, A. F. Babcock,
the lasl being the present incumbent.
NORTH I'll I RSBURGH.
This place is nineteen and one-tenth miles distant from
I .. airline measurement. It is a station on the Harlem
Extension Railroad, and the junction of that railroad with
the Troy and Boston i< a short distance ninth, in the town of
II osick. Tin' settlement of this place was earlier than
any other in this section. Though mi the Rensselaer manor
in fact, yel 1 1 1 • ■ whole neighborhood was really the " Hosac"
1 colonial times, and reference is made to the history
II - Iv fur further notices of this place.
Tin- present business may be given briefly as follows: a
• • by Win. II. lid k ; a hotel, by II. E. Stewart.
who also runs irrics on the shirl business, is post-
it, etc.; a blacksmith shop, by John But-
ler; a!-., a wagon-shop, and a cheese-factory, by John W.
Tifft.
Then - i Mcthodisl church located here, and the old
Lutheran church of early times was jusl north of this
villi .
as in tin- sketch of Petersburg!) have been
from Mr. Daniel M. Brimmer. His grandfather
• l i -1. Brimmer, n - f the pi er, John Ceorgc
ami brother of tin- boys thai were carried into
livity by tin- Indian- Daniel M. Brimmer was born
in S ' din. '.'. 1798, but when a child
■ ■Id hi- father's family came back to this valley, in
which their ancestors hid alrcndy r. aid ■! so many \" ire, ami
Brimmer has ever -inn- lived in the vicinity of North
Pel II ild man :
r would be more likely to Bup] him about sixty
than eighty-one. He remembers, with
ndcrful snow-storm of 1803, and
; -inii of it of the " grc it eclipse of
i In- won) to acl I in the old
dl" the nam i s ••! two
M : "> 1 I i \
lilding tl. .r tin' present
Mr. G i; II was jusli
peace for some years in Petersburgh, and filled other town
offices.
He mentioned as early physicians, in the neighborhood
of North Petersburgh, Dr. Bannister aud Dr. Gibbs, of
Pownal.
The old grist-mill that stood on the farm of Alvin Brim-
mer was built by David Russell, of Salem. It was at first
tended by Nathan Hakes, and afterwards by Mr. Aldrich;
later still by Nial Green. The ownership passed from Rus-
sell to Stone, and then to John Powers. It was abandoned
fifty years ago or more. Early taverns at North Peters-
burgh were kept by Dyer and by Lewis.
STILL. MAX VILLAGE.
This is a neighborhood familiarly called a village, with
considerable business in tie' way of mills, and largely by the
Stillman family.
East Hollow, //"'/ Hollow, The Kitchen, are local neigh'
borhood names.
A' I. —SCHOOLS.
The first official action upon the subject of schools was
the election of school commissioners under the old law that
was in force near about the close of the last century. The
first chosen were John Greene, Mansir Greene, William
W. Reynolds, in 1796. Laban Jones, Stephen Potter, Reu-
ben Waite also served one or more years each.
At this time there is recorded a certificate of the super-
visors of Rensselaer, showing that the apportionment of
school money for the town of Petersburgh for that year was
£122 15s. dd. from the State, and £61 7s. IQd. from the
town. The supervisors signing the certificate were Israel
Thompson. Jacob V. Alstync, Randall Spencer, Aaron Os-
trander, Samuel Vary. Jr., Josiah Masters. Cornelius Lan-
sing. John Ryan.
There is then a period of twelve years in which no school
officers were elected, and no action with reference to schools
is recorded.
Under the new law of 1S12-K'> the modern school
system was organized. The first commissioners then chosen
were Iehahod K in 1. ill, William Coon, John Bowles. The
first inspectors, Ebenezer Robinson, Paul Maxon, Jr., Asa
Stillman.
li i^ inferred that at this time the town must have ac-
1 the provisions of the school law by voting to hum- a
tax sufficient to secure a dividend from the State funds,
though such action is not recorded, nor any immediate action
inizing school districts. In subsequent years, 1>1I to
18-14, other citiz as si rved as school commissioners, one or
moi tch, as follows : Stephen Potter. Job Greene,
James Allen. Ebenezer Robinson, Israel Wilcox, Isaac
Saunders, Jr., Luther Hanks. Potter Maxon, Job W. Mat-
tison, David M. Stillman, Joel \ Burdick, Aaron Coon,
John (I. Russell, .land Stillman, Stephen Randall, 1
Stilh i, I, other Hanks. Asa Bates, Zacchcus Wells, Jere-
miah Fisher, Benjamin B, Randall, Silas W. Waite, Nathan
G Gn ne, Walter P. Burlingainc, Denison Hakes, Luther
Clark. David (I. Mmm.ii. Daniel Gardner, Daniel II. Tifft,
Squire Allen, Ira Allen, Rowland Tl as, Giles S. Odcll,
John R ! I lark Hakes, Jr., Amos K. Slawson, Or-
lando Thurber, James Hcnning, William W. Reynolds,
ELIJAH REYNOLHS.
l'holos. ),y Atkinson, Troy, N. Y.
MRS. ELIJAH REYNOLDS.
ELIJAH REYNOLDS.
This family is of English origin, and settled in Rhode
Island at an early day. The first of whom we have any
knowledge was William W. Reynolds, a native of Wes-
terly, R. I., who married Mary Lillybridge, by whom
eight children were born, viz. : Thomas, Benjamin, Farley,
Howard, Elijah, Amy, Polly, and Hannah.
He was a large farmer by occupation, and was one of
the leading men of his day. He settled in Petersburg in
1780. He owned the farm now owned and occupied by
his grandson, Win. T., which has been in the family for
nearly one hundred years. He held various town offices,
among which was that of supervisor. He survived his
wife and died at an advanced age, and left to his posterity
the record of a successful, busy life.
Elijah was born June 8, 1782, in Petersburg. He had
very limited advantages for an education. He followed
the occupation of a farmer, and came in possession of the
" old home." He owned more than four hundred acres
in the home place, besides land in other parts of the town.
He married Betsey Babcock, of Petersburg, by whom three
children were born ; one only, Almon E. Reynolds, is living.
Mrs. Reynolds died July 11, 1818, and he married, for his
second wife, Betsey, daughter of Thomas and Ann Cran-
dall, of Berlin. She was born March 10, 1791, in Berlin.
Her parents were early settlers of this couuty, and her
father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Of this
union of Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Reynolds, six children were
born, viz. : Mary A. (deceased), Maria E., Auburn (de-
ceased), Ebin C, Ann E., and Wm. T.
In his political convictions he was a firm Democrat of the
" old school." He never aspired to political honors, but
rather shunned public notoriety. He held several town
offices, however, among which was that of assessor. He
was one of the leading farmers of Petersburg ; was highly
esteemed by his neighbors ; was an affectionate husband
and a kind and loving father. He and Mrs. Reynolds
were members of the Christian Church at Petersburg. He
was very liberal towards all benevolent objects, and his influ-
ence was always on the side of the right. He died Sept.
28, 1859, and was buried in the cemetery at Petersburg
known as the Reynolds cemetery. Mrs. Reynolds is still
living on the " old home," hale and hearty, and retains all
her faculties remarkably well, considering that she is in
her eighty-ninth year.
Almon E. Reynolds is a farmer, just north of Hoosick.
Ebin C. is living at Eagle Bridge ; has held several town and
county offices, and is engaged in the produce business. Ann
E. married Daniel M. Green, of Petersburg, and is living
near the "old home." William T. is a large and successful
farmer of Petersburg, has the "old home," and has been
supervisor of Petersburg for several terms. Maria E., who
was born March 4, 1S22, married Lindon J. Reynolds, Jan.
15, 1845, to whom were born three children, viz.: Emma
J., — who married D. R. Webster, and had one daughter,
Libbia A., — Libbia A., and Ella F., all of whom are dead.
Mr. Reynolds was a farmer, merchant, and was engaged
in the manufacture of oil. In politics a Democrat. Was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also
his wife. He died March 12, 1852.
Mrs. Reynolds has resided in one part of the "old home"
since the death of her husband. To her is the credit due
for the insertion of the portraits of her parents and the
history of the family.
Noel Reynolds, brother of Lindon Reynolds, and son of
John Reynolds, was one of the best farmers in Petersburg.
He never married. He was kind and hospitable to the
poor, greatly respected as a man, and died in 1807, leaviug
a good name.
Photo, by Atkinson, Troy, N. Y.
Tur. ■ ■ h ia of English origin. His anoestors came
., Rhode [aland proviousto the Revolutionary
„%r. ■ rot. S. B. Reynolds, Wm. W. Rey-
ly, l;. I., and came to Petersburg in the
trong character, and
ill. Hi -.»,. lupemsor of Petersburg from ism to 1863,
Id many other political positions.
i • .11 of VVm. W. Reynolds, and
. R. I., and eamo to Petersburg i ipany
m i oldor brother Tl as. He was a tanner and
tie troll off. He hold v:iri..u< town
... intelligent and influential man. He
ro»r- hildrcn were roared by them,
- . W., who was born in Petersburg, Rensselaer
time. He married De-
tail, Deocn sr, 183 i, by whom two
- I ". and Addio. He was a Dei rat in
>• Randall. I Colia Royi ild Randall, was
I oldior in t lit- war of
II. married Polly Stilluiaii.
Joseph Stillman,
rnl ohildren were born, «no of
mdall." In politics a
■ 1-7'.'.
•illm»n «»■ County; was
farmer and distillor by
Idrcn.
■
11^ > ■
my. II" remained there two •
II. then en
which he was graduated in
•>v C,
II nontenant of hi?
II.
■ r.il
«nv» II. «>' in '
From thence, in the winter of 1804, his regiment went to Williams-
burg, Va., and took part in Sen. Butler's raid "ii Richmond and Ocn.
Kilpntriok's hist raid around Richmond, in which Col. Dahlgrcn was
so terribly mutilated. They went with Gen. Butler up the James
Rivor in the spring of ISOl, participating in all the 1 >:i 1 1 1 . ■ ^ of the
.lames, around Petersburg, and at Fort Darling, lie was promoted I"
captain April 20, 1864. In May. 1864, he was provost-marshal for
Gen. Turner, continuing two months.
Juno 16, 1884, he was engaged with Gens. Turner and Terry cut-
ting the railr I between Petersburg and Richmond, and there mel
Gen. Lee's advance on Petersburg. Immediately afterward he was
attached to the headquarters of the 1 8th Army Corps with his
company, and participated in all the battles of that corps around
Petersburg until September, when his company joined their regiment
and became connected with Sen. Kurtz's cavalry division. Thoy were
ongaged on the 29th and 30th of September in Gen. Ord's advance
again i Richmond, in which Fori Harrison and nearly all the enemy's
works in front of Richmond were captured. On the 7th and 1 Ith of
October he was engaged in bailie- in front of Richmond. In the
Boring of 1865 his regiment was sent by Hen. Grant to cut the Weldon
Railroad at Woldon, N. C, for the purpose of preventing Gen. Johnston
from uniting with Gen. Lee. His regiment entered Richmond April
il'. 1865, I having surrendered on the 9th. From this time until
December, 1865, ('apt. Reynolds bad charge of a district comprising
the eountiosof King and Queen. Middlesex and Sussex. March 13,
1865, i apt. Reynolds was breveted major by President Lincoln foi
gallant services during the war. He was mUStcrod out of son ice N". .
1866, and returned homo. He then studied law, and graduated
from the law sol 1 at Albany in .lime. 1867, and nor two years fol
lowing praeti I hiw in Troy] In the fall of 1869. he came to Pctors
burg and engage, 1 in the manufacture of shirts, which business ho
continued to follow.
i bis first two Presidential vote- for Lincoln, but ha- since
affiliated with the Don ratio party. He held the office of jusli I
the pet for two terms; was elected supervisor of Petersburg in 1878,
and in |s7;i mu re oleotod for two years. He ha-s t n very ofton a
delegate to i nt\ nventions ; i- chairman of the Second \ ssombly
I Contra! Committeo; was a dologato to the Stat nvention
at I tioa, \piil. 1876, which mot to nominnto delegates to the Nat d
Convention, which mot at >t. Louis, in 1876, to nominate candi I
for the offici ol President and Vico-Prosidonl
He married Fannio Dernborg, and to them three children were born.
vi*.: Walter 8., Alfred W., and Maud II.
town (»]•■ i'KTi:i;si:rm;n.
165
Lyndall Reynolds, John 15. Hewitt, Benjamin Bal I
pd), Culver W. Reynolds, Lorenzo I>. Chirk, William
Letcher, Noyes II. W. Reynolds, David W. Hiseoek.
During the same period the following persons served one
or more years each as inspector of schools : Rapin Andrews,
Isaac Saunders, Reuben Wait, William Fuller, Luther
Hanks, John Bowles, A.sa Stillman, Isaac Saunders, Jr.,
John Rosenburg, Elihu P. Powers, Joshua Randall, Jr.,
William Hiscox, lehaliod Randall, Abner Stone, Henry
Davis. Jr., Silas W. Wait, Ezra S. Holmes, George Ames
bury, Aimer Stone, Esquire Allen, J is Hastings, David
M. Stillman, Joseph Case, Jr., John W. Reynolds, Benja-
min Weaver, Zaccheus Wells, Gardner C. Hiscox, John
Penning, Jaras Nash, Joshua S. Lewis, James Brown,
Mansor G. Phillips, Hiram Moses. Simeon W. Steward,
John Murray, Joseph Wells, Aire Spencer, Almon E.
Reynolds, Kleazer R, Palmer, Jason Wells (2d), Benjamin
F. Clark, Welcome A. Babcock, William Letcher, Daniel
0. Morey, Philander D. Brimmer, Rowland Thomas, Lyn-
dall Reynolds, Joel A. Burdick, Alanson Wells, Caleb
Wells (2d), Almon L. Allen, Squire W. Steward.
The system of school control ended in 1S43, and the
office of town superintendent of common schools was
created. The incumbents of that office in Petersburg
were the following :
Annual Election. — 1844, Almon E. Reynolds; 1845,
Almon Brimmer; 1846, James F. Griswold ; 1817, James
F. Griswold.
Biennial Election. — 184S, omitted from the records;
1850, Eben C. Reynolds ; 1852, Russell Brimmer; 1854,
Warren H. Nolton ; 1856, Warren II. Nolton.
In June, 1856, all management of the schools by the
town ceased, the system by district commissioners com-
mencing that year.
The condition of the schools at the present time is con-
cisely shown by the school commissioner's certificate of
apportionment for March, 1879 :
The number of districts was 13 ; number of children
between five and twenty-one years of age, 591 ; average
attendance, 221,847 ; money given according to the number
of children, $354.15 ; money given according to average
attendance, §401.63 ; equal district quota, §628.96 ; library
money, $18.32; total paid to districts, $1406.56.
A very old school-house was opposite the Methodist
church, Petersburg village, probably dating back to the
first settlement.
Many years ago there was a log school-house in Dayfoot
Hollow, on the A. E. Nichols place. There was a school-
house near Frazer's bridge, which Squire G. S. Odcll re-
members attending in his childhood. He recalls the names
of Mr. Jordan and Wm. R. Force as early teachers.
VII.— CHURCHES.
THE LUTHERN CHURCH AT NORTH PETERSBURG II .
This was an ancient organization of which the present
generation has scarcely heard. Mr. Daniel M. Brimmer,
who was born in 1798, and remembers back to 1805, or
about that time, says the Lutherans held no religious ser-
vices within bis memory. In his childhood the meeting-
59
house was a plain old building, and a school was kepi in il
for a time, which he attended. The building Btcod east of
the present village, at the four corners, ncai Mr. Green
Brimmer's present residence. It ■ I cor-
ner. In the rear of it. aioiind it, and even Under it. was
the ancient burial-place of the colonial times. The hi
was taken down so long ago, thai only a few of the older
people now living evcrsaw it. The burial place as remem-
bered by Mr. Brimmer, contained only common stone, with
no inscription-, save lere and there a Bingle letter. Like
the church thai stood in its midst, this burial-place is ob-
literated. Nothing remains to identify the spot. Neither
stone nor memorial appears to tell where the pioneers of
" old Hosac" were buried.
It is not known in the vicinity that any records of the
church are in existence, When it was organized; who
preached; who founded it ; when it became extinct, are un-
known. But, as the settlement of this valley dates hack to
the middle of the last century, it, is very possible this church
may have existed for thirty or forty years. In tin- stor\ of
the Indian invasions, 1750 to 17011, as given in history, the
destruction of churches along the Hoosack Valley is men-
tioned, and very probably this was one that suffered from
time to time.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH, PETERSBURGH.
This church was constituted May 12, 1828, and united
with the Shaftsbury association in 1832. But the records
in the county clerk's office show that a legal organization
had been made some years before.
The certificate of incorporation bears date July 20. 1 822.
It was signed by James Allen and Isaac Sanders, and ac-
knowledged before Judge David Buel. The trustees chosen
at that time were Aaron Wortbington, James Allen, Asa
Stillman, Asa Maxon, J. Gardner Hiscox, Walter P. Bur-
lingamc, ZebuloD Scriven, Eleazer Robinson, and Sandford
Hewitt.
The following is a list of pastors, but perhaps not com-
plete : 1832, Nathan Lewis and J. D. Rogers; 1833, Asa
H. Palmer ; 1834-35, no pastor ; 1S36, Gardner C. Tripp,
also 1837 ; 1838, Nathan Lewis ; 1S40, no pastor or no re-
port; 1841-42, Edwin Wescott; 1843-51, E. B. Cran-
dall; 1S50, A. Waterbury ; 1852, D. Eldridge ; 1856, A.
Waterbury, and continued to 1870; 1871-72, J. G. Phil-
lips; 1873, N. B. II. Gardner, 1S73, also 1873; G. H.
Day; 1875-6, N. C. Hill; 1877, J. G. Phillips; 1S78,
L. Benedict; 1879, G. W. Abrams, the present pastor.
The first deacons were Amos Fuller and Daniel Brimmer.
Some time after, J. Fisher and Acre Spencer were elected.
They held the office during the remainder of their lives.
N. P. Crandall and E. Clark were deacons for some time
and took letters of dismission. More recently, Jesse Allen,
David Allen, R. Waite, and John Wells. The last three
are the present deacons of the church. The house of wor-
ship was erected about 1828. It lias recently been repaired.
The following arc the names of the first members: Amos
Fuller, William Hartshorn, Simon Moon, Jonathan Odell,
Benajah Allen, Daniel Brimmer, Benjamin Tburbcr. Squire
Allen, Abraham Brimmer, John D. Brimmer, Thomas Phil-
lips, William Fisher. Sisters Susanna Lewis, Rebecca Wil-
166
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Lydia Fisher, Hannah Rhodes, Sarah Budington, Polly
k, Ziporah All Brown, Perlina Moon, Mary
- Dolly Be tt, Patty Harvey, Esther Card, Betsey
G n. Lydia Odell, Hannah Hewit, Mary Phillips. Martha
Wait. . Mary Thurber, Marbery Henning, Mary Joins. Amy
Whitford, Margarcl Eldrid, Abigail Jones, Zilpha Phillips.
Lydia B Eph. Brimmer, Betsey Hewit, Hannah Jones,
Emily Odell, Priscilla Allen, Nancy Jones, Ann Bovee,
\ R . !;ill. Belinda Jones, Sarah Stewart.
The church clerks have been, Squire Allen, to 1847;
. N Mien, 1847-51 j Jesse Allen, 1851-59; S.
W Watte, 1859 65; Jesse Allen, 1865-74; J. G. Phil-
lips, 1-7 1 t.> the present time.
THE CHRISTIAN I HI RCH OF PETERSBURG!!.
This society was incorporated Sept. 10. IS.")."). The cer-
lific Gardner Hiscox and Elijah Reynolds,
named as trustees Elijah Reynolds. Ebenezor Stephens,
Aaron Worthington, Martin T. Brown, Orlando I>. Thurber,
E ' - Randall. Further information concerning this
church is embodied in the following notes furnished by the
Dl pastor, R pb W. Stearns :
mization. — Christian its only name; the
Bible its only creed : Christian character its only test of
in iinbersbip.
— The church was formed with only 16
members, at the private residence of Gardner Hiscox, by
r John Spoor and Elder Jesse Thompson. Theofficers
tlnn chosen wen> Alexis Burlingame, Clerk and Treasurer;
Hakes and A. Burlingame, Deacons. Members
ifficcrs, Jeremiah Burlingame, Clark Hakes,
Benj imiti Clark. Benjamin Burlingame, Lyman Clark, J. C.
loll, \. C. Day, Electa Clark. Anna Hiscox, Tabitha
I1 nison, Sophia Burlingame, Clarissa Burlingame, Betsey
I Bctsc; Crandall.
church, without a place of public worship and
wiihonl a pastor, but with evangelists for preachers and
with private dwellings, barns, and groves for places of
rganization until 1843. A house
■ 1. but through unexpected
il finished until 1855 or 1856. The
ling then completed was remodeled somewhat in later
i i- now a convenient church. In IS6S-69 a
; lie church. The succession
ii ty has been as follows :
D R. D fclawi s, Thomas Taylor, II.
I', i - illi . .lam. - II . John M.
£ irns.
I church i government, and
relations with fifty -six other churches, united
by ; under the name of
• Tl i Christian Confercn
ndition of this society appears from the
Dibcrehip, l11"" . v.il t" nieeting-
j on i parsoi
I he build pair, the
from debt
maintained, of which the following
• l - ih ■' Supci intcndcnl ;
L -r .int i Fred ii.k Nichols, Tn asu
Frank Lewis, Secretary and Chorister. The list of deacons
includes the following names: Elijah Reynolds, T. D.
Cutler. Martyn Brown, B. W. Lamphire, William B.
Odell, John H. Hewitt.
THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF PETERS-
BURGU.
This society was incorporated March 7, 1S22. The
certificate was signed by Job W. Mattesun and Jabesh Y.
Lewis. There were three trustees chosen at that time,
viz., Joshua Randall, Joshua Lamb, and Job W. Mat-
tesou.
Methodist services were held at North Petersburgh at
an early day. The society first met in the school-house
and continued there for several years. The meeting-houso
is a plain village chapel and has been kept repaired, so
that it still presents a neat and pleasant appearance. It is
in charge of the minister at Petersburgh at the present
time. Mr. Daniel M. Brimmer states that Rev. Mr. Nixon
and Rev. Mr. Westcott were early Methodist ministers
here. Lorenzo Dow, the well-known eccentric minister of
the early part of this century, preached in this section
also.
The following paper, prepared by the present pastor of
the Methodist Church, partly from sketches by previous
ministers, is added as giving quite full information of the
operations of the church :
" Methodist work in Petersburgh began in 1708, under
the labors of that distinguished revivalist, Lorenzo Dow.
It is said that, four or five years earlier than this, a Method-
ist preacher had passed through the place and preached
once. He is thought to have been Jesse Lee, afterwards
the historian of Methodism. Lorenzo Dow was invited to
Petersburgh by Daniel Moon, who had heard him preach
at Williamstown. Dow came, accompanied by Jan
Millard, of Stratford, Yt., and services were held in Mr.
Moon's bouse.
" According to the minutes, Dow that year was on Cam-
bridge Circuit. After preaching a few times he formed a
society, consisting of four persons, viz., Ebenezer Wash-
burn and wife, and John Prosser and wife. A few weeks
after John (!. Croy and wife joined the society. About
this time Joseph Sawyer, from Pittsficld Circuit, came and
preached at 1'inv's appointment, and from this time the
appointment was kept up during the year by these two
men alternately. J. G. Croy opened his house lor a preach-
ing-place, where meetings wen' held for many years, l'ow
also preached at the house of a Mr. Russell.
•■In the course of the year several were converted and
1 the Society, among whom was Mis. Mary Lewis,
who lived in the south part of the town. All of (he
i vent- thus fur spoken of occurred at or in the vicinit) of
North Petersburgh. In 1799 the appointment was taken into
Pittsficld Circuit, Daniel Brundy being the preacher in
charge. In the year 1800 it was still a part of Pittsficld
Circuit, and Michael Coats and Joseph Mitchell were the
preachers in charge. Mitchell commenced work in tin' south
part of the town. lie soon formed a class, partly of thi
already belonging to the church at North Petersburgh and
partly of nen converts. They held their meetings at the
TOWN OF PETERSBURG!!.
407
liouse of Mr. George Springer, who was for many years a
member of the society .
"1801. — Pittsfield Circuit. Joseph Mitchel, preacher
in charge. O. Hall his colleague. Hall was soon taken
off. . . . ."
" 1802.— Pittsfield Circuit, M. Morgan ami E. Vander
lip, preachers. S. Bostwick, presiding elder "
In 1803 the circuit was still known as Pittsfield. lv Van-
derslip, E. Ward, and E. Searl were the preachers. In a
short time Ward left, and II. Ryan was appointed in his
place. To 1804 the name of the circuit was changed to
Lebanon, E. Chichester and N. U. Tompkins being the
preachers. In 1805 the name of the circuit again became
Pittsfield. Win. Anson ami Richard Flint being appointed
ministers upon the Petersburgh charge. In 1806 the cir-
cuit name was changed to Lebanon, and lv Chichester with
I>. Ensign were the preachers. In ISO", S. Arnold and II.
Eatnes were appointed. In 1S0S the name of the circuit
was changed to Chatham ; S. Arnold and F. Draper,
preachers.
In 1809, Petersburgh was united with Pownal, Vt., and
the appointment, was James M. Smith, preacher in charge.
In 1810, Pownal Circuit, William Swayze and L. Pease;
1811, Pownal, F. Brown and S. Arnold; 1812, Pownal, S.
Cochran and S. Beach; 1813, Pownal, S. Weaver and S.
Beach; 1814, Pownal, S. Weaver and I). J. Wright; 1815,
Pownal, F. Draper and M. Aniaduii ; 1S1G, Pownal, Peter
Bussing and J. Lovejoy ; 1817, Pownal, P. Bussing and
J. Cannon.
This year there was quite an extensive revival at Peters-
burgh.
In 1818, Pownal Circuit, David Lewis and Jacob Hall ;
1819, Pownal, D. Lewis and N. Levings ; 1S20, Pownal,
A. McCain and Orrin Pier.
This year the society at South Petersburgh built a meet-
iug-house, which still stands, at a cost of $1600.
In 1821 the name of the circuit was changed to Peters-
burgh, with Billy Hibbard preacher in charge; 1822,
Nathan Rice; 1823, Petersburgh Circuit, Phineas Doane ;
1824, F. Draper and Parinclee Chamberlain; 1825, F.
Diaper; 1S26, Billy Hibbard; 1827, John Nixon and
Nathaniel Kellogg; 1828, John Nixon and II. Earaes;
1829, David Holmes and R. M. Little; 1S30, David
Holmes and F. G. Hibbard; 1831, John M. Weaver and
J. G. Barker.
This year the society at North Petersburgh built a meet-
ing-house at an expense of about $900.
In 1833 the name of the circuit was changed to Williams-
town ; Russel M. Little and R. Brown, preachers ; in 1834,
Roswell Kelly and II. Wetherwax ; in 1835, H.Weatherwax
and D.F. Page ; in 1836, Reuben Wescott: in 1837, R.Wes-
cott. In 1838 the circuit was divided, and Petersburgh set
off by itself, two appointments being taken from Sand Lake
Circuit and attached to Petersburgh. These appointments
are in Grafton, the West appointment is an old one, and has
belonged to Pittstown Circuit, and for several years to Sand
Lake. In 1827 the society built a meeting-house costing
§700, — all paid. The second appointment is at Grafton
Centre. They held meetings in a union house built by
Stephen Van Rensselaer and given to the people. In 1838
lie Petersburgh Circuit included ilso Grafton and Berlin,
and the preacher was L. D. Sherwood. In 1 19 lien was
a membership of 220, divided into eighl classes, five being
in Petersburgh, two in Grafton, and one in Berlin. In
is lo the preachers were Reuben Westcotl and Tobias
Spicer,— the latter was residing elder. In 1 - II . Reuben
Westcotl 1 live exhorters were numbered upon this
charge (John It. J. Ilaynei. Justia II akes, .J. W. Matti
son. Anthony Hakes, ami Jacob Moon I 12-43, Ensign
Stover was the preacher. In 1844, Peter Stovct and
Aaron Hall were the preachers. Stover took tronggrounds
against aiiti-rentism. According to Sin. i re] July
27), there were no Sunday-scl Is organized. October
1 9th, the report gives two Sunday-schools: one at South
Petersburgh, with 4 teachers and 26 scholars; and one
at Grafton, with 7 teachers and 35 scholars. In 1-15,
Paul ('. Atwell was the preacher in charge, and John
B. Stratton the presiding elder. In 1846, William I',
llurd was the preacher in charge, John Clark tic presid-
ing elder; 1847, William F. Hurd was the preacher in
charge; 1848, Joseph Fames was preacher in charge, Z.
Phillips, presiding elder ; 1849, Alanson White was pica, her
in charge; 1 850, Alanson White was preacher in charge,
— Grafton set off to Brunswick; 1851, Samuel Hewes was
preacher in charge; 1852, Samuel Hewes was preacher
in charge and Barnes M. Hall the presiding elder, — 22
conversions in the Sunday-school, one-half of them were
teachers; 1853, James Quinlan was preacher in charge;
1854-55, Jesse F. Craig was preacher in charge; 1856,
V. M. Simonds was preacher in charge, S. Washburn the
presiding elder, — Grafton was again annexed, with a mis-
sionary appropriation of 850 (Z. C. Picket, supply; ; 1857,
D. W. Gould was preacher in charge, — Grafton again set
oft; 1S58-59, Richard Brown was preacher in charge;
1860-61, Daniel Rose was preacher in charge, Desivignia
Starks the presiding elder (R. Brown superannuate) ; 1862
and 1803, L. Dwight was preacher in charge ( R, Brown
and J. G. Phillips superannuates) ; 1804-65, J. W. Quin-
lan was preacher in charge; 18G6-68, C. C. Bedell was
preacher in charge ; 1869-70, E. Button Hoffwas preacher
in charge; 1S71-72, J. W. Belknap (built a parsonage
at South Petersburgh) ; 1873-74, II. W. Whitney was
preacher in charge; 1875-76, S. S. Ford was preacher in
charge ; 1877-79, J. M. Appleman was preacher in charge.
VIII.— BURIAL-PLACES.
In the south part of the town is an early burying-ground,
on the farm of Landon Griswold, a part of the original place
bought by the pioneer Hezekiah Coon. Many early burials
took place at this ground, especially of the family of Mr.
Coon and his descendants. It is very well preserved, and
is still in use to some extent.
Farther north is the Wilkinson burial-place. This was
a public one, but has been used only occasionally for many
years.
Near the village is a public cemetery, not far from the
residence of Dr. Hiram Moses. This was laid out in lots
regularly. It has been largely used. The first burial there
was that of John W. Reynolds, in 1826.
Farther north along the main road is the Win. W. Key-
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
nobis buryiug-ground. It was original]; opened as a family
burial-place, bnl lots were afterwards sold, and it became in
a measure a public ground. It is still in use.
At North Pctersburgh was the public burial-place of
early times. There were probably many burials in this, es-
lly of the early settlers of a hundred years ago or more.
- entirely obliterated, as already stated. There is an-
other ■ 'iir now in genoral use for the north part of the town.
There Bre many others in town.— small private family
inds, "t- nearly so. The following is a partial list: at
3 illman Village" (so called : also on the farm of Daniel
c m ..... S; on that of Joseph (I. Clark, and on those of
pi,!: - ird, John S. Moon, Albert C. Hakes, Joseph
c Hewitt, Thomas Mason, Thomas Livingston, Miss Olive
n. Rufus Wait, Almon Jones, and Horace Wells.
A movement was made at South Petersburgh a short
time since looking to the laying out of a new cemetery, but
ii i- now understood to be doubtful whether this will be
soon accomplished.
l\ TOWN SOCIETIES.
A \| .Mi-hod at Petersburgh in the
early times, but it- records are not found. It existed down
t.. the time of the Morgan excitement, when it was dis-
I to i it.
The modern organization is known as Star Lodge, No.
670, I". and A. M . and was established about 1S00-61.
The present officers i October, 1S79) are as follows : W. M.,
M 1, l'..w,rs. S. W.. C. K. Powell; J. W., Wm. Keys;
- D., Frank Powers; J. D., R. J. Arnold; Sec., A. C.
J. Littlefield. The lodge has a hall in the
M - - Hotel well fitted up. It numbers about GO mem-
bers, and its financial condition is sound.
An Odd-Fellows' lodge was established at one time in
1' tersbnrgh, and had a flourishing existence for a few
• finally became defui
Tern] societies have existed under various forms
from time to time, and literary associations, or those of a
III and missionary character, have had a brief exist-
on* iring usually after a year or two of activity.
\ PL \< ES OF HISTORIC NOTE OE OF SPE( IAI.
INTEREST,
of the killing of young Brimmer, mentioned
- a tragic intcn -'. The event occurred
on • il far f Henry J. Brimmer, on the hank- of
II pi bobly half a mile northwest of the dwell-
ing!
Hull' II B - thai some ten 'lays after
this Indi tiers from Albany reached the
ly of the murdered boy, and buried it be-
lt not far from the residence of Ucurj J, Brimmer.
I to i died, i- a deep ca\ ity on tin
mit of t) bills, where snow and i-
\ ■ ' heal among il niuc-
ll down this fh ■ n mass. It i> often
visited, and before families in Pctersburgh village packed
made n practic
bringing ice from tin
In the nortbi i rsburgh Michael B
was murdered by Winslow Russell. He was tried before
Ambrose Spencer, convicted, and was executed July 19,
1S11. This is Slid to have been the first execution in
Rensselaer County.
XL— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
Notwithstanding the fact that the town is mountainous
in its formation, yet there are many handsome farms within
its limits. Three crops at least are grown with good suc-
cess,— oats, potatoes, and grass. Sufficient corn is raisi 1
for home consumption. The fields in many parts of the
town are so smooth that mowing-machines are in extensive
use. The pastures are good, supporting a large number of
-In i |. and cattle.
Considerable lumber is manufactured ; tics, fence-posts,
and building timber are cut to some extent. The railroad,
though not one of heavy business, yet renders this valley
easy of access, and produce, either of the field, dairy, or
forest, is readily sent both north and south.
The manufacture of shirts is carried on here in the same
manner as described in Grafton, and a large number of
families are engaged in that industry.
MILLS, MACHINERY.
Commencing in the south part of the town, on the main
stream of the Little Hoosick, the first mill-site improved
was at the place of the present grist-mill of Horace W.
Wells. There was a saw-mill at that point for many years,
owned by Benjamin Reynolds. It was not, however, one
of the mills in the early settlement; dates only from 1815
to 1S20.
There is also said to have been a carding-machine by
Gardner Hiscoek, fifty or sixty rods below. At the present
time, besides the grist-mill, there arc the turning-works of
M. L. Powers.
At Petersburgh village there was a very early grist-mill,
said to have been built first of logs, before the Revolution-
ary war. John Spencer was the earliest proprietor known.
The second mill on the same site, as stated by G. S. 1 1 di lljj
Esq., was built by Stephen Van Rensselaer. It was run
for many years by Nathan Hakes. Squire Allen succeeded
him, and the mill, after his occupancy, was unused for a
time. It was then improved and enlarged, about 1851, by
Joseph Coon and Thomas L. Nichols with a view to estab-
lishing a paper-mill. It continued to be used, however,
only as a grist-mill. Subsequent proprietors have been
Wm. II. Crandallaud Edward Greenraan, and the mill is now
owned and operated by Arnold Green and Schuyler Green-
man. In the original improvement of this water-power
John Spencer was associated with David Spencer. It was
divided between them, David taking the lower privilege
and John the upper. The lines of this division were not
very well established, and led in later years to some confu-
sion. David Spencer built a saw-mill at the lower fall, and
n has been continued by successive proprietors to tin' pn
time. Barber & Murray about 1800 had a carding-machine
here. 1 1 . W. Wells now run- a circular saw, a planing-mill,
a cider-mill, and a flax-mill. The flax mill i- fifty years "Id
or more. A grist-mill was run a short time ai this place.
Below Petersburg village there was an old fulling-mill
HBTOS.BY ESTABROOK (lOOSICPf FALLS
EBENEZER STEVENS
<&e/?S&<?^..
The subject of this sketch is of English origin.
It is related that as early as 1660 three brothers,
Thomas, Richard, and Henry Stevens, settled in this
country; that they distinguished themselves as sol-
diers in King Philip's war, and served as colonels.
Ebenezer Stevens, son of John and Elizabeth
Stevens, natives of Massachusetts, was born in Sand
Lake, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., June 10, 1802. He is
a lineal descendant, undoubtedly, of about the fifth
generation from Thomas Stevens, or " Stephens," as
the name was originally spelled.
John Stevens married Elizabeth Gillett, by whom
he had nine children, viz. : Betsey, Polly, Nathan,
John, Charles M., Permelia, Ebenezer, Harris, and
Morgan, — all of whom are dead except Ebenezer.
John Stevens settled in Sand Lake soon after the
close of the Revolutionary war. He was a farmer
by occupation ; in politics was a Whig. He held
nearly all the prominent official positions in that
community, such as justice of :the peace, assessor,
supervisor of the town, and a member of the Assem-
bly. As a man he was very much respected by all
who knew him. Mrs. Stevens died in 1809, and
Mr. Stevens married for his second wife Hannah
Parsons, of Massachusetts. He died in 1832.
Ebenezer was reared on the farm, which honorable
business he has followed, in connection with the lum-
ber interest, ever since. His advantages for an edu-
cation were confined to the common schools of that
day. He left his father's home when fourteen years
of age to live with his uncle, Richard Stevens, in New
Marlboro, Berkshire Co., Mass., until he was twenty-
two years of age, when he returned to Rensselaer
County and settled in Grafton, where his father had
settled about 1820. He married Mary, daughter of
John and Louvica Robinson Worthington. July 5,
1827. She was born Nov. 7, 1803, in Grafton.
Her parents were among the early pioneers of Graf-
ton. Of this union six children were born, viz. :
John W., Calvin, Henry E., Mary A. (deceased),
Plowden, and Nellie.
Mr. Stevens settled on a farm in Grafton immedi-
ately after his marriage. Before his marriage he
owned a half-interest in a saw-mill near the centre
of Grafton. He commenced life a poor young man,
but by his indomitable energy, which was character-
istic of the family, he kept adding until he owned
three saw-mills and about fourteen hundred acres of
land. He also manufactured nail kegs.
In politics he was formerly a Jacksonian Demo-
crat, but when the Republican party was organized
he joined it. He has always taken a leading part in
the politics of his town, having filled the various
official positions, such as assessor, commissioner of
highways, and supervisor. At one time Mr. Stevens
owned nearly a half-interest in two turnpikes from
Troy to Petersburgh.
Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are members of the Chris-
tian Church at Petersburgh, and Mr. Stevens is one
of the substantial workers in the same. He settled
in Petersburgh, on the place where he now resides, in
1874, and has a fine little home about one mile north
of South Petersburgh. His children are all well
settled in life, and are enterprising business men.
i.N -FOUNDATIONS i
TOWN OF PETERSBURGH.
169
and cloth-dressing works on the present farm of Stiles Reyn-
olds. This was given up many years ago. The next mill-
privilege improved below was at North Petersburgh. There
was a cloth-dressing establishment and a grist-mill, all aban-
doned some years ago, and nothing is dune there to use the
water-power at the present time.
The water-power of the branches of the Little Hoosick
has been used to some extent. Upon the creek flowing out
of Dayfoot Hollow there was a saw-mill on the farm now
owned by John S. Moon. This was a very early affair.
There has been mine there probably for seventy years.
Below, on Dayfoot Creek, at the junction with another
small stream, by the High Bridge, in East Hollow, was a
saw-mill of early times. Near it was a flax-mill, run by
John and William Thurber. On the small stream alluded to
was also a flax-mill, on the Phineas Stewart farm. In the
south part of the town, west of the Little Hoosick, on a
branch, was a flax-mill. This was on the Griswold farm,
abandoned some years ago.
There is another stream, half a mile north, upon which
was an extensive tannery, run originally by Benjamin
Reynolds, and then by Hezekiah Conn fur many years. It
is not now in operation. The buildings are still standing,
and owned by Richard L. Brown. Another branch fur-
nishes considerable water-power at the place known as Still-
man village. There have been two or more flax-mills in that
neighborhood, as well as two saw-mills and two tanneries.
There was also a flax-mill near Mr. Coomers, on still an-
other branch.
As in some, neighboring towns, so in Petersburgh, the
manufacture of shirts by introducing the work into the
families of the community has been and still is an im-
portant industry of the town. Hamilton Clark, Rev. James
Somerbell, and B. B. Hewitt were some of the men who
opened the business nearly thirty years ago. It is now
carried on by A. F. Babcock, Keller Reynolds, and S.
Edgar Reynolds principally; 18,000 to 20,000 dozen
shirts are made annually uuder their management.
XII.— MILITARY.
This town was settled early enough to share to some ex-
tent in the alarm and in the actual danger of Indian attack
during the old French war.
The following incident is related of that period. On
the 15th of June, 1754, Mr. John G. Brimmer was at
work in the field with his sons, Jeremiah, Godfrey, and
John, when Indian blankets were discovered. This agreed
with previous suspicious indications. Mr. Brimmer imme-
diately started for the house, telling his sons to unharness
the horses and follow him. Before they could comply with
their father's request, two Indians were discovered coming
towards them. The boys immediately grasped their guns,
and just as Jeremiah was getting on the horse, one of the
Indians fired at him and he fell dead. Godfrey seeing his
brother fall ran and hid behind a brush fence. While con-
cealed he saw the Indians looking for him. He drew up
his gun to fire, but a leaf falling upon the sight be changed
his position and was discovered by the Indians. He and
one of the Indians then stepped out and fired deliberately
at each other without effect. The discharge was so simul-
taneous, that thinking the Indian had not fired, and that
he would immediately do bo, Godfrey dropped tie- butl of
his gun on the ground, placed one hand over the muzzle
and extended the other, in token of surrender. Tie [ndi
came to him, one of them grasped him by the collar and
passed around bun three times with one finger within his
shirt-collar, then laid his band upon his head, signifying,
"you are my prisoner."
The Indians took John prisoner also. The plucky boy
of ten picked up stones and threw at the Indians as they
were Lading him through the river, at which the sava
laughed in admiration of his grit.
The prisoners were taken to St. Johns, Canada, where
about 300 Indians formed a circle around them and ordered
them to sing. Tiny refused, ami were ordered the third
time, but they still declared they could not sing.
The Indians being exasperated Were about to strike,
when Godfrey discovered in the crowd an Indian wdio bad
partaken of the hospitality of his father's house. He
spoke to the Indian, who recognized him, and interfered
to save the prisoners from torture. They remained at St.
Johns for six weeks, and were then sold to the French, by
whom they were treated as slaves. After a servitude of
more than five years, they secured their freedom on the
surrender of Quebec to the English in 1751*. They imme-
diately started for Albany, and at Lake George were taken
by the British and thrown into prison. They were soon
released through the influence of Mr. Van Rensselaer, and
made their way to Albany. They there learned that their
parents had removed to Rhinebeek, and had heard nothing
from them since their capture. The family afterwards
went back to the Hoosick Valley. Mr. Hezekiah Coon
remembers John as living in Petersburgh, and heard him
talk of the capture.
This town had a few soldiers in the army of the Revo-
lution, and others who had shared in that struggle subse-
quently settled here. The names of Ichabod Prosser, Sterry
Hewitt. Gideon Clark, James Weaver, Lyman Maine, Ar-
nold Worden, have been remembered as serving in that war.
The following served in the war of 1812, — some for only
a few days, others through the war: Amasa Lamphere,
William Miner, Sanlbrd Hewitt, Capt. Aaron Worthington,
Benjamin Babcock, Isaac B. Maine, George Hakes, Thomas
Randall, Silas YV. Waite, John S. Brimmer, Luther Clark,
Peter Church, Charles Grogan, Lewis Hewitt, Christopher
Armsbury, Gardner Maine, Benjamin B. Randall, Josephus
Jones, Benjamin Weaver, Oliver Buddington, Capt. Raper
Andrus, John Henning, Capt. William Coon, Cornelius
Helming, Spicer Cbesebro, Nathan Nolton, Justus Nolton.
Michael McGann and William Brewster are at the present
time (1879) in service in the regular army.
Robert Coffin and John Sweet, from Petersburgh, were in
the Mexican war.
Of those who went from Petersburgh to serve in the
Union army during the war of the Rebellion, a list is given
below. It is taken mainly from the roll in the office of the
town clerk. The roll has but few dates of discharge, and
is somewhat deficient in other particulars. It probably
gives correctly the names of the citizens of Petersburgh
who entered the service.
11I.-T0RY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NE.Y YORK.
\1;MY LIST, WAR OF .
II. aVJ Artillory; bad Served in
an.
■
K.
\ Grafton).
D
B
\
■'">•>' .i.ilry.
Id
; a prisoner at Andorsonvillo
nl. in ISSIIl Inf.; pr...
IrJ.
\
n N \ Cavalry; li.nl previously
i it Salisbury.
"
to (on n.
i. C.
i . . :
■
i. life rr mi discus.
t. -. 111. in Mill
I
I. ■ ,Co. A; discli. for disability.
i Inf ; 11 iiU'd.
Ill ir ny Artillery.
Inf.
Inf.; supposed lost in battle; m vi t
Isablcd and drawsa pension.
lb Heavy Artillery.
I s.y.j
ivj Artillery.
Inf.
-
I . Inf
II. hi Arlilli
Inf
V
Lyman Brimmer, enl. Dec. 2S, 18C3, lGtb Heavy Artillery ; killed Oct. 7, 1S64,
at Petersburg, Ya.
Edward Beady, enl. Dec. 29, ISO;, 10th Heavy Artillery; killed Oct. 27. 1864, at
Piedmont, Va,
ic Davis, enl. Jan. J:, 1864, PJ'th Begt, Co. A ; killed June, 1SG4, in Vir-
ginia.
James Began, enl. Jan. 22, 1864, 16tli Heavy Artillery; woundod.
Robert Love, enl. Jan. 22, I8B4, lGtb Heavy Artillory.
Bufua .1 Parks, enl. Jan. 22, 1864, IGth Heavy Artillery.
Shaffer, died at Fori Schuyler, Oct. 24, ISG5.
J rgt.,onl. Nov. 19, 18G1, 31st Mass. Inf. ; killed at Alexandria,
■l ij 1. 1864.
Janus A.Maine, enl. Nov. 19, ISC1, 31st Mass. Inf.; discli. to re-enl. Feb. 13,
1-..I ; kill.- 1 at Pleasant mil, La., April 10, 1864.
Clark \V. Hall I. Sept. 7. 18G4, 1st Mounted l; lies; died of tlisi a— at Port
Mon ,Ocfc 26, 1864
Thomas H. D. M G . . Id sorgt, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 109th Inf., Co. II; pro.
lleut; killed at Fort Fisher, Jan. 16, 1863.
Adclbert Pcckbam, enl. I2"ith Inf., Co. I; died Feb. 6, 1S63, at Union Mills, Ta.
er, wounded; taken prisoner ; died at Salisbury, Aug. ISG4.
i It Holmes, wounded, ami died in Virginia, Sept. 19, 1864.
Silas E Sweet, sergt., enl. Aug. 19, 1863, lid Veteran Cavalry ; came home sick,
and died at Petersburg)!, N. V., Fob. 7, 1S65.
Limes W. Tburbcr, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, lG9tb Inf. ; diod of fever at Washington,
D. C.Fob. 16, l>t;..
L.E. Odell, .nl. Aug. 29, 1862, lG9tb Inf.; killed at Fort Fisher, Jan. 16, 1865.
Levi W. Everts, ml. .Ian. 12, I8G4, 16th Heavy Artillery, Co. K.
Thomas Hurley, enl. .Ian. 11. 1S64, 16th Heavy Artillery, Co. K.
B, X. Patterson, eul. Jan. 14,1864,16th II. ■ ny Artillery, Co. K.
Mie] 1 Mill. I. on. enl. .Ian. P.', 1864, 16th Heavy Artillery. Co. K.
Benjamin F. Baker, enl. Jan. 12,1861, 16th Heavy Artillery, Co K
Farrel lee. enl. -Ian. 13, 1864, 16th Heavy Artillery, Co. K.
Van Ervin, enl. Jan. 21, 1861, IGth Heavy Artillery, Co. K.
N. II. Kilil.y, nil. Jan. 11, 1864, 16th Heavy Artillery, Co K.
Clark Maine, enl. 1861, 2d New York.
Noel R. Thomas, enl. Aug. 29, lSi'.J, 169th Inf.; wounded; draws a pension.
Tin in. i- Carter, died soon after return, of disease contracted in the army.
Daniel Carr, eul. Aug. 1861, I25th Inf., Co. A; a prisonor at Andcrsonvillo
several months.
Henry It. Green, enl. Nov. 10, 18G1, 104tb Inf.; discb. for disability, Aug. 16,
: died at homo or chronic dysentery, Sept. 18, i
Elias Steward, enl. Nov. 19, 1861, 31sl Mass. Inf.; discli. for disability, April
9. 1862.
Allien Reynolds (2d), enl. 11th Inf.
Wellington W Whipple, enl. Aug 1, 1862, I25lll Inf., Co. A; died ill Emporia,
Kansas, of disease contracted in the army.
i Dean, enl. 2d New York; died soon after his return.
Daniel Odell, enl, 1S0-1, Aug. 169th Inf.
Edwin II. Brock, eul. Aug. 25, 1864, 169th Inf.; died in the service.
Anio- Jones, eul. Jan. 1, 1864, 85th Inf.; discli. June 10, 1865; a prison
Audcrsonville.
iv, .nl. Dec. 25, ISGl, 104th Inf., Co. K ; killed at Hull Bun,
Aug. 3U, 1862.
King Go idell, .oil. Aug. ::". 1862, 169th Inf. Co. II.
Daniel E. Scriveu, oul. Aug. 28, 1862, 169th Inf.; bail previously served in 2d
Mount i Rill -, Co, n..m.-sorgtn enl. first, Sept. 13, 1861.
■William S. Par- .11-. . nl. Scpl 15, 1862, 169th Inf.
John Delaney, enl. M ted Rifles.
Columbus Steward, enl. Sept. 2, 1862, 169th Inf., Co. II; died at IT. S. C.cn.
Hospital, Sept. 29,
i B, Thomas, oul. Se| II Itli Inf.
Rlliol Wortllington, enl. IGtll Heavy Artillery.
William S. II i it-hot n, licnt., enl. Aug. 1862, 169lll Inf.
Darlos M. Brimmer, enl. s.-i til, ls.,j, 169th Inf.; died in the service.
Kdwin A. Rartshorn, capl , enl. Aug. 1862, 125th Inf., Co. E.
Andrew J. Eldred, enl. Oct iralry, Co. O.
Samuel Baxter, .nl. J., i 1, 1864, 16th Heavy Artillory, 0 B
\in.-- Sweet, .nl. 1861, 2d Inf. ; dl iblllty.
Andrew McDormott, killed in the -
Clark I., life. I. Aug, 1862, 128th Begt . ''•• I; killed in the Initio f Ho
Wilderness; Mr Charles B. Swccl was i-y bisstdo when lie fell.
Y in 1 in.. nl \ug 1862,125th Begt., Co. A ; killed nl Burton's Station.
Bartholomew Oirmody, enl. 125th R I at G lysburg.
ha N Sweet, .nl 125th Rcgt,, Co. A.
Martin Van I '..I ■'! >i .in i.e. .nl. I _■ >th Regt., Co A ; i
Reynolds, nit d Inf. ; died ol I in the army.
■ 111 Int. ; a | I. Tsonville.
Al n I'll. "nl. 126th Inf.
lit U • .. \
John Clark, enl. Nov. 20, li. !■• n-. nl. I
i •■: . | llnch. Feb. 13,
\ ; .li.. b. N
Mass., A ; diach. foi disa >il ty,
Jin
i - i iven.
PITTSTOW N".
I.—SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AREA, TITLE.
PlTTSTOWN is situated centrally upon the northern
boundary of the county. It. is bounded north by Schagh-
ticoke and lloosick, cast by Hoosick, south by Brunswick
and Grafton, west by Schaghticoke and Lansingburgh.
The boundaries are straight lines, except upon the north,
where the Hoosick forms an irregular line, though its gen-
eral course is nearly southwest.
The farm acreage of the town is 38,880 acres, but, as
explained elsewhere, this is not a full statement of the area
of the town.
Under the language of the Hoosick Patent the land in
Pittstown lying within two miles of the Hoosick River
must be a part of that tract. South of that, lying between
the Hoosick Patent and the Van Piensselaer manor, the
land was originally sold in smaller tracts to various indi-
viduals. Many of these names are familiar to those who
write deeds and other legal papers.
Among these early land proprietors are the names of
Shepard, Sawyer, Brant, De Peyster, Clark, and Van Cort-
land.
II.— NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface is generally a rolling upland. It is some-
what mountainous in the south and cast, occasional eleva-
tions rising to a height of 800 or 1000 feet above tide-
water. In other parts the town is moderately hilly, but this
description must not be understood as implying a landscape
rocky, rugged, and wild. The hills are cultivated in most
parts of the town to their very summits. Large and well-
tilled farms greet the eye of the tourist iu every direction.
The town has numerous streams with considerable fall,
draining every part thoroughly, leaving but little swampy
laud. The Hoosick River forms the northern boundary,
and receives several tributaries from this town. In the
northeast is the Nepimore Creek, rising in Hoosick, and
uniting with the river above Johnsonville. At Jobnson-
ville is a small branch, another empties in just above Valley
Falls, and a third near the Schaghticoke powder-mills.
The Tomhannock and its branches drain a large portion of
the town, embracing in its wide sweep the territory from
Newcomb's Pond, ou the north, to the Grafton line, upon
the south, and from the east line to the west. The south-
west corner lies beyond the Hoosick Valley, its waters
reaching the Hudson through the Deep Kill. Newcomb's
Pond, spoken of above, is a fine, natural body of water.
The waters of all these various streams are pure, and there
are very few stagnant or sluggish pools in town.
During the discussion over the Troy Water- Works much
attention was given to the Tomhannock as a source of the
supply desired, and considerable surveying took place west
of Tomhannock village. Another plan was finally adopted.
III. KAKI.V SETTLEMENT
It is not easy to state the exacl date when the lii-i set-
tler located here. Settlements westward having begun at
"Old Schaghticoke" in 1709, and eastward both at North
Hoosick and North Petersburgh, 1736 to 17lo.ii would
seem probable that soon after a pioneer or two would be
found upon the wide intermediate ten iloi\ lying between.
The Nepimore valley, settled very early in the town of
Hoosick, extends tor quite a portion of its lower course
through Pittstown, and would naturally have attracted set-
tlers beyond the present line of Hoosick. Bui the first
name, the first date, and the first place are not determined
by the traditions of the people relating to early settlement.
The general period is clear, being just preceding and dur-
ing the Revolution. There was reported in 1730 a popu-
lation of 2447 in Pittstown, and this of itself, only seven
years after the close of the Revolution, would compel the
inference that the settlement began 1705 to 1770, if not
still earlier. Only a few dates are, however, determined
earlier than 17S0.
Lodovicus Viele was located at A' alley Falls in 1772,
Christian Fisher settled in the southwest part of the town,
known as Cooksborough, about the same date. Michael
Vandercook, from whom the local name Cooksborough is
derived, settled there in 1703. William Shepard, from
New England, bought a tract of land consisting of 500
acres, and settled upon it about 1770. Benjamin Aikin,
from Dutchess County, bought 950 acres, and located upou
it about 1770. This was in the well-known Aikin neigh-
borhood east of Johnsonville. Edmund Aikin settled in
the same neighborhood, 17S0 or 1781. Win. Pendergast
was probably located near Johnsonville about 17S0. Stephen
Hunt was also located in Pittstown before 17S4, as he was
an officer of Schaghticoke district that year.- Alexander
Thompson located on a tract of 500 acres in 1785. Caspar
Rouse was supervisor of the district of Schaghticoke in
1783, and, as his election to that office would hardly occur
until he had been located at least a few years, we may con-
clude that his location was in 1780 Or earlier. In the same
manner it may be shown that the settlement of Israel
Thompson must have also been in 1780 or earlier. Abner
Van Name settled before 17S3. having been chosen a con-
stable of Schaghticoke district that year.
Evans Humphrey was town clerk of Schaghticoke dis-
trict in 17S3, and filled the same office for Pittstown after
its organization. He was therefore an early settler. Ben-
jamin Milks was a town officer of Schaghticoke district in
17S4. His place was between Valley Falls and Johnson-
ville. Stephen Clapp, 1784 or earlier, settled in the east
part of the town ou a place still known as the Clapp farm.
William McCleaver came as early as 1783, perhaps before.
471
V2
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
i ts here about the same date. Joseph
iblj in 1782 <>r 1783. Be seems to
., different family from the present Giffords
',•■ town, [sa ic Carpenter, 1783 or 17s I. si ttled on a
homestead now known as the Austin farm. Bazael Sltep-
17-1 or I785,8cttled on the turnpike a mile north
Tomhannock village. Be filled many town offices
igh :i Ion its. Gilbert Eddy, 1785 or
1 7 ~ ■ '• . settled ■ R ymertown, present place of John
n Vniit owns I mi acres of the "1.1 Eddy
Thorn • ' ttled in the town in L785 or L786,
rlicr.
ill known to have been in Pittstown
; John Francisco, near Raymertown; James
I wi Corners; Simon Newcomb, an
time physician, settled at Tomhannock village
on the present Doty place, nearly opposite the gristmill;
I - d, half a mile above Tomhannock village, a
known as Stoughtontown in early times; David
Nor Q i ling-house ; William Jackson,
in tl ighborhood; Daniel Newcomb, a mile cast of
Peter 1>. Goes, near East Pittstown
i Davenport, at North Pittstown, formerly
known as Millcrtown; Samuel Douglass, perhaps on the
:' [ra .1. Griffin; Thomas Prendergast, at
Millcrtown; Gilbert William.-, at Raymertown; Lovett
Bead n a Pittstown Corners; Abijah BLetchuui, near
' .1 nas Halstcd, beyond Pittstown Corners ;
Simon Vandcrcook, Cooksborough ; Abraham Van Arnam,
the Quaker mccting-housc ; Robert Bost wick, where
P I" leshinicr now lives; Nathaniel Wallis, two or
three mil Tomhannock; I Sydc, at Pitts-
Noah Miller, at North Pittstown; John
I. . up the turnpike near the "shilling gate."; Joseph
n the thrm .-till owned by his descendants ;
1 • ir Raymertown, nol far from Gilbert
■ ick Stanton, near the south line of the town,
if other carlj settlers occur
in ll EE rs, in the records of churches, and
in ti whool districts organized in 1813.
- .hi early resident, on the place now
1 I nihannock village. The tra-
fathcr procured the grant of 180 acres of
l.ui I ii chief, in consideration of an axe. is
I R 1 and others, who bi ard
d the Tinslcr family.
Reed I i long and an active
:'li the buai ■■! Tomhannoi I. \ illage
ntry al large. Bis father, Joseph
D County,
7:' I remi ved I P ttstowu, buying 100
in of Col. Reed. The •
J irrying on a farm.
I, ami this
initcly k ii • R i ■ I lollow, a name
■ ki ii of al tli" present time.
' L .nl. vie . John
B Pittotown, and M lanchthon W ..
hip, and was drowned in
1 '
t'ul. Leonard lleeil u'as engaged for i n :i 1 1 \ years in the
management of the old line of stages from Albany to Bur-
lington, and relates many anecdotes of those stirring times
of stage traveling. There were often four, six, and eight
stages drawing up at once before the old Joseph Reed
tavern, full of passengers. The opening of the railroads in
this part of the country brought the stage business to a
close lure, as elsewhere, at least in the old form of coach-
and-four.
Royal Abbott, Sr., came to this town with his father's
family, in 1789, being then twelve years of age. They
settled on what is now the place of Win. P. Abbott, at
East Pittstown. The children of Royal were Peter, Royal,
Lansing, John, Leonard. William, and Mrs. Alfred Bos-
worth. (See biography elsewhere.)
The pioneer William Ray was from the north of Ireland.
A son. Evans Rny, was the father of James Ray, now re-
siding at Tomhannock village.
The following lists are given as showing a large number
of the leading citizens scattered in different parts of the
town ninety years ago or nearly :
The pathmastcrs of 1791 were John Crabb, Daniel Elliott,
Abraham Van Arnam, Thomas Lambson, Nathaniel Den-
ton, Thomas Francisco, Roger Downing. Henry Vandcr-
cook, Gershom Hinckley, Benjamin Pike, James Stitt, Ben-
jamin White, Jonathan Comins, Lemuel Mosber, James
Couiins. William Van Name, David Brownell, Robert Bost-
wiek, Nathaniel Wallis, Jr., Eliphalet Hyde, Noah Miller,
Anthony Glen, Joseph Douglass. Jr.. Joseph Baldwin,
Thomas Prendergast, Benjamin Milks, Thomas Ilorton,
Thomas Williams, Jacob Herman, John Wolf, Peter IIou.
Zaccbeus Button, Theophilus Hurder, Thomas Ball, Ste-
phen Sherwood.
■ The pathmaster list of 1702 shows some new names j
Simon Vandcrcook, Henry Filkins, Gilbert Williams, Geo.
Gage, Caleb Shearman, Lovell Head, Abijah Ketchum,
Jos i h Balsted, John Barder, James Newcomb, Alexander
Comins, Ebenczer Witson, Isaac Slaughter, David Norton,
William Jackson. Daniel Newcomb. Eleazar Gilbert, Eben-
czcr Darling, Peter D. Goes, Anthony Ghery, John Daven-
port, John Lee, Joseph Baldwin. James Jackson, John
Snyder, Asaph Putnam, Benjamin Nichols, Josiah Crosby,
Judah Paddock, Janus Carpenter, David See.
Other names of those recorded as town officers, 1789 to
17!>S arc as follows: Simeon Button. Harmon Van Vcgh-
ten, Lodewick Viele, David Bray ton, Joseph Gifford, Daniel
Cole, Michael Vanden k, William Follett, James Pren-
dergast, Thomas Hicks, Stephen Saxon (1791), Daniel El-
liott. Thomas Binipson. Henry Vandorl f, fa-par M.
Rowan, Charles Knillin. Amos Parker. Marvin Ellis. Asaph
Putnam, Abijah Miller. Win. Shopard. James Bogeboom,
I, i Stoughton, Simon Brownell, Benjamin Fowler, Lovetl
Bead Jaspei Bunt, John Tarbell, Thomas Dagctt, Stephen
Stearns, John Gale, Enoch Baskins.
EARLY TAVERNS.
There were numerous taverns here as olsewhcn in the
pioneer period, but a li-t of lii i ! intcd in those days
i- nol pn served as in some towns.
Along the Albany Northern Turnpike was one, at the
Photo. Ijy Atkinson, Troy, N. Y.
Col. Royal Abbott was born in Pittstown, Rensselaer
Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, 1812, the fifth child of Royal and Wilmira
Abbott. The line of his ancestors is as follows: 1st, George
Abbott, who came from Yorkshire, England, about 1640; was
among the first settlers of Andover in 1643 ; married Hannah
Chandler in 1047, by whom he had thirteen children. 2d,
George Abbott, born June 7, 1655, the fifth child of the above ;
married, 1678, Dorcas Graves; by this union nine children.
3d, Daniel Abbott, fifth child of former, born Jan. 10, 1688;
married, September, 1711, Hannah Chandler, daughter of
Capt. John Chandler; moved about 1732 to Connecticut;
eleven children. 4th, Joseph Abbott, fourth child of the
above, born Dec. 19, 1716; married Abigail Cutler in 1738;
five children. 5th, Joseph Abbott, second child of the above,
born Feb. 27, 1743; married Persis Perrin, Jan. 3, 1765; six
children. 6th, Royal Abbott, father of the colonel, born Oct.
7, 1777, in Woodstock, Conn. ; married Wilmira Van Woert,
Nov. 2, 1802 ; seven children, viz. : Leonard J., Dr. John Van
Woert, Peter Perrin, Jacob Lansing, Col. Royal, Caroline,
Wilmira, widow of Alfred Bosworth, and William Pray. All
theabove, except Dr. John Van Woert, are at this date (187!))
living, and are residents of Pittstown.
Joseph Abbott, the colonel's grandfather, settled in Pitts-
lown, then Albany County, in 1787 or 1788, and on Jan. 27,
1789, purchased the farm where he died, and which is now
owned by William P. Abbott.
His maternal grandfather, John Van Woert, was a captain
in the Revolution, and in his last days received a pension.
Col. Royal Abbott was born on the old homestead farm named
above. He received his education in the district schools of
the neighborhood, improving his leisure hours and evenings
in reading and self-culture. Taught school six winter terms,
working on the farm summers. He was married, May 11,
1837, to Harriet Lamb, daughter of John and Elizabeth
Lamb. Mrs. A. was born Oct. 1, 1812, in Pittstown, and
has always lived there. They have had eight children, as
follows : John Royal, Wilmira Elizabeth, Harriet Jane, Emily
Frances, Mary Jennette, Minerva Caroline, Nancy Finettee,
and Edith Lutherea, all living except the latter.
In 1841) he purchased and moved on to the farm where he
has ever since resided. After passing through the lower
grades, on July 22, 1842, he was elected colonel of the 78th
Infantry Regiment, composed of the town of Hoosick and
east half of Pittstown, and received a commission signed
by Governor William H. Seward, which he now holds,
having been made supernumerary by change of the military
law.
The colonel has always taken a leading part in the politics
of his neighborhood. He is one of the only two men now
living who attended the first meeting in town to organize the
Whig party. He was also one of the first to organize the
Republican party, and has been, and is still, one of its most
staunch supporters. He has served at various times on the
town, district, and county central committees. For years bas
generally been delegate to political conventions in district
and county, and a number of times from the Second District
to the State convention ; one at Saratoga in 1878, and Roches-
ter in 1877, also at Utica and Syracuse in former years. He
has held the office of assessor, also of town clerk, several terms,
justice of the peace three terms, and supervisor two terms.
He has paid particular attention to the drawing of wills, con-
veyances, etc., and has held the office of notary from 1867 to
the present time; was one of the board of town officers dur-
ing the war, and was one of a number of citizens of Pittstown
who signed a note to raise money to pay bounty to volunteers,
trusting to the Legislature to legalize a tax for the same.
He took the State census of Pittstown in 1835, and United
States census of Pittstown, Brunswick, and Grafton in 1870;
was chairman of the county convention in 1878, and served
previous years. He was also chairman of the committee ap-
pointed to represent the remonstrants before the Legislature of
1879 opposed to a division of the town, who succeeded in their
opposition. The colonel has always taken an active interest
in the support of the schools of his locality. He united with
the Independent Order of Odd-FelloWs, June 3, 1848, and was
a member of the Pittstown Lodge, passed through its different
degrees, and was delegate to the State Lodge.
As will be seen, the colonel has for many years been one
of the most active public men of his township and a repre-
sentative man of his party. Though a strong partisan in
whatever cause he enlists, he is a man who by his probity
of character and upright life has always commanded the re-
spect, not only of those who agreed with him in his views,
but equally of those who differed from him.
Photo, by Atkinson, Troy, N. Y.
HON. PERRY WARREN
born in Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., June 1G,
L798, the 6ftb child of Perry and Huldah (Wodell)
Warren. Hi- lather and mother were natives of Tiverton,
B I Tlir. ■ of their children— viz.: Job, Phebe, and
] — were bom there. His lather was a carpenter by
trade, and followed it for a number of years. In company
with hi.- brother Henry, he built the Disciple church at
Pittstown Corners. He purchased, some time in the latter
part of the last century, the farm in Pittstown, about three-
quart- r> of ■ mile north of the village of Boyntonville,
now owned and occupied by Nelson J. Gardner, whose
wife i- ■ granddaughter. His eldest child, William, was
l«.rn in a small frame house, the first erected on the place.
II built in IT'.'T the house now occupied by Mr. Gardner,
and hep- all the real of hi- children — viz. : Perry, Sellick,
Jioi I D '-. nod Julia — were horn. The mother died
June 28, 1843; the lather, Dec, 17. 1844. Both are
buried in the Warren cemetery, near Boyntonville. Mr.
WaiRO WM a staunch Whig, lb cast hi- last vole for
II i lent. Ji b to. on. d Rhode I libbs, by
whom he had nine children. He was a farmer, and settled
in Pittstown. Mr- Gardner was next t" their youi
child
ih Riohmond, by whom she had
■area children, — five Bona and two daughters, — ol whom
Th- I. Perry Warren, Aon, wife of Gideon
boMb, and Bath, widow of John S. Baucus, are living.
Bal n married Mar;. I nd settled in Mentor,
Lake Co., Ohio. They had four children, — two sons and two
daughters. Israel, Jinks, William, Thomas, and Julia did
not marry. William died in New York City. Israel, Jinks,
and Thomas lived and died at the homestead, and arc buried
in the Warren cemetery.
Perry Warren received his education in the common
schools of his neighborhood. He learned the wagon-making
trade of his brother-in-law, Josiah Richmond, and followed
the trade at Boyntonville until elected to the position of
justice of the peace, which office he held continuously for
sixteen years. He was a member of the convention chosen
to revise the Constitution of New York, in 1S4G. In politics
he was a Whig, and a leader in his locality in the organiza-
tion and support of the Republican party. Though not
himself a member of any Church, he was a regular attendant
upon Church service, and contributed liberally of his means
to their support.
Mr. Warren was a safe and judicious counselor, an im-
partial judge, and a steadfast friend, and will long be remem-
bered in the community in which he spent bis whole life
for his uprightness of character and his genial, sociable
disposition. He always lived at the homestead, and died
there Nov. 20, 1873. Miss Julia Ann Warren, his sister,
i- the only child now living. She was born at the home-
stead, Aug. 4, 180tj, and has always resided there. Few
persona in Pittstown are better, and none more favorably,
known than is " Aunt Julia." as she is familiarly called by
her large circle of friends.
TOWN Of' I'lTTSTOW \.
it:;
present brick house of Peter Dot)'. Another, at the
Herman place, was known as the old Finney hotel. In
1812, at tin' Pittsburgh alarm, the drafl for militiamen t.i
go into service was made at this place. The drafl was
however, superseded very soon by a new order calling for
the entire body of militia.
The next hotel was at the Daniel Carpenter place, and
lb, next at the; village, — Reed's house ami the Union
House. The next was at the present place of Theodore
Richmond, North Pittstown. This was the old Folletl
house, 'flie next was the old Aikin tavern, on the pre
out Aikin place. Then there was tin1 Daniel Pish tavern,
now owned by James Forsyth, of Troy.
At Valley Kails the old Gilford hotel, first, kept by Mor
gecai Ijothridge, was a noted place of entertainment for
many years.
In the south part of the town, at Boyntonville, was the
Wadsworth tavern of early times.
PHYSICIANS.
The principal physicians of early times were Drs. Theo-
dore E. May and Simon Xeweomb. The former was suc-
ceeded by his soi). Dr. John May. Both lather and son
had a large practice, extending over this and surrounding
towns. Dr. Newcomb was also a merchant for many years,
and a prominent public man.
Dr. Van Namee was an old physician at Raymertown.
Mr. White, a noted school-teacher, added to his labors
as a pedagogue by practicing medicine to some extent.
iy.— organization.
Pittstown was created a township by patent in 1761.
This is the date of the town, in surveyors' technical lan-
guage, but the first civil organization covering this territory
was that of " Schaghticoke district," and this dates back to
1772. No records, however, are obtainable of this district
organization, except for the six years (1783 to 1788, inclu-
sive), which are in the Pittstown office.
By the general act of March 7, 17S8, organizing a large
number of towns in the State, there was created out of old
Schaghticoke district the towns of Schaghticoke and Pitts-
town. This act was passed early enough in the year to
have organized under it in April, 178S, but the meeting of
that year was for the whole territory, and was the last meet-
ing of Schaghticoke district. The two towns began their
separate existence by the town-meetings of the first Tues-
day of April, 1789. That of Schaghticoke was held at the
house of John Carpenter. Where that of Pittstown was
held is not stated in the records, but, judging from other
indications and subsequent action, it was probably where
Patrick Carroll now lives, — a half-mile or so southeast of
the Friends' meeting-house. That was then the site of
James Stitt's inn, and was certainly a very reasonable ap-
proximation to the centre of the town. The town-meetings
continued to bo held there for twelve years, the tavern being
kept by James Stitt until 170-1, when he was succeeded by
Aimer S. Van Namee. The town meeting of 1SII2 was held
at the house of Stoughton Gr. Stearns. This was at the
old village, half a mile east of Tomhannock, and the site
was the present place of Charles Beed. The old people
60
speak of thai poinl a- being called ! mtown" many
years ago. Mr. Jam Itaj of Tomb it that
In' helped repair the old ta> rn and n no ;: ' il into a
smaller dwellin md thai there was in fronl an open
space of eleven rods' width. Thi town-meeting forayear
or two were held there, and in 1805 at the house of Jonathan
Yates. After thai to the present time al Tomhannock vil-
and the only struggle has been between the two hi
of the place. From I to I I 0 inclusivi I lie town-
meeting was al ■ John I loward's inn, the pi it 1 Inion
House ; 1811, and most of the time to 1836, "al Joseph
Reed's inn," the well known old tavern burned a few j
since, and which stood nearly opposite the]
of Co!. Reed. Thomas Henderson, landlord of the Union
House, secured the > ting of 1822, and so did Elbert L
Willet, of the Union House, in 1827, L828, L830, 1831,
1832, I833;and also Simon Wells, in 1834. The Reed
house, kept by Isaac Bull, secured the town-meetings in
1839, 1840, 1841, and 1842, and David Kittle, at the
same house, 1844 to 1848, inclusive. William Larmon,
who had been in the Union House for many years, and
had the town-meeting of 1837, was again awarded the
prize, and the town business was done there must of the
time to 1868. The meeting was held at the Reed house
in 1851, Eli K. Tyler, landlord; 1854, Gilbert Rice, land-
lord; 1856, E. P. Pilkins, landlord; 1857, Wm. II. Row-
land, landlord; 1858-59, Wm. J. Wadsworth, landlord.
18C9 and 1876 at the Union House, Luke S. Beed, land-
lord, and 1877 to 1879 at the same place. Theodore Kay.
landlord.
FIRST TOWN- MEETING.
The record of the first meeting — 1789 — shows the officers
elected to have been Israel Thompson, Supervisor; Evans
Humphrey, Town Clerk; John Francisco, Harmon Van-
varter, Hazael Shepard, Benjamin Milks, John Rowan,
Assessors; Gilbert Eddy, Hazael Shepard, Collectors; Si-
mon Vandercook, George Gage. Stephen Hunt, Poormas-
ters ; Gilbert Eddy. Hazael Shepard, Aaron Van Namee,
Hazael Shepard, John Rowan, Jr., Stephen Hunt, Consta-
bles.
town officers, 1789-1879.
si pF.nvisoiis.
1789, Israel Thompson; 1790-95, Benjamin Milks; 1796-99, Israel
Thompson; 1800, Jonathan Broun; ISO 1, James L. Hogeb torn
1 802-3, Jonathan Rouse, Jr. ; 1804, John Thompson; 1805, Jona-
than Rouse, Jr. ; 1806-8, Israel Shepard ; 1809-10, Henry Warren ;
1811-12, Jonathan Rouse, Jr.; 1813, Jonathan Rouse; 1SW-15,
Simon Neweombjjr.; 1SI0, George Fako, Jr. ; 1317, Reuben Hal-
stod; ISIS, Simon Ncwi ib, Jr. ; 1819-20, Reuben Halsted;
1821-29, Joseph Wadsworth; IS30-31, Jacob P. Yates; 1832,
Charles Hnskins; 1833, Th as Tillinghast; 1834 35, John Van
Namee; [836, Norman Baker; 1837-44, Nathan Browncll; 1845-
46, Charles II. Barry; 1847, John P. Ball; 1848, David Norton;
1849, Smith Herrington; 1850 51, Samuel Douglass; IE !
Ananias Cronk ; 1S54-55, Thomas Hoag; - '. Samuel Doug-
lass: 1 sea, James N. Halsted; 1861, Christopher Snyder; IS62,
Smith Herrington; 1863-65, G ge W. Banker; 1866-68, Ed-
ward Akin: 1809-70, John W. Campbell; 1871-72, Thcodon I
Richmond; 1873-74, Charles W.Snj Icr; 1875 76, Royal M
1877, Abraham Herrington; 1S78, Eli Perry; 1879, Jonathan
Norton.
rowK mi RKS.
17S9, Evaus Humphrey; 1790, Robert S. Bostwick; 1791-94, Benja-
min Hicks; 1795-96, Robert S, Bostwick; 1T'.I7-'.1-, Levy Slough-
IT I
HISTORY OF 11EXSSKLAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
. IS \ andcr-
mb, .'r. : IS13-15, .'■•lui Still : 1816-
d; IS19, Jacob P.Yntcs; IS20, Nathan Bostwick;
. 1822, Hiram P. Hunt; 1823, Theodora
B, H illiams; 1830 S3, Charles Ramies; :
Benjamin . !-:'■:. Peter
p_ A, ■.: Iren ; 1838 10, Royal Abbott, Jr.; 1841
D; 1847, Jacob V. Hull: IS48, Paul D. Mnyj
I-.. I, William Boles; 1852, Royal
P. Hall; 1854, Smith Uerrington ; 1855,
!,,. v :. Mclnnchthon 11. Tylor; If
■.mi 1'. Currier; 1801-66, Peter P.
■. : 1870 71, Peloi P. Ibbolt; 1872
:-;: 78, Uulborl B. Wolling; 1879, Williuin
J. H
- n i in pi ii
to 1821 these officers were appointed by the
rnor, and for their names reference is made to the gen-
ivil list of the county given in this volume. From
1821 t.. 1830 thej were appointed by the courts or chosen
:il the general • Tin- names of those IVoni l'itts-
town for il»i— period are found in the county clerk's office,
-.nun. I S. Hyde, sworn in Feb. 22,
; . i Stephen Eldrcd, Sppt. 30,
i |, Deo. 19, 1827 : James Moshcr, Deo. 31,
.11. I. 1828; Abraham L. Vielc, Dec. 25,
' Tmrii-Mcctilig*.
531, Win. I.. Brown; 1832, h. A. Vicle;
1834, Perry Warren, .Jr.: 1835, Charles
II. B Timothy Banker; 1837, Christopher Snyder;
Pern Warren, -lr.: 1839, Charles II. Barry; 1840, Job
I.. Vim Wocrt; 1842, Perry Warren, Jr. ;
■ - II. Barry; 1844, James Mosher; 1845, Ji b I..
1816, William S J47, James \. Ualstcd;
\ .dr. « ; 184 '• i W 1850, Perry War-
I; 1852, Job Andrew; 1853, Justus
II. (kin, .ir.: l- tbbott, -lr.. i- 15, Norman Baker;
ii odorc ''. Richmond ; 1858,
, Christopher Snyder; 1859, Charles II. Barry;
ncy : 1861, I Richmond; 1802,
: 1863, William Cnrr;
n. Merrill Ilcrrington (vacancy);
\. Balch : 1867, John
I hi o lore C. Richmond;
I; 1871, John 1.. Snyder; I-::'. William
A. Balch :
Hiram File; 1876,
1878, ( harlos
• RON Till. TOWN RECORDS.
i iti..n of E50 was made for the sup-
1 • iblo thai amount raised for the pur-
.
1819 V ■ i lhal the scl l-inspectora shall have
not! nd the remaining town laws
I
■ i to •■ purchn
- 10, (•• k. . |. the town
ii with other towns in the
Industry," and appointed
J !iip:im and I. I us L.
i with r I ii.;, i
1828. — "There being in the bands of the overseers of
the ] i §250, it was not thought necessary to raise any
money for the support of the poor."
1840. — Voted, that the town clerk be authorized to burn
the papers deemed by the committee as of no value, which
an in hi> office, belonging to the town.
The year before the old chests were ordered to be sold,
and two or more bookcases bought. The committee, James
Yates. Grandus Stover, and the town clerk. Royal Abbott.
destroyed, under the above resolution, a bushel basketful
of papers.
ITEMS REFERRING TO SLAVERY."
The following are " Pittstown records of children born
of slave parents for the year of our Lord 1S00 :"
"This may certify that Samuel Douglass, dinner, find, on tho
twentj -. "1 day of February, a femalo child horn of his slave,
whose name was Dcon.
"Samuel Dougi. tss.
•• PiTTSTOWS, March 8, 1S00."
" In pursuance of nn act for the gradual abolition of slavery, passed
L':ith of March, 1799, this is to certify that Simon V. 1>. Cooke, of
Pittstown, had (i female child born ofhis slave, on the liith of Octobi r,
1799, named Pag.
"Simon V. P. CoOKE.
•■ March 12, 1800."
Similar notices follow, signed by Alexander Weathe^
wax, Daniel Newcoinb. John Van Woert. Michael Vandcr-
cook, Alexander A. V. Wilkinson. Matthew W. Goes,
Peter De Goes, Abraham L. Yiele, John Eycleshimer,
William Austin. Joseph Gifford, Christopher Snyder.
Michael S. V. D. Cook, merchant, Nicholas Williams. Jr.,
Thomas P. Williams. Cornelius Sebring, Daniel Carpenter,
Jacob Follet. and others.
In order to manumit a slave the certificate of the over-
seers of the poor was necessary. One record of this appears,
as follows :
■ At a meeting of the overseers of the poor in the town of Pittstown,
in tho county of Rensselaer, on the 3d day of May. one thousand
eight hundred and twenty-four, present Gilbert Eddy and Jacob P.
Yates.
• In the matter of Jonathon Brown in. Overseers of the Poor of the
town of Pittstown.
" i In application t" tho overseers of the poor of the town of Pilts-
town by Jonathan Brown, the complainant, for a certificate of tho
ability of Harry, a colored man-slave for a term of years not vet ex-
pired t.. provide for himself under and by virtue of an act entitled an
ning masters and servant-, and after hearing the said applt-
, i, by the sai I Jonathan Brown, and viewing the said Uarry,
wc, tho above named Gilbert Eddy and Jacob P. Yates,
o i r of the town of Pittstown, are fully satisfied that thi
Harry is under the age of forty-five years, and of suflioicnl abil
provide for and maintain himself, and thai the said Jonathan l!r..«n
and hi- legal rcproscn i in hereby exonerated aud disoh
pporl il Uarry, and that the
said Harry is hereby manuinite.l and free.
■■ J v. ..a P. Yates, Gii bum I Poor.
June, IsL'l.
"Jons B. Williams, Town Clark."
V.— VILLAGES
JOHNSON VILLB
i- distant from Troy fifteen and throe-tenths miles, air line
measurement. It is :■ place of aboul GOO inhabitant.-, and
has considerable ti d manufacturing en-
iin oi ..:.l 1 k in the town clerk1* office at PitUtown.
TOWN OF PITTSTOWN.
it:.
terprises, giving rise to considerable business activity. The
bridge crossing the Hoosick at this placo is a venerable
structure, built about fifty-four years ago. li was established
as a toll-bridge, and the lirst gate-keeper was Mr. Miller. Ho
was followed by Ralph Nutting, who kept the gate sixteen
years; then Mr. F. Nutting look the place for eight years,
and alter him .Mrs. Benjamin Danforth, a daughter of Ralph
Nutting, kept the gate for twelve years. The old proprie-
tors' rights were then bought up by the fanners in the
vicinity interested, and it became a free bridge in care of
the town. The .small toll-house was cm the east, side of the
road. It is now moved to the oilier side, and is the
present home of the last gate-keeper, Mrs. Danforth.
Johnsonville consists principally of one street near the
river and parallel to it. The most important business en-
terprise is the axe-factory. This was established many
years ago, and has been the source of the principal pros-
perity of Johnsonville. The present proprietors are Lane,
Gale & Co., and the resilient agent is J. R. Cherry. About
one hundred hands are employed, and the axes made have
a standard reputation in all the markets of the country.
The other principal business may be summed up as
follows: a store, by Andrew Gallagher, lately kept, by
Charles Woert ; a grist-mill, owned by the proprietors of
the axe-factory and operated by William Barkely ; the
Eagle Mills of Justus H. Akin, comprising grist-mill,
cider-mill, and flax-mill ; the Riverside Hotel, by Mr.
Nutting; the post-office, Charles Jenkins, postmaster, and
a small store in connection with it; the store of Charles
Akin, keeping a general assortment; the drug-store of the
late Dr. Connelly, now kept by Patrick Corbin ; paint-shop,
by Thomas McCassy; the Railroad House, kept by Mrs.
Sheehan ; a store near the depot, by Mr. Devoy ; a store, by
J. H. Sanderson in the same vicinity, and the office of
Clark & Perry, dealers in coal, lumber, lime, cement, plas-
ter, flax-seed, grain, flour, and hides. Johnsonville is a
station on the Troy and Boston Railroad, also on the Bos-
ton, Hoosac Tunnel and Western Railway, and is also the
junction of the Greenwich Railroad with the Troy and Bos-
ton, these together making it an important railroad place,
the freighting business being veryT large.
Besides the business already mentioned, there are several
shops, a dental office, the office of Dr. Willis, practicing
physician, etc., etc. The extent of the axe business may
be somewhat curiously shown by the number of grindstones
used up in the works. The worn-out stones are very common
in the foundations of buildings in the village, and the arches
of one bridge over the creek are made of them exclusively.
The following story of early settlement at this village, as
given by a local writer for the Hoosick Falls Standard:
" About seventy-five years ago a short, thick set, florid-
faced man, apparently an Englishman, and a little past
middle life, was observed one morning standing on the bank
of the Hoosick River, at Johnsonville, then called ' the
Lick.' He was at the point where, in late years, the axe-
factory of Lane, Gale & Co. is located, and was looking up
and down the river with a curious eye. No one appeared
to know the man, or whence he came. Curiosity was on
tiptoe. The Lick was in commotion. Here was a stranger
come to spy out the land, perhaps. At last an old lady
could stand ii do longer, and finally she walked straight up
i" the man ami inquired his nunc and business. His
reply was prompt : ' .My name is William John en in .el one.
and I was thinking this might boa good place for a factory
OT a ;_-rist mill.'
" \i this time the Lick could only boost of i
including the tavern, from which the u stive name of
Lick was derived, Mr. Johnson shortly after brought his
wife and family (including a very handsome daughter,
afterwards (be wife of ' Uncle Jake Pollett'), and settled
down at the Lick. He appeared to have plenty of money,
was a resolute, energetic, enterprising man, and b n
began to make business lively. He buill houses, bought
the tavern, converted it into a store, purchased land
along the south bank of the river, which he bad carefully
examined when he lirst excited the curiosity of ' the Lick'
people. He built a large brick grist-mill and a saw-mill.
The village grew rapidly through his energy. He was
reaping wealth, but, he longed for fame also. His pride
revolted at the vulgar name, ' the Lick,' and so one day
the little village was again astonished at the name •John-
sonville,' printed in large capitals across the mill and the
store. He dated all bis letters from Johnsonville. and thus
tried to establish the name ; but he did not succeed, and it
was only long after bis death that the name was first
officially shown to the world in such shape that the mem-
ory of William Johnson was at last honored, and the desire
to stamp his name upon the place he had built up fully
carried out.
" The Troy and Boston Railroad Company in 1852 painted
it across their new station-house, and the baptism was com-
plete. No one has since disputed the name, and only the
irreverent Pittstowners from the far south venture to speak
of it as ' the Lick.' "
VALLEY FALLS.
This village lies to some extent in both of the towns of
Pittstown and Schaghticoke. The present business in the
l'ittstown portion consists of the following, viz. : the old
Eagle mower-factory, now E. F. Herrington's general ma-
chine-works ; the grist-mill by H. J. Herrington ; the linen-
mill of James Thompson, a large establishment making
linen cords, mosquito-netting, and many similar varieties of
work ; the station and other buildings on the Troy and
Boston Railroad ; a new store, by James Thompson, the pro-
prietor of the linen-mill ; a store, by James Doran ; a car-
penter-shop, by William Miller, and a hotel, by L. S. Reed ;
Herrington's foundry ; Joseph Parker's hardware-store and
tin-shop ; Valley Falls Hotel, Walter A. Groesbeck ; store
of David C. Newcomb ; E. D. Mesick, builder; carriage-
shop ; Lohrus & Cunningham, dealers in coal and lumber,
and general produce buyers; Silas J. Herrington, selling
agricultural implements, and general produce dealer ; Albert
J. Stover, similar business; George W. Finch, civil engi-
neer ; II. D. Stover, hay- and straw-press, dealing in country
produce; tin-shop and hardware, by Joseph Parker; Pat-
rick Cassidy, blacksmith; Sheldon oc Mesick. builders;
Elwell & Miller, builders; Win. and James Miller, wagon-
making, wood-work ; Martin Hoyt, blacksmith, wagon-
making, iron-work ; Benjamin Street, shoemaker.
IT';
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
n .1 within a few years to render
this attractive one. Many public improvements
. made, largely managed by Mr. Thomas Lape,
:i manufacturer ;it Bart's Fulls, but still a citizon of
Valley Falls, where he was formerly engaged in extensive
busk 'ii with grist-mills and paper-mills.
TOMHANNOCK,
n-tenth miles distant from Troy, is pleasantly
Otter Creek, a branch of the Tomhannock.
mill was erected about L815 ' seph Reed, and
village in early times was known .1- Reed's Hollow,
■ built, in 1805, the old hotel thai
irui 1 a ' [t stood opposite the pn
. The Union lion-,-, now kept by Theodore Ray,
rable relic of the country taverns of old times. It
built probably before 1800. Tl arlier village was
at the }<-. ii hi known as Stoughtontown. half a mile ea t, bul
tl,,- i north, causing travel to divi
from the old route at the Unii II . rendered the prcs-
■ d to business. The village is not
in the centre of the town, bul is reached more easily than
anv others from all parts of tho town, and by common con-
i-meetings have been held here for about seventj
and the town-boards usually meet there.
•it business of Tomhannock may be stated as
Union Hon--, k.-pt by Theodore Ray; the grist-
mill. ii. \V. Cornell, proprietor; a store, by Thomas J.
Wiley; a store, by Martin Connors; a store, bj Michael
M Matli ; a blacksmith-shop, by Jno. C< ers; a blacksmith-
O'Conner; a harness-shop, by Daniel A. Cor-
nell . ip, by W. E. ( larpenter ; a shoe-shop, by Elisha
II. Browncll ; and th shop of Wilson Brundagc.
ington Moshcr also has a place of business as a
ral machinist, making horse rakes, farming-mills, and
; real variety of general repairs. There is a
-. John Borden, and tlie mills of Col. Reed,
here.
Tomhannock was established early in
bad previously been obtained else-
wle the first postmaster, and it is
imcndcd the name Tomhannock in place of
I: iv James Mosher,
tub, and Francis Benjamin. The suc-
or thirty years past
■ 11 Y.ihn. [sracl Brencnstuhl,
l II. Brow noil.
:n in this where, was
1 ■! 10 his -on. John
I'. V '■ . . .1 B, II ed.
OWN.
"I known 1,, th,. older 1
that name having
I romincnl position a- an old four-
iblo Irnvi I. It i- hut a -hort
He. ami tl 1 linn
I ] latle 1 than at
EAST PITTSTOWN.
This is the early-settled neighborhood of the Abbotts]
Van Woerts, Russells, Shermans, and others; and the
place where a union church was erected many years ago,
now the Methodist Episcopal. The original Shcpard pur-
chase was at this point or near.
BOYNTONVILLE
is situated in the southeast part of the town, and is so
named from the Boynton family.
Ii- present business comprises a hotel, by Horace Wads-
worth, and one by Wm. II. Redner ; a store, by James
Penny; one by Alden Crandall, with a tin-shop; and one by
Richard Brencnstuhl 1 the last the old Todd Store); a har-
ness-shop, by Lewis B. Wright ; a blacksmith-shop, by Jas.
1 1 .lorn, and one by Ensign Worthington. The public
buildings are the Christian church, the Methodist church,
and the school-house of District No. 1.
The post-office here was established about 1874, and
Charles M. Todd appointed postmaster. His successor was
William Alexander, the present postmaster.
PITTSTOWN CORNERS
is distant from Troy twelve and three-tenths miles. There
are three churches located at this place, the Baptist, the
Methodist Episcopal, and the Disciples', and the school-
house of District No. -. The private residences number
about 30.
The present business of the village comprises a store, by
James Carr ; one by David Iliscox, and one by Gei
Francisco; the saw-mill of A. Browncll, and the black-
smith-shop of John Sheffer. There is no hotel kept at the
present time. The village has stage connections daily with
Troy, and was formerly a point on the stage-route from
Troy to Bennington. The post-office was established very
early, and the name of the office is Pittstown, the word
corners being in common use to distinguish it from other
Pittstown villages. The present postmaster i- Jonas Carr,
and he has held the office most of the time for fifteen
years.
RAYMERTOWN,
nine and tWO-fiftllS miles distant from Troy as the crow
flies, is situated in the south part of the town, on a stage-
mute from Troy lo Boyntonville. It was also a point on
tin- ild Troy and Bennington rout,' of early time-. Th,'
public buildings of the place are the churches and the
school-house of District No. :'..
The present business of the village is as follows: Sher-
wood's Hotel, saw-mill of John IS. Twogood, and a flax-
mill ; saw-mill, grist-mill, eider-mill, and llax-mill of Hiram
I . grist-mill of Martin Sipperly ; stores kept by William
Carr. by Edward Sipperly, and by Edward Hastings.
\| ittllCW Liddcil has a nursery, and does an extensive
business, making a specialty of shrubbery. Several black-
Binith-shops complete the business of the village. It has
twenty live or thirty private residences.
I lupposed to derive its name from an early family
settled here. Tl," post-offici il Raymcrlown was estab-
lished in 1838, and at first was located half a mile west
SS£2-
TOWN OF PITTSTOWN.
477
of the village and within the town of Brunswick. The
several postmasters have been Robert T. Cushman, A.
Hayner, [saac Beard, Ira Humphrey, Harmon Cole, and
the present incumbent, William Can-.
COOKSBOROUGH.
This is the old and well-known name applied to the
southwest corner of this town, near tin- line of Schaghti-
eoke and Lansingburgh. It derives the name from the
early families of Vandercook settled in this vicinity. It
is now a thickly-settled district, with a school-house and
the .Methodist church as public buildings.
See reminiscences of Simon Cook in the history of
Lansingburgh.
VI.— SCHOOLS.
William Hammonds is said to have taught a school at
North 1'ittstown in ITS.j, and this is supposed to have
been the first school in town. In 1789, Rebecca Thomp-
son taught a school at Sherman's Mills, and there were
others soon after. The close of the Revolution left the
people free to care for the institutions of education and re-
ligion, and, as in other towns, " the church and the school-
pousc" soon rose side by side in the wilderness.
The first official action was the election of school com-
missioners (recorded among the other officers) at the town-
meeting of 17%, viz., Israel Thompson, Hazael Shepard,
Jonathan House, Simeon Button, Samuel Douglass. An
additional memorandum states that it was -; further voted
that Israel Thompson shall be one of the commissioners to
serve agreeable to an act passed the first day of May. 1795,
and entitled ' An act for the Encouragement of Schools:'
Stephen Hunt and Israel Shepard the other two commis-
sioners for the same purpose." This statement seems to be
partly a repetition of the other, and makes the number of
commissioners elect 7. Five were chosen in 1797, the new
names being James L. Hogeboom and Peter D. Goes. A
new name among those elected in 179S was Jonathan
Rowan. Commissioners were also chosen in 1799 wholly
from the list above given. No further action by the town
occurred until the modem school system was inaugurated
by the law of 1S12.
At the annual town-meeting of 1813, the town voted to
raise by tax for the support of schools SotlO, to comply
with the conditions of the law and entitle the town to share
in the public money, and it was voted that the school com-
missioners have one dollar a day for their services. The
school commissioners chosen were Jesse Finne, Michael S.
Vandercook, Stephen L. Viele. A "school committee"
chosen consisted of George Fake, Jr., Stephen L. Viele,
John Stitt, Perry Warren, Giles Shepard. Other citizens
serving as school commissioners one or more years each,
during the period of 1813 to 1844, were the following :
Simon Newcomb, Jr., John Stitt, William P. Haskin,
Adonijah Newcomb, John Van Namee, Daniel Halstcd,
Jacob P. Yates, Abner Thurber, Aaron Brown, Theodore
May, John II. Akin, Jonathan Reed, Justus II. Akin,
Benjamin Reed, Nathan Bostwick, William C. Johnson,
Daniel Fish, Samuel Tappan, James Mosher, Israel T. Stitt,
John F. Miller, Francis Benjamin, William Newcomb,
Michael M. Vandercook, Isaac Beard, John L. Hogeboom,
Norman Baker, Peter I'. Abbott, David Norton, Smith
Herrington, William Chapman, Gilbert Miller; John B.
May. Solomon VV. Thom] Stephen Her rick, William
Herrington, Moses Rowland, Clark Shea, Lebbeus Lam on,
David Can-, Humphrey M. [ngraham, William Can-,
Chauncey B. Slocuni, Hugh McChesney, Syrel 1!. White,
Christopher Snyder.
Persons serving as inspectoi >r more years each
during the same period, war John Bostwick, John Van
Namee, V.aron Brown, Giles Shepard, Joseph Reed, Michael
S. Vandercook, Theodore May, Al r Thurber, Joseph
Reed, Thomas Tillinghast, David Doolittle, Samuel Tappan,
Nathaniel Gardner, Simon Newcomb, Jr., Jonathan Rou e,
John B. Williams. Edniond Foster, Daniel Halsted, Nathan
Bostwick, Reuben Halsted, Dirck L. Van Veghten, Joseph
Brown, Andrew Ryan, A/, 'I F. I'armentcr, Israel T. Stitt,
Aliram Thurber, Francis Benjamin, Theodore May. [saac
Baird, Abraham F. Ketehum, John A. Gillet, Jeremiah
Green, William Halsted, Martin J. Stover, John L. Hoge-
boom, Consider Gilford, Philander Ketehum, Joseph L.
Patterson, Solomon W. Thompson, Lebbeus Damson, John
F. Miller, Ira B. Eddy, Simon 11. Vandercook, Emory I>.
Green, Jas. W. Townsend, Ensign Stover, William L. Reed,
James Green, Jr., Liberty Bowers, Jeremiah Green, Stephen
Herrick, Amos P. Liddon, Clark Shea, Daniel Mosher.
Under the system of supervision by town superintendents
the following were chosen to that office in Pittstown :
Annual Election.— 1844-45, Peter P. Abbott; 1846,
Sidney S. Baker; 1847, Douglass W. Hyde.
Biennial Election.— 1848-52, William Allen; 1854,
Norman Baker; 1856, Moses II. Browned.
The office was abolished, and in June, 1856. the super-
vision of the schools passed from the towns to the district
commissioners.
The commissioners, under date of Sept. 21 , 1813, divided
the town into thirteen school districts, and formed another
in connection with a portion of Hoosick.
The first apportionment by the school commissioners of
the town, May 2, 1814, was as follows:
Districts. Scholars. Money to each.
No. 1 ;s 842.12
'• 2 89 48.06
•• :: 05 35.10
■1 62 :::us
" 5 65 33.10
" 6 74 39.96
" 7 No return.
" S 76 41.04
•■ :i S3 4t.s2
•• II) 60 32.40
" 11 65 35.10
" 12 6S 17.52
•■ 13 71'. 41.IU
•• 14 :;» 16.20
Joint, •• 19 34 18.36
4 11 o.'J4
" " 2" 2U 10.S0
Toh.l 956 -7.01
The present condition of the schools is shown by the
commissioners' apportionment for 1S79 hereto annexed-
A comparis if the two apportionments, differing in dates
by sixty-five years, shows many interesting facts. The cer-
tificate of apportionment, dated March 2(1, 1879, shows as
follows: whole number of districts, 17; children between
five and twenty-one, KJ74 ; average attendance daily,
-
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
iccording to the number of children,
icording to attendance, S907 .73 ; equal
district quota, $ library money, $42.59 ; total paid
districts $2742.11.
In many of the districts there are fair scl 1 buildin -
A: Ji hnsonvillc o school of two departments is maintained,
ami at Valley Falls one of three.
\ 17. . ntly formed just west of and includ-
. pari of Tombannock village, has a very fine and even
..,t sch ...I house. The school-house at Johnsonvillc is
a large building of two stories, neatly painted. It is in-
r two departments, primary and advanced, but
only one teacher i- employed a portion of the time.
VII. CHURCHES
THE REFORMED DOTCH CHI K' II OF PITTSTOWN.
Tliis church was organized early. It was located very
•■ in the centre of the town, tin- first town-meetings, as
idy Bhown, having been held near there at the old Stitt
mi. Iii HI-' tin- society seems t" have been dissolved.
of worship was removed to Buskirk's Bridge,
the families, in part at least, became the founders of
in Church at Tomhaunock. Col. Reed states
tb.it his grandfather, John Bailey, wasan elder of this early
church. Tli.' legal certificate bears date March 25, 1S00.
I by .John Van Woert, Jonathan Yates, and
Vandercook, and the elder- and deacons of the
church were declared to be the trustees thereof, in accord-
with tin- special law enacted for the convenience of
that denomination.
FRIENDS IN PITTSTOWN.
g the early settlers of the town were many mem-
. of the Society of Friends, or those favorable to them.
II ■ .1 lui Osborne, David Morton (father of
• "• rton . Simeon Brownell, Asa Hoag, and others
i with them founded the first meeting. Abigail
. and ]>rciiniiii'iit Fri'iid; Mr.-. Rose lvldy
a minister of th' for many year.-. Simeon
II 5 were also duly authorized ministers.
In Mrs. Elizabeth Lawton was also a minister
The first meeting-house was built upon the
one before 1800. The present house
i L819 by Micajab Hunt. In 1874 it was
nd it i- now n plain, substantial
ind unostenl itious habits
i then i" build. Mcctin j- arc held in
I ciatcd with one
at 'I 1 M i hly Meeting." . bi-
ll i rk of tho meeting and Caleb Norton
• Troy interested in rounding
monthly meeting "f Pittstown and Troy were Jacob
M - iui I* Thankful Mcrritl « is
.in early minister. This section of Pottatown in the vi-
long 1 n known as
11 In the old burial-ground, ncarlj oppo-
■ the remains of many of the
c of many
THE BAPTIST CHURCH OP PITTSTOWN.
Prom the old book of records it appears that the Baptist
Church of Christ in Pittstown was fellowshiped March,
1787, with the following members: Gershom Hinckley,
Benjamin Eastwood, Benjamin Eastwood, Jr., Jared Carter,
Kii-ha Clark. Henry Mead, Samuel Crandall, John Lamb,
William Lamport. Jacob Miller, Samuel Ilalsted, Jr., Wil-
liam Cuthbert, Mayhew Daggett, Jeremiah Reynolds, Eben-
ezer Wilson, Nathan Jeffers, Thomas Martin.
Catharine Hinckley, Patience Eastwood, Elizabeth Smith,
Dorcas Smith. Millicent Mead, Anna Wilson, Beulah Lamb,
Rebecca Gallup, Mary Eastwood, Lydia Eastwood, Kcziah
Martin. Mary Lamport, Rebecca Jeffers, Martha Cuthbert,
Elizabeth Reynolds, Elizabeth Hinckley, Rebecca Allen,
Ruth Mead, Elizabeth Francisco, Mercy Halsted, Sarah
.Miller, Anna Wait, Naomi Daggett.
It is stated in the history of the Shaftsbury association
that this church was constituted in 17S4. It is possible
the society may have been formed and a church organized
at that time. The date of " fellowshiping" stated above
is, however, the one given in the volume of minutes still
extant in Pittstown.
Rev. Amos Burrows is mentioned as an elder in 1790!
Rev. Isaac Webb preached also in these earlier years, and
finally became the settled pastor, as appears by the following
correspondence :
"The Baptist Church of Christ in Pittstown unto Elder Isaac
Webb, residing in Pittstown at present, our beloved brother in
the faith, grace, nicrey, and peace from God the Father, and Christ
Jesus our Lord. Since Almighty God in the kingdom of Ilis Provi-
dence has manifested his goodness unto this church in divers ways
and manners, and since he has cast your lot among us, and from
the performance and acquaintance we have had with you we have
reason to bless his holy name that your administrations in word and
in doctrine are so calculated as to give satisfaction to this church as
a body, we do therefore request you, in the name of our Lord and
Muster, to continue with us, and take the pastoral care and charge of
this church, and lead us on our heavenly journey by the assistance of
our great shepherd, the rock of our salvation. . . . We have, there-
fore, with some assistance from the society, agreed to pay one hun-
dred and fifty pounds, payable within two years from the first of May
next, in consideration of your settlement, and do obligate ourselves to
|i;ii you ninety pounds annually for your support during your con-
tinuance with us.
" Signed on behalf of the church.
'-.Ions Roi SB.
" Til tDDEUS Ml CONNKL.
•■ I'm t.inwv, Jan. 13, 1703."
The reply was as follows:
" 11ilm\ ri, Brethren, — You have given me a call to take tho pas-
toral care of this churoh, and not wit list an ding your present ti iublc8, 1
think 1 nm willing to unito with you as your pastor ; viewing myself
under mutual obligations with you. . . . Brethren, I meet you on
that prof, ion which you and I have committed t" n I.
■• \ ours, ''ti'.. Isaac w run."
'I'll,, book of records states that the first minutes for
about two year- were destroyed accidentally by fire. Early
meetings were held "in the school-h e" at Pittstown
Corners, it is presumed, and the house of worship was built
so tb.it they nut in it in 1789. Feb. 20, 1790, there bring
no pastor, Mr. Hinckley was appointed to take charge of
meetings. M. Martin was chosen a deacon in 1790, or be-
fore. Ma} 21, 1791, Thaddeus S. McConnel was ap-
pointed a clerk, Mr. Hincklcj was Btanding moderator"
TOWN OP PITTSTOWN.
479
for some years, and was allowed to retire Jan. 13, 1793,
Rev. Isaac Webb was evidently a pious, devoted laborer,
and did long and faithful service. He fell into some
trouble owing to his admission to the lodge of Free-
masons, and the indications are that he "retracted" in
deference to the views of his brethren.
Rev. Lemuel Covell was .settled as pastor about the be-
ginning of the year 1799, and continued until 1805. His
successors were Rev. Charles Lahatt, 1809 to 1817 ; Rev.
Richmond Taggart,in 1822, and for a short time following;
Wilber Sherman, 1830 to 1835; and II. S lade a part 'of
the time; Solomon Gale, Jr., 1836 and 1837; Harvey
Slade, 1838 to 1843. These are given in part from the
published history of the old Shaftsbury association ; but
in the book of records Elder Charles Somers appears on
the minutes in 1820 and 1821 ; also, about the same time,
Rev. Stephen Olmsted. A few names of clerks and dea-
cons can be found in this book,— not probably a complete
list. In 1797, Deacon Rouse and Deacon Head are men-
tioned. In 1822, Edward Penny, Wilber .Sherman, and
Jonathan Read were chosen deacons. In 1798, John Mott
was clerk ; 1800, Deacon Lovctt Head ; 1807, Caleb Ward ;
and in 1822, A. Thurber.
In 1S24, and for a few years following, Elder Mattison,
of Shaftsbury, preached in Pittstown. His views coin-
cided nearly with those of the " Campbellites," or " Dis-
ciples," as they are popularly known. Elder Mattison had
visited Ohio and met the members of that church, and he
came back influenced by what he had seen and beard.
There followed then, in Pittstown, ten or fifteen years of
discussion, resulting finally in a permanent division. About
1S38, those who adhered to the old faith of the Baptist
Church, as they understood it, dissatisfied with the tenden-
cies of the pulpit and the leading members towards the
" new doctrine," withdrew, and joined the Baptist Church
of Hoosick. They thereby lost their right to control the
Baptist Church in Pittstown. The house and property, the
actual organization, and the records remained in the hands
of the " Church of Christ," and the Baptist Church of
1787 virtually became extinct.
The meeting of the Shaftsbury association was held at
Pittstown in 1793. This was the first time the name of
Rev. Isaac Webb had appeared in the minutes of the as-
sociation, but it remained there after that for nearly twenty-
five years. Elder Waldo preached the opening sermon,
and other sermons were preached by Elders Ilatbbun and
Leland. The circular letter of the association for 1794
was drafted by Rev. Mr. Webb.
In 1802 the Shaftsbury association met at Pittstown,
Elder Covell then being the pastor. The opening discourse
was by Rev. Elias Lee. In 1819 the association again met
at Pittstown. Rev. Francis Wayland was chosen moderator
and E. P. Willey clerk. In 1830 the First Baptist Church
of Pittstown asked to be dismissed from the Shaftsbury
association ; request granted.
PITTSTOWN SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
This body united with the Shaftsbury association in
1797, and was then represented by Elder Stephen Hunt.
Three years later, in 1800, Mr. Hunt was also present at
the meeting .4' the association, and represented the 8eco nd
Pittstown, and the membership is Btated al 19 for that
>'"■"■ ' '" name wi i found in the minutes again, and
the Second Church evidentlj became extinct, or ceased to
co-operate with the association, bavin- :(n apparent exist-
enc ily three or four yeai
THE CHURCH OF OHBIST (DISl IP]
This society, as already noticed in the history of the
Baptist Church, arose during the period 1830 to 1837. In
October, 1838, the Baptists bavin- withdrawn to the 11,,,,-
sick church, the forms of worship in us,- by " the Church
of Christ" were adopted by the remaining members. .Mrs.
Thompson, widow of the late S. W. Thompson, states that
that date is regarded as the commencement of their distinc-
tive organization.
The legal forms were not complied with until Sept. :;,
1847, when a legal certificate was prepared, attested by the
signatures of Wilber Sherman and Stephen W. Hyde.
The trustees chosen, and whose names appear in the instru-
ment, were Joseph Haskin, Samuel S. Hyde, Benjamin
Chapman, Solomon W. Thompson, and William luis-ell.
The mime incorporated into the legal certificate was "The
Baptist Church in the town of Pittstown." The clerk
chosen was Solomon W. Thompson, and the records were
kept by him down to the time of bis death, in 1871.
Rev. Porter Thomas was the first pastor of this church.
There were in the early years various ministers for short
periods, and some men of considerable note. Gen. Garfield,
now the distinguished member of Congress, preached here
while he was yet a student in Williams College. The
evangelist Wakefield labored in Pittstown ; Rev. Benjamin
Reed and Rev. Wilber Sherman, and others also.
The later succession of ministers has been Rev. Warren
L. Ilavden, 1H00-64 ; Rev. A. B. Chamberlain, 1804-G9 ;
Rev. George Lobingier, 1S69-72 ; Rev. W. II. Rogers,
1872-73; Rev. J. G. Ensel, 1S73-77 ; Rev. Edgar Par-
dee, the present pastor, commenced his labors here Oct. 28,
1S77.
The society, as already explained, succeeded to the old
Baptist meeting-house of 1789, a venerable building, with
the old-fashioned pulpit, galleries, and pews. It was re-
modeled and partially turned around from its old site in
I860. In the fall of that year it was dedicated with ap-
propriate services.
The present organization (1879) consists of Rev. Edgar
Pardee, Pastor ; Lemuel Sherman, David Hiscox, Deacons ;
David Ihscox, Clerk ; Charles E. Shorter, William Bren-
cnstubl, David Hiscox, Trustees. The pastor is the super-
intendent of the Sunday-school. The church members
number about 100 ; the congregation from 100 to 150.
The yearly meetings of this denomination were held for
many years with this society.
BAPTIST CHURCH OF PITTSTOWN, 1846.
The Baptists who had changed their membership to the
Hoosick church continued to hold meetings in the old
meeting-house of Pittstown a part of the day, this being
permitted by those who remained in possession. This state
-ISO
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of things continued to some extent from 1S37, or about that
Lime, until 1846. The Baptists then organized anew, and
built the meeting-house now standing al Pittstown, upon
the southwest corner. The new society was constituted a
church Dec. 25, 1846, with the following members: Gil-
bert B. Williams. Tli as Eollis, Anthony Hydorn, Joseph
Gibbs, .lam.- Penny, Hugh Reed, David
W. Gifford, Lysander Brcnenstuhl. 11, -v. U.S. Dean. Rich-
ard Hollis, Gc irg Ri i, Alonzo Rice, Lydia Stillwell, Mary
Sherman, B - . Sherman, Hannah Williams. Waity
Baker, Waity W. Baker, Margaret llix. Lucy Twogood,
Lavina M. Gibbs, Hannah Hollis, Sally White. Rachel
Penny, Elizabeth Austin, Heppy Sheffers, Sarah -lane
Baker, Sophronia Pierce, Minerva Higby, Eliza E. Maxon,
oliv,. Kellogg, Mary Gifford.
The first minister was Rev. D. S. Deane. IT is succes-
.•. i I; v.Foster Hartwell, 1849-53; Rev. William
Hart. Rev. William Lucas, Rev. 0. C. Kiikham, Rev.
William Bowcn, Rev. L. Sellick. Joseph L. Patterson was
church clerk for some years, and afterwards Reuben Hall.
\ servii 5 have 1 n maintained tin- six years past. By
removals and deaths the society was very much diminished,
and has nearly ceased to exist as a church. The trustees
h ilding 'ty on behalf of the society are George
Gibbs ami Benjamin Bosworth.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SOUTH PITTSTOWN.
This is alluded to in the above notice of the Tomhannock
church, [t was 1 al what is now Raymcrtown. The
property was the same as thai now held by the Evangelical
Lutheran Church. The latter became the legal possessors a
few years since by consent of the remaining Presbyterians and
tl der of the court. Early elders of this South church
were Joseph Brown and Samuel McChesney. The church
united with the Tomhannock church for some years in
tl mploymcnt of a pastor.
rganization of this South Presbyterian Church took
in the year 1816, under the lead of Rev. John Coe,
• I the well-known Rev. Jonas Coe, of Troy. The legal
ranization was made Dec. 20, HIT. and the following
tru>t were then duly elected, viz.: Simon Vandercook,
II listed, Tisdale Eddy, Joseph Brown,
and Enoch 1 1 ;i.-k i ii <. Jan. S, 1818, the society met and
lived t" build a mccting-housc. This was duly carried
in 1 the house was dedi ire the close of the
i lie names of the several ministers that had a
i "ir charge at South Pittstown, and were ordained, were
rs in order of ti .viz: II v. John Co II ■ John
hford, and Rev. Mr. Lyman. Other- preached for
short periods, and ai tine- the society united will
Tomhannock church in supporting the same minister. The
following may be properly named as tin principal men en-
1 in (bunding and -u-t. lining this organization : Ei h
Hukins, Nehcmiah Denton, Simon Vand rcook, John
hernial) Brown, and I ' h Brown.
The latter wa ,1. in the absent f a minis-
ter, held until about tin
5, when 1 i West ii: f financial
eml i Lit there were no r, gular .-• i
.1 supply. In the ibscription
for building the house it had been covenanted that, while
it should be built as a Presbyterian house, it should never-
theless be open to others when not wanted by the Presby-
terians. During the suspension of Presbyterian meetings
this reserved privilege was freely used by other denomina-
tions, and particularly by the Lutherans. In 1S48 some
activity was inspired among the few remaining members of
the Presbyterians by the volunteer labors of Rev. Mr. Bar-
ber, of Tomhannock, and, in connection with the Lutherans,
the meeting-house was repaired at an expense of about
S500. For ten years previous to this date the Presbyte-
rian society, being nearly extinct, had chosen no trustees.
A new board was now elected, and the formal organization
was kept up until lSUS. when, by the consent of the Pres-
bytery of Troy and the trustees of the church, legalized by
order of the court, the title was vested in the Evangelical
Lutheran Church, as stated above.
ritESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF TOMHANNOCK.
On the 3d clay of October, 1819, the following persons
were constituted a Church of Christ, in the north pari of
Pittstown, viz. : Cornelius Sebring, Jane Scbring, John Van
Woert, Catalina Van Woert, Stephen Sherwood, Nancy
Sherwood, Jacob Lansing Van Woert, Rebecca Van Woert,
Elbert I. Willett, John Van Woert, Jr.. Huybertine Van
Woert, Mary Dewey, Simon Viele, Jane Vicle, Jesse
Smith, Emily Smith, Elizabeth Van Woert, Tryphena Hen-
derson, Elizabeth Green. Abraham L. Viele. Ann Bayliss,
Ruth Tyler, Margaret Bostwick, Emily Rouse. Wait Taft,
Mary Heed, Catharine Rice. Catharine B. Tyler, Calvin
Lock.
The following officers, having been elected by the con-
gregation, were set apart to the respective offices annexi 1
to their names on the same day of the organization of the
church, viz. : John Van Woert. Stephen Sherwood, Simon
Viele, Elders ; Jacob L. Van Woert, Jesse Smith, Elbert
I. Willett, Deacons.
At the firsl session-meeting after the organization. Nov.
28, 1S19, there were admitted the following additional
members: George Walker. Julia Ann Weston. Nancy
Lake, Jemima Downs, Harriel Bostwick, Esther House, J.
F. Downs, Cornelia Olin, Candace Rouse, Elizabeth Van
Veghtcn, Lydia Harmond, Martha Rouse, Sally House.
Anna Benjamin, Elizabeth Willett, Electy Bostwick. This
sessional rec ird i- sign d by Mark Tucker, moderator. At
the next meeting. Feb. 20, 1820, there were admitted
Catharine Bayliss, Marj Bostwick, Susannah Yates, Mary
Yates, and Lucy Rio .
From the number of members - the moderators
of session-meetings, it is evident the pulpit was supplied at
lir.-t by many different ministers. During the firsl five
yean Jam G. Ogilvie, Jonas Coe. Mark Tucker, and
Lebbcus Armstrong preached al intervals.
A I, .an the time ,,f the form, 1 1 ion of the church, or a year
or two earlier, the present house of worship was built. Mr.
.1 imes Ray remembers the building of it. — that it was ,1
by voluntary work largely. He was presi nt, as a boy. and
held a light for the men to lath by in the evening. About
1858 or '59 it was thoroughly remodeled, — the old galleries
taken down and other changes •
TOWN 01' PITTSTOWN.
i-l
In 1825 there \v;is a joint session-meeting of this church,
and an organization known as South Church. Among the
eldership of this church appears the new name of Oliver
Hitchcock, evidently in tin' place of Simon Viele, removed
or deceased. The South Church was represented hv Jo-
seph Brown, and another Mr. Brown, and Samuel Mc
Chesney, Elders. A motion was adopted to unite in secur-
ing a pastor, and Jan. 4, 182G, the Rev. Solomon Lyman
was ordained and installed over the two churches id' North
Pittstown and .South. Rev. Mr. Prime, of Cambridge,
preached the sermon. Rev. Mr. Beman, of Troy, made
the ordaining prayer. Rev. Mr. Cheever, of Troy, made
the charge to the pastor, and Rev. Mr. Fletcher, of Schagh-
ticoke, addressed the people. Mr. Lyman remained pastor
until 1829. He was succeeded for about one year by Rev.
Joseph P. Tyler. Rev. Phineas Smith followed him,
1830 to IS.'!.'!. Rev. Oren Brown was the next minister,
from the spring of 1833 to some time in 183-4. About
this time the names of Lewis Hitchcock, Samuel Hitchcock,
and John L. Riee appear among the elders. Rev. J. Jay
Dana preached for the church from the summer of 1S34 to
May, 183(1. The name of Wm. Clapp appears among the
elders at that period.
Other ministers after 183G were Rev. Mr. llaydcn, Rev.
B. Brown, Rev. J. B. Hubbard, Rev. P. Barber, Rev. Mr.
Toombs, Rev. F. Harman, Rev. P. Gordon. March 1,
1850, Hugh McChesney and Charles Jenkins were chosen
elders. March 7, 1858, Tobias Case was chosen as elder.
Rev. Peter Gordon preached from 1850 to 1802. His
successors have been Rev. Mr. Viele, Rev. Mr. Hall, Rev.
A. Ostrom, Rev. J. II. Noble, and Rev. R. J. Jones.
The present organization (1879) consists of Rev. R. J.
Jones, Pastor (to this church and also to the Presbyterian
Church of Johnsonville) ; Jacob Lansing Abbott, Hugh
McChesney, and Eli Barnes, Elders, the last-named being-
clerk of session ; James C. Yates, B. Sherman, Charles
Sherman, John G. Walker, Robert Cushman, Nelson
McChesney, Trustees. Church membership, about 35 ;
congregation, 80 to 100. John G.Walker, Superintendent
of Sunday-school.
By reference to the records in the county clerk's office it
appears that this society was formed under the name of the
" United Dutch and Presbyterian Society." The certificate
was signed by Joseph Brown and A/.el T. Parmentor, and
the following were named as trustees, viz. : John Van Woert,
Robert S. Bostwick, Jacob Yates, Thomas Henderson,
Jonathan Rouse, Jesse Smith.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT TOMHANNOCK.
The records of early Methodist classes and societies are
scattered or lost to a very great extent. In possession,
however, of John Humphrey, present recording steward at
Tomhannock, is the old book which gives the proceedings
of the Quarterly Conferences of old Pittstown Circuit, em-
bracing a large extent of territory. The first one recorded
was held at the Whiteside meeting-house, Nov. 10. 1833.
Christopher Snyder was present at this meeting. The pre-
siding elder was Rev. Coles Carpenter. Rev. R. Kelly and
Rev. M. F. II iiicl, traveling preachers, were present. A
committee appointed upon the " table expenses'' of the
01
traveling preachei con i ted of John 1'. Miller, M. \V.
Miller, and John Robii and Daniel Carpenter wa
pointed a member of committee to meet il Lans'n ;burgb
to arrange for the table <>i' the | i
Quarterage is reported a rei ived from Hiram Darrow,
Girardus Stover, Abraham Miller, E. Phelps, L. Ford, 8.
Derrick, Win. Warner, J. 1'. Miller, Josiah Dai row . B
Goram, J. Robinson, John Robinson, Moses W. Miller,
David File, Joseph Cleveland. I!. B, II iitehins, John A.
Brocket, Samuel Davis, Lemuel T. Finch, and from Cooks-
borough and Schaghticoke Hill. B. 1'. White idi
secretary at. this meeting, ami Simon Newcomb recording
steward. Tin- whole amount of quarterage, together with
a public collection, was $124.99. The disbursements were
SI 00.00.
In the minutes of the Quarterly Conli i m-i M >y 19, 1834,
held at Schaghticoke Point, we have the first roll id' official
members: Preachers on the Circuit, Roswell Kelly, W. K.
Ilurd, E. F. Whiteside, Samuel Howe; Local Preachers,
Stephen S. Dayton, Henry Brayton, Lawton Cody, Ilawley
Ransom ; Exhorter, John Robinson ; Stewards, Daniel
Carpenter, Simeon Lamb, David Cole; Leaders, Cirardus
Stover, Samuel Herrick, Josiah Darrow, Ebenezer Philps,
William J. Baucus. It was voted to make an effort to
raise 25 cents from each member for the publishing fund.
New names appearing are I. P. Fort, William Hayner
Peter' D. Esmond. Lawton Cody applied for license to
preach, and his request was granted. Stephen S. Dayton,
applied for recommendation to be admitted into the travel-
ing connection, and it was so ordered.
Jan. 7, 1837. — The following is given as the roll of
official members: Christopher Snyder. Girardus Stover,
Peter Stover, James Sprague, Jacob Myers, John F.
Miller, John S. Davenport, Samuel Herrick, Ilawley Ran-
som, John Robinson, Asa Coggshall, Amos Osborne, Josiah
Darrow, Joseph Robinson, Samuel Davis, William Hayner,
Lemuel P. Finck, Frederick Cole, Henry Brayton.
Aug. 10, 1S44. — The official members are given as J.
B. Strattou, Presiding Elder; Joseph Ames, John Har-
wood, Circuit Preachers ; and Oren Pier, Supernumerary.
Stewards and leaders were Simeon Lamb, John Banker,
Martinett Stover, Asa Smith, Christopher Snyder, Frank-
lin Miller, Jacob Myers, Girardus Stover, Peter Stover,
Leonard J. Abbott, Mason Bosworth, William J. Baucus,
John G. Davenport, Humphrey M. Ingram, Dunniug
Clark, Abraham Miller, Frederick Cole, Samuel Herrick,
Davis Crane, Nicholas Eycleshimer, Philip Pratt, James
Powell, Earl Durfee.
The name is changed in the records to " The Tomhan-
nock and Schaghticoke Charge," June 15, 1850, and the
stewards and leaders for that date are given as Isaac Miller,
John Banker, Christopher Snyder, Peter Stowe, Francis
McChesney, James Miller, Simeon W. Gifford, Joseph M.
Esmond, Jacob A. Snyder, Franklin Miller, Samuel Her-
rick, George Moshcr, Ransom Button.
The name "Tomhannock Charge" alone occurs about
1853, and the official members then were Daniel Fish, Isaac
Miller, Jacob A. Snyder, Joseph M. Esmond. Simeon W.
Gifford, Christopher Snyder, Francis McChesney, Chris-
topher Snyder, Jr., Moses H. Browncll, James Miller.
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The name " Pittstown Charge" occurs subsequently, how-
ever, and seems to be used for the same territory. In later
years this charge 1 ted of Tomhannock and East
Pittstown. At the latter point, in early times, was a union
ting-house, built, as stated by Royal Abbott, mostly by
citis ns not belonging to any church, but interested in the
Bupport of public worship. It was built by Mr. Eycle-
shimcrfor S1000. Tins was used by various denomina-
tions and was free to all. It was finally transferred regu-
larly by the Union society to tin- Methodists, and is now
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Easl Pittstown.
The Quarterly Conference for March 2, 1ST:», was held
al Tomhannock, the presiding elder, L. Marshall, in the
chair, ami John C. Humphrey secretary. Value of church
property reported: Toiiihanuock. ^Sillltl ; East Pittstown,
10. Committee on minutes: Tomhannock, John C.
Humphrey and Christopher Snyder, Jr.; East Pittstown,
Wm. 1. Case, Parker II. Bosworth. On Sunday-schools,
Pel c D. Eyclesbimer, Moses W. Brownell, Wm. J. Case,
niiiii F. Herrington. On parsonage and furniture, M.
II. Brownell, F. II. Carpenter, John C. Humphrey, Chris-
topher Snyder, Jr. On church records. M. H. Brownell,
('. Snyder, Jr., John Russell. Stewards for the ensuing
year, Charles Russell, John ('. Humphrey, Jonathan Hoag,
Felix II. Carpenter, Stephen C. Humphrey, Christopher
Yates. Benjamin 1". Herrington, Parker II. Bosworth,
William J. Case; John C. Humphrey, Recording Steward;
Felix II. Carpenter, District Steward.
Early Methodist meetings in this vicinity were held soon
after 1800, sometimes in private houses, also iu school-
houscs, and in the ham now upon the place of Col. Reed.
The old Tomhannock school-house, known "as the school-
housc near Solomon Tinsler's," was the central point of the
work. In 1811 this was insufficient for the audiences that
attended, and a lie",, mi at was made to build the house.
The first subscription bears date Feb. 18, 1S11, and is still
v. d.
The fir-t ten names are Simon Newcouib, Christopher
- der, Nathan Roberts, Joseph Reed, Joseph W. Fin ton,
olas 1 1 ne. ray. William Cuthbert, Amaziah Herrick,
r Eyclesbimer, and Isaac Wallace, and there are 155
,,ih i ihurch was creeled by Joseph Reed soon after
for I • n( handsome brick edifice, buill in
1845 new parsonage, buill upon
the Bite of the old, about 82
legal certificate in porating the society
March 19 1811. It was attested by John Carpenter and
I' ■ M The first trustees were J m Deyoe, ^nia
kiah Herrick, Anthony Miller, Simon N Jr . Daniel
r, Christopher Snyder. The present pastor upon
tlii - l 379 i- P'V. Edward N. Howe.
The society at Easl Pittstown was incor] ^pril I,
I860. Tie ccrtifi I by San ford T. Sherman
and Lemuel S. Clapp. The trustees named in the instru-
ment were Wm. P. Abbott, John Russell, Hiram Benson,
- rman, Parker II Bi sworth, B njamin Street, and
Fletcher Ward. They i by purchase or amicable
arrangement to the meeting-house and property of the
P •• town Onion - of Pittstown." This
r bi dy was 1 5, 1 819.
The paper was signed by Thomas Tillinghast and Oliver
Hitchcock, and the trustees named in the instrument were
Abraham Van Woert, Royal Abbott, Reuben Williams.
Otis Tal't, Walter W. Groesbeck, Jeduthun Hall, and
Nahum Taft. This was evidently a movement to secure a
place for religious meetings in that part of the town after
the removal ot the old Dutch Reformed Church, which
occurred about that time.
VALLEY FALLS METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIURCII.*
Like most of the Methodist societies of this country, this
church grew out of a " class" organized by some of the
old time itinerant ministers, probably about the year 1825.
The first leader was Joseph Robinson, followed in succes-
sion by Lemuel Finch, Isaac Miller, and James Miller, the
latter being assisted by F. Hayner, the oldest leader now in
office. Their first place of worship was a school-house,
situated near the present residence of Daniel Stover, Esq.
Subsequently services were also held in a school-house on
the Schaghticoke side of the river Hoosick, near where
Charles Stark, Esq., now resides. But in 1S39, school-
house accommodations being found insufficient, the present
house of worship was erected at a cost of about §1300.
Isaac Miller, Lemuel Finch, and J. F. Miller were the
building committee, and the builders William Miller and
Lemuel Green. This house was remodeled in 1S54 by the
removal of the galleries and the addition of a lecture-room
in the rear, and repairs have since beeu made from time to
time as needed. It has always, with the exception of a
year or two, been a free-seated church, and such it is at the
present time. In 1S74 a commodious and elegant parsonage
was built, at a cost of about $3000.
For several years Valley Falls formed a part of the old
Pittstown circuit. Afterwards it was connected with Tom-
hannock until the spring of 1866, when for two years it
became a separate charge. At the Conference of 18l -
Valley Falls was united with Hart's Falls for two years,
since which time it has been an independent church organ-
ization. Formerly this was a small and weak church, but
in the winter of 1876 a remarkable revival occurred under
the labors of the Rev. Hiram Dunn, which, notwithstand-
ing he fell suddenly at his post, nearly doubled the mem:
ship and gave it much added strength in every direction.
The present number of members is 15(1. The following
are the present church officers: Leaders, 1''. Hayner, A. P.
Co iper, E. D. Mesick, Wm. Tray ; Stewards. Daniel Stover,
George Lohner, Darius Gifford, H.J. Herrington, Janes
Miller, Charles Edmunds, Adam Lohnes, Silas Stark;
Trus ■ -. Wm. Miller. Thomas Lape, C. J. Olds. S. II.
Bryan, Charles J. Stark. Edmund ('. Chase, Isaac N. El-
well, Sylvester Smith; Sunday-school Superintendent, C.
.1. 01
The following arc the pastors serving since 183-1 Rj
Kelley. W. F. Ilurd, F. P. Whii.-i.l'. Samuel Howe,
Samuel Covell, Elijah P.. Hubbard, Tobias Spic r, W. D.
Stead. ('. Pomeroy, Wm. P. Grey, Henry Smith. I.. I'.
Sherwood, S. Col. man. Onn IV. r, Cyrus Meeker,.!. P
.1 ili Batnes, John Harwood, Joshua P \ Albert Chaiu-
i impilod bj O. C. Morcho
TOWN' OF IMTTSTOWN.
I-.;
jilin, Albinas Johnson, ('. Puller, Hawley Ransom, L. A.
Sandford. The above wen" circuit preachers, their labors
extending over a large section of country. The following
wriv limited to Tomhannock, Hart's Falls, and Valley Palls,
or to the latter place as a separate charge: Hiram Dunn,
Hiram Blanchard, Joseph T. Arnold, It. Fox, M. White,
Lewis Potter, P. M. Hitchcock, Samuel Meredith, Jesse
P, Craig, P. Goss, It. Cook, l>r. Cheeseuian, Win. ,1. Heath,
J. McCann, II. Blanchard, A. McGibbon, II. Dunn, B. M.
Hall, 1>. Brough, G. ('. Morehouse.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, COOKSBORO'JGn.
Tlic legal certificate incorporating this society is dated
Jan. -!•, 1815. Tlicy "assembled at the church where
they usually met for divine worship," indicating thai a
house of worship was already dedicated, and several years
of earlier Methodist work in that vicinity. The certificate
was signed by Jonathan Brown and Simon Newcomb. The
trustees named in the instrument were Cornelius Filkins,
Andrew Follett, William Hayner, John Freiot, Anthony
Loekrow. Another certificate by the same society was
filed March 17, 1821, signed by Sherman Minor and Jon-
athan Brown. The trustees named were Cornelius Filkins,
John Freiot, and Win. Hayner. This is an old point of re-
ligious work by the Methodists, as shown by the records
already given from the old book of the recording steward
on Pittstown Circuit.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF PITTSTOWN.
This religious society was incorporated July 25, 1S55.
At the meeting held to organize, it was voted that the name
"be Christian, and nothing but Christian, to the exclusion
of all other names and titles whatever." The certificate
was signed by Aaron Kldred and Titus B. Todd, and the
trustees named in the instrument were Aaron Eldred, Titus
B! Todd, Erastus Geer, William Rowland, Whiting B.
Slason, Richard Vaudenberg. This church was, however,
formed earlier than it was incorporated by about twenty
years. It was first organized in this place about the year
1837. Their first preacher was Elder John Spoor. They
worshiped in the school-house in the village until the year
1840, when the present church edifice was erected. The
church was completed and dedicated in the month of Feb-
ruary, 1841. Elder J. II. Curlier, of Brockctt's Bridge,
N. Y., preached the first sermon in the church. The church
was originally built as a union church, but the union has
long since departed. Elder Wilson Mosher was their first
settled pastor. He preached for them several years, wheu
he removed to Michigan, and died two or three years since.
Elders Daniel Ford, Jason Smith, Joel Gallup, and Aaron
Eldred have been pastors of the church. The latter preached
for them about ten years. At the close of his pastorate the
church was closed, and had no pastor for several years, when
Elder Ensel and Elder Thomas Taylor held a series of meet-
ings, with some accession to the church. This was in the year
1871. The church then secured the services of Elder
James Wright, who remained one year. They then had
Elder Sternes as their pastor for two years. Elder Joel
Gallup is their present pastor.
u I.I'll ST EPI SCOP IX 'in inn. i-i | i OHNERS.
The Pittstown charge included tin nents,
I'm towu Cornei . Boyntonville, and Potter Hill, the last
named beinj in the town of Hoosick. Rev. C. J. Motl
the present pa tor I ~i'-> . The united charge hat a board
of nine stewards, viz., A. W. Brownell, Pittstown; John
Dou-lass, Boyntonville; Philip Kelyer, Potter Hill; David
Hayner, Boyntonville.; Prosper I. a Barron. Potter Hill;
Daniel Smith, Harvey Reed, X. Elisha Bosworth, Pitts-
town; Joseph Sunderland, Boyntonville. There are four
classJeaders, viz.: E. Vandenburgh, Pittstown; William
Boynton, Joseph Sunderland, Boyntonville; Charles Bab-
cock, Potter Hill.
The membership upon the entire charge is 190. The
congregation at Pittstown numbers from 100 to 125; at
Boyntonville, 75 to 1011; and at Potter Hill about the
same. The superintendent of the Sunday-school ai Pitts-
town is Herbert Mason ; at Boyntonville, William Boynton;
and at Potter Hill, William Bahcock. Each of the schools
have appropriate libraries.
At Pittstown the house of worship is a small, plain
chapel, built about thirty years since. The society have
made some attempts to purchase the unused Baptist church
and property, which occupies an eligible site on one of the
four corners of the village, hut so far without success. A
good parsonage was erected in 1878, adjacent to the chapel,
forming a pleasant ami convenient residence for the' pastor.
At Boyntonville there is a meeting-house of good size, and
in fair condition, built a few years later than the one at
Pittstown. At Potter Hill the society also have a church
appropriate to the wants of the community.
The beginning of Methodist meetings in this section
dates back about thirty years, and, as in other places,
the first efforts were by prayer-meetings and preaching in
private houses, in school-houses, or, through the courtesy
of other denominations, in the existing meeting-houses of
the section.
The Methodist Church at Pittstown Corners was incor-
porated Sept. 5, 1843. The paper was signed by John M.
Abbott and Ebenezer C. Nichols. The trustees named
were John M. Abbott, Lemain Reed, and James C. Jeffers.
The society at Boyntonville was incorporated Nov. l(i,
1859. The paper was signed by Reuben Washburn. The
trustees named were Erastus Geer, William Boynton,
Benjamin Brock, William II. Rowland, Kingsley Slade.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF RAYMERTOWN.
This society was organized Aug. 27, 1S40, incorporated
in April, 1853, and worshiped in the Presbyterian church
for many years. The pastors in succession have been
Revs. Isaac Kimball, G. W. Porter, It. Smith. Jr., II.
Keller. G. W. llemperly, J. L. Smithdeal, ami N. Van
Alstyne. Soon after this church acquired the title of the
Old Presbyterian meeting-house and grounds, as stated in
the notice of the Presbyterian Church of Raymertown, a
legal certificate was Sled in the office of the county clerk.
It was signed by Harmon Cole ami Leonidas Barry. The
trustees named were Coonradt Chun. Charles U. Barry,
John E. Twogood, Martin Sipperly, Jacob L. Snyder, and
William Stanton. During the year 1870-71 the bouse of
484
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
worship was rebuilt, costing about $8500. There is a resi-
le, which is used as a parsonnge, not owned by the
•v. bat by four families, who give its use to the pastor.
The present organization (1879 i consists of Rev. X. Van Al-
styne, Pastor; D. Bornt, 12. A. Sipperly, and John Bornt,
Deacons; I'. A. Barry, William Stanton, Eli Perry, M.
Sipperly, and A. Gardner, Trustees. The church in 1840
consisted of 13 members; it numbers 130 at the present
time.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE SOUTH PART
OF PITTSTOWN.
A religious society with this name was formed at Ray-
mertown, in the school-house, May 18, 1S35. The certi-
ficate was signed by Samuel Covell and Jonatban Brown.
'I'h. trustees named were (lilbert Alexander, Devotion E.
Williams. .Tames Moshcr. Samuel Davis, and David Snyder.
This organization does not seem to have been continued,
and the early Methodist note, given from the old records,
in connection with the Tomhannock Church, doubtless in-
clude names from this section.
TIIK METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN NORTH PITTS-
TOWN | MILLERTOWN).
\ society with this name was incorporated April 8,
1851. The certificate was signed by William I. Baucus
and William Warner. The trustees named were Francis
ham, John Comstock, John G. Davenport, William I.
Baucus, ami Sinn on Lamb. The history of this branch of
the Methodist Church is blended with the records already
^ from the old steward's book of 1811. The present
organization consists of Rev. William Earl, Pastor; Wm.
Dimmock, II. (). llerringlon, S. S. Perry, I. Durfee, Win.
Phillip, L. I'. Abbott, Naliuni Newcomb, George H. King,
Byron Clark, Stewards, J. D. Perry, William Barclay, E.
P. Wetherwax, D. W. Pitts, David Hawkins. M. E. Ey-
cleshimer, Class Leaders; number of communicants, 155.
Tin- present church edifice was built in 1S42. The Messrs.
Miller and the Neweombs were among the early founders
of the chuich.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT JOHNSONVILLE.
This society effected a legal organization Feb. 11. L856.
The certificate was signed by Charles Jenkins and Henry
M I1 agall. The trustees named wen: J. II. Akin, Jr.,
C Jenkins, J. McBac, Alexander Ross, E. F Hurd. J.
Wcslioghousc, The society erected a vcnienl house of
hip marly in the centre of the village. It stands upon
a plateau overlooking the long busini -- street below. Rev.
.1 R Jones baa recently been Ben ing the church as pastor.
ii labors have, however, closed, and at the present time
Oct ■ . ' the minister of the Reformed Church of
Buskirk's Bridge temporarily Bupplies the pulpit.
BT. PAI l. '- I Ht ai It JOHNSON A II.LE).
Tlii- i -tant Episcopal | was incorp
I. 1-TJ The wardens chosen were George <•. Catlin
and Charles ■' Joslin. The vestrymen were William \
0 in. John T Peel, C. A. Banker, Charles W. Arrnnd,
\ II Johns ii. Thomas Thomas, Orlando <J. Johnson.
The certificate was sigued by William Bogart Walker, Geo.
0. Catlin, and William A. Osborn. A neat chapel was
erected not far from the depot of the Troy and Boston Rail-
road. Services were maintained but a few years. The
property was sold to the Catholics, and with their accustomed
energy they maintain regular services under the supervision
of the Catholic Church of Schagbtieoke.
VIII.— BURIAL-PLACES.
These arc very numerous in this town, as there are no
less than nine villages and hamlets in the vicinity of which
early settlement and early burials occurred; and besides, as
in many other towns, the pioneer families buried their dead
upon their ow:n lands or on some neighboring farm. Many
of these places can no longer be identified.
Near Johnsonville, on the William Akin farm, is the
old town burying-ground, very ancient, and the place of
early and numerous burials. At North Pittstown is a
cemetery of modern times, laid out with considerable care,
and kept in good condition. At East Pittstown is a burial-
place, a part of which is very old, dating back to the time
of the Revolution. A large addition has been made in
late years and the whole place under good management.
The Abbott family lot is adorned with a handsome and
costly monument. At Tomhannock village, in the rear of
the Presbyterian church, is a burial-place dating back to
before the location of the church. One old stone marks the
grave of James Miller, 1790. Near the church is also a
private burying-ground, devoted mostly to the Yates family.
West of Tomhannock village is the cemetery under the
care of the Methodist Church. This gives much evidi
of taste in its arrangement, and of loving care for the
memory of the dead. At Boyntonville is the old yard
known as the Warren burial-place. A new one, near, is
laid out in late years with considerable care. At Pittstown
Corners is located the old burying-ground in the rear of
the Disciples' church. As this religious society was founded
by the Baptists between 17S0 and 1790, the yard is no
doubt the place of very early burial, but there are no dates
earlier than 1793.
At Raymertown is located the new Hillside Cemetery,
a modern one, laid out into lots. It includes an ancient
place of burial dating back to the limes of the first settlers.
The Pine burial-place, so named from an early family of
that name, is still in use; some parts of the ground evi-
dently contains early remains. At Cooksborough are the
new grounds belonging to an organized association. They in-
clude seven aires, and were opened with a formal dedication,
an address being delivered by Hon. Martin I, Townsend.
(in the site of the old Reformed Dutch church, near Caleb
Norton's, is a cemetery. The deed originalhj given fortius
is in the hands of Mr. Norton. We copy its dates and
names for the sake of the history involved in them. The
parties conveying it were Stephen Jackson ami Deborah,
his wife. The grantee was the Consistory of the Reformed
Dutch Church of Pittstown. composed of John Van Wocrt,
Jonathan Yates, Simon Vandcrcook, and Stephen Jackson,
Elder- ; [sracl Shepard, Cornelius Seining, and Levinus
Francisco, Deacons. Ii bears date of March 12, 1S04.
Stephen Jackson lived where Nathaniel Cottrcll now does.
TOWN OF 1MTTSTOWN.
I-:,
The Friends' burial-place, spoken of in c ection with
that society, is of unknown age, — the first burials soon
after the Revolution in the vicinity of Quaker Street no
doubt taking place there. The Carpenter burial place is
one of the best guarded and preserved in town, being of
good dimensions and surrounded by an iron fence with
marble posts. There were also burials in the rear of the
Lutheran church at Rayinertown. There is a small burial-
place on the Welling farm, a mile or more south of Tom-
hannock village.
IX.— TOWN SOCIETIES.
TEMPERANCE ORDERS.
Several temperance orders have from time to time existed
at Johnsonville and Valley Falls, as Eureka Lodge, No.
784,7. O. G. T.; Morning Star Lodge, No. 31, Temple
of Honor; a division of the Sons of Temperance; Valley
Falls Lodge, No. 856, I. 0. G. T. ; and also several open
organizations.
LODGE NO. 411, I. O. 0. F.,
has had several years of flourishing existence in Johnson-
ville. It has a good hall over the drug-store of the late
Dr. Connelly. The present officers are Thomas J. Bow-
ditch, P. G. ; James Demming, N. G. ; Clarence Akin,
V. G. ; Eugene Correll, R. S. ; Charles A. Brown, P. S. ;
Henry Correll, Chaplain ; Frank Vialf, Conductor.
MASONIC.
An ancient Masonic lodge existed at one time in Pitts-
town. It was known as Pa/riot Lodge, No. 39, F. and
A. 31. Jan. 1, 1795, Lyman Ellis was Sec; Elias Ran-
dall, Treas. ; Herman Van Vcghten, S. D. ; Joseph Fish,
J. D. ; William Brown and James Fairbain, Stewards ;
and Rev. Robert Campbell, Chaplain. The Masters of the
lodge for several successive years were James McClung,
1795-97; H. Van Veghten, 1798; Robert Van Tyne,
1799-1801 ; Andrew Brown, 1802-3; Robert Van Tyne,
1804-5; John Kinuieut, 1S06.
COOKSBOROUGH RURAL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.
This was incorporated June 22, 1874. The certificate
was signed by Sylvester Hayner, chairman of the meeting,
and by Henry C. Hayner, secretary. It was verified before
Charles J. Lansing, justice of the peace, and the follow-
ing trustees were named in the instrument : Eleazer Lara-
bee, Cornelius Vaudercook, John H. Button, Jacob Ryan,
Alpha Hayner, Ezra L. Barnes, Eustis Sherman, George
Freiot, Lyman D. Button, Sylvester Hayner, Hiram See,
Isaac Freiot.
THE PITTSTOWN BRIDGE COMPANY. '
This was an early incorporation for the erection of a
bridge over the Hoosick. In 1848 the charter was renewed
for thirty years.
X.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The inhabitants of Pittstown are largely engaged in agri-
culture. The soil is chiefly a gravelly and slaty loam. It
is fertile, yielding handsome returns for liberal cultivation.
There is very little rocky or waste land in town. All the
orops usual to this section of tlic State are produced abun-
dantly. Much attention has been given to the raising of
potatoes, and flax has been cultivated extensively for many
years past, and is al the present tine-.
MILLS, FACTORIES, ETC.
In tracing the mill-privileges of the town that have been
improved, it will he convenient to notice first the Deep
Kill, that crosses the southwest corner of the town. Just
at the poinl where the kill crosses the town line -lend the
old Cook grist-mill, mentioned in the legal description of
Schaghticoke. This dates hack to the first settlement of
this entire section of country, as well as of Pittstown,
though probably not as early as the immediate vicinity of
old Schaghticoke. This place 1ms been used in late years
for a flax-mill by George Larabee. This is till the mill-
privilege improved upon that stream in Pitt-town.
Next, commencing upon the Tomhannoek in the south
pari of the town, the first mills are the Twogood flax- and
saw-mills of the present time. These occupy the site of the
old Jonathan Brown mills, dating hack very early. Next
below the Twogood mills is the grist-mill of Martin Sip-
perly. This is an old affair, and is remembered as the
Fake mill of earliest days. Next below are the saw-mill,
flax-mill, and grist-mill of Hiram File. The old saw-mill
was known as the Williams mill in early times. It was a
point occupied in the first settlement, and the stream has
been kept busy ever since. On a little stream flowing
into the Tomhannoek in the western part of the town
is the saw-mill of Mr. Herman. This is an old mill-site,
improved many years ago by the Hermans, who were
among the earliest residents, and the property has remained
in the family ever since. The Henry Sheldon mill-site
was on the present farm of John Humphrey.
In the southeast part of the town, on one of the branches
of the Tomhannoek, are located the cider-mill, flax-mill,
paint-mill, and saw-mill of the Kautz estate. The water-
power has been improved at this point for many years. There
was formerly a tannery in this neighborhood. In the east
part of the town, near the Hoosick line, was the Perry
Warren mill-site, and a little below is the new Sherman
mill. There was also a tannery here in former times, owned
by Eben Nichols. Farther west is the Brownell saw-mill,
and this was in earlier times the Sheldon place, directly north
of Pittstown Corners. A short distance below, on the same
stream, is the Wilber Sherman cotton-factory, built not long
after 1S00, and run for many years. The first building
was replaced about forty years ago by the present. The
business ceased some years since, and the buildings are now
unused. They are understood to be owned by Harvey King,
of Troy. A few rods below was the early factory of Joseph
Haskin, dating, like the Sherman, back to an early period.
It was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt, and the building is
now used as the McChesney rope-works. The next mill-site
is that occupied thirty or forty years ago by Michael Vauder-
cook for a grist-mill. The present owner is Patrick O'Reilly.
Farther west, on tire same stream, are the paper-mills of
W. Orr & Co. They are now unused. They were built
by Michael Vaudercook fifty years ago or more, aud did a
486
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
a loige business. Ncxl below is the Rifenburgh saw-mill,
a modern establishment These are all the mills in this
valley, which extends nearly east and west from the Hoosick
line to its junction with the Tomhannock.
Farther north is the long, winding creek, which finally
empties into what is sometimes called Otter Creek, near
T hannock village. On this, near the Hoosick line, is
the flax-mill of Clark Brownell. In this vicinity was the
old Micajah Hunt saw-mill. — earlier than L800, probably,
— <>n the Joseph Lawton farm; but gone thirty or fortyyeara
On a small branch of this creek was for some years
v. -mill of Joseph Lawton, — a small affair, but cutting
mit a considerable amount of lumber. At Charles Gilford's
is a saw-mill : also a plaster-mill and a grist-mill. The saw-
mill is old : the rest of later years. There is nothing else
w eu this stream until near Tomhannock village, where
there is the flax-mill of the Peter Kay estate. On another
branch of the stream is the saw-mill of Christopher Snyd :r,
.lr. : also a flax-mill, — the latter in late years only.
On the cutlet of NeWCOmb Pond is the flax-mill and saw-
mill ofNahum Newcomb, a descendant "1' the early family
(rum whom the pond is named. At Tomhannock village
i- the grist-mill of G. W. Cornell. This was built about
1815, by Joseph Reed, lather of Col. Reed. An old saw-
mill had occupied this site or a place a little above lor many
year-, dating back to th tlement. At this village
is the flax-mill of Col. Reed, and also a saw-mill.
In the northeast part of the town, on the Nepimore
k, are the Corcoran flax-, grist-, and saw-mills. This
is the old Taft mill-site. Down the valley, near the junc-
tion with the Hoosick, is the flax-mill of Mrs. Akin.
the II isick River, at Johnsonville, are several mills
and manufacturing enterprises mentioned in connection
with that village; also at Valley Falls.
In various parts of the town are several mills or shops,
tiring but small water-power, or not any, as the John
Wing flax-mill, the Silas Milks flax-mill, the eheese-factory
near .1. Haviland's, in the Tomhannock Valley, a saw-mill
branch of the Keep Kill, and a saw-mill and flax-mill
i of the Pittstown Corners, and probably others.
I shirt-making business in Pittstown, as in other towns
of this county, is an important industry, work being sup-
I (o a large number of families and many thousand
:. being made annually.
\l MILITARY.
FIIKM'II ANti-IVI'l \N « ARS.
over the present territory of Pittstown there.
n here and there a Bettler early enough to
red in tin- alarm- and the actual dangers of the
. 1-Indi in War-, but an;, -ill iucidentS are si
in hi tuning in Hoosick or Schaghticoke, by which
names this whole territory, from the Hudson eastward to
tie " ioc, Was known iii tic early colonial
■
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
At tl • insiderable
•i upon tie- present territory of Pittstown;
how inntr. f that war went from this town, or
settled here afterwards, is now difficult to determine. A
few names only have come down to the present time, and
these by family or local tradition, and not by written
n i.l- or company rolls. The following names are re-
membered by the older people of the town as soldiers of
that war: Lieut. John Van Woert, Gen. Gilbert Eddy.
Isaac Van Woert. William Ray. In the history of Lan-
singburgh there are given the rolls of two companies of
militia existing at the titue of the Revolution, and we refer
to them as doubtless containing mauy Pittstown names.
war op 1S12.
It is known that several men from this town were in the
army during the war of 1S12-15, and that many .-band in
wdiat is known as the " Eddy expedition,'' when the entire
militia of this section were called out just before the battle
of Pittsburgh. Gen. Gilbert Eddy was himself a resi-
dent of the south part of this town. The following names
are mentioned as having been in the service : Wm. Chap-
man. Winslow Eddy, Samuel S. Hyde, Wm. Penny, Na-
thaniel Bosworth (Gen. Eddy's staff), Evans Ray, James
T. Van Namee, Abel Ilarwood, James Stitt, Benjamin Reed.
There were also called out in Gen. Eddy's brigade, Peck-
hatu Brownell, Nicholas Eycleshimer, Castle Manchester,
Erastus Rowe, George Douglass. Jeremiah Hunter. Lyman
Agan, Jacob A. Snyder, Daniel Welch, William Griffin,
Wheeler Bennett, and Samuel Baker.
war of 1S151-G5.
On the opening of the Rebellion in April, 1S61, enlist-
ments took place in Pittstown for the early regiments that
were formed. To the 2d Infantry, organized at Troy in
the first lew days following the surrender of Fort Sumter,
1'ittstown furnished 2G, and at every subsequent stage of
the contest men and money were freely given. Before the
town could legally vote money subscriptions were made by
citizens, and every effort necessary to fill the quota- was
promptly made. Tbe town authorities have also put into
permanent form an actual history of the doings of Pitts-
town in that eventful period, from which the following
facts are taken :
War-Meetings mid Special Town-Mt etings. — A war-meet-
ing for the north election district was held at the station of
the Troy and Boston Railroad, Johnsonville, Aug. 11, 1862.
It was called to order by Wm. I. Baucus; Wm. Newcomb
was chosen President ; Wm. I. Baucus. Thomas Hood,
Vice-Presidents; L.M. Brooks and P.P. Abbott, Secre-
taries. Win. 1. Baucus was chosen treasurer, to receive
and disburse such moneys as might be raised to secure vol-
unt© rS and I' P. U>bi - to keep records of the
A war com , pleted bj adding to the
names of tic treasurer and secretary those of Wm. New-
comb. .lobn P. Ball, and E. F. Hurd. 1". P. Abbott was
appoiuted to confer with the south district. The commit-
1 vigorously upon their assigned work, viz.. the
filling of the quota of 46, under the call of the Presi-
ment, July, 1862. I'., this movement, by association with
other towns, tb iscd the 125th Regiment, in Com-
pany K of which a large number of Pitt-town men were
cnlistt d.
TOWN ()K PITTSTOWN.
1-7
A special town-meeting was held A.ug. 30, 1862, ;ii
which a town bounty of $100 each was authorized; a tax
of $6100 voted for thai purpose. A. committee to carry
out this action ami raise the money immediately io antici-
pation of tlic tax was appointed, consisting of Charles 11.
Barry, Solomon \V. Thompson, William L Baucus, Leonard
J. Abbott, ami Smith Harrington. This committee was
afterwards largely increased in number. The committee
organized for business by the appointment of Charles II.
Barry, Chairman; 1'. I'. Abbott, Secretary; William L.
Baucus, Treasurer; Royal Abbott, Assistant Treasurer.
Leonard J. Abbott ami Christopher Snyder were appointed
a sub-committee to procure money. No legal authority
existed to raise this money, ami a personal note was given
by several citizeus. The result of this movement was Id
organize Company E, of the 169th, largely from Pittstown,
Brunswick, ami Hoosick, — the captain, .1. Allen, from
Brunswick ; the 1st lieutenant, Frank W. Tarbell, from
Pittstown; and the 2d lieutenant, from Hoosick.
The war business of 1863 was managed directly by the
town board. In 18(14 further action became necessary.
'On January 12th a special town-meeting was held, at which
a town bounty of $50 each was authorized to secure 40 men
needed to complete the quota of 50 under the call of the
President.
Meanwhile, during these years of war, the ladies of Pitts-
town were active in raising money and supplies for the
relief of the suffering and wounded soldiers. An associa-
tion was formed, of which Mrs. T. C. Richmond was
president, and Mrs. Harmon Hurd secretary, for North
Pittstown and vicinity. At. the centre the matter was in
charge of Mrs. John B. Sherman. Farther east the ladies
of the town were associated with those of West Hoosick
in the same noble and patriotic work, and in the northeast
at Buskirk's Bridge. Donations of money ami supplies to
the amount of $683.50 are recorded in the town records,
and it is understood that large additional amounts were
given through the Sanitary Commission and other associa-
tions.
At a war-meeting, held Aug 27, 1SG4, a special town-
meeting was requested for September 3d, and it was resolved
that there ought to be paid a bounty of $800 to one-year's
men, $900 to two-years' men, and $1000 to three-years'
men. A war committee was appointed, consisting of George
Kautz, George Finch,' George Freiot, George W. Miller,
George Doland, William II. Rowland, John W. Campbell,
George W. Banker, Jonathan Hoag, and T. C. Richmond.
A finance committee was chosen, viz., Christopher Snyder,
Smith Herrington, William I. Baucus, Charles H. Barry,
and Leonard J. Abbott.
The special town-meeting of Sept. 7, 1804, voted a tax
of $35,000 to fill the quota under the last call, and the
town board were authorized to audit and pay all bills for
expenses or for bounties paid by the citizens' committee
appointed at the war-meeting of the 27th of August.
A pleasant incident of 1862 was the purchase by the
ladies of Pittstown of a "sword and accompaniments to be
presented to Lieut. Frank W. Tarbell, as a testimonial of
esteem for his services in volunteering and enlisting men to
defend our rights in the army of our common country."
Charles H. Parry, Esq., on behalf of the ladies, made the
purchase, and presented the same t" Lieut Tarbell at the
Troy barracks.
'flu' following is a list ni' ili. in n u In, - rved in the war
of L861-65 from or I'm tie town of Pittstown:
i i v. ironi ■ i
Cnl I i hi commandln .
Peter I'. K>y I Id , onl, Co. I ' , I i' u I , I ■: ' Cull
Run , exi banged; wound i !n tli I and at Bristue Btation; dbch.wllh
,. ■■!
George H. Gardner, en! Co I ' ; r. I, . i ; ond battlo of Bull Bun ;
oxchaugod; lerved full inn.'; disch I In loth II \ 1 1.
J.iii ■!. Gardnei , onl I to. I . taken Ick ; i ■ enl. in I04rli Jul.
Benj F. Williams, enl. Co. F; taken pri mci id battle of null Bun;
exchanged, and disch. will. 1 1 i
Ambrose tlerrick, enl. Co, F ; taken prisonei at tbe ind battle of Hull Bun j
exchanged; disch. with regt.
Ovid Hard, enl. Co. B, Capt. Armihi e; dlsch aft rn hort I 'lily.
Patrick McGrarT, Co. K, Capt. Arts; slightly wounded at second battle ol Bull
Run; taken prisoner; exchanged, and disci), with rogt.
Theodora Higgins, served full time; disch., and re-enl. in a Western
John Halpine, wounded at sec 1 battleof null lam; disch., and i ol.in
Grlswold Cav.
John Riley, enl. Co. D, Capt. Cissidy ; served hi- full time, and di- :h.
Joe] II. Russell, enl. Co. F; taken sick, and disch.
Hugh Riley, enl. Co. 1>.
Thomas Sullivan, onl. (in. n ; servod his full time, and disi h.
Lavinus Downing, onl. Co. B, Cupt. Hayuer; served his full timetand di ch
wilh regt.
Norman Lownos, enl. Co. K ; disch. tor disability.
Henry Oatman, disch. for disability, and. re-enl in 125th Re i.
David Hawvor, onl. Co. F ; served his full time, and was disch. with regt
Cyrenu8 W. Newcomb, onl. Co. F; disch., ami re-enl. in the 109th Inf.
John P. Newcomb, enl. Co. F; taken prisoner at the second battleof Bull Hun ;
was exchanged; served full timo; disch , ami re-eul. in Grlswold (lav.
Daniel Sears, disch. for disability.
Daniel E. Gardner, enl. Co. F; wounded, ami remains disabled.
.lull a Krii. i, I'... 1''; disch for disability ; re-enl. fi Petersburg!!, 100th Inf.
Daniel Alexander, enl. Co. F; disch. for disability; re-enl. in 169th Inf.
Edward s, Wilson, served lull ti ; disch. with regt.; re-enl. in Griswold Cav.
Patrick Conway, served full time; disch. ; re-eul. in Griswold Cav.
Charles II. Brownell, enl. 3d N. Y. Regt., Co. O, Capt. J. II. Tun Eyck ; served
full i inn- ; disch. with regt.
BLACK HORSE CAVALRY.
Formed in Rensselaer County ; never mounted; sent to Washington, but disch.
in iiliiuit eight months.
Henry Miller. enl. Oct. 2, 1861; re-eul. in 125th Inf.
John McMurray, died in the Bervice.
James Donahue, died in the - rvice.
Gilbert Rice.
Allen is. Clifford, ml. Oct. '-', 1801.
i Inn les < uin.cH, Tli lore Kay.
Andrew .1. Doty, re-enl. in 12oth Inf.
Darius Clapper, re-enl. in Griswold Cav.
w, Hi. .in Miller, Charles Baker, Glias Crandall.
Thooilure Eliggius, re enl. in Griswold Cav.
John M. NiMH, AugUStUS I". Graff, Mt'litt I.ai'iliee.
Timothy Files, enl. 6th N. Y. Regt. ; served nut his time ; re-enl. in a Western
reBt.
Thomas Todd, re»t. unknown.
■ Welch, enl. in a cavalry company in New York City.
Ailani Lohnes, regiment unknown; killed.
Charles II. Warren, enl. 0th Cav.
Andrew Chapman, enl. 1st U. S. Inf.; served nine months; disi It. for disability.
George Simons, enl. 15th N. Y. Regt. ; disch. for disability; re-cul. in Griswold
Cav.
Caleb Eldred, enl. ljlli II. Ait.
.Sim, hi Newcomb, enl. 9Jd N. Y. Regt.; pro. to 2d li. ait., Co. C, and to 1st lien I.
ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH NEW STORK REGIMENT.
Isaiah II. Smalley,2d sergt., enl. Co. K ; lost an arm in the battle of Frederii ks
burg ; di-1 It.
William Sine , enl. en. K ; killed at the battle of Antii turn
John Lyons, enl Co. K ; killed at tho battle of Bull Run.
Harper Bnrch, onl. Co. K ; served his time; disch.; re-enl. in same regiment
and company.
NEW YORK HARRIS CAVALRY.
Theodore May, 1st sergt., enl. Co. E, twenty-thros years old; served eighteen
month-; died id typhoid fever, and bodj brought home for burial.
-
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY", NEW YORK.
Bufos Kill'. JJ -.Tiit. ; died nt Painesvillc of typhoid fever, and body brought
borne tor burial.
. j; re-onl. 6»mo company and regiment
Iter Williams
Georsj rwards enl. In a Vermont regt
HUNDRED ASD TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT NEW YORK YOL-
UNTEI RS.
nf/ K.
Warner Hoyt, And oph Slocum, ExraBurch, Charles II. Brownoll
at Gettj - . Smith [bom] Timothy 0. Byron, Timolhy
ner al Hnrpcr's Forrj ; exchanged; wounded
in ii, the battlo of Petersburg.
injur.-.! by Hi" can) al Johnaonvillc and died.
unded In Hi.- battle .>f tlie Wlldi i
Uichaol M. Murray. <;. lorgo Clark, William
ll.irv.j llorl '■ iwnell, John Wilson, Donito Wix,E. B.
- n ,Lovl W.Crawford, David W. Mills, Michael
. in.l was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 2,
J»m.-. i. Dorrity, Martin Sipnerly.
H v. enl. In Capt Pcnfleld's coni|>any.
■ ..mi, enl. InCnptl mpuny.
i, .-ii!. in Capt. Uyors' com]Kiny.
G Hall, died in tlie service
D Hall.
f Gettysburg.
- me I. Cutbush, Martin Barrel*, Ira Btircb.
Albert « I . kUlod at Spottsylrnnia.
my D.
J.ihn Wager, enl. Ang. I, 1862; killed at Spottsylvanio.
bllity.
the battle ..f Gettysburg.
Mallh w Cass, Thad i-u- Hyde, John J. Borden, Silas Polter, Henry Russell.
ii, w.i- previously .. i liter of iho Block Horse Cuv.
Pyan, wounded al the Wilderness and Spottsylvnnia; brought
home,and died.
llonr^ ■ tman, Henry Toppy.
William Tally, dtsch. fordlsabllil
V ;ei Henry U. Smith, Hiram H. Smith.
Brown, drummer.
. mii.. \.-.w • dl : ibility.
iin, enl. in 12
II Smith, enl. in Staunton Legion, New York City.
Win, nil. in I i. igade,
0»ear II .11, enl. in vuh Yi. regt.
Mb Vermont
. r.'^t.
"
t\ - regt
Uou IRIfi NY.
HUSDBED AND SIXTY-NINTH BEGIMENT NEW YORE VOLCN-
I I 1 RS.
Frank w. 7 i tpt; wounded nt the battle of Gcttys-
r following for disability.
: died.
i
WOI D CAVALRY, i«i MY FIRST REOItll NT
Inf.
Patrick Conway ; had before served two years.
Ebenezer Mandoville.
Theodore Higgins ; had served in Black Horse Cav.
John Willson.
l: Iward S. Willson ; had before served two years in 2d Inf.
John P. Newcomb; had before served two years in 2d Inf.
George Simons ; had before served in tlie loth Inf.
Iii November, 1S62, the following recruits wore procured
from " outside of the town :''
Miclmol Dowd, John II. Pcrnan, Clark Simpson, Robert Daley, Henry B. Good-
rich, Daniel McCoy, Joseph Gorey, Joseph llenny, Howard C. Mosher,
Joseph Burnap, Charles M. Davidson, Henry Rust, Thomas C. Otri'ige,
Henry Y. Smith, dr., Edward Rielly, .lames Spooner, Edward Gaviett,
John Bryce, Charles Ogier, Samuel Hall, James W. Termain, Matthew
/.inn, Owen Furrelly, Wm. II. Slierwn.nl, Abbott C. Smith, Reuben Greg-
ory, R. Douglass, Slorin S. Becker, Hiritm Weidninn, Jeremiah Nnsholds,
|i,i\ i 1 Nasholds, James E. Gifford, Wm. II. Sweeney, James Claffer.
Sept. 2. 1S6-I, a draft was made upon the town at the
provost-marshal's office in Troy. Ninety-one were drafted.
( )F this number many were exempted by reason of disability,
by previous service, or otherwise, and substitutes were pro-
cured by the town equal in number to those who were held
for service. At this time the following are recorded as
having gone into service :
John McKarney, John Dawson, James Watson, Thomas Smith.
January, 1SG4, under the supervision of the war con!
m it tee of Fittstown. the following men enlisted:
Alphonso Hnuch, Albert .1. Mussey, John Keitt, James O'Donold, Fredorick
Mnrtinctte, John Martinette, Patrick Shean, Theodore Barns, Francifl
Flynn, Thomas Honan, Daniel Quinn, William Handy, F, A. Lawrei ,
Phil ]i II. Duel, Dennis Gavel, Samuel Baxter, ashley Anns. Elliott
Brndl ' i jgleston, Alexander Prime, Christopher Harrison, Ira
Morehouse, Dennis Connors, Sullivan C. Bennett, James Duliber, llawry
Moretl Stillman II. Porter, Daniel II. French, Uusen T. Sayer, Napoleon
Bnrett, Edwin E. Sweet, Majur II. Nichols, Andrew Jackson, James
Sanders, Michael Mark. J. Jin O'Ncil, Jerry McQuade, John T. Wait,
James Nachman, olichael O'Bryan, Richard Akin, John Simpson.
The following additional names appear in the record as
enlisted, and credited to Pittstown :
Allen Remington, enl. Aug. 20, 1804.
Charles E. Reynolds, enl. Aug. 3 I, 1864.
Charles 11. Dibble, enl. Aug. 30, 1864.
Charles Wicks, enl. Aug. 30, 1SG4.
Reuben A. Coons, enl. Aug. 30, 1S64.
J Miller, enl. Aug. 30, 1864.
Frederick Rocrcker, enl. Sept 7, 1864, 5th V. S. Art.
John Tidback, enl. Sept '"•. 1864, 5th D, S. Art.
Herman Gnumnity, enl. Sept 6, 1864, -~- 1 1 1 I. s. Art.
J, dm King, enl. Sept. 6, 1864, 6tll I'. S. Art.
Charles Barker, enl. Sept 6, 1804, 6th 1'. s. Art.
Louis Parker, enl. July 24, 1864, 5th V. S. An.
Fr.-d. Heidcnwick, enl. Sept. 7, 1864, 12th Inf.
Clinrlos W. Miles, enl. Nov. 10, 181 I. ■ b D. S. Art.
J nnr. Sherwood, enl. Nov. M, [864, 101b. H. s. Inf.
ii 1'. Lamb, enl. Nov. in, 1864, 10th I'. S. Inf.
John s nsend, enl. Nov. 1", 1864, 10th C. 8. Inf.
Henry Babillc, onl. Nov. 1", 1864, bub O. S. Inf.
Rotiorl Nelson, enl. Nov. 10, 1864, 6th TJ. S. Cav.
Patrick Elgot, .ml. Nov. in, 1864, Bib O. s. Oav.
i 0 (Trill, enl. Nov. 1", 1864, 10th 1 s. Inf.
Brown, enl. Sept 8,181 i
l>. Rhoada.
Fuller, enl. Aug. K, 1864.
Still others wi re obtained in the early pari of the year
1865:
Ollvoi B iucher, enl i
Willi, in II II 1, .nl. Feb, 13, i
lionry, enl Fab, i i
nl. Feb. 21, I-
i i-..\,
Howe, -nl Fi
John P. Crandall, enl. Fol
John SI U
•i ■■.
TOWN OF PITTSTOWN.
18'J
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THOMAS LAPE
was boni in Greenbush, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Feb. 27,
1828, the third child of Nicholas and Catharine Lape.
The family are of Gerniau descent, and his grandparents,
both on his father's and mother's side, were residents of
Rensselaer County. On the father's side, of Greenbush ;
on the mother's, of West Sand Lake. The homestead
where his grandfather, John Lape, lived and died, and
where both he and his father were born, was situated on the
north shore of Aries', formerly known as Snyder's Lake.
His grandfather and mother Lape were buried in the cem-
etery at West Sand Lake. There were nine children in his
father's family, six of whom are still living.
When Thomas was two years of age his father moved
from the homestead and settled in Greenbush, two miles
south of the old home, where the family remained for six
years. They next moved to Poestenkill, a village in the
present town of the same name, then Sand Lake, where his
father for two years engaged in the mercantile and milling
business. The family next moved to the town of Lansing-
burgh, two miles north of the village, where his father car-
ried on an agricultural, dairy, and milling business. Re-
mained there fourteen years. His father then moved to
Crescent village, town of Half-Moon, Saratoga Co., where
he engaged in milling until his death, which occurred in
November, 1S55. His wife survived him fourteen years.
Her death occurred September, 1869.
Thomas Lape lived at home until twenty-two years of age.
He attended the common schools of his neighborhood, also
several terms in the Lausingburgh Academy. He taught the
district school at Speigletown one season. In the spring of
1851 he engaged in trade in Lansingburgh, dealing in lumber,
plaster, grain, hay, and straw, which he followed five years.
In 1854 he commenced the manufacture of flax, yarns, aud
twines, in company with John Sproat, at Lansingburgh.
At the end of two years he bought his partner's interest,
and until 1861 carried on the business alone.
During this time, in 1856, he moved to Valley Falls,
where he built a flax-, yarn-, and twine-mill on the site
owned aud occupied as a woolen-mill for many years by-
Lewis B. Slocum. In 1858 he also purchased the plaster-,
grist-, and flouring-mill. In 1S61 he took Henry Sproat
as a partner in the flax-mill, which partnership continued
till the death of Mr. Sproat, in 1870. In 1864 he sold his
grist-mill to Messrs. Andrews & Crapo. For a number of
years, and up to 1872, Mr. Lape had also a controlling in-
terest in the straw-board and straw wrapping-paper mill at
Valley Falls.
On the 22d of December, 1863, he purchased the Daniel
Fish farm property, and in the following year laid out what
is known as the " Valley Falls Village Extension," embracing
land so long held from improvement that it came to be
known as, and is still called, the "Promised Land." It
embraces the pleasantest portion of what is now the thriving
village of Valley Falls. In 1S69 he purchased two farms
south of the Fish farm, embracing together three hundred
and ten acres. In 1870 he bought seventy six acres west
62
of the village, a portion of which be allotted, titled " Valley
Falls \ illage Extensiop Westward.''
For about two years after disposing of his factory prop-
erly at the valley, Mr. Lape did not engage ill any active
business. About the beginning of IH72 he becai
ciated with a numbei of gentlemen, who organized the com
pany of the " Chicago Stove Works," building a foundry
in Chicago, which interest ho still retain \l...ut the same
time he united with oi hers in tie- organization of the :: Cable
Flax-Mills Company," of which he was elected president,
which position he still continues t" hold. This company
purchased the property of the Schaghticokc Linen-Mills,
situated on the Hoosick River, al Hart's Falls. Besides
their factory, the e pany have their principal salesroom at
Troy, with branch offices in New Vmk Cil\ and San Fran-
cisco.
Mr. Lape was identified with the Republican party from
the time of its organization up to the period when, in his
judgment, it had accomplished its mission, viz., the cxtir/.-i
tiou of shivery.
Regarding intemperance by the use of alcoholic liquors
as the overshadowing evil of the land, and one to be reached
legitimately by political action, he became identified with
the Prohibition party, and has ever since been one of its
most prominent supporters. He has several times been its
candidate for the Assembly, and once for member of Con-
gress.
Mr. Lape is a firm believer in the fundamental doctrines
of the Christian religion, but owing to what he regards —
to state it mildly — a reprehensible indifference in church
organizations to the great evil of intemperance, he has not
felt it incumbent upon him to unite with any church.
Mr. Lape has been three times married. He was first
married, Nov. 11, 1852, to Martha A. Waterman, by whom
he had five children, viz., Charles T., Edward N., Francis
A., Burton II., and William A. Francis A. and William
A. are deceased. His wife died Nov. 20, 1861. He was
married June 25, 1862, to Mrs. Emily C. Hamblin, widow
of Myron Hamblin and daughter of Peter Stover. By this
union there were two children, viz., Franklin Grant and
Emily C, both deceased. His second wife died Feb. 22,
1867. He married, June 16, 1869, Nellie Stickles, daugh-
ter of J. W. and Eliza Stickles, of Valley Falls. They have
had two children, twins, viz., Clarence J. and Clara T. The
latter is deceased.
HIRAM FILE
was born in the town of Brunswick, Rensselaer Co., X.
Y., Dec. 18, 1828 ; the second child of Peter and Hannah
(Hayner) File. His great-great-grandfather died on his
passage to America. His wife, with two children, settled
in Dutchess County, N. Y. John Malkert File, one
of these children, and great-grandfather of Hiram, iu 1761
moved to Brunswick, aud was proprietor of the first inn
kept in that town. It was located near where the Lutheran
church now stands. Christopher File, his son, and grand-
father of Hiram, was four years old when the family moved
to Brunswick. He married Jane De Morest, by whom he
had eight children, — six sons and two daughters. Peter
490
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
Hiram's father, was the youngest child but one of
these children. He was born in Brunswick, Dec. 29, 1802,
roamed Hannah Hayner, Dec. 30, "1826. They had six
children, four of whom are living. The father has Wen a
life-long fanner, but is now living with his son Hiram.
The mother died in May, 1839.
Hiram File received bis education in the district school
in Brunswick, supplemented by two terms' attendance at the
Normal Scl 1. at Albany. At the ago of seventeen be
re ii need teaching, and altogether taught fifteen terms
of school in the towns of Brunswick, Pittstown, Schaghti-
cokc, and Lansingburgh. Doubtless in his* capacity as
teacher Mr. File is best known and will be longest remem-
bered in these towns.
He was married. Feb. 20, 1SG2, t" Margaret L. Wool,
daughter of Benjamin B. and Sophia L. Wool. Mrs. File
was born in Lansingburgh, Aug. 27, 1843. Her father
was cousin of Gen. John E. Wool. The place in Lansing-
burgh whei Mrs File was born, and where her parents
still live, has been held in the Wool family since its first
in. nt. Mr. and Mrs. File have had two children, viz..
Benjamin W., born Nov. 18, 1862, living at home; Sarah
born Nov. 5, 1864, died Oct. 25, 1876.
In the spring of 1862, Mr. File purchased of his father
the homestead farm in Brunswick, which he carried mi up
to the year 1 866. He tin a sold it and purchased of C. J.
Stark fifty acres of land, including his present home, a flax-
and a saw-mill, situated on the Tomhannock Creek, in the
villas of R ymertown, in Pittstown; he has also added a
grist-mill. Since 1866 Mr. File has devoted his attention
to his niilling interests. During the present year Mr. File
has been making extensive improvements to his mills, in-
cluding the construction of a -tone dam, which has hem
pronounced one of the bestjn the State.
In politic- he has been identified with the Republican
party. During the late war he took an active part in raising
the town's quota of men, signing, with other gentlemen, notes
upon which the necessary funds were raised, reiving upon
a vote of the town for reimbursement. In 1S75 be was
elected justice of the peace, and still holds that office,
if any church, he is a contributor to
the support of all the churches of his neighborhood. A
representation of his residence and mills, with portraits of
Mr. and Mrs. File and Bon, appear "ii another page of this
Work.
BENJAMIN BOSWORTH.
This gentleman was born in Pittstown, R ■ er Co.,
\ Y \ ._• i- 1793 The first of the family who came
to this country from England was Nathaniel Bosworth,
who was born there Sept I. 1617. He emigrated with a
brothel and fir-t settled at Plymouth. About the year
1680 he removed to Bristol, I! I . where bo died Aug. 31,
■ among the 6 of Bristol : was a
in of the Fir-' > rational Church therefrom it-
nixntion. He was a man distinguished for bis upright-
ted Christian. He 1. ft
B B rib, who was bom Miv I'.. 111.".- i
farmer, lived most of his life in Bristol, and died there
March 16, 1718. Nathaniel Bosworth, his only son, born in
Bristol, March 3, 1693, was a man " who carried on an
extensive business, employing many men, and sustained
through life a fair and honorable character. "
He was twice married. By his second marriage he had
seven children, of whom Benjamin Bosworth. grandfather
of the Benjamin who heads this sketch, was the fifth child.
He was born in Bristol. Jan. 9, 1732 or 1733. lie was
frequently elected a representative of the county of Bristol
to the General Assembly, was a major of the militia during
the time of the Revolution, and discharged the duties of
the civil and military offices which he held with great,
fidelity and success. His second wife (grandmother of
Benjamin) to whom he was married, Jul}" 19, 17b'4, was
Mary Church, daughter of Constance Church, of Bristol,
and great-granddaughter of Col. Benjamin Church, the
hero of King Philip's war. and the man who commanded
the party that killed the " Sachem of Mount Hope,'' in
August, 1676. Mrs. Bosworth was a worthy representa-
tive of the distinguished family from which she descended.
Her death, which occurred April 21, 1781, from the burst-
ing of a blood-vessel, was sorely felt by her family, and was
a great loss to the community in which she had passed a
useful life. In 1784, having married the third time, Abi-
gail Monro, by whom he also had seven children, Benjamin
Bosworth moved to Warren, R. I., where he died Oct. 18,
1S10. He was buried in Bristol.
Nathaniel Bosworth. the eldest child of the preceding by
his second wife, was born in Bristol, June 1G, 1707. He
married Suriah Mason. Nov. 25, 17'JO. This lady was the
daughter of Christopher Mason, a descendant of Sampson
Mason, who emigrated from England aud settled in Swanzey,
Mass., about the year 1034 or 1635. Her father was a
representative from the town of Swanzey to the General
Assembly for twenty-one years.
In the spring of 17'J2. Nathaniel Bosworth moved from
Bristol, and settled in the south part of Pittstown, where
all of his children, ten in number, were born, except Na-
thaniel, the eldest, who was born in Rhode Island. When
he came to Pittstown he was in moderate circumstances;
but by careful and prudent management, seconded in all
his undertakings by a wife who was truly a helpmeet, he
accumulated a ban. Nome property, and at the time of his
death was estimated the wealthiest man of Pittstown. His
wife died April 17, 183 I.
The following tribute to her memory is taken from a
family record prepared by her husband in lvl t: "She
was a kind and affectionate wife, a tender and exemplary
mother, a woman of integrity, uprightness, and serious
religion, and left to her posterity an example worthy of
imitation."
Mr. Bosworth's portrait appears on another page of this
woi k.
Benjamin BoSWOrtll was the second child of ten chil-
dren, ami the first born iii Pittstown. Except about twelve
year- lie lias always lived ill Pittstown. 1 1 is education was
limited to the common schools of his neighborhood. He
was married Nov. 5, 1818, to Hannah Kingslcy, daughter
of Elisba Kingslcy, a promincul man of Adams, Mass.
NATHANIEL BOSWORTH.
BENJAMIN BOSWORTH.
MRS. BENJAMIN BOSWORTH.
Photo, i>\ Atkiuson, Troy.
/^n £> (jMWi/w^
Jona B. TwoCOOD was born in the town of Brunswick, Rensselaer
S, V.. Nov. 6, 1818, the eldest child of Joseph C. and Lucy (Eddy)
TwogOOd. Hi- trr.i n.l far lnT. John Tw .-""■] . was n son of one of two
brothon who emigrated from England and settled in Connecticut
limr before the Revolution. Soon after the Revolution he came
1 11, where hr married .Mercy Cole, by whom he had two pons
■nd fire daughters.
Joseph Cole Twog 1 was the eldest of the two bods, lie was
brought np a farmer, and followed it during his life. Both the grand-
father and father died in the same house, the old homestead, now oc-
cupied by Albert Lawton, whose wife was the widow of Charles Two-
lf brother of John B. The father died in November, I860j the
mother, Nov. 13, 1*73. They are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, lit
Troy. Tit- bildrcn, two of whom died in infancy.
The nam* ■• of those who reached adnlt age are John K., Sherman,
Eveline, f'harl«\«, Lueinda, Ann. Tisdalj Robert, and Louise. Charles,
■, and Louise are deceased.
Bis mother's grandfather. DeTOtion Bddy, was one of the earliest
■ettli " -«n, taking op some four hundred acres in the south-
weal part, and including the land* DOW owned ami occupied by Charles
II. Barry. Esq. The Eddy family for many yean WW B prominent
family of Pitt.«town. <ien. Gilbert Kddy was an uncle.
John K. Twogood wa* two years old when his father moved from
» farm in Grafton, no* owned and occupied by his
brother, ?herm»n Twogood, and here ho lived until ho was twentj
one years of aga. His education was reooived in thi mmon
"fhi« neighborhood, attending school winters, working on hie father's
farm summer*. When he »n' of age be hired OOt to learn the OBX-
penttr and joiner trade, which he followed f'-r sixteen yean in the
towns of Pittstown, (Indian, and Brunswick. Dp to tin- period Mr.
mod had little thought of taping money, bat spent it about as
fast as earn*
On the 10th of November, 1864, he was married to Cordelia Lawton,
daughter of William and Laura Lawton, of Pittstown. After mar-
riage he settled on a farm of fifty acres, situated in the northeastern
part of the town of Brunswick, which he hail purchased a year or
two prior. From this time forward he was determined to demonstrate
to his friends, who had become skeptical on that point, that he could,
if he chose, save money. How much getting a good wife had to do
with forming this sensible resolution the writer will not undertake to
determine, but certain it is, Mr. Twogood is not the first instance of
a man upon whom marriage has wrought this favorable change. At
any rate. .Air. Twogood not only paid for the fifty acres, but added
from time to time other lands as follows: In 1856 forty acres, in
1860 sixty acres: both pieces in Pittstown, adjoining the original fifty
acres. On the latter was a mill-site on the Tomhannook Creek. In
1S71 nineteen acre- woodland situated in Pittstown. and in 1878, in
company with Joseph Ciishtnan, of Bittstown, lie purchased a farm
of one hundred and twelve acres in Brunswick. In the purchase of
these lands he ran in debt, sometimes to the amount of three thousand
dollars, but he always paid his obligations before they were duo. In
I860 he built Ins flax-mill on the site above named, in 1867 hie
present residence, and in 1872 the saw-mill.
By hie first wife be had three children, viz. : Willie J., born July
1 I. 1855 j Sarah A., born July 24, 1857 ; and Lueinda !•*.. born April
'.'. 1859, — all living at home. After Mrs. Twogood decease he wae
again married. April 17. L860, to Mr-. .Martha Smith, widow of Daniel
Smith, and daughter Of Henry 1". and Sophia lluym-r. Mrs. Twogood
was born in Brunswick, July 'Ji. 1832.
Mr. Twogood has filled a number of offices in bis town ; was jue-
of the peace five years, assessor four year-, and excise COmmis-
r one year. In politic! he is Republican. Under tl Id militia
law of the State he served ai d captain. Although nol a member of
anj church, he has contributed hie proportion of means towardi
the erection and support of nil the churches in hie vicinity. A useful
ii. a kind neighbor, and a genial companion, Mr. Twogood
well deserves the g 1 estimation in which he is held by the com-
munity in which he live .
TOWN OF STEPHENTOWN.
191
Mrs. Bosworth was born July 13, L798. They had chil-
<li.ii as follows:
Nathaniel Elisha, born Jan. 15, lsi'.'!; married Feb. 13,
[865, to Hannah Jane Shedd. A farmer in Pittstown.
Six children ; four living.
Benjamin Franklin, born Dec. 11, 1S27; married Oct.
,r>, L852, Sarah Augusta Sturgis. One child, drowned
April 13, 1863.
Frances C, born Oct. 5, 1829; married Jan. 25, L853,
Spencer A. Buckley ; now a widow, living in Boston, Wash-
ington Co., N. Y. Six children ; lour living.
Hannah A., born March 23, IS III; died March 14,1843.
Mrs. Bosworth died Oct. 24, 1850, and Mr. Bosworth
was married June 5, 1S67, to Eliza M. Roberts, widow of
David Huberts, and daughter of George and Margaret
Snyder. She was born in Pittstown, Sept. 6, 1820.
Two years after his first marriage Mr. Bosworth worked
at home. Be then moved on to a farm in Grafton, whero
he remained ti irs. Having purchased a farm ad-
joining the homestead in Pittstown, he moved on to it, and
has resided i here ever sim
Mr. Bosworth has been a life long fai mi i and has shown
by his marked Buccess in his chosen calling thai th
of industry, temperance, and an enlightened economy
taught him by his father have not bei upon him.
Though he has always discho - a citizen, he
has never been a seeker of office. In politics he has been
identified with the Whig and Republican parties. Though
noi a member of the church, he is al the present time, and
has been for a number of years, a trustee of the Baptist
Church of Pittstown Coiners. For many years Mr. Bos-
worth has not used tobacc - spirituous liquors, and as a
result, few men of his age are both mentally and physically
better preserved.
-»-+-Ott>-t — v-
STEPHENTOWN.
I.—GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
This town, which was named in honor of Stephen Van
Rensselaer, was formed from Rensselaerswyck, on March
29, 1784. Petersburgh was taken off in 1791, and parts
of Berlin and Nassau in 1806. It forms the southeast
comer of the county, and is bounded on the north by the
town of Berlin, in the same county ; on the south by the
town of New Lebanon, in Columbia County ; on the east
by the State of Massachusetts ; and on the west by the
town of Nassau, in Rensselaer County. It contains 33,538
acres of land, and. by the census of 1875, a population of
2047 persons. The assessment valuation for the year 1878
gives the total value of the real estate of the town at
§179,244 ; of the personal property, 84975 ; the amount
of tax on a valuation of one dollar, .0366 ; and the total
tax of the town for the year at 86841. 62.
II.— NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface of the town is very broken and hilly. The
Taghkanic range of mountains passes north and south
through the eastern section of the town, and in the western
part the Petersburgh range passes in the same direction.
The two are separated by the long, deep valley through
which flow Kinderhook Creek and Black River. The
former are wild, rugged, and rocky, rising to an altitude of
from one thousand to two thousand feet above tide-water,
and affording a great variety of wild and picturesque
scenery. Their declivities are usually precipitous, and
their summits are covered with forests, or masses of naked
rocks. They are composed of slate, quartz, sandstone, and
limestone. The quartz exists in the form of veins of in-
jection, and in some places the slate has been washed away,
leaving the quartz in the form of sharp-pointed rocks or
of isolated masses. The soil upon the summits and sides
of the mountains is generally thin and pom-, but in the
valley it consists of a gravelly loam and is moderately fer-
tile. The Petersburgh range is wild, irregular, and broken
in masses, with precipitous sides on the east, but with more
gradual declivities on the west. They are composed of the
graywacke slates and limestone belonging to the Hudson
River group.
The principal elevations in the town are Round Moun-
tain, and Whitney and Butternut Hill, cast of the valley,
and Brockway Hill and Webster Mountain on the west.
Extensive forests cover a portion of the town.
The principal streams are Kinderhook and East Creeks,
Black River, and Black and Roaring Brooks. The former
flows through the eastern section of the town, and takes a
southwesterly course down into Columbia County. A large
number of good water-privileges are afforded by it to the
town. Black River flows north and south through the
centre of the town, and is a tributary of Kinderhook
Creek.
The soil readily yields the ordinary products of the
climate under good cultivation, but is best adapted to pas-
turage and grazing.
III.— EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The town was first settled about the year 1765, by pio-
neers from the States of Connecticut and Rhode Island,
who entered the town at the southeast corner, and located,
as the early settlers were wont to do, upon the rocky hills
of that locality.
Some doubt exists in the town in regard to who was the
actual first settler of the town. By some the honor is
claimed for Asa and William Douglas, who settled in the
town in the season of 1765-66; while others insist that
the first settlement was made by Elnalhan Sweet, Nathaniel
49:2
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
R - . Joseph Rogers, Benjamin Gardner, or others. It is
altogether probable that several of the first settlers of the
town came in about the same time. The tombstones of
both Asa ami William Douglns simply declare them to be
•• One of the first settlers of the town."
\-i Douglas was a descendant of William Douglas, who
was bom July 20. 1610, came from Scotland, and landed
at Boston in 1040. From tlienee he went to New London,
Conn., and died July 26, 1GS2. It is claimed that the
family are conneeted with the noted Douglas family of
• i Asa came from Plainfield, Conn., to Pittsfield,
M -- . in tli. year 1700, in search of some good land which
he was to receive a^ a compensation for certain services
which he bad performed in behalf of the government in
the Indian war. Finding no satisfactory land there, and
meeting an Indian chief who informed him that there was
I land in -'Jericho Hollow," a name that was given to
the '• hollow" in which Leonard Doty and others reside, he
repaired there and took up 1000 acres, which then laid
within the territory of Massachusetts. Here he established
himself with his family, which subsequently consisted of
his wife Rebecca, seven sons, Asa. William. Wheeler, Jona-
than, Samuel, John, and Benajah, and Sarah, Rebecca,
Hannah. Lucy, and Olive. One-half of the laud is now
within the territory of New York, and is divided into six
farms, owned by Mrs. Emelinc A. Hubbard, a descendant
of Asa Douglas, Leonard Doty, Charles Shumway, Am-
brose Sweet, Kirk Gardner, the widow and heirs of Silas
II. Gardner, the last two of whom reside in Massachu-
-
Of the sons of Asa, William was married when he came,
and located permanently. Benjamin, born Dee. 4, 1755,
the firs) child born in town. His other children were
William. Eli, Hannah, Deidamia, Amos, and Abiah. Of
these, Benjamin, Eli, and William located on portions of
tl Id farm, and raised families in town. Benjamin had
children. — William I?., Benjamin, Lois, Cynthia, Alanson
and Deidamia (twins . Apolaoia, Le Grand \V., John L.,
II nnah C, and Harriett. The children of Eli were An-
gelina. Lucy, Win. Earl, Elizabeth. William bad Albert,
Edwin, William EL, Andrew, Betsey, Nancy, Miriam,
and Emelinc.
Of the children of Benjamin, William li. located on part
of the old farm. Bis children were I bury T.. Aurinda B.,
Mary. Elvira, and Harriet. Henry T. resides at North
hentown, and has been a farmer and store-keeper at
thai point for many years. He is the only male descendant
in the direct line of Ana Douglas now resident in Ste-
phentown Be married, on Sept. 7, 1837, Almira J.,
daughter ol D N B. Harris, of Sand Lake, and had Wm.
II who died young; Caroline M.. wife of Wm. A. Gile;
and Edward W.
Of the Other children of A-a. the original settler of the
town, A-i locate 1 at Canaan, Columbia Co., and is the an-
l ■ tion. John died in Al
Benajah was born in 1702. and married the daugh-
ter of Stephen Arnold, one of (be early settlers of Stephen-
town. He settled rery early al Ballston Spa. in Saratoga
County, and built a log tavern at that point, which after-
Ward i noted watering-place Hi- wns probably
the first one of its kind there. He moved thence in 1792,
and settled at Brandon, Vt. He bad a number of children,
of whom Stephen A., John, and Beriah were sons. Ste-
phen A. was born in Stephentown, became a physician,
located at Brandon, and died of heart-disease quite young,
while holding in his arms an infant which took his name,
and who subsequently became the Hon. Stephen A. Doug-
las, of Illinois.
Joseph Carpenter came from Rhode Island prior to the
Revolution, and settled where Philander D. Carpenter now
resides. He had six sons and four daughters. The sons
were Thomas G., Sylvanus, Joseph, Solomon, Benjamin,
and Samuel, all of whom but the latter located in town, and
occupied adjoining farms. One of the daughters married
a Knowles, another Uriah Goodrich, and another Jasper
Crandall, and the other a Main. Sylvanus, son of Solomon,
and a daughter reside in town. Calvin P., son of Benja-
min, also resides at Stephentown.
Adam Brown, son of Joshua, came from Stonington,
Conn., immediately after the opening of the present cen-
tury, and settled in the southeast part of the town, on the
place now occupied by Hiram Rose. His wife, Susannah
Morey, accompanied him, and one or two children were the
companions of his pioneer voyage. He had eight children,
of whom seven attained adult age, — Joseph R., Randall A.,
Lewis M., James D., Wm. T., Delia (who married Albert
Buckley), and Eliza, widow of Henry Buckley, and resides
at Salt Lake, Utah. Joseph R. settled on the Rogers farm,
in Stephentown, and died there in 1S50, aged fifty. Spen-
cer C. and William Brown, his sons, reside in town. Mary
M. is the wife of Henry T. Douglas. Randall A. is in
trade at Stephentown village. His three living sons reside
in Omaha, Neb., of whom Charles II. is a lawyer and State
senator. Lewis M. settled in town, but moved away and
died at Canton, O. James D. is a lawyer at Omaha, Neb.
William T. lived and died in town, was a merchant and
farmer, and died young.
Alexander Brown was born Nov. 1, 1762, came from
Connecticut to this town prior to the Revolutionary war,
and settled in the southwest part of the town, where his
son. Frederick H. Brown, still resides. He had thirteen
children, of whom seven were sons, viz., Alexander S.,
Hiram W.. Samuel J., George C, Morgan L., Frederick IL,
and Roswell D. They all settled in town and raised families.
Samuel .1. and Roswell D. subsequently removed to Illi-
nois, where the latter still lives. Andrew J. Brown, sou of
Hiram W.. is town clerk of Stephentown.
Edward Carr settled at a very early day in the south
part of the town. He was one of the founders of the Bap-
tist Church. Caleb Carr, his brother, settled in the same
locality. Jonathan Howard and Joseph Rogers were also
early settlers, and assisted in the formation of the church.
Kliiathau Sweet settled in the same locality. His grand-
son, Kln.ithan. was long pastor of the Baptist Church al Ste
phentown, — for a period of about forty years. He preached
al Cheshire, Mass., for twenty years. He is said to have
read the Bible through sixty-live times by course. He died
J 6 1879, in his eighty-third year.
Nathaniel B settled in the south part of the town.
;il.oiit two mile- north of Stephentown village.
TOWN OF STEPHENTOWN.
m
Maj. Daniel Brown lived at an early day in the east part
of the town, near the Hancock line. His son Erastus now
lives in the town.
Henry Piatt was an early and prominent settler at Ste-
phentown Flats.
Dr. Joshua Griggs lived early in the same locality, and
practiced medicine for a long time in the town.
James Adams lived at an early day near Stephentown
Flats.
Dr. Calvin Pardee located early in the southeast part of
the town. He practiced first at Lebanon Springs.
Beriah Iloleomb was also an early settler in the south
part of the town.
Samuel Udell was another early settler at the " Flats."
Gen. Hosea Moffit, who was a representative from the
county in Congress from 1813 to 1817, lived, at an early
day, in the southeast corner of the town. He was a prom-
inent man in town throughout his life.
Kphraim Peirce was also an early settler in the south
part of the town.
James Sweet was an early resident in the cast part of the
town, and lived where his son, Jonathan J., now resides.
Capt. Benjamin Sackett lived early where Thomas H.
Horton resides, in the southeast part of the town.
David Goold was also one of the pioneers in the south-
west part of the town. Newton, his son, resides in the
town, and Walter B., his son, is a hardware merchant at
Stephentown village, and station agent.
Jesse Bennett lived early in the same locality. Col.
Hosea Bennett was quite prominent in town, and was a
member of the Legislature.
Isaac Finch was also an early resident in the southwest
part of the town.
William Kittol settled early near the centre of the town.
Among his sons were Carr, Peleg, Simeon, and Samuel
Kittol.
Elder Matthew Jones resided quite early in the southeast
part of the town. He and Elder Sweet were ordained at
the same time, prior to 1820.
Nathaniel Spring settled very early in the southeast part
of the town.
John Dixon was an early settler, and located where Syl-
vanus Carpenter now resides.
Edmond Cherevoy was an early manufacturer in the south
part of the town. His descendants are still in town.
Justus Brockway came from Connecticut at an early day,
and settled in the north part of the town. His sons were
Justus, Jesse, Samuel, George, Gardner, and Simeon, of
whom George and Samuel settled in town. Justus moved
to Ohio. The original Justus settled first on the farm
afterwards occupied by Simon Arnold. He served all
through the Revolutionary war, and after his return to
Stephentown located about a mile and a half west of the
first location, where he passed his life and raised his family.
George, his son, was born in 1791. John S., his son, still
resides in the north part of the town.
Ezekiel and Daniel Parks, and John Babcock were also
early settlers in the north part of the town.
Lebbeus Brockway also resided in the same locality at an
early day.
Nathan Williams was another old resident of tin- north
pari ul' the town, ami carried his musket through the Rov-
olutionary war.
Benjamin Ucrrington also settled early in the same lo
cality.
Abisha Mass was another old settler in that part of the
town.
Silas Babcock also lived early in the same locality.
Joshua Palmer also settled at an early day in the north
part of the town.
John Horton was also an early settler ill the north part
of the town, and served in the Revolutionary war. He came
about 1780.
John Curtis was one of the earliest settlers in the same
locality.
Jeremiah Jolls came from Warren, B. I., about 1790,
and settled on the old Jolls farm near the " Flats." He
died Sept. 24, 18154. He had seven children. Caleb, Jere-
miah, and Stephen Van Rensselaer were sons. The latter
was born Feb. 27, 1780, and still lives on the farm which
he has occupied since he was eight years of age. Jeremiah
Jolls died Nov. 11, 1806. Caleb was a twin of Mchitable,
and was born Oct. 29, 1778 ; located in town, and died there.
His son Caleb now occupies his homestead.
Jonathan Howard lived at an early day near the depot
village.
Abraham Winston settled very early on the Hatch farm,
along the creek. He was a tanner by trade, and operated
one of the earliest tanneries in the town.
Jonathan Niles had a tavern very early where Ralph
Bull now lives.
Jacob Green settled very early on what is now the Jolls
farm. Jeremiah Jolls made his purchase of Green.
Ezekiel Huntington was an early settler in the west part
of the town.
Nathaniel Rose settled early in the north part of the
town.
Isaac Humphrey was an early settler about a mile west
of the " Flats."
Silas Wood lived early south of the same point. A man
named Forsyth lived there afterwards. The house was taken
down recently, and was one of the oldest in the town.
Talman Chase settled very early near the centre of the
town.
The Hignenbotham family settled at a very early day on
the hill near the Moffitt family.
John Wylie settled very early in the southeast part of
the town ; also Reuben Delano.
Eli Young came from Connecticut very early, settled in
the south part of the town, and operated an early grist-mill.
He subsequently settled in the Black River neighborhood.
Langford Green occupied a farm in the north part of the
town early. Some of his sons were Joseph, Samuel, Ben-
jamin, and George, who lived in the north part of the
town.
Stephen Arnold settled quite early in the north part of
the town, on a farm now owned and occupied by Henry T.
Douglas.
George Arnold located in the northeast part of the town
at a very early period, on a farm originally leased to one
194
HISTORY OP RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Reynolds. Ho married Mary, daughter of Joseph Hop-
kins, of Rhode Island, and had fourteen children. Fivelnve
became the wife of Peleg R. Thomas.
James Jones was an early and prominent settler in the
same locality.
Other earl; settlers in the town, some of whom were among
the first, were a man by the name of Moon, Rowland Ball,
Dr. Nicholas Karri-. Aim - James, Nathan Eoward, Wil-
liam Pratl lather of lion. Zadock Piatt , Jesse Kggleston,
and the Gardner brothers, — Joshua, Benjamin, Caleb, Na-
thaniel,— and others.
minor in 1771 cut his way through the woods
from the old " Easl road," that passed from Lebanon
Springs, up over the mountain to the place where he lo-
1. Eldad Tost lived very early on " Presbyterian
Hill." Samuel Vary settled very early at the village,
where Nathaniel Bldredge now resides. Most of the early
Bettlers located on the "squatter sovereignty" principle, the
patroon, Stephen Van 1! tnsselaer, being at the date of their
settlement a minor, and unable to give titles.
An old "map of that portion of the manor of Rens-
rwick, lying oust of the Hudson River," shows the
ins to whom many of the earlier lots were" surveyed.
Commencing at the southwestern corner of the town, and
passing north along the western border, appear the lots of
S. Bligh, .1. Swaill, J. Bligh, J. King. J. Dart, G. Smith,
W. Hunt. 1). Damon, W. Baker, J. Crane, E. Judd. M.
Bush, W. Harris, John Lowdin, D. Pearce, 15. Chase, C.
Webster, J. W Ison, A. Pairec, Amos James. G. Carrier,
A Carrier, John Cone, W. Fowler, J. C. Foot, Timothy
Bailey, X. Campbell, T. Young, C. Randall, Wilcox,
W. I'M.. E. Kill, and 1). Matison. Passing now cast-
ward through the northern and central portions of the
town appear the lots of E. Pool, A. Carers. II. Hall,
Wardin. P.. Comp, W. Fi>k. P. Pool. E. Fanning. W.
Crumb, P. Crumb. W. Capwell, Wm. Crumb, W. Fanning,
J. Green, K. Bacon, -I. Tufts, X. Vincent, B. Gardner. X.
Harris, and S. Hinckley, all west id' Black River. Between
the latter ami Kinderhook Creek, eastward, appear, from
north to south, the lots of ( I. Thomas. I!. ( iardner, P. Har-
rington, S. Hoard, E. Parks. J. Babcock, J. Ailsworth, G.
v. Q. Sheldon, P. Thomas, J. Brockway, S. Niles, J.
■ Jr., I'. Hinckley, A. Bass, P. Moon, P.. Barber, J.
Palmer, W; itl R S Qreenman, .1. Brown, I!. Tabor,
A. Taner, J. K ■■■ N Rose, ind J. Dye.
Easl of Kinderhook Creek, from north to south, are the
lots of P. Br.iman. A. Greenpoint, l>. Denison, E. Paireel,
K. i: rrj J. Bass, W. Joslin, ('. Sweet, .1. Westcott, d.
Joni - I B nl I ■ II Jon I Ri !i irdson, W. Thomas, II.
Henry, J. Milland, S IM >ck, S. Niles, Stephen Arnold,
N Harris -I M in, J, Bcntly, 'I'. Northrop, Reyn-
R. Hall, E, Cook, J. Austin, II. Reynolds, W. 1
Iardner, B. Gardner, R, Greenfield, K • l> Grc.cn, and
1 1 McCaxty.
Tie- following " pathmasters" of the town in thi
17-1 furnish the names ol > number of the early Bettlers of
that period: John W. Schermerhorn, Timothy Mattison,
Jonathan Howard, Abraham Winston, Benjamin Suckctt,
Joseph I; lathao Niles, Jacob Green, Wm. Kittle
'• . B i I • kiol Huntington, Benjamin
Gardner, Edward Hoard, Stephen Arnold, Samuel Bailey,
John Forbs, Benjamin Green, Samuel Sweet, Nathaniel
Xiles. Abel Lewis, Joshua Whitford, Elijah West, Randal
Shiner, Aaron Budlong, Alexander Case, Obadiah Mat-
thews, Hezekiah Coon, Nathan Tanner, Wm. Reynolds,
Walter Word, n, Wm. Sandford, Augustus Lewis.
Other early settlers mentioned on the records are:
1784.— Hezekiah Hull. Wm. Ross, David Husted, Asa
Lewis. James Jones, David Sprague, Daniel Gray, John
Wilkinson, Daniel Johnson, Jr., Thomas Moffitt, Ichabod
('olio. David Green, John Wyeham, Marcus Dimoud, Reu-
ben Knapp, Nathan Gillett, Abijah Burk, Lewis Sweeting,
Wait Crumb. Nicholas Vincent, Gideon Clark, Lemuel Tis-
dcl, Silas Grecnman, Stephen Niles, Eleazar Arnold, Isaac
Austin. Samuel Sweet, Isaac Randall, John Primmer, John
Nichols, John Phillips, Samuel Wait, David King.
178C. — Nathan Griffin, Abel Owen, Isaac Humphrey,
Wheaton Robinson, Elisha Reynolds, Benjamin Hanks,
Nathaniel Church, Luke Green, Job Grceu, Wm. Cross,
Walter Roads, Caleb Hakes, Wm. Clark, Wm. Scribbens,
Nathan Baldwin, John Parks, Lambert Cook, Jarod Ste-
phens, John Udell, Thomas G. Carpenter, Silas Wood.
In the western part of the town John Coleman, Shubal
and Elihu Adams, Daniel Rowe, and Marcus Dimond were
early settlers. Johu Coleman came from Massachusetts
prior to the Revolutionary war, and located in the section
of territory which is now the northeast corner of the town
of Nassau. He took up 200 acres of land in that locality.
the greater part of which now lies in Stephentown. He
passed his life as a farmer. John, Calvin, Roland, Otis,
Samuel, Royal, Sally, and Plnebe all settled in Stephen-
town. Royal lived iii the old homestead. Otis removed
to the western part of the State. Royal removed to the
West. Sally died West.
Calvin lived about two miles north of West Stephen-
town. His wife was Elizabeth Bangs. He had seven children,
— Warren, Lucinda, Stillman, Benjamin F., Isaiah B., Laura
II.. and Mary E. Isaiah B. is the elder; Stillman resides
in Ohio; Lucinda is the widow of Daniel Brainard ; Laura
is the wife of A. S. Lansing. Mrs. Ansel Chapman is
the daughter of John Coleman, and lives in town.
The Rollo family settled early in the south part of (he
town, and is now prominently represented by Edwin A.,
Rev. Eber M., and Luther M. Rollo. Mesick Strait was
an early settler in the southwest part of tin- town, where
his son. Judge E. Smith Strait, of this county, was born.
TAVERNS.
Rowland Hail had an early inn at North Stophontown,
where Henry T. Douglas now lives. Lawrence V an Val-
kenburgh succeeded him, and after the latter came Erastus
Prown. [chabod Crofutl was a very early innkeeper where
Ralph Bull now lives. Jonathan Niles kepi there after-
wards. Abner Bull had an earlj tavern near Stephentown
village a great many years ago. Simon Cranston succeeded
him. and kept it a groat many year.-. Richard Spencer kept
an .,ilv hotel in the west part of the town. Daniel Allen
had one at a later period in the same locality. Caleb Can'.
Calvin Hoty. Charles Hastings, and Joel Latham have been
innkeepers at the " centre.
TOWN OF STEPHENTOWN.
195
.Joseph Olin Gardner also had another where Ftufue
Sweet now lives. Benjamin Carpenter kept a hotel in the
cast part of the town sixty years ago. Caleb Can- kepi one
about the same time at the centre. He was a brigadier
I general in the war of 1812. Namy Griggs, widow of Dr.
Joshua Griggs, kept an inn at the " Flats" a long time ago.
Milo A. Daniels built and lias been the proprietor of the
Vnndcrbill House, at Stephentown village, for nine years.
Peter Coneliot lias also had a hotel at the same point for
about two years. C. A. Woodward keeps a hotel at the
'• Flats." Hiram W. Brown preceded him.
STORES.
Henry Piatt had a store at the " Flats" more than seventy
years ago. Heury, Jr., succeeded him, and now Horace S.
Wheeler is in trade there. Jonathan J. Sweet had an early
Btore in the east part of the town. Randall A. Brown was
subsequently in trade with him. He finally had a store at
Stephentown for about forty years, and is still in trade.
The pioneer store at North Stephentown was kept in 1778 by
Joseph Westcott, where Mrs. 11. D. Jones afterwards lived.
Erastus Brown had an early store at North Stephentown
for a good many years. A man by the name of Van
Valkenburgh was his predecessor. John II. & Henry 11.
Cranston succeeded him. Henry T. Douglas followed in
1845, and' until 1873. W. A. Gile is the present occu-
pant. H. A. Carpenter was in trade for a time at Stephen-
town village, followed by Cranston & Brimmer, the present
proprietors. Goold & Cranston are dealers in drugs and
hardware at the same point. Charles IT. Vary and Horace
S. Wheeler, each have stores at the " Flats." Horatio Cole-
man is in trade at the centre. Isaiah B. Coleman, also
pastor of the Free- Will Baptist Church, has been in trade
at West Stephentown for forty years. Spencer C. Brown
erected his present store at Stephentown village in the year
1871, and has been in trade at that point ever since.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Baker practiced in the southeast part of the town
nearly ninety years ago. He was probably one of the
earliest physicians in the town. The oldest inhabitants can
but just recollect his buskin knee-breeches and immense
saddle-bags filled with his magic potations. Dr. Nicholas
Harris practiced very early in the northeast section of the
town. He and Dr. Baker were contemporaries in practice.
The honor of being the first physician to practice in town
lies between them. Dr. Brighton lived on the " East road,"
and practiced in 1802. Dr. Calvin Pardee was one of the
earliest physicians of the town. He came originally from
Connecticut, and settled first at Lebanon Springs, Columbia
Co., and finally on " Presbyterian Hill," where he passed
his life. Dr. Joshua Griggs came early, and lived at
Stephentown " Flats," where William Cheverry lives. He
died in town. Dr. Cuyler Tanner was in practice at Stephen-
town village fifty years ago. Dr. Elijah Graves studied with
Dr. Griggs, practiced for years at the " Flats," and died there.
Dr. Philander H. Thomas practiced about fifteen years in
the east part of the town about forty years ago. lie was a
physician of rare excellence. Dr. Beriah Douglas practiced for
a short time about the year 1 820. He was a son of Benajah
Douglas, man led :i daughter of William Dougls and lived
on the old homestead. Dr. F. A. Carpenter, son of Ben-
jamin, and a native of the town, Studied with I1'
Thomas and Tanner, located at (forth Berlin, in practice
for a year, and then removed to fjeba 111., where he
died. lie left in his will the Mini of $5000 to tic tOWD of
Stephentown, the interest of which was applied t" common-
school purposes, Dr. George II. Dickinson began practice
at tin- •■ Flats" about thirtj five years ago. Ho died in town
on Jan. 12, 1878, at the age of fifty six, and was ;> physician
of vast attainments, p., polarity, anil worth. If I lldied with
Dr. Graves. Dr. (I. I'. Dickinson, his son. also practiced
for a time, and is now located at Fast Chatham, Columbia
Co. Dr. Charles \. Reynolds has been in practice mi
the " Flats" since .March, 1870, and is a native of the town.
Dr. George II. Day, also pastor el' the Baptist Church at
Stephentown village, has practiced in the town for the past
seven or eight years.
intiiiwAvs.
The earliest road that existed in the town was a rude
bridle-path over the mountain from Lebanon Springs,
which the earliest settlers of the town cut through the
wilderness when first entering the town. By gradual use
and improvement it became quite a useful thoroughfare,
and was used for the passage of carts as well as horses.
One of the earliest roads in the town commenced near the
residence of Deacon Jolls, and passed over " Presbyterian
Hill." But dim traces of it can now be seen. The Western
Union Turnpike passed through the town from Hancock,
Mass., to Schodack Landing. The Eastern Union Turn-
pike passed subsequently from Hancock to Albany through
Sand Lake. Another turnpike passed to Albany from the
" Flats," by way of Nassau, quite early. The Harlem Ex-
tension Railroad passes north and south through the town,
having stations at North Stephentown and at Stephen-
town village.
ANCIENT DWELLINGS.
Probably the oldest house in town now stauds on
" Presbyterian Hill." It was built and occupied by a
man named Gordon, nearly ninety years ago. The bouse
occupied by Dr. Pardee still stands on " Presbyterian Hill,"
and is occupied by Bryan Kneeland. The " old Sweet
house," built and occupied by Elnathan Sweet, is also
one of the oldest now standing, and is occupied by David
Sweet. The original Langford Green farm-house is still
standing in the north part of the town. Clark Ormsby
now occupies it.
MEN OP PROMINENCE.
John Wylie was one of the early supervisors in the
town, and was a man of prominence. Gen. Hosea Moffitt.
Henry Piatt, Jonathan J. Sweet, James Jones, and James
Jones, Jr., Rowland Hall, Gen. Caleb Carr, were also men
of prominence and influence, and filled many public posi-
tions of trust. Randall A. Brown, George W. Class. Lan-
sing Sheldon, and others, have been members of the Legis-
lature. Hon. Zadoek Pratt, of Prattville, Greene Co.,
N. Y., was the son of William Pratt, and a native of the
town. lie was a member of Congress from that county
from 1837-39, and from 1843—15.
496
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
l\ -CIVIL BISTORT.
The organization of the town dates from March 29, 17S4.
It formerly included Petersburgh, Berlin, and a portion of
Sand Lake and Nassau, the trad being known under the
ral appellation of " Little Hoosick." Since the incor-
poratiou of the town the principal offices have been tilled
bj the following:
-i ii K\ [SORS.
KM S5, Caleb Bcntloy; 1786-90, John W. Sobormcrhorn ; 1790,
Jonai Odell; 1791-94, John Wylio; 1795-97, Samuel Vary;
1805, Honrj Piatt; 1806 9, Hosea Uoffitt; L810, Henry
Piatt; 1811-16, Rowland Hall; 1817, John Baboock; 1818,
William Douglas; 1819-21, James Jones; 1822-23, Henry Piatt;
inston; 1825-26, Henry Piatt; 1827, Jamos
, C. Moffitl : 1831-38, U. A. Brown; 18
Rulus Roso; 1836 SB, E. G. Grcon; 1840-43, II. W. Brown;
1844, E.G. Grcon ; 1845-46, S. V. R. Jones ; 1847, G. W. Glass;
1848-49, J. L. Sheldon Rufus Rose; 1853 54, B. A.
Brown: 1855, T. G. Piatt; 1856 57, E. Adams; 1858, R. Rose;
[858 - I rpontor; 1861 63, T. G. Carpenter; 1864-67, Lewis
Brown: lsiiS-r.'.'. E/.rn Chase : l>7t> 71. S. K.Brown; 1872, Rufus
: 1873, Win. A. Gilo; 1874, Rufus Swoot ; 1875, Gideon S.
Hall; 1876 77, Rufus Sweet; 1878, Gideon S. Hall; 1879, Rufus
i.
TOWN CLERKS.
1784, Jonathan Miles; 1790, Hetekinh Hull; 1791, Hoses M>>ftitt;
1792, Henry Piatt; 1795, [chabod Cone, Jonathan Miles; 1796,
Henry Piatt; 1 7 '-• 7 . Hosea Moffitt; 1798, William Douglas, Jr.;
IS15, EbcrMoffitt; 1817, Aria Pardee; 1823, Ira Gardner; 1829,
rn; 1831, Elijah Graves; 1834, Hosea W.Brown;
1840, Caleb Chapman; 1843, Henry Piatt; 1844, Alexander
Gardner; 1848, Theodora D. Piatt; 1849, Ebcr M. Eollo; 1850,
Joseph R. Reynolds; 1851, Thomas G. Carpenter; 1852, Edwin
Adams; 1853, Philander Woodward ; i->". Etta B.Chase; I860,
I Brown; 1863, t'rra ''<■ Strait; IS64, Charles II. Vary:
1869, Wnlter Ii. Qoold; 1870, Andrew J. Brown; 1872, E. A.
Cranston; 1873, W. B. Goold; 1874, W. H. Brimmer; 1S73, Ed-
win E. Doty: 1 >7i">. Wm. II. Brimmer; 1ST", Andrew J. Brown,
the present c!crk.
.n -l [CBS OF nil) PEACE.*
, John Bal -k. Silas Thomas, Caleb t'arr: 1830, Meshach Strait.
Nathan Howard; 1832, Rufus Sweet; 1833, Amos James; 1834,
John I.. Sheldon; ISlio, Philander W Itranl: i>::7. Amos
18, .1 ihn L. Sheldon : 1839, Moshach Strait ; [840,
Philander Woodward ; 1841, Daniel H. Gardner; 1842, John L.
: 1844, Wm. .1. Potter; 1845, Win.
.1. I' Glass; I Mo. Zcbulon Sin ns, Lyman
Kingman; 1-17. Joseph 'layer: 1M\ Win. Hand, Moshach
pfa M.YouDg; 1849, lr.. Tiffl : 1850, Henry Reynolds,
iel Huntington j 1851, George W. Glaas; 1852, Alanson V
...William Hand, Silas V. Thomni I 1, Ira Fih% Calvin
M. Jones; 1854, John] liloy; 1855, Moshach
B m ii ind : I > . . r . [saac Dunham ;
John L. Sheldon, [raTiflt; 1859, Tabor B. Robortt
U; 1861, Halbert II. Jones, Alien Kittel
Mien Kittol :
II lb rt ii l {I* rl Jolli : 1867, Ron
Mien Kittol, Josoph C. Huntington; I860,
T. Douglas; 1870, Tho nman, Jami ; 1871,
.- V. Taycr; 1872, In Tlfft; 1873, John 0. Kittel; 1874,
J mi . II i 1876, John D. Kittel
r. 1-77. Jonathan J. Carpenter; 1878, D. II.
'•"• in. II. Bldi
|..\\ n RBi ORD8.
I in a tolci condition, though many of
the i -- of the meetings have been meagerly re-
corded. A long entry in the record-book, under date of
m time of election by town.
May 2, 17S6, protests against the indiscriminate "inocula-
tion of the smallpox," and provides severe penalties for
the same. On April 2, 1793, similar action was taken by
the town.
" April 6, 1S02.
" I'ot. '(, That any person killing a full-grown wolf, or a young one,
within tlie bounds of Stephentown, within ono year after the date
hereof, shall, by making oath and producing the head before one of
the justices of the peaceof said town, be entitled to a bounty of fifteen
dollar? for a full-grown wolf, and seven dollars and fifty cents for a
young one from said town, ore."
"April, 1S19.
" Voted, That all persons having Canada thistles growing on their
ground? shall cut them twice before they blossom, or forfeit five dollars,
to be recovered before any justice of the peace in the town, the one-
half to the complaincr, and the other half to the support of the poor
of the town."
V.— VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
STEPHENTOWN POST-OFFICE,
the principal village in the town, is situated southeast of the
centre, on Kiuderhook Creek, and contains two churches,
a number of stores, two hotels, a post-office, railroad-station,
and about 30 dwellings. The post-office at Stephentown
was established about 1S04. Nathan Howard was the first
postmaster, and held the office a great many years. Nicholas
Gardner, Theodore D. Piatt, John L. Shelden, Randall A.
Brown, Lewis Brown, Henry Cranston, and Herman
Brimmer, the present incumbent, have filled the position
since.
STEPHENTOWN FLATS
is also located on Kiuderhook Creek, about a mile southwest
of Stephentown village. It has been a point of considerable
manufacturing importance, and contains a Presbyterian
church, hotel, several unoccupied mills, a saw- and grist-
mill, and a number of pleasant dwelling-houses.
STEPHENTOWN CENTRE,
sometimes known as Mechanicville, is situated on Black
River, near the geographical centre of the town. It con-
tains a saw- and grist-mill, a church, store, several turning-
shops, a brush-factory, and about 20 houses. The post-
office at this point was established in 1S77, and Ezra Chase,
the present incumbent of the office, has been the only ap-
pointee to the position of postmaster.
NORTH STEPHENTOWN
i> situated in the northeast corner of the town, and boasts of
a Btore ami post-office and about a dozen dwelling-houses.
The post-office was established about the Year 1S23. The
firsl postmaster was Lawrence Van Valkenburgh, who was
followed by Erastus Brown in 1827, and he l>y Henry It.
Cranston, limn T. Douglas has been postmaster since
1845.
WEST STEPHBNTOWN
is situated in the northwesl corner of the town, on the
borders of the town of Nassau. It comprises a Pree-C -
muoioD Baptist church, a store and post-office, and a few
dwellings. The post-office was established at an early day.
Sally Ann Iialie.nk was an early postmistress; followed by
Ira TilTi and Rev. I. B. Coleman, the present incumbent.
TOWN OF STEPHENTOWN.
197
SOUTH STKIMIKNTOWN
is a small hamlet in the smith part of the town, and was
formerly a place of some importance. A post-office existed
there for a g I many years. The principal incumbent of
the office of postmaster there was Claudius Moffitt, who was
followed in time by William Hand.
VI. SCHOOLS.
One of the earliest school houses stood on " Presbyterian
Hill." A man by the name of Frazicr was an old teacher
there. Another hy the name of Gray taught in the same
place. Johanna Iliekok (a lame lady), Martin House, and
lietsey Sprague were also early teachers there at that point.
Another early school existed in the Carpenter and Brown
district. A select school existed at the " Flats" as early as
1830, and a building was erected expressly for its use.
The house is used as the Presbyterian parsonage, llev.
Eber M. Rollo was principal of the school for a long time.
Another select school was kept in the Howard house four
or five years. Another was taught in the Henry Reynolds
house, in the east part of the town.
VII.— RELIGIOUS HISTORY.
A second Free-Communion Baptist Church was organized
in Stephentown on March 20, 1793, at Little Hoosick Hol-
low, in the eastern part of Stephentown, and Nicholas North-
rup was at the same time ordained to be its " Watchman."
He came originally from Rhode Island, and had been a
sailor and a fiddler. He was a plain, homespun man,
somewhat eccentric, and almost wholly uneducated, yet his
spiritual labors were greatly blessed. He remained pastor
for some thirty-five years, and was, moreover, the only pas-
tor it ever had. Somewhere between 1825 and 1830 he
moved West, and soon after died ; aud in a short time the
church also became extinct. In 1810 the church numbered
102, and in 1S19 it was reported to number 100.
The earliest church in the north part of the town was a
Baptist. It occupied a log meeting-house that stood on the
line between Stephentown and Berlin. Rev. Mr. Barnes
was the first preacher there, and lived at North Stephen-
town. The church existed soon after the Revolutionary
war.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This church is located at Stephentown Flats, and was
organized about 1793. The earliest record on the books
of the society is as follows :
" September the 20, 1793. Then the Presbyterian Society of Ste-
phentown met agreeable to a Lawful publiek notice given by William
Boanlman and Jacob Wylie, Elders. The meeting then Balloted for
Trustees, when the following gentlemen were chosen : William Board-
man, John Wylie, Rosea Moffit."
On July 19, 1794, James Wylie, Joseph Huntington,
and Wm. Boardman were set apart as ruling elders by
Joseph Warford, moderator and stated supply. The
session ordered an enrollment of the names of those who
belonged to the " two churches" that united to form this.
The names of these were James Wylie, Joseph Hunting-
ton, and Wm. Boardman, Elders; aud Hosea Moffitt, Widow
Sarah Wylie, Mrs. Holmes, Mr. Brainard, William Doty,
Andrew Hunter, Esther Graves, Ruth Doty, Mary Howard,
63
Mrs Moffitt, 13. The next min entered in tho-book of
n cords is dated dune 12, I 300. Jon ta Co i
present and acted as moderator. No business of import
ance was transacted. An entry was made Nov. 12. [800
which records the election and ordination of Andrew Hun
ter and Wm. Doty as ruling cldi i Samuel Sturgi - offici-
ated, and the ordination is -aid to have taken place June
19, 1799.
The following have been the stated mi|. plies and ps
of the church, from which it will !„• seen thai Aaron Jor-
dan Boagewas the fust regular pastor of the church: John
Warford, July. 1794 (stated supply); Samuel Sturges,
June, 1799 stated supply); Aaron J. Boagc, November,
1800, to January, 1809 (pastor) ; John Founglove, July,
180G, to June, 1816 (pa-ton; Noah M. Wells. March,
1817; Jonas Coc, February, L818, to 1821 (stated sup-
ply); Moses Hunter, February. 1821, to 1825 (pastor);
('has. (J, Finney, October, 1827, to Nov. 30, 1^27 stated
supply); Edwards A. Beach, June, 1828, to May 16,
1834 (pastor i ; I'.owman Brown, March, 1835, to April,
1839 (stilted supply); J. G. Hall, January, 1840 ; Hugh
Carlile, 1841-42; Joshua B. Graves, Almon Underwood,
Gould, John Davis (two years); J. Northrup (one
and a half years) ; John Hendricks ; Fayette Shepherd,
March 1, 1850 (stated supply); M. C. Bronson, June 23,
1850, to Feb. 10, 1858 (stated supply) ; Robert Day, June
1, 1S58, to May, 1SG0 (stated supply); John B. Shaw,
July 12, 1800, to April, 1SG5 (pastor); Eber M. Hollo,
April, 1805, to September, 1874 (stated supply); A. G.
Beebe.
The elders of the church have beeu James Wylie, July
19, 1794; Joseph Huntington and Win. Boardman, same ;
Andrew Hunter, Wm. Doty, June 19, 1799; Henry
Piatt, Apollos Rollo, Jan. 13, 1821 ; Isaac Gray, March
1, 1S24; S. V. R. Jolls, April S, 1824 ; Alexander Gard-
ner, Jay Moffitt, 1S31 ; Andrew McGill, Samuel P. Rollo,
July, 1848; Henry Hasson, March 18,1855; John A.
Rollo, Oct. 10, 1858; Walter B. Goold, Aug. 4, 1807;
Abram Van Wyek, May 24, 1808; John J. Moffitt, July
9. 1S71 ; Luther M. Rollo, Jan. 4, 1879.
Among the earliest members of the society were Ezekiel
Huntington, Jr., Abner Bull, Stephen Holmes, Joseph
Fowler, Eli Douglas, Ezra Sandford, Caleb Chapman, John
Paige, James Powell, Joseph Wadsworth, Abram Winston,
Jr., David Cowdry, Samuel Brown, Zachariah Chapman,
Elisha Eggleston, John Lowell, Benjamin Sackett, Jesse
Bennett, Jr., John Gibbons, Joel Curtis, Thomas Moffitt,
Ezekiel Huntington, Isaac Humphrey, William Doty,
Abraham Winston, Hosea Moffitt, John Wylie, William
Boardman, James Wylie, Andrew Hunter, Archibald
Campbell, John Boardman, Peter Wylie, Adam B. Knox,
John Boardman, Samuel Udel, Ichabod Crofutt, Josiah
Howard, William Douglas, Jr., John Hubbard, Alexander
Brown.
The first church edifice of the society was erected in
1794, and stood on " Presbyterian Hill." It remained in
use until 1830, when it was taken down, and one erected
in that year on the site of the present one. It was destroyed
by fire Dee. 25, 186S, when the present one was built.
The present membership of the church is 75 ; average
-
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
attendance on Sabbath-school, 50 ; superintendent, W. B.
Goold. The elders of the church are Stephen V. R. Jolls,
Abram Van Wyck, W. B. Goold, and Join, .1. Moffitt.
BAPTIST CHI K' II.
rds of this church begin with the articles of
faith of the church, drafted May 25, IT'.'."), which probably
indicates the date of its first informal organization. The
earliest names of males attached to the articles are those of
Roboi Nili s, E Iward Hall, Edward Carr, Bunyan Howard,
Ebcnezer Dawley, Joshua Carr, Thomas Dawley, Weight-
man llorriiiirioii. Joseph Sheldon, Joseph Rogers, Jr.,
. m I' irce, Warren Townsend, Thomas Carr. [saac
Taplin, Ephraim Pare, Can Briggs, Daniel Brown, Joseph
Eldrcdgc, William Bentley, Abel Tanner, David Cowden,
i; nben Keach, Israel Carr. Samuel Griffin, Peter Herring-
ton, M — Bound, William I' Joseph Bound, Aaron
SVi 1. Justus Goodrich, Jesse G Irich, Samuel Strait,
Elijah Goodrich, Charles Bures, Azarias Barber, Stephen
Mcrritt, and Bingham Grcenman.
At a meeting held Nov. 19, 1795, Elder Robert Niles
was chosen moderator, and was formally received as the first
over the church. A plan fur a proposed union with
"Elder B gers1 church" at East Poestenkill was then con-
sidered. This question was agitated for several months,
and one or two councils were held in regard to the matter.
The lir.-t meeting-house of the church is referred to on
Jan. -~. 17:n;. which is probably somewhere near the date
of its i. The burying-ground is referred to at a
- pt. 29. 1798. following. Prior to theformer
date, the meetings of the church were held at the house of
Burtch.
The ; lie i hurch subsequent to Elder Niles, so
far as they can be eliminated from the records, have been,
Julius i: -inoi. 1-11 to Feb. 23, 1818; Elder Harris,
Matthew Jones, Daniel II. Grant, Elnathan Sweet, for a
long term G orge II. Day, and M. P. Favor.
Mr. Day i- the present pastor, and was installed March L.M.
1 -71 . The church was not regularly constituted by council
until Jan. 27. 1796. The society was duly incorporated
24, 1825, with the following trustees: Abel Tanner,
B i S William Kittle, Jr., David Sweet, Ephraim
I Henry S 3ii n < 1. < loodrich, John Bussel,
and Brastus Brown. The name adopted was the " First
Baptist Church and Society of Stephentown."
TI1K FREE-WILL BAPTIST CUURCU AT WEST STEPHEN-
W N
I on Nov 11, 1829, by Rev. A. H. Miller, J
i '. Humphrey, Calvin Coli man. Samuel Coleman, Isaiah
B • ' I and Daniel B< ers. Th i mceting-
\ II. Miller, the Brel
i : I: •. .1. I'. I [owe, who resigned in
1 - I i by K I- ,i di I! Coleman, who has
lined the relation ol The
built and is in p 1 con-
dition. Out of the 15 mcml lie church
i but two survive. The ,
ip is 191 ith-school, 7'i ; Su-
boll; number of volumes in the library, 75. The deacons
of the church arc Jerome R. Lawrence and Peter Witbeck.
Both Elder Jones and Elder Sweet were spiritual sons of
the chinch, over which they afterwards officiated. They
wi re both ordained on June 21, 1819. The first meeting-
house stood on the hill near the burying-ground at Stephen-
town village. It remained in use there about forty years,
when the present one was erected. The present member-
ship of the church is about 130 ; average attendance upon
Sabbath-school, about SO; Superintendent. Henry Rose;
Deacons, James 11. Eldredge, John Brockway ; Clerk, Wil-
liam II. Brimmer.
A church, known as the "Christians," exist.',! in the
town in 1841, and erected a meeting-house near the village.
KMor John Spoor was the organizer of the movement ;
Elder Smith followed soon after for a number of years ;
Elder Havens and Elder Swcctiuan followed next, in turn.
The movement died out after about twenty years. The
meeting-house is still standing.
FREE BAPTIST CHURCB OF STErilEXTOWX.*
A council from certain churches in Rhode Island and
Connecticut met at Little Hoosiek (now Stephentown
Centre), for the organization of the Free or Open Com-
munion Baptist Church of Stephentown, on Sept. 13,
17-o. about three years subsequent to the organization of
the first Free-Will Baptist Church, by Randall and his
associates, in New Durham, N. II., 1780. The council
consisted of Elder Crandall, with a number of elders of
Babcock's church, whose names are not given. After an
examination, embracing somewhat thoroughly and minutely
the questions of their experimental piety, their fraternal
fellowship, and their doctrinal agreement, they were the
same day organized into a church. The records do not
state the precise number included in the original organiza-
tion, for, although th. ir names follow the record of the or
ganization, yet with them there are also given names of
at least some who subsequently united with the church.
But. judging from the handwriting, and more from the ink
used, we venture to guess that the original number was
nine: Benajah Corpe, Margaret Corpe, Hczckiah Hall, Dor-
cas Hall, John Pool, Zerviah Pool. Wail Crum, 1'atiencc
Crum, and William Fanning. Some 29 others were added
very soon after, all at the same time; 23 of them being
baptized by Elder Crandall, which, as the church had no
ordained pastor for two years after it.- organization, and. as
thei lord of any other visit from the Rhode Island
or Connecticut ministers in the interior, were probably bap-
■ and united with the church during Elder Crandall'a
brief visit for the organization of the body. The names
..I'll rsons were Zerviah Fanning (apparcntlj the
wife of William Fanning named above.. Jacob Green,
Mary Wordcn, Samuel Hinckley. Mary Hind. tin i
.1 ob Green, Dinah Green, John Pool, Elizabeth Pool,
Elisha Pool, Zerviah Tool, William Green, Mary Green,
Ephraim Bacon, Sarah Bacon, I>.,\i.l Corpe, Lydia Corpe,
", n, Ilnldah Mail son. Benjamin Pool, Eliza-
beth Pool, Edmund Fanning, Amy Hall, David Crum,
My Ro< . W ,... 1
o/r3,
-py\ftA^~
\J7?JU Ifi /l ((./
■yx .y/i-i
Rev. Isaiah B. Coleman was born at Stephen-
town, in this county, on March 7, 1809. He was
the fifth child and fourth son of Calvin Coleman,
and a grandson of John Coleman, who was one of
the pioneer settlers in the western part of the town.
Until he attained the age of eighteen or nineteen
years, Mr. Coleman passed his life at home on the
paternal farm, meantime enjoying the benefits of
such education as the district schools of his locality
afforded. With a mind eager for knowledge, in-
dustrious and ambitious, he soon fitted himself for
teaching, and his nineteenth year found him in
charge of a district school in Sand Lake, where he
taught one term. He then passed to the charge of
the school at West Sand Lake, where he taught four
or five terms. From there he passed in turn to the
school on Oak Hill (in the town of Sand Lake);
the school at Snyder's Corners, in Greenlmsh; the
school south of Oak Hill, and to those at Alps (in
the town of Nassau) and West Stephentown, making
in all ten successive years of faithful and acceptable
service as a public instructor.
In the year 1834, May 10th, Mr. Coleman was
licensed by the Free-Will Baptist Church at Ste-
phentown Centre, with which he was at that time
connected, to preach the gospel, and on the 25th day
of March following he was regularly ordained as an
elder of the Free-Will Baptist Church. He com-
menced preaching for the church on Oak Hill, but
his first regular pastoral charge was the Stephentown
church.
Elder Coleman was one of the organizers of the
Free-Will Baptist Church at West Stephentown, and
became its pastor in 1844, a position which he has
continued faithfully to fill ever since, with no stated
salary, trusting alone to the liberality of his people,
and without other compensation or reward than the
free-will offering of the people and the consciousness
that he was performing the Master's work cheerfully
and conscientiously. He has been active in the
organization of other churches in the county, is an
honored and beloved member of the denomination,
and has twice served as a delegate to the General
Conference of the body.
In the year 1836, Mr. Coleman established a store
at West Stephentown, which has been kept by him-
self or son till his son's death, and since by his
grandson. He has also filled the position of post-
master at that point for thirty years.
On May 1,1834, Mr. Coleman was united in mar-
riage to Anna V., daughter of Isaac Dunham, one
of the early settlers of the town of Nassau. Two
children were born of this union, — Elbert I. Cole-
man, who located at West Stephentown, and died
on Oct. 23, 1878, leaving a family ; and Isaac De
Witt Coleman, who was a member of the 125th New
York State Volunteers in the late war, and who was
killed near Petersburg, Va., on June 5, 1864, while
bravely battling for his country's rights.
It will not be improper for the writer to add, that
Elder Coleman is highly respected in the community
in which he has passed his life, and bears a reputa-
tion for integrity and uprightness which all may
envy.
A7^a
TOWN OF STEPHENTOWN.
199
Hannah Crura, Benjamin Wordon, Ann Crum, Kphraitn
Spalding, and Oliver I'ool.
For tlit- first luii\ five years after its organization the
body possessed no church edifice. It used to nieel for
worship in various places, but chiefly in the Black [liver
District school-house. In 1828 the church erected the
"Old Black River Meeting-House" in the same neighbor-
hood, at a cost of $800, which house, in about thirty years'
time, was removed to a more central and convenient situa-
tion, and enlarged aud rebuilt in 1858, and with latest
repairs and improvements, at a cost of f 1500. The body
was incorporated in 1S75, G. W. Weatherly, Iv B. Chase,
and T. S. Kittcll, Trustees, though its property has never
been recorded.
The church records have been so badly kept, or rather so
greatly neglected, as in must eases not even t< te the
settlement or resignation of the pastors, so that it is impos-
sible to give the dates and period of service with that
precision or accuracy which is desirable, but the follow-
ing is as correct as can be obtained under the circum-
stances. The church, from its organization to 1875, has
been at long intervals without any pastoral oversight ; about
as long without as with an ordained and settled pastor; but
when without a pastor, it has availed itself of such help as
it cniiKl derive from its own membership, aud neighboring
or wandering ministers, who could either supply for a time,
or even preach more regularly, as did Elder Nicholas
Northrup, while pastor of the Second Free or Open Com-
munion Baptist Church of Stephentown, between 1707 and
1824.
The first five pastors of the church were ordained from
its own membership, and some others who became pastors
of other churches. Elder Benajah Corpe was pastor of
the church twelve years, from 1785 to 1797 ; Elder John
Allen, four years, from 1824 to 1828; Elder Samuel Dean,
two years, from 1832 to 1834; Elder Alexander II. Sweet,
three years, from 1838 to 1841 ; Elder Isaiah B. Coleman,
six years, from 1844 to 1850; Elder J. 1). Waldron, two
years, 18.31 and 1852; Elder A. II. Miller, two years,
from 1854 to 185G ; Elder David Hyde, four years, from
1859 to 1803; Elder J. Parkin, cine year, from 1863 to
1864; Elder J. B. Randall, six years, from 1866 to 1S72 ;
Elder B. B. Collins, one year, 1875 to 1876; and Elder
W. Fuller, who accepted the pastorate in the spring of
1876, aud is the present pastor.
Note. — It is interesting and worthy of record that the
Free or Open Communion Baptist Church of Stephentown
is a lineal descendant of the somewhat celebrated Groton
Association of Connecticut and llhode Island, which for a
long time refused to follow the lead of Isaac Backus into
close communion. This church is also the germ, or mother-
church, of the Free or Open Communiou Baptist denomi-
nation that sprang out of the "great awakening" under
Whitefield's first visit to New England in 1744, from which
germ, or beginning, Free or Open Communion Baptist
churches have spread westward through the State of New
York and into Canada West; and although in 1841 three
churches joined the Free-Will Baptist General Conference
under a special agreement to retain their own name, they
are at present largely included in the membership of the
< lontral V- iocii i ol B ipti I i opt n i ommunion . and
nre doing a e I work in the cause of Chri I uluo
worth) of note thai for nearly ti n years this mother-church
stood alone as the pioneer in th irk of charity
and fraternity before the organization of another church of
like fuith in New York, when the Second Free or Open
Communion Baptist ( Ihurch 9 zed.
The church is in a good condition, and i ipri
membership of 43 persons. The liool numbers
50, and has as superintendents W. II. Brimmer and Mrs.
W. II. Brown. The church officers are I' icon G.
W. Weatherby; Treasurer, \Y. II. Brown; CIi rl E
Newton.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL I Ml Rl II. 3TEP0ENTOWN,
This church was Si I connected a achat r mission
with the Troy Annual Conference in April. 1868. On
.June 4th of that year George Hudson, a local deacon,
started forth as church supply. Meetings were first held
in the old " Christian Chapel" and " Swan School-hou
Hosea Bennett, of South Stephentown, was the first mem-
ber of the society. On Oct. 5, I860, a subscription-paper
was drawn up for signers to build a meeting-house, and the
erection of the same was begun the same year. James
Bennett and George Hudson chopped down the long sills
for the church on Jan. 24, 1870. The ermine com-
mittee were Dr. G. N. Dickinson. Elisha Clark, and George
Hudson. The house was completed and dedicate, 1 April
4, 1871. The total cost of the building was $3242.41,
and when dedicated the building was free from debt. Mr.
Hudson remained in charge of the church three years, and
was succeeded in April, 1871, by Rev. E. A. Braman, and
the charge was connected with West Lebanon. He was
reappointed the second year, and F. C. Booth appointed
junior pastor, with residence at Stephentown. East Nassau
was added to the charge. The subsequent pa-tors of the
church have been Nathan C. Hill, 1873; W. F. Sandford,
1S74 and 1S75 ; G. W. Hughes, 1S76; George Hudson,
1877, the present pastor.
The membership of the church is upwards of 100. The
stewards of the church are John F. Blinn, James Cross,
George G. Brown, Albert Sedgewick, G. W. Horton, Lewis
Sedgewick, James H. Taycr ; Trustees, John F. Blinn,
James II. Tayer, Reuben Johnson, James Cross.
VIII — BUBYING-PLACES.
The old Baptist cemetery, on the hill back of Stephen-
town village, is one of the oldest in the town, and contains
the remains of many of the first settlers of the town. It
was probably laid out about the time of the formation of
the church, or in 1795 or 1796. Among the stones still
standing in the yard are those of Rufus Sweet, died April
11, 1850, aged eighty-four; Rev. Matthew Jones, died
April 18, 1855, aged seventy-five years; Elnathan Sweet,
died Sept. 25, 1819, in his seventy-third year; Benjamin
Douglas, died Aug. 18, 1842, aged forty six years; Dr.
Joshua Griggs, died Jan. 6, 1S13, aged forty-three years;
Deacon Azrikam Peirce, died Jan. 27. 1803, in the eight-
ieth year of his age; Caleb Saunders, died June Iti. 1825,
in his seventy -fifth year ; Ezekiel Sheldon, died .March 1.
.-,.1(1
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1S1 1 ; Maj. Daniel Brown, died Oct. 24, 1S37, aged eighty-
four yeais.
The yard also contains many interesting inscriptions, a
Pew of which are presented to the consideration of the
reader.
•• In memory of Asa Douglas, Esq., who was ono of the first settlers
in Stephentown, in the year 1786, and died Nov. 12, 1792, in the 77th
year of his ago; and was rointerrod in this place June 1 I. 1809."
•• hi memory of Rebcckah Douglas, widow and relict of Asiv Doug-
las. Esq., who died June 12. 1809, in the 91st year of her age."
[Vorse omitted.]
" In honor to my parents dear,
This monument I have placed here.
" William Douglas."
• Hero rests the mortal body of Mr. William Douglas, Esq., who
departed this life Deo. 2'.'. 1811, in the 59th year of his age.
• ||,. nos one "i the Grsl Bettlors in this town in the year 1700. a
firm friend to his county, and held civil and military offices; an afl'ec-
ite husband, a kind ami faithful parent, ho lived universally
esteemed and died equally lamented.
• II" embraced and publicly professed the hope which is by faith in
Jesus Christ. He was an unshaken believer in the doctrines of grace.
In gospel duties hewas faithful. In prosperity he was humble, in
adversity, patient, and in death, resigned."
Some " verses" appear on the fourth side of the monu-
ment.
• In memory of Capt. Israel Piatt, an officer of the Revolution, who
died in the city of N. York, of the yellow fever, August ISth, 179G,
oged 56."
" In memory of Lois, wife of Samuel Udell, who departed this life
January the 7th. ISO!), in the 2S)th year of her age.
"The pains of child-birth was her end,
Thccuuso it did from Eve descend."
•• The grave of Abel Tanner, who died June 2d, 1830, M. 68 years.
An emigrant from lthode Island, a soldier in the war which gave lib-
erty to this country, and a member of the Baptist Church in 1770."
The grave of one of the sis wives of Deacon Edward
fair, who i.- said to have died in church, bears this unique
ription of the fact :
" In memory of the death of Mary Carr, wife to Deacon Edward
Carr. who departed this life January the 19th, 1800, in the 54th year
of her age.
" Well to meeting she did Go Sung praises With the Saints bcloW,
Ko»o in Prayer as ffe did see, and God took her home to praise him
Eternally."
The Denison burying-ground, at North Stephentown, is
:i spot of BOme interest. The following inscriptions are
taken from some its stones:
'■In memory "f Capt Jami Di a, who died Dec. (he 21th,
1 77s. in the 32nd year 1
• • \| ,,. Jan I July 26, 1808, in hi- 50th year."
" In memory ■■>' ''apt. Stephen Arnold, who dopartod this life Feb-
ruary 24th, 1810, In the 7l-t year
[Followod by two versos.]
■■ Beriah Arm. hi, who died Sept. Iho 28ln, 1802, in the 89th year of
hi? age.
I., t , : the dead foi JOttl D lie,
1 . till in • inon forgol to die."
i.'S these cemeteries there ore a Dumber of others in
the town, many of which are owned by individual fami-
lies. The cemetery al Weal Stephentown is very ancient,
and contains the remains of many of the earliest settlers of
thai locality in the towns ol Nassau and Stephentown.
IX.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
While the inhabitants of the town have chiefly occupied
their time in the cultivation of the soil, in dairying, and the
raising of stock, no little attention has been paid to manu-
facturing in times past. Grist- and saw-mills existed in the
town at an early day. The first of the former stood in
" Goodrich Hollow," on a branch of the Kinderhook Creek,
where the first settlements in the town were made. Tradi-
tion has not handed down the location of the first saw-mill,
but it was doubtless in the same neighborhood. Besides
this class of pioneer manufacture, potash was early made in
the town, and the carding-mill, foundry, wadding- and sati-
net-mill followed rapidly in turn. A cloth-dressing mill
was erected early by a man by the name of Dawley, and
stood in the north part of the town. In the southwest cor-
ner of the town a foundry and grist-mill was built by a
man by the name of Landen, about the year 1800. He
was a man of enterprise, and also had a store in the east
part of the town. Cherevoy & Perry had a very early canl-
ing-mill at the " Flats." The grist- and saw-mill operated
by Edwin Adams was erected very early, by a man by the
name of Younglove. Humphrey & Perry had an early
carding-mill at the " Flats," and Samuel Udell had a card-
ing- and cloth-dressing mill very early near the same place.
Another woolen-mill stood still farther down the Kinder-
hook Creek, and was burned about 1S20. Adams & Chap-
man operated a satinet-mill on Kinderhook Creek about
forty years ago. Several of these carding-mills became
satinet-mills. Lewis Brown succeeded -Edmoud Cherevoy,
and William L. Brown came next. The enterprise was
large, and successfully conducted for years. George W.
Glass manufactured flannel early farther down the stream.
Smith & Piatt succeeded William L. Brown, and changed
the satinet-mill into a wadding-mill.
The present manufactures of the town are of miuor im-
portance, the many excellent water-privileges of the town
being comparatively unoccupied. At the centre quite a
brisk business is done in the manufacture of brushes, the
turning of the handles, in particular, being a leading pursuit
in that locality. The grist- and saw-mills of the town con-
stitute the only remaining manufacturing industry.
X.— MILITARY.
The military record of the town is highly creditable.
During the war of the Revolution the inhabitants were
eminently self-sacrificing and patriotic, and the most unre-
lenting hostility was manifested towards the Tory element
in the neighborhood. A large number of the inhabitants
served in the army and did practical service for their coun-
try. It has proven a difficult task to gather up the names
of all of these patriots, but among them were Capt. Israel
Piatt, Abel Tanner, Maj. Daniel Brown (who participated
in (he battle of Bennington), Capt. William Douglas, Na-
than Williams. Justus Brockway. and John Horton.
In the war of 1*12 a regiment was raised in the vicinity,
and commanded by ('..1. Carr, of Stephentown. Among
the citizens of the town who joined the army wen' Capt,
[jeonard Ross, [chabod and Eleazer Morton, William B.
Douglas, Samuel Babcock, Peleg Kittle, Warren Swan, and
John i 'rail-ton.
TOWN <>!•' STEPHENTOWN.
:.nl
In the late war the town rendered the national govern-
ment earnest support, and raised the several (juntas rallnl
for with patriotic promptitude. A special meeting of the
town was held on Sept. 11, 1862, for the purpose of taking
measures for raising money to pay volunteers who niigbl
enlist in the service of the national government in behalf
of the town. A series of resolutions weir adopted, breath-
ing the spirit of true patriotism, and a bounty of $50 was
voted by the town to each volunteer who might enlist. A
committee of six was also chosen to memorialize the Legis-
lature to pass an act enabling the supervisor to collect a
suitable tax from the inhabitants of the town. This is
but one example of the conduct of the town during the
war. The list of soldiers who served in the army from the
town is as follows :
ARMY LIST, WAR OF 1861-0
Win. II. Atwater, enl. Feb. 23, 1804, 104tli Regt.
Harvey Wooden, enl. Nov. 9, 1801, 34th Mass. Uegt.
ghadlic Allen, enl. Jan. 7, 1S05, 100th Uegt.
Daniel Nye, enl. Jan. 2, 1804, 99th Eegt.
lames II. Williams, enl. Jan. 2, 1S04, 99th Eegt.
Stephen Hunt, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 125th Uegt.
Hi in v Van Dorbogert, enl. Sept. 3, 1804, 991li Uegt. ; wounded.
Franklin Pratt, enl. Aug. 15, 1804, 120th Itegt.
Jonah M. Evans, enl. Sept. 12, 1804, 13th II. Art.
David II. Evans, enl. Jan. 13, 1S04, 13th II. Art.
John McGee, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 12.".th Uegt. ; trans, to 21st Vet. Ues. Corps.
Juuies Lister, enl. Sept. 1SG2, 109th Uegt.
Herman Miller, enl. Oct. 10, 1861, 7th Cav.
George W. Bakeman, enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 125th Eegt.
Nelson A. Swan, enl. Nov. 8, 1801, 31st Mass. Eegt.
Win. II. Brimmer, enl. Sept. S, 1S04, 21st Cav.
Arnold Brockway, enl. March 1, 1804, 109th Eegt.
Barney McFester, enl. Dec. 15, 1803, 34th Mass. Eegt.
Denis McFester, enl. April 1, ISO."., 125th Eegt.
John Fitzgerald, enl. Aug. 15, 1802,125th Eegt.
Aaron Warren, enl. Aug. 15, 1SG2, 125th Eegt.
Henry Benjamin, enl. Sept. 1801, 8th 111. Cav.
Andrew J. Clark, enl. July7, 1S04, 09th Mass. Eegt.
Eussel H. Pierce, enl. Jan. 1804, 21st Cav.
Win, Sykes, enl. Jan. 1804, 5uth Kng. CorpB; had previously served in 125th
Eegt.
David 11. Weaver, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 125th Eegt.
Calviu Heys, enl. Aug. 15,1802, 125th Eegt.
Daniel A. Atwater, enl. Aug. 26, 1802, 109th N. Y. Eegt.
Isaac Webster, enl. Jan. 1804, 1st Mass. Regt.
Andrew G. Brown, enl. Aug. 30, 1S02, 125th Eegt.
John L. Corey, enl. Nov. 1801, 31st Mass. Eegt.
Will. Burke, enl. Dec. 18, 1S03, loth N. Y. Eegt.
Erasmus De Itau.enl. Aug. 29, 1804, 01st Mass. Eegt.
Albert Doty, enl. Jan. 18,1801, 34th Mass. Eegt.
Edwin A. Eogers, enl. Aug. 17, 1862, 12.">th Regt.
James Gould, enl. Sept. 1, 1SG2, 44th Eegt.
Michael Veil, enl. Oct. 7, 1SG3, Navy, ship "Mollicourt."
George Cooms, enl. Aug. 18, 1S02, 125th Regt.
John L. Crissey, enl. Sept. 5, 1804, 95th Regt.
Joseph Briggs, enl. Oct. 5, 1803, 20th N. Y. Eegt.
Henry Harris, enl. July 7, 1S04, 09lh Mass. Regt.
John H. Bligh, enl. Feb. 8, 1804, 109th Regt. ; wounded in left arm.
Lorenzo D. Beebe, Ang. 15, 1802, 125th Eegt.
David Brainard, 3d sergt., enl. Aug. 15,1862, 125th Uegt. ; pro. I" 1st lient.
Warren C. Weight, enl. Ang. 14, 1802, 125th Eegt.
Charles E. Goodrich, enl. Nov. 18, 1803, 1st Mass. Cav.
George W. Small, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 126th Eegt.
Alexander Goodrich, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 125th Eegt.
Oliver II. Green, enl. Sept. 20, 1803, 21st Cav.
Enoch W. Sedgewick, enl. Sept. 1804, Gist Mass. Eegt.
Daniel A. Sedgewick, enl. Sept. 1804, 01st Mass. Regt.
Philetus A. Sedgewick, enl. Aug. 14, 1S02, 125th Regt.
Win. C. Diinond, enl. Sept. 1802, 109th Regt.
John Kerlin, enl. April, 1805, 126th Regt.
James 0. Hassan, enl. Aug. 11, 1S02, 125th Regt.
Chandler R. Kingslcy, enl. Sept. 12, 1MJ4, 14th Regt.
Michael McC.rath, enl. Aug. 4, 1S0(, 00th Regt.
John A. Hollo, sergt., enl. July 25, 1802, 12th Battery; re-enl. April, 1S00, 5th
U. S. Inf.
i<,.,i in Service.
Dnnlelf, onl. April 0,181 < M,»t
i
John w. Blako, enl, lug 14,1802, 1 th Bogl «IJ« , 1 I :. '
Jfort ' Itj
Hberl i oy, lot. 1, 181 I t
Cm |oi g 1 .11. .0.
w in. B \ imi i . «... hi \„ 14,1802,1 th 1 lad J in 1, 186 ■, »l B»U*-
i. n .. pi i on,
i ■ Ooutnn, i nl Lu 14, 1802, I ! itl I: ' I 04,al Andereon-
villo,
Justis Whitman, - ■ , ■ th N i Ri ;t. J died Feb. 28, 1804, at Monnd
re', h I ■ d
Pi toi Borry,i nl tug. 30, 1802, 4 I I July 8, 1804, at Oettye-
burg.
Jonas Sykes, enl. Nov. 1802 ; dlod Jan 1, 1863, at Harper's Ferry.
i.i in k in I. .i-i corp., enl. Vug. 14, 1802,12 >tb !:■ • . died Aug. 11,
it Andersonville.
ii.ii I' Woodward, 1st sergt., enl Vug. 14, 1802 ; died Di Pblla-
dclphla.
G go Dimond, enl. Jan. 18, 1803, list Regt.; died Feb. 18, I fork
City.
John Gibs enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 31el Mass ttegt. ; died Jan 14, 1802, at New
111 I.MIIS.
Znpher Wheeler, enl. Jan. 18,1804, 100th Rogt ; died Dec. S, 1804, at Washing-
ton, D. 0.
.1 lie Witt Coleman, 1st sergt., enl. Ang. 21,1802, 12Sth Regt ;pro. tolsl lient.;
died July 10,1804, al Petersburg.
EllzurG. Chase, enl. Nov. 9, 1861,31st Mass.; pro. t rp. ; died April 8, 1804,
at Sabine Cross-Roads.
Daniel Waters, enl. Aug. 14, 1804, I25lh Regt.; died Oct 19, 1806, at 1 - lio p
Abner Williams, enl. March 16, 1804, 99th Reg! . died Sept 29, 1864, at Nc •■■
belli, N. C.
Amos J. Daboll, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 126th N. Y. Uegt.; pro. to sergt. ; died Kay
19, 1865, ;ii Stephentown,
Charles F. Chapel, enl. May 1, 1861, Navy, flag-ship "Wabash;" died Oct. 1,
1803, in Charleston harbor, S. C.
The writer is under obligations for assistance rendered in
the compilation of this sketch to Stephen V. II. Jolls (aged
ninety-three), Calvin T. Carpenter, Randall A. and Erastns
Brown, Henry T. Douglas, Rev. William Fuller, Rev. I.
B. Coleman, and other of the citizens of the town.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
SYLVAN US CARPENTER
is a grandson of Joseph Carpenter, who settled very early
in the eastern part of the town. His father's name was
Solomon. Of nine children, Sylvanus was the fifth. He
was born on Nov. 27, 1S10, on the Solomon Carpenter
place, near his present residence; passed his early life on
his father's farm, and attended the district school of his
locality. lie completed his education at the academy at
Schenectady, taught by E. E. Huntington. At the death
of bis father, on Nov. 23, 1834, he came into possession
of the old farm, and has ever since remained there.
Mr. Carpenter is one of the most influential citizens of
the town, though he lives a modest and retired life on his
farm. He has twice been supervisor of the town. He
has been twice married, — first to Charlotte Pierce, of Han-
cock, Mass., Oct. 20, 1836, and who died Dec. 31, 1867 ;
second to Alvira C, daughter of Genett Bennett, and a
granddaughter of Jesse Bennett, an early settler of the
town. This lady is still living. Henry P. Carpenter, a son
of the first wife, died in early youth. Fanny L. aud Char-
lotte P. are young daughters, living at home.
BERLIN.
I.— GEOGRAPHICAL AND DKSCKIPTIV K.
Tins town lies near the centre of the eastern border of
the county, and was formed from Petershurgh, Schodack,
and Stephcntown, on March 21, 1806. Apart of Sand
Lake was taken oil" in 1812. It is bounded on the north
by the towns of Petershurgh and Grafton, in Rensselaer
County, on tin' south by the town of Stephcntown, in the
same county, on the east by the State of Massachusetts,
and "ti the west by the towns of Sand Lake and Poesten-
kill. in Rensselaer County. Its superficial area is 34,135
acres, and according to the census of 1875 it contained a
population of 2250 persons, The assessment table of the
1878 gives the total value of the real estate of the
at (157,293; of the personal property, $4410; the
amount of tax on a valuation of one dollar .0342, and the
total tax for tin- year at 85833.08.
[I.— NATURAL FEATURES.
The this town eonsists of two ranges of moun-
tain-, separated by a narrow valley extending north and
.- nth. The hilly region is wild and broken, and the de-
clivities are generally precipitous. Fertile valleys of line
farming land, iliU rspersed with marshes, are spread among
the hills. The mountainous pari is stony, with some glades
of good upland, and some vales of alluvium, or a light mould
curiously spread over fields almost covered with quartzose
i size fur field-walls.
The town abounds with wood and salieious sand. The
earth and the stone.- are of the same character as those on
the ridue- of the Green M tains of Vermont. The tim-
ber i- deciduous, and much of the upland of the valleys is
a warm, gravelly loam. Berlin Eollow, through which
flows Little Hoosick River, i- a line tract of light alluvium
Well Cult'l\
Tie- principal streams are Kinderhook Creek, (lowing
h, and Little Hoosick River, which flows north. The
head-waters of these streams are hut a few rods apart, near
h Berlin. Several fine lake- exist in the west part of
tie- town.
Ill I.AKI.V SETTLEMENT.
■Tie' first settlement in the valley of the Little Boosick
made by John G Brimmer and family, of Butch
rit. in the year 1764, on the north hank of the Hoo
s'uk River, about one mil, , ,-t from where the Little II
empties into the Hoosick. Their house was on ,,r near
wh.it i- now called the Peter Brimmer farm. North Peti
burgh. The whole of this tret ,,f country, including the
Lit'' Big B ll msick, and no divi-
sions of townships were mad,' till niter the Revolutionary
war.
" The interference of the Indians on this pioneer settle-
ment, in the neighborhood of two years after their arrival
in this howling wilderness, nearly proved not only the
abandonment of the enterprise, hut the loss of the lives
of every member of this family. Mr. Brimmer and his
three eldest sons — Jeremiah, Godfrey, and John — were at
work. June the 15th, clearing up their new lands on the
north side of the river, near the house now owned by Peter
Brimmer, when John discovered Indian blankets; inform-
ing his father, Mr. Brimmer immediately started for his
house, telling his sons to unharness the horses and follow
him. While the sons were complying with the request,
they saw four Indians making for them. They grasped
their guns; Jeremiah and one of the Indians leveled and
exchanged shots, Jeremiah fell dead. Godfrey, seeing his
brother fall, run and hid behind a brush fence, two Iudians
in pursuit, while looking for him he discovered them, their
heads near together, reconnoitering through the thick brush.
Godfrey leveled his gun to fire ; a leaf fell upon the sight;
in moving his piece to dislodge the leaf the Indian- dis-
covered his position. Godfrey immediately moved his posi-
tion in open view of the Indians, and again leveled his
gun. One of the Indians accepted the challenge, leveled
his. at the same time exchanging fires, hut neither hit his
mark. The shuts were scarce exchanged when Godfrey
saw the other Indian was making preparation to lire at,
him, he immediately let fall the butt of his gun to the
ground, placing his hand on the muzzle, extending the
ntlei' towards the Indians, giving himself up a prisoner.
The Indians came up to him, one grasped his hand in his
shirt-collar, he then passed around him. with oue finger
within his collar, encircling him three times, and as many
times encircling his neck with his linger, then laying his
hand on his head, signifying, 'You are my prisoner.'
They also took his brother John, who had fled to an island;
when the Iudians drew near he threw stones at them, they
shaking their war-knives and pointing their guns, brought
him from the island, joining his brother a prisoner. At
thi- time Godfrey was twenty-one, John sixteen years of
" Tin' Indian- without d.-la\ stall, d lor Canada with their
prisoners. Arriving near what is now White Creek, they
made a -lop. gel their arms down, and w.ut oil' a few rods
to hold a private council. Godfrey's indomitable spirit
would not allow him to he carried oil' by the savages into
i tge without making strong efforts to gain his liberty
and brother's, whenever the opportunity offered. While
the Indian.- w, iv in council, In' tried to persuade his brother
to take the guns with him and defend themselves, hut .1,'h ii
Tin' Council OVer, they traveled on. came I" a
spriiiL'. tin- Indian- set their guns down, and went down to
town of BERLIN
503
the Bpring to drink. Again Godfrey urged his brother to
take a gun and they would clear themselves. John's cour-
age was not sufficient for the undertaking, saying, ' I dare
nut.' Traveling on they came to Lake Champlain, there
tlic Indians found their skill's they had left when coming
down. Embarking for St. Julius, on their arrival they
were joined by 300 [ndians. The [ndians, forming a circle
around the prisoners, ordered them to sing. They refused ;
three times ordered, still refused, telling them they could
not. The Indians drew nearer with clubs ill their hands
uplifted to strike; at this moment Godfrey saw an Indian
tliat had partaken of hospitalities at his father's house; he
spoke to him, reminding the Indian of the acquaintance.
The Indian came forward and interfered, savin;.;' them from
cruel torture by these savages. They were kept here about
six weeks, then sold to the French, when' they remained
five and a half years.
"Their masters proving tyrants, and being kept at the
must servile labor, it was one constant scene of suffering.
Godfrey seeing his master abusing his wife at one time, his
spirit of human kindness rose, clinching him he threw him
to the ground, and then held him till he promised to do
better.
'■ After the taking of Quebec by the British, under the
command of Gen. Wolfe, and the British leaving and
marching for Montreal, which occurred the spring .following
the surrender, the prisoners had an opportunity of inform-
ing the English officer of their captivity (the army marched
near their place of detention). The officer told them the
following morning to be in readiness, and when the army
was on march to join their ranks, which they accordingly
did, and once more felt they were free men.
" The English officer offered them 200 acres of land each
if they would join the army and march to Halifax. They
refused, saying they wished to return to their friends. The
officer gave them guns, provisions, and a pass to Albany.
They left the army and directed their steps to Albany.
When they arrived at Lake George, where was a small
English garrison kept, the officer took away their guns and
pass, and threw them into prison. They were soon taken
out of prison and ordered back to Canada, an officer com-
missioned to see it executed. They were ordered into a
boat and to row, the latter command they refused to obey,
and the officer ordered them back again into prison. Hear-
ing that Mr. Van Rensselaer (the patroon) was in the
place, they requested to see him. lie came to the prison ;
they informed him of their captivity and their present
circumstances. Through his interference they were set at
liberty, arms, provisions, and pass restored to Albany,
where they arrived safe. On inquiring for their friends,
they learned they were at Rhinebeck, on the Hudson River,
below Albany (the family had resided at this place prior to
their settlement on the Hoosick). On their arrival at
Rhinebeck they met their father and mother and remaining
part of the family. They had not heard from them since
the commencement of their captivity, five and a half years,
neither had the remaining part of the family heard from
them ; each supposing all or the greater part were dead.
The expression of joy could scarce be told on the return of
the two captives.
■ Mr. Brimmi t on leai in at the time of their
oapture, hurried to tie- bouse to inform his wife of the
attack of tie' Indian i. 1 1 1 r , ■ ■ her t" make ready t" Bee to
tlie mountain with tie' remaining children. They imme-
diately left, nol knowing what would be the fate of the
thej had li ft. and fording thi river to the Bouth side, made
their waj through the if i to tie- rocky moun-
tain west of what now is called Pet Four Corners.
Here tin1 fust night they encamped with their children,
Jacob, fourl len years old, tin- only remaining son, and two
daughters. The mountain wilderness was thefr cottage, a
rock their couch and pillow, and tie- blur arched sky a
canopj above their heads; their children nestled closely by
their side, listening in breathless silence for the app thing
footsteps of the savage warriors. In the morning they rose
from their rocky bed and started for All. any. then called
Fort Orange. The whole of this tracl of country was an
unbroken wilderness, no mads or paths except an Indian
trail. When they arrived in what now is I'itt.-town. i
met eight soldiers from Fort Orange. Informing them of
the Indians' depredations, they turned about, joining them
for the above place. On their arriving at the 1'ort, and in-
forming the officers of their troubles, there was sent out,
after the expiration of six or eight days, thirty soldier- to
the place of action, piloted by the young Jacob. When
they arrived there, they found the body of Jeremiah -where
he fell when shot ten days before. The soldiers buried his
remains beside a rock, near the house now occupied by
Peter Brimmer, and returned to Fort ((range, bringing with
them some of the movable effects that Mr. Brimmer had
left behind.
" .Mr. Brimmer, with the remaining part of his family, re-
turned to Rhinebeck, making it their place of residence
till the return of the two captive sons, when he again, with
his family, returned to his farm in the valley of the Hoo-
sick, and again commenced hewing down the wild forest
and the cultivation of the primitive soil. Here he lived
and died at an advanced age.
This story belongs to the town of Petersburgh, as the
scene was in that town, and the outlines of it are found
under the proper head; but the account here taken from
Hall's " History of Berlin " is much more complete, and
the Brimmers settled afterwards in Berlin.
In the year 17G.3, Godfrey Brimmer explored the coun-
try up the Little Hoosick as far as North Berlin (as it is
now called |. There he selected a spot of earth for a future
home ; erected a log house with a bark roof, and the
ground covered with dried brakes for a floor. Window-
glass was not in use at this time in this part of the coun-
try. As a substitute the early settlers used linen and
sometimes paper saturated with some oily substance. Here
Mr. Brimmer commenced a permanent settlement in the
above-named year. The bouse stood on the farm, and a
short distance from the house, now owned and occupied
by Henry Brimmer, a descendant of Godfrey Brimmer.
There be Commenced felling the forest and cultivating the
land, — the first settler and the first tiller of the soil in that
pail of the valley which is now the town of Berlin.
He was probably married before he settled at the above
place. A circumstance that took place would .-com to con-
50 +
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
firm it. Mrs. Brimmer sat holding an infant child when a
liml) of a tree fell through the roof of the house, descend-
ing, striking the ground near her side, and penetrating
mar eighteen inches. The pioneer family continued to
make this place their homes. Mr. and Mrs. Brimmer
lived i<> an old age, leaving sons and daughters to enjoy
their hard-bought gain. The sons of Godfrey were Jacob,
John, Henry, and George. The first two went West, the
last two settled in town. Henry and Andrus, sous of
Henry. Mill live in town.
Within two Or three years after Mr. Bri ier made his
settlement Reuben Boncstccl settled near him, on land
owned since by Thomas Davis, and the Richer family came
after. Quite as early as either of them, and perhaps
a little before, Peter Simmons located at Centre Berlin, on
the farm now occupied by A. M. Hull. He had a number
of descendants in town, and the family intermarried with
the Babcock family, which is still represented. It h then- In
by some thai the settlement of Simmons was made even
prior to that of Brimmer, but of this fact no certain knowl-
ii be had.
Tradition says that Reuben Boncstccl was a Tory during
the Revolutionary period, and that he had six sons, all of
whom he placed in the royal army. Three are said to have
deserted to the American army. The six arc further said
to have met face to face at the hattle of Stillwater, where
one of the three who were in the royal army was killed.
the close of the war the lather refused to recognize
the three sons who served in the Continental army. Reuben
Bonesteel died about 1 ''■''■'>. and is buried in what is now the
public highway leading from Berlin to Petersburgb, about
half a mile north of the former place. The Bonesteel name
is not now represented in the town. Col. Caleb Bentlcy
settled at a very early day about half a mile south of Berlin
villa.- Bis Eons were Mi ill methon. Alexander, and Ro-
ll. A man by the name of William 0. Cropsey settled
where David Dcnison now resides, about the time of the
in. ait of t iol. Bentley.
Tie- fir.-t Yankee settlement in what is now called Berlin
wa- made by Daniel Hull, in the year lTTn. and it was
probably the first in the valley of the Hoosick. One year
■vc date he explored this wilderness country,
and ■ near the head of the Little Hoosick,
the chapel, <>u his return two sons the following
wiir his selection, and made some
effort clearing up the land. S i after he joined his sons,
and mad.' another selection, on the farm now owned by
Daniel J. Hull ; erected a log hou n the west side of the
iw stands Daniel J. Hull's carriage-house.
<;k. and the II 'lit out of the
No glass, I'M r paper, was used. The year following
he moved in with his family. They camo with a yoke of
■ and on. i it as the 1 1 lUglas place, now
I 3l phentown; there terminated every trace of a road,
and it was an unbroken wilderness to th.ir pla f destina-
tion. V part of the way was mark.. I by an Indian trail.
which they followed, entering what is now South Berlin,
of the new : , Cherry Plain Hill, or near
wlere the house of Panl Braman Btood in after-times.
Tin- ti r-r highwny to the south, In i nseqn
of no road they were compelled to leave their cart behind,
where it remained for twelve years, probably for want of a
suitable road to bring it in ; and, taking their goods on their
hacks, with the help of their beasts, they conveyed them on
foot to their future home.
Ebcuczer Hull was born in Fairfield, Conn., and was a
grandson of one of three brothers who came from England
and settled, one in Boston, one in Rhode Island, and one in
Connecticut. The object of the withdrawal from the
mother-country was that they might worship God in a full
and free manner, according to the dictates of their own con-
sciences. Ebenezer Hull settled in Redding. Conn., and had
three sons and one daughter, — Daniel, Ebenezer, Nehemiah,
and Abigail. Ebenezer married and went West; Nehemiah
died a bachelor; Abigail married Isaac Colcy. Daniel Hull
was horn in Redding, married Mary Betts, of Redding, and
settled in Berlin in 1770 (he died Aug. 26, 1 SI 1, aged
eighty-seven years); Mary, his wife, died March 5, 1813,
aged eighty-five years. They had ten children, — Martha,
born in Redding, married Ephraim Jackson, of Berlin, set-
tled in Addison, Vt., and died in 1S13 ; Hezekiah, born in
Redding, married Lucy Randall, of Petersburgb, and settled
in Berlin (he died Feb. 3, 1S18. aged sixty-five years;
Lucy died Sept. 15, 1841, aged eighty-two years) ; Justus,
born in Redding, married Polly Pierce, of Connecticut, and
afterwards the widow Susau Hull (he settled in Berlin, and
died May 29, 1833, aged seventy-eight years ; his wife,
Polly, died March 3, 1823, aged fifty-seven years; Susan
died in July, 1S57); Abigail, born in Redding, married
Samuel Hamlin (she died with the smallpox) ; Peter, born
in Redding, married Amy Day, of Berlin, and settled there
(he died April 12, 1842, aged eighty-two years; bis wife
died July 2(3, 1S25, aged sixty-two years); Esther was
born in Redding, and died at Berlin, Dec. 21, 1781, aged
eighteen years ; Daniel, born in Redding, married Phebe
Green, of Berlin, where he settled (he died April 2, 1842,
aged seventy-five years; Phebe died April 7, 1 S3 1, aged
sixty years) ; Stephen, born in Redding, married Betsy Rey-
nolds, of Stephen town, and Electa Morgan, of New Lebanon,
and settled in Berlin (he died July 5, IS'-Y-i. aged sixty-four
years; Betsey died in 1804, aged thirty-three years);
Harry was born in Berlin, and married Esther Jackson, of
Fishkill, and Susan Hawley, of the same place. The latter
dien in July, 1857 ; Ebenezer, born in Berlin, died July 9,
IT:1?, aged twenty-years. These were all the children of
Daniel Hull, one of the pioneers of the town.
Hezekiah, who settled in Berlin, had >ix children, viz. :
Hezekiah, Justus, Polly, Stephen, Harry, and Lucy Pal-
myra. Justus, his brother, had Justus V ■ Ktnerson, Polly
Ann. and Aloiv/.o (i. Peter, another brother, had ten chil-
dren, viz. : Peter. Ezra. Esther, Henry. Samuel. Ezra, Amy,
I'rana. Daniel D.,and Philo. Daniel, still another brother,
who settled in Berlin, had seven children, viz.: Lcland,
Sally. Benjamin L . Martha, Ebenezer, Phebe, and Daniel.
Stephen, another brother, had four children by the first
wit'.-, viz : Reynolds, Lydin, Stephen B., and Sally Ann;
and by the second wife. Betsey, Morgan, Edwin, Tel. ma-
elm-. Mclancthon, and Cyrus. Harry, the youngest brother,
had Bxekiel, Stephen J., Harry. Thomas, and Daniel.
The next settler from New England alter Daniel Hull
TOWN ()K BERLIN.
505
was Paul liraman, whose liouso Stood wlioi'c the remains of
the old chimney, before referred to, arc to be seen. He
died at an advanced age. His daughter Patty, who became
the wife of Charles Dennison, is said to have been the first
child of New England parentage that was born in the town.
Ebenezer Crandull settled soon after Braman, on the farm
new owned by the widow of Hiram Babcock. The year
following, his son Thomas settled on the farm now owned
by Horatio Vars. Thomas Sweet, a blacksmith, settled
early at South Berlin.
In the year 1771, dames and Daniel Dennison, from
New London, Conn., came in and made a permanent set-
tlement on Cherry Plain Hill, in the south part of the
town. The same year Abraham Simmons, son of Peter,
built a log house where the heirs of Harry Hull now reside,
and began clearing up that farm. James Dennison located
on the farm now owned by Philo Hull, and Daniel near
the boundary Hue of the town. The foundation of the
chimney of his house is to be seen in the pasture west of
the old Cherry Plain road. An old slip of piper, found
among the effects of Daniel Dennison, says: "In June,
1771, I moved into this country from New London, and
brought nine children with me; July 14, 1781, raised my
house; October 10th moved in." For the first ten years he
had occupied a log hut. Probably the first tree felled on
Cherry Plain Hill was by bis hand, and nearly the whole
southern section of the town was cleared and cultivated by
the representatives of the Dennison family. They are de-
scended from William Dennison, who settled at Roxbury,
Mass., in the year 1G32. He became a representative to
the General Court of that State in 1634, and died in
1653 at an advanced age. His son, Col. George Dennison,
of Stonington, Conn., came to this country with his father,
and was then twelve years of age. He was a man of great
prominence and influence in the colony, and was one of the
chief instruments in saving the Massachusetts colony from
being overwhelmed by the Narragansett Indians during the
early Indian wars.
Daniel and James Dennison were in the sixth generation
from William. The former was burn on Sept. lb', 1730,
and the latter on April 13, 1746. The sons of Daniel
were Daniel, Ebenezer, Jonathan, George, Griswold,
David, Latham, Samuel, Elihu, and Thomas. Of the
sons, Jonathan settled in South Berlin, near the Stephen-
town line, and Griswold located just within the borders of
Stephentown. The latter had one son, George T., who
married Nancy Niles. He had three sons, of whom Henry
E. resides at Berlin village. Jonathan, David, James, Gor-
ham, and Daniel, sons of Jonathan, located in town, where
the two former still reside. Another son, Benjamin, died
in Greenbush. James had five children, but his branch of
the family did not remain permanently in town.
Nathaniel Niles, the ancestor of the family by that name
in the town, came from Connecticut at a very early day,
and settled in the north part of the town, near the Seventh-
day meeting-house, at Berlin village. He moved his family
in an ox-cart. During the Revolutionary war, and before
the battle of Bennington, the family moved to Pittsfield for
safety, but afterwards returned. His sons were Simeon,
Eliphalet, and Nathaniel. Simeon settled in Galway, in
64
Saratoga County. Nathaniel remained until about sixty
years of age, went West, bul returned Easl again. Elipha-
let located about our hundred toil- from the old homestead,
ami passed his life in town, living to !»■ ■ -i -_rl 1 1 \ one yi
five months, and fifteen days old. He was twice married,
ami had George W., John B., Alanson G., and Alson •!.
All settled in town, ami all save Manson raised families.
John li. and Alson (J. are still residents of the town, and
have attained a good old age. AJanson I!, and George I» ,
sons of John li., are still resident of the town. Milford
J., son of George W., ami Franklin, son of Alson G., are
still living in town.
Joseph Green ca from Rhode Island at a very early
day, and located in the central porti f tin- town. He
was bom Feb. 19, 1728. II'- bad eleven children. Dca-
eon James lived to be over one hundred years of age. He
served in the Revolutionary war. ami was personally en-
gaged in nearly all the military movements of importance
on the northern frontier of the State. Other sons were
Benjamin, Jonathan, David, Langford, John, Joseph, and
Thomas.
Peleg Thomas was born Jan. 2."i, 17.'!^, and came from
Rhode Island soon after the R svolutionary war. He moved
his family up in an ox-cart, and located in the south part
of the town of Berlin. He had seven sons and six daugh-
ters. Rowland served in the Revolutionary war, and died
young. He bad three children, of whom Peleg R. Thomas
was the only son. He owned a farm in Stephentown until
1825, and was a blacksmith by trade. He moved to Sand
Lake in 1826, and occupied the Nicholas Fellows farm.
He had ten children, and died Feb. 9, 1847. Burton A.,
Alonzo, and Albert P. reside at West Sand Lake.
Simeon Himes came from Rhode Island at an early day,
and settled near the village of Berlin, where he engaged in
blacksmithing. He had six children, — William, Stephen
R., Alva, and Simeon were sons. William and Simeon
passed their lives in town, and died there. Stephen R.
settled in the year 1818 at Poes ten kill village. Alva re-
sides in Michigan.
Joshua Whitford was born in 1731, and settled in the
north part of the town, on the farm now occupied by
James Ward, about 1780. He married Prudence Burdick,
and had nine children, of whom Joshua, Jesse, John, David,
and Edward were sons. John was born in 1764, and lo-
cated in town, and passed his life there. He lived in the
southeast hollow. Edward at first settled in town, but sub-
sequently removed to Jefferson County, where he died.
The sons of John were Joshua, Barton, Ezra, and John.
Of these, the first two settled in Jefferson Co., N. Y., and
the latter remained in town, and had Oscar M. and John
B. The former and a daughter, Catharine, died at an early
age. John B. resides in North Berlin, and is a justice of
the peace. David G., son of Joshua, resides in town.
Elder William Satterlee, who became one of the pioneers
of the town, and for a long time officiated as elder of the
Seventh-day Baptist Church, was born at Hopkiuton, R. I.,
iu the month of September, 1766, and was the oldest of
three sons and six daughters. His father's name was Wil-
liam, and his grandfather Nicholas came from England at
an early age, and settled at Westerly, R. I. He became
I
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY., NEW YORK.
r of the cburcb at Berlin in 1802, and remained and
died in the town, at the advanced age of ninety-five years,
six months, and twenty-six days. Hi* descendants siill live
in t!iv town.
An ancient " map of that portion of the manor of 11' ns
rwick lying east of the Hudson River," made by John
E. Van Aim. shows the location of ;i large number of the
first lot-holders of the town. Commencing at t ho north
part of the town, and passing southward, there appear, west
of Hoosick River, the lots of " <i. Mosier, J. Doty, S. Rey-
nolds, P. Piatt, .). Taylor, Jr., W. Sweet, J. Taylor, J.
Brimmer, J. Main, L. Green, Samuel Sweet, P. Byams,
I1 bkendel, N. Nil.-. J. Odcll, J. Greenman, S. Bymans,
— Stillman, W. Rhodes, J. Case, A. Seimon, Oviatt,
\V*. Cross, B. Oviatt, J. L. Wilcox, C. Wilcox, J. II.
Whcaton, J. 1!. Babcock, E. Andrews, B. Hammond, S.
Phelps Pel r Seimon, II. Bonestcelc, John Bly, B. Hall,
B. Lee. J. 0. Cropsie, S. Berry, I!. Babcock, J. Hughs, J.
Westcott, J. Griffith, R. Bruson, W. Thomas, J. Bentley,
J. v. \ .1 rum, J. Hogins, A. Bailey, S. Shaw, J.
Welch, T. Curtis, J. Briggs, E. Arnold, D. Hoard, J.
Curtis, J. Bates, P. Thomas, Jr., T. Briggs, C. Clark, J.
and S. Hoard, S. Shaw. Hill, J. Denison, aud A.
•ii. '
In the north part of the town, east of the river, appear
the lots of "John and Godfrey Brimmer, S. Maxson, W.
Stilman, S ! N. Joi 3, T. Philips, S. and C. Allen,
.1 (". ar, I'. Moon, S. Given. 15. Sweet, J. Sweet, G. Sweet,
T. Palmer, E. Green, E. Millard, J. Newcomb, J. 0. and
IV II. .11. f. Green, II. Spencer, J. Sabins, D. Hustis, D.
Comstock, A. Budlong, .1. Green, S. Ellis. Moses Allen, S.
Carpenter, T. Pi ston, A.Arnold, K Richar, J. Nichols,
R. Menter, D. Davis, and W. Smith." In the
tral portion of the town, east of the river, appear the
lots of "C. Bently, J. B. Babcock, J. Hall. J. Whitford, J.
and R. Godfrey, •!. Walker, I). Randall, S. Max-..,,. /..
Burdick, 1!. Hall, .1. .1 Lee, -I. Lamphier, C. Burdick, P.
K ■_• :- A 1. ■ - S Mason, Jr., A. Cook, J. Rogers, NY.
D. Gray, D. Fuller, .1. Brown, J. Maxson, W. I
i; .1 . •.- m, T. Vara, J. Griffith, S. Day, P. Merchant, S.
II _ ■ II. Hull, C.Shaw, B. Green, and N. Lamphier."
In the south part of the town, east of the river, a].]. car the
lots of " Daniel Hull, J. Crandal, T. Crandal, I'.. Reynolds,
.1. Ails worth, J. M \ 3w& J. S t, \V. Salle,
.1. and U. Green, A. Mattison, J. Newcomb, and A. and
i ■; i :
mcnt-roll of the town f..r the year 1806 fur-
following list of the taxable inhabitants of the
town at that date: " Elcazci Dyer and Daniel Arnold, John
v.. nli. Benjamin Allen, Alexander and Moses Allen,
i; \ i mi-. Jr., Joseph Aniidon,
John Adsit, David Burdick, J ph Bates, Joseph Bly,
flu Brown, [chabod Babcock, Thomas Burdick,
B -! Margaret Bl; Jonathan, Benjamin, and
Clark Bly; Joshua Bentley, John Bentley, dr., Thomas
i Clark Berry,
Judith !!• rry, Paul Braraan widow . Henry Babcock,Gi
Brim mi i v Brimmer, Wilbcr Bur-
\ J I.. z. ;md William II. Burdick ;
.inin
Bentley, Oliver Bates. Smith Bailey, Enos Briggs, John
Bliven, David and Gilbert Baley, Daniel Brumley, Nathaniel
Bonnet. Jr., Reuben Babcock, Timothy Bonenian, Benajali
Baker, George B. 'imet. James Bowers, Reuben Bentley,
Carey Briggs, Caleb Bentley. William Bentley; John,
Thomas, Philip, and John i son of Benedict i Crandal ; Thos.
Curtis. Jr., Carey Clark, George Clark, Henry Crandal,
Cyrus Cartwright, Samuel Case. Peter and William Cran-
dal, Elisha Coon, Nathaniel Comstock, Gideon Comstock,
Daniel Coon, Joseph Clear. Clark Crandal, Alexander Coon,
David Comstock, .lames Crandal, Bryant, Bry-
ant, Jr., Thcodota Cartwright, Joseph Crandal. Edward
Carr, Benjamin Chittenden, James Crafford, Nathaniel
Chapman, Theodore and Penucl Childs, Zephcniah Clark,
Hiram Clows, Sienet Crandal. Charles Denison. Jonathan
Denison, Samuel Day. .lob Daw-ley. Robert Davis, Arnold
Davis. David Davis. Jr., Joshua and David Davis, James
Denison, William Davis (2d), Josiah Eggleston, Elisha
Eggleston, Daniel Fuller, Daniel Fuller, Jr.. Thomas
l'rotliinghani, John Flous, Jr., Daniel Gray, Archibald
( Irecnfield, Rogers Greenfield ; J avis, John, Thomas, James,
Setb, Jonathan, Mancor, John G., Edward, Clark, John
(Esq.), Samuel, John, Jr., Caleb, William B., and Aiuos
Green ; Benjamin Godfrey, William Gardner, William
Gardner, Jr., Robert Godfrey, Joshua Godfrey, Isaiah
Garret, James Godfrey. Josiah Godfrey, John Guoyt,
Nicholas and Orandel Herrington, Daniel Hull, Jr.; Peter,
Thomas. Hezekiah, Stephen 15., Justus, Joseph, Amos,
Josiah, Jr., and Josiah Hull, Sr. ; Jesse Hogcns, Wight-
man Herrington, Daniel Hill's widow, Samuel Hoard.
Rowland and Gideon Hall, Bradick and Isaiah Hall,
Jonathan Hakes; Solomon, Simeon, Spink, and Paul
Iliams; Moses Hendrick, David Hewitt, David Ilorton,
Joseph Huntington, Richard Huntley, Moses Hammond,
Nathaniel Higley, Sampson Ilorton, Samuel Hutton,
Schuyler Hendrick, Burton Hammond, John Hubbard,
Anthony Imer, Jonathan Irish. Silas Jones, Thomas Jones,
William Jacobs. Thcor Johnson, James Jones, Isaac John-
Son, Augustus Jerum, Eliphalet Johnson, James King,
David Kindel, Joseph and Stephen King, Benjamin Dee;
Rowland. Elizabeth, Jonathan. Silas, and Isaiah Lamphier;
Asa Lewis. Joseph Lee. Daniel Larkin. Maj. Lockwi
Jacob I. own. John Larkin, Libus Larkin. Job Moon;
Allen, David, and Job Matthewson ; Jarcd Maxon, Elijah
Millard. Paul Maxon, Stephen Maxon, Jr., Benjamin
Miller. Robert Menter, Richard Menter. Silas Maxon,
Jr. and Sr., James Moshure, Moses Morey, Pliny Miller. Jr.,
James Main. Eliphalet Niles, Nathaniel Niles, Jr., Jonathan
Nichols, John Nichols (2d , James Newcomb, John North,
John Ostrandcr, Pardon Pearce, Temperance Palmi r, Jona-
than I'almetcr. Paul Perkins. Daniel and Robert Poller.
Abel Peeknin. Samuel Ph. I] - Gcorgi D. Potter, William
Pike. John Rickcr, John Reynolds, Levi Rude, Smith
Rouse, Ebenczcr and Samuel Rhodes, Comfort Richards,
David Ricker, William Reynolds, Stephen and Gc.
I; vnolds, John K. Rickcr, Abel Rhodes, Joseph Reynold.-,
John Reeve, Walter Rhodes, John Rathl e, Joshua Bob-
bins. Nicholas Richard, Samuel T. Sweet, John Strunk,
Pter Simmons, Ji ■-■ Saunders, Phincas Stewart, Samuel
and Samuel Shaw, Jr., Minor SI. aw. Hezekiah Saunders,
TOWN <>K BERLIN.
50*3
George Satin dors, Oliver Sin it h, Benjamin Stillman, Joshua
Smith, Augustus Sheldon ; Samuel, l>.i\ i^. < rcorge, -) p., and
W'aii Stillman ; Samuel, Silas, am! Luther Sweet; Joseph aud
Thomas Stillman ; Peleg, Charles, and Charles Saunders, Jr. ;
William Sweet, Jonas and Catharine Simmons, Joshua Sa-
bins, Randall Spencer, Aaron Sedgwick, Henry Saunders,
John M. Smith, Jacob Spicer, Loren Simmons, Samuel
Scersions, Jan.es Sheldon; Peleg, Jeffrey, and Peleg <!.
Thomas; Giles Taylor, George Tift, Job Taylor, Job Tripp,
Abial Tripp, Jemima Taylor (widow), Levi Trumbull,
Thomas Vans, Samuel, Jr., and Edward Vans, Jeremiah
Vincent, Ebeuezer Weeks, Jr., Samuel Wells, Larkin Wil-
cox, Job Wilcox, Joshua Williams, Jr., Robert Williams;
Edward, John, and Joshua Whitford ; Arnold Westcott,
Charles Westcott, James and Nathan Walker, Benjamin
and Edmond Wheeler, Elisha Wood, John Warner, Eben-
ezer Weeks, Carey and James Young."
Jonas Odell settled at a very early day at North Berlin,
on the farm afterwards occupied by Elder William Satter-
Iee. He was tjuite a prominent man, and was a supervisor
and justice of the peace in the town.
James Main was an early settler in the north part of the
town. He opened the second tavern ever kept in the town,
about a mile and a half north of the village, on the Petei'S-
burgh road.
Joseph Doty lived at an early day in the northwest part
of the town, on the north side of the Petersburgli range.
Joseph Taylor was an early setter on the west side of
Hoosick River, and on the east side of Petersburgh Moun-
tain, in the north part of the town.
Paul Hyams lived at Berlin village at quite an early
period.
David Kendall was also an early settler in the town.
John Westcott located early in the southeast hollow,
about three miles southeast of Berlin village. The family
is still represented, but the most of them moved to Alle-
ghany County in this State.
Silas Jones settled early in the northeast part of the
town, on the farm occupied by Clover Jones, a descendant.
Daniel G ray was an early settler in the southeast hollow,
and lived about three miles southeast of Berlin village.
REMINISCENCES OV NELSON HULL.
" By the loss of my mother, in infancy, I was adopte I into my grand-
father's family, Peter Hull, sou of Daniel Hull, who was ten years old
when his father moved into this country. In my affections I knew no
other parents, calling them lather ami mother, and living with them
to the day of their death. From him I received most of my informa-
tion in relation to their suffering in those early times. My father, as
I ever called him, was one of those sober, dispassionate men. sti i. -th-
an evevy-day Christian, and adoring his Saviour God '•> the d:n of
his death. I never dared to harbor a dual. ting thought in regard to
the truth of any assertion that, fell from his lips. He has often, when
in my childhood, and much later, given me the account of the early
Bufferings and later ami better days. Also from his brother, tin- Rev.
J. Hull, and D, Hull, Jr., I learned much. They seldom male him "a
visit hut the conversation turned upon their days of deprivation. He
scarce ever spoke of these times and things but the tears flowed from
his eyes.
""When they (D. Hull and family) arrived at their new home, their
provisions wen- nearly consumed. Means must be taken to replenish
their store. This, from a howling wilderness, was a poor market lo
look for stores for subsistence. Bears and deer and other game
roamed in the forest. The brooks were alive with trout, but they
wan tod t i mo to tal I u n t must b< ployed
up the land to i in fo bread, and inoi ■ i ■
ii- -'■ .» i- of life. Corn (hi ■ in i be Bi immer
noighb 'i ] i. L'o I ■ I i boj n ore i ' itcd to ca 1 1
on horseback to a mill near tho ]
Nearly thi I ■ I
of nothing bill paths most of tho way. Tho d
mile , nnd il u ua llj rcq id nboul threi la to mak< oni
mill joui n'.i . [n the course of threi led to
VVilliamstown, Mnss. j tho di took
i In ee daj i to get a grisl ; round then an no. There was n ill
in tho valley of tho Hoosick fill tho year 1779 !
erect id by a Mr. Trial, and afterward ■' i ■ Mill.
" Thoj had no milk, bul I r, 01 meat, 1 ccepl in ton ■■ wild
Thcj gol buttermilk of tho Dutch. On this and corn bread
. ii\ ed. The e :on i 3 e ir they bad a mall ci op of ..
and put chat ed a cow. Faro wn 1 ttli bi I ■ bad
turned into tho w 1 to gel hoi living; if she roamed too far away
thai they could not find her, the family won! 1 1 b< I without their sup-
per, or Buppod "ii dry bi ead, n liich w 1 ol be ca e, ind 1 bi
and other stock browsed in winter. The second year thej tl 11 isod
ime pork. The means for rai ng fatl | ffae almost
wholly on wild nuts for several years. 'I hi lid in
was generally con uined al an carlj day in the spring, if not long be-
fore. When spring opone 1. tl need 10. iking sugar from tho
maple. To make up for milk, which they seldom bad at this Beason,
they Mils* ituted sap porridge. Several di hi en oned ■■■■ itb this
beverage (maple-sugar) ; it also tool* the place of butter. Tli.-ir fa-
cilities for making it were such they could obtain but little. The
sugar seldom lasted longer Mian the spring months ; ho- the remainder
of 1 he 3 ear milk and bread Berve I them foi food,
" They suffered much from the cold : it was not uncommon to rise
in the morning with their beds covered with snow, to the depth of 1
era! inches. Their houses were open and their furniture con isted ol
few articles of the simplest kind. Their outside clothing consisted of
flannel or linsey-wool, in fashion not dissimilar from a hunting-coat ;
a jacket of the same, it' they could gel one ; short breeches, almost in-
variably of leather, either buckskin or sheep, shoes and stockings.
" There were no factories or mills to card wool or dress cloth. Full-
ing-mills were in use. but none existed in these parts for some years.
Tin- first fulling-mill in this place was on the Swamp Creek, west of
Cherry Plain Hill, near the Bailey orchard, built by Mr. Ludington.
The wool taken from the sheep, it was carded, spun, and woven, also
fulled ; this was done by pounding in a trough or barrel, in the usual
way of pounding clothes at tho present day ; lastly, cut and made by
their wives and daughters. I am led to believe there were not many
pianos or guitars for their wive,-, or daughters to amuse themselves
with, in tho early times, in the valley of the Hoosick.
"I will relate an anecdote or two that will, perhaps, show some
thing of the simplicity of character and the times in which these
pioneer fathers and mothers live I. I received them from my father.
In the neighborhood of three years after their settling in this place
(D. Hull's) they succeeded in raising the second cow. His mother
often spoke of it in after-times, and said the richest she ever felt in
her life was when they came in possession of two cows; she had ap-
plied her needle to making linens For the Dutch settlement, receiving
a pound of butter for the garment. This had been the amount of
luxury experienced in her family of eight or nine children. But her
churning hopes were soon blasted. The cow was turned into the
woods, — a limb fell from a tree and killed her.
" Another time, after they had increased their number of cows to
several, in consequence of .their grazing in the woods where a bulbous
plant grew in certain localities which the COWS were fond of, hut im-
pregnate 1 the milk with a strong taste, that spoiled the use of it. The
early inhabitants were often compelled to dispense with the use of it
for several days at a time. At one time, when the family had been
deprived of the use of the milk for several days unexpectedly, his
mother | Mrs. Hull) procured some blackberries, and made a pie with-
out any ofthoso seasoning ingredients now in use. When the family
came from their day's labor the pie was serve I up. T lone heard my
father speak of this in his last days, an I say it was the best
1 1 hia i iste, be ever ate in his life.
"Their market was Sohodack Landing or Castle ton. In conse-
quence of the 1 v roads the market could be reached only in winter,
with a sleigh. The inhabitants, for several year-, seldom made tho
508
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
journey, oxoepl when compel lod t<- tor want of salt ftliis article was
\vrv dear] and ■ few other indispeoeables. The little trade carried on,
or currenoy in ubo among the inhabitants of the valley, was wheat.
Barter was the trade. There was no More in the country till ir:^.
This was opened by Joseph Westcoot, V Slophentuwn (now), iind
when- ii:.- houso of Mr-. R. Dennison Jonca afterwards stood. The
ii<*\t by James Jones, 1783, nt Sweet's Comers, now South Berlin.
•■ By ili»- year 177."- man; Yankee families had settled in the Valley,
and the adjoining hollows oast of the Hoosie Valloy, The axe and
falling trees were heard in every direction. The curling smoke abovo
the 1,.-- pointed out the cot of additional new cottiers in q\ orj
direction.
"These lands were all Manor lands, belonging to tho Van Rens-
r family. Tho first occupants <•! these lands had no rents to pay
for tho iir:«t ten years ; after, n ns imposed the usual rent-. — icn hu-hels
of wheat per hundred acres. All hold by leases, with few exceptions.
■■ The state of society at bo early a date as 177."-. or the morals, I
lv but littloof; but 1 would suppose these pioneers found some-
thing taking; and as for spendthrifts, they had
nothing to spend. There wore no schools till three or four years after
the tir*t Yankee settlers en mo in. Tho Hrsl school-house was built of
1".--. near the present dwelling of tiesckiab [lull. This was burnt.
Tin' next school-house was on ('lurry Plain Hill about twenty five
rods - mth of tho house of Phi: ■ [lull . This was built probably about
tr 1776. I'll" first frame schoul-houso was built 1790; stood
on the cost side of the road, a short distance south of Berlin Centre.
• is.-, oarly inhabitants were mostly Presbyterians. The first
abling for Christian worship was nt the house of Dnniel Hull.
The meeting was addrcssod by S. Smith, a Presbyterian licentiate.
c mtinucd al intervals lor several years in ami
I the neighb irh 1. S.Smith «i i *■<! a few years later; was buried
in ihe Hull burying-ground. The first regular minister of the gospel
tho Rov. Mr. Barns, who resided at South Hoosiek, now North
Stephen town, and was a Baptist. A reformation followed his services.
This ».i- mar the close of the Revolutionary war. A Baptistchurch
organized, and a log house of worship erected near the line of now
entown, on the main or west road.
•■ I be Seventh* Day Baptists organized a church in a few years after
the beforc-mentio!!' 1 organization, — W. Coon, their preacher.
"The first settled minister in Berlin was Justus Hull, ordained
about the year 1784. Elder Win. Sattcrlcc was also ordained a few
years after, and chosen pastor of the Seventh-Day Baptist church.
Those two ministers — the former of the regular Baptist — continued in
the J 0 two churches most of the time till the death
of the former J. Hull . which took place, at the advanced age of
ight, in L83*(. The latter (Win. Suttcrlco) till age impaired
the inl
"Tho first frame house of worship was the old Baptist church;
stood on tho grouud where is now tho bur, ad, on the farm of
David Donn
"The inhabit ints of this emu try. for sovcral years after they com-
;hb H hood, knew but Utile of laws, or of oflieei I >
pol them in execution. The officers were u vigilance cominiitrr.it'
i with nearly the
i| the present timo,— probably not
quit- Igo and juror in most coses, I am told
nial law thai Ication forsuchcoininit-
' nl "i tli.- | pic appointed Daniel
Hull and .! third I cannot ascertain) a vigilant
In the year 1775, or near thai ttmo. Those wore tho offieors
rith the civil laws of the I. ml. I have boon I old the only
led and govornod their judicial
p was the artiolo thai a intainod tho torm just, simplified
I i «a\ b an l in- 'ii
M ; if not, in In i< Iii. illy.
had ail along boon almost wholly
a thought and power, So bringing theirwild lands into a
dUvation, providing f-*r their families, and making their
I ■ ■ ■ ■ - Qeld p u "| '
I this time, 1775, that called them from their domi
The taxation of the Motbei C I '■ gan to
■ry. The firecaughl In the breasts ■•! thi
. bUpor in the ditto- .-. t.t 4 run .' It
drew nearer, till the inhabitants of the Vallry of the Uoosioh
" I will relate an anecdote showing the interest these pioneers felt
for the freedom of their country. I do not relate it here on account
of the circumstance of itself, for it may appear incredible to many,
but showing the zeal for the cause of freedom.
" The morning of the battle of Lexington, at the first gray, Daniel
Hull rose from his bed full of anxiety ami interest in the alarming
times, left his house and began pacing the lawn in front. About the
time of sunrising, his car was saluted with the sound of a cannon;
and. as he often related it in after-years, ; That sound was something
more than the promiscuous discbarge of a cannon. It struck inv ear
with a loud impression, — -The war has commenced !' When breakfast
was ready he was called. He came, but could not eat; from his breast
heaved constant sighs. He related the hearing of the cannon, declar-
ing it was at Boston, and for the alarming of volunteers to come to-
gether for battle; saying, ' This day begins the war, and the falling
of many of our countrymen for Liberty.' He continued through the
day to walk, exhibiting the same depressed spirits.
"At this time it was almost a dense wilderness, all of Western
Massachusetts, and cannon were found only at the more populous
towns. It was two or three weeks before the news of that day arrived,
when circumstances proved it, to him, to be more than conjecture.
''Soon after, hearing of the battle of Lexington, in which seven
men of the Americans were killed, casting a general gloom and mourn-
ing through the country, the inhabitants of the valley anil adjoining
neighbor! Is assembled at the bouse of Daniel Hull. This was the
first public-house in the boundaries of now Berlin, a log-house, on
the ground where stands the house of David Hull, and in council be-
gan to devise what must be done to meet the alarming crisis. There
had been no military company ever formed in these parts; but now
the times required it, was the decision of the council. Boundary-lines
were specified for a military company district. The line dividing tho
north from the south was at tho foot of Cherry Plain Hill. Tho
north was the central of the town of Petersburg!], cast and west as
far as the inhabitants extended from the valley at that time. Officers
chosen — the captain's name I cannot learn; be did not reside here-
abouts. Samuel Shaw, lieutenant; the command devolved on him,
and he was soon after promoted to captain. Capt. Shaw enlisted
heart and interest in the cause, volunteering his services without pay
or recompense for the freedom of his country. In later times be was
promoted to a colonel, which title he generally bore to the day of his
death.
"A company was formed south of the line specified, and James
Dcnnison chosen captain. Capt. Dennison was zealous, enlisting his
every power in the independence of his country. Was in several
campaigns.
" lie caught the smallpox in the army, returned to his home,
Cherry Plain Hill, and died much lamented. As a neighbor, soldier,
and officer he was beloved. From this time, 1775, began every man,
for the cause of freedom, to prepare his gun and be in readiness for
tho call. Some left, enlisted during the war, or a term; others re-
mained at homo, in readiness whenever the country required their
services.
" There were many Tories in and al "iii i In country ; it became ne-
cessary to keep a garrison. One was generally stationed at tin- houso
of D. Hull through the !•■ iluti nary war. -Many stories have been
related of the taking of the Tories and the executing of sentences;
which generally" stated of whipping, haltering, and taking away
their arms, and 9U h means as they ha 1 to assist the English : somc-
times bnnishincntj etc.
" When the Declaration of In Icpendcncc was received, the inhab-
tbrougb the country assembled al tho house of 1>. Hull, tn
hear it read and counsel for future action. Th<- military formed in
lino on the ground, now the dooi yard in front of Bi njaniin L, Hull's
Here D. Hull read thai Declaration for the first time, publicly.
in the Vallej of the Uoosick. After the reading, he then -a\-.'l
am our to sustain this D< duration.' Requesting th immanding
officer I I think Capt Shaw I to order bis rank- to open to the right
and left, which Wfl Qglj d< no, ho D. M. . stepping forth be-
tween the two lines, requested all thai would sustain the Declaration
to follow him. Seeing an exciting stir and smile from the soldiers,
looking bohind himself, be saw his wife, who had joined in line of
march, ackn should nol be withheld in sustain-
ing that Declaration of Independence. Everyman joined in this lino
of march, as volunteers in th< M and Independence.
I ; :: i I ! ■ tition and tho exercisca were affect-
town ok i:i:i:un.
509
ing, and a deep sense of tin- importunes of the cause and Ihc tru I
pervaded the heart of every individual present.
" Much deprivation and Buffering was in c\ ery pari of the country.
Every able bodied man was serving his country, either at homo or
abroad. The lands wore neglected, families loft in want, bul :ill was
with :i willing heart for Independence. The women did not withhold ;
they appliod their hands to the tilling of the lands, etc., I" keep a
i<t :u \ ing family alive, and a famishing soldier.
" At the surrender of Burgoyne many of the soldiers of this section
wore present, but stationed on the cast side of the Hudson River, as
a guard to the Kngli.-h missing. \\ ho was the commander I can't.
learn, neither the names of but two of the soldiers,- I>. Hull and son.
Ilezckiah. At the battle of Bennington (in 1777), which took ph
a few days before the surrender of Burgoyne, James Jones (I ho major)
and Isaac Hood were sent out as .-cunts, and wore i n the above en
gagement ; iilso others whose names 1 have not ascertained, On the
return of the soldiers, or the news of the surrender of Burgoyne, the
rejoicing can bo better imagined than my pen can write. Every ex-
prossi f joy was manifested that could be conceived of through
this valley and the country. James Jones was also at TlCOnderOga,
Col. Ethan Allen commander, and one of the garrison alter Allen left.
(This was in 1775.) In the Revolution, when the militia was tailed
into service, the captain to >k command of half the company half the
tune, and the lieutenant the other half and time. In the manoeuvre
of the British to clear the road for Burgoyne, from Canada to Al-
bany, an attack was made on Fort Edward in the early part of the
season, 1777. A company from the valley of the Hoosick was called
to the scene of action, Lieut. Bentley in command. While stationed
there or near, a scout was sent out to reconnoitcr. Shortly they heard
reports of lire-arms. Col. Van Rensselaer rode into camp about the
time of the report (of scout), and called for volunteers; wanted none
but volunteers. Lieut. Bentley refused to go, saying he was a lame
man. Only two men of his company volunteered, — Isaac Hoard and
Justus Hull.* They marched to the scene of action, four miles north of
Fort Edward. Col. Van Rensselaer ordered every man to shelter
himself behind a tree. The British and Indians were designing to
surround them in the thick woods. But few shots were made, when
Col. Van Rensselaer said. 'The Red-Coats have shot my leg all to
pieces.' J. Hull being near him, went to his relief, found his thigh
broken, set him up against a tree, and returned to his post. Soon the
colonel called for his officers. Hull replied there was none to be seen.
The colonel repeated the call. Hull replied again, * None to be seen,
colonel.' ' We shall be surrounded by the Red-Coats You take the
command, and order your men to Hank to the right and left, and
charge.' Hull sprang upon a log, and gave the word of command, —
thirty men flank to the right and thirty to the left, charge bayonet,
and rush. The men obeyed to a man, although there was but about
thiity in all. This maneuvre put the enemy to flight. They pur-
sued them near two miles, and then returned to the wounded. Hull
ordered a litter to be constructed, and was one of six men that as-
sisted in bringing in the colonel to the fort. (J. Hull was twenty
years old at the time.)
"Some four years after, Col. Van Rensselaer, then holding a gen-
eral's commission, intended to promote Hull to a colonel, inquiring
after him (that smooth-faced Hull), and being informed that he had
become a preacher of the gospel, he said he was d — n sorry, for he
wanted to make a colonel of him.
" I have heard the Rev. J. Hull tell the story, and say, ' When the
colonel gave me that order I only held a second sergeant's warrant,
but I felt as though the whole command devolved on me.'
"Towards the close of the war a garrison was stationed in the
neighborhood of Berlin village, in consequence of many Tories in that
region and farther north, that were committing frequent depredations
on the inhabitants.
"Much might be said, and many more anecdotes told of these
Revolutionary times, but I believe a sufficient has already been said
to show that the inhabitants of the Hoosick were not idle spectators
or lacking in interest or courage, or did not bear their quota in these
war-times.
" At last the news of the event of Oct. IS, 1781, began to sound in
the distance. The capture of Yorktown, Lord Cornwallis and army,
came as a messenger of glad tidings to this long-anxious and care-worn
people. In the exultation of the closed victory and the happy pros-
* Afterwards Rev. Justus Hull.
[-eel of peace, with t'h i. tions ol pasl suffering and I
lould tell tho depth of jo ritb thi troa
flowed from the oyos ol munj ol those pn ■ id families, whose
i "i i -■ in ".ii had I-- it for tl t bittei cup. 'I he
I had arrivi I when the echo of tho disehnrgo of the cannon al the
di banding of I he n i m ng tho radii
the Hoosick, and wopl along tin rale, informing tho inhabitant" (heir
n "i d and gun were no longei requti ed i hoy I I i
tho brightening ol tho ploughshare and tho cultivation of tboir lands.
\V iih cheerful ben rts those en tcrpri . nd ] turned
from tl)'- war camp to their fields to tho breaking up of tho fallow
ground and the sowing of the wheat i hi wild brier and the tt
that bad long grown m thi gardi n wi re uprooted, ond the vege
and flower again grew in it p]
" The old vigilance committee no longi ictcd i !
ornment; new officers were chosen, Tho Qrsl magistrate in thi i
parts was I). II nil. lie was om oi three that was appointed in what
is now Rensselaer County, which was included In Albany County.
The office he held for many yoars, and continued to I
trate in these parts till afti r Washington's ft] J admini ti iti in. He
appoint ed two days m a week i "i court days, at hi- boo i and eldom
lacked fur business, hi tho war individual or local matti re not
much tended to for want of proper laws. lint when proper law- were
enacted, :i nd officers empowered, many made up fur lo.-t time and want
Of civil laws.
"After the Revolution new settlers began to come in and enlarge
the boundaries of cultivation. Mechanical arts began to increase. A
saw-mill was built near the year 1780, by Amos Sweet, in the hollow
cast of the Christian chapel. A blacksmith-shop was opened by
Thomas Sweet, on the east Bide of the road, a short distance north of
Sweet's Corners. This was much earlier than the above date.
" The early inhabitants of the country were generally quite healthy
and athletic, but a doctor saw tit to settle here, whether for weal or
woe, near the year 1775, — Dr. John Forbes, at Sweet"- Corners.
"The first frame house in the limits of now Berlin was built by I>.
Hull, near the close of the Revolution, on the same ground where now
resides Daniel J. Hull. It was large; through the centre opened a
spacious hall; on each side two large, square rooms; betwixt the two
rooms the chimney, with large fireplaces in each room; one story,
with attic-window- in the roof. It was Opened as a public-house, and
kept for some years. In this house Daniel Hull died, Aug. 26, 1811,
eighty-nine years old.
" Age impaired his intellectual powers, and for several years before
Ms death was incapable of attending to any business, forgetting every-
thing he ever done or knew, except offering his daily prayers to his
God.
"In a few years the log buildings vanished. Good, substantial
frame buildings took their place. Soon after the Revolution the fa-
cilities for living, trade, and travel were much improved. Highways
opened to the principal plaecs through the country, and to Albany
and Lansingburgb, and the inhabitants began to resort to those places
for a market. At Centre Berlin, as now called, a stirring little ham-
let commenced, with a store, tavern, potash-manufactory, and tannery.
This was not far from 1 100. Also s.\ oral mechanics of different trades
settled in the neighborhood. Berlin village, as now called, was not
commenced as a village in some time after the above. In 17'.'0 the
inhabitants were supplied with a weekly newspaper, the Latwngburgh
Gazette, by a post, distributing them at their doors ; also other papers
were early introduced. A mail line was not established through tho
valley of the Hoosick till a much later day. The letters, packages,
etc., came on the Boston and Albany line, and were deposited at an
office in the centre of Stephentown.
"In 1784, Stephentown extended her borders as far north as the old
Baptist church, or now burying-ground, on the site of said church, in
Berlin. Rensselaer County took her name in 1791 ; till that date it
was iucluded in Albany County. In the above year Petersburg]) as-
sumed her name and claims to the remainder of Little Hoosick. By
the unanimous voice of the people, honoring Peter Simmons with
his Christian name, and the addition of burgh for tho name of that
town.
" In the year 1790 a number of schools were, or had been, opened ;
lines were drawn specifying districts, and in a few years the most re-
mote inhabitants were supplied with schools, where the common
branches were taught.
" In 1311 a revival of religion commenced in this town: a large
510
HISTORS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
number of members iroro added to tbo church. The year following,
in 1313, :m opidomic made its appearance in tho valley of the Hoosick,
iwepl through the country like n tornado. The inhabitants of the
ralley bad, from tho earliest settlement, been much favored in health.
iplnints that goncrally afflict people of new
countries, such as ague, l*ili"us complaints, etc. But few deaths bad
imperative to the number of inhabitants; but when the
epidemic made it- appearance it was but the warning of tbo near
approaoh of tin- angel death.
"There was little or no exception as i" ago | the young and athlctio
foil before tho destroyer. Tho grand lever of human greatness broke
nt the silent touoh of ihi- awful disease Mourning was in almost
houso; but few families osoaped. Few cases wore cured; the
knowledgo of the physieians was altogotbor too limited t" stay iho
jing opidemio. Tho habiliments of mourning were
, and tho wail of widows and orphans not unfrequcnt.
It made its appoarance near midwintor, and continued till warm
:er."
TAVERNS.
The pioneer inn established by Daniel Hull, in the south
part of the town, prior to the Revolutionary war, has already
received attention, and was without doubt the first in the
town. Hczekiah Hull opened one soon after the war. A
mail by the name t F Odell kept the first tavern at Berlin
village. Burton Hamilton 1 succeeded him. James Main
kepi the first tavern in the north part of the town in 1781,
about a mile and a half north of Berlin village. Mrs.
Hi tin D.Hull resides near the site of the tavern. Dr.
Burton Hammond erected the Niles Hotel iu 1S0G, and
k.pt public-house forseveral years. Barzela Streeter, George
Bcrrington, Sheldon Morris. Loren Fields, Hiram Shaw,
( '. W. Judevine, S. I>. Streeter, and Alonson B. Niles, the
nt proprietor, have been there since. The Wadsworth
li • 1 was ope 1 by Sheldon Morris about 1S44, who was
the host there for a great many years. W. J. Wadsworth
was his successor, and is the present proprietor. Thomas
A Clark opened the house now kept by Nelson Johnson.
in the spring of 1876. He run it three years, when the
nt proprietor took it. John Rhodes, Silas Jones,
II lerson, and others have kept inns along the
road leading over the mountains to Troy.
M.inu- Griswold had a very early store at Berlin, on a
re. John Reeve was another
. trader, and had a Btorc iii the Bouth part of the village.
I: .\ M I lory (J and M ill iry & Hastings I Joseph)
followed in the same place. A large number of others have
in trade there. Dr. lout on Hammond I mi It a store at the
he Nih - I [otel, and a part of it, and enj aged
intrude there. Sandford Wheeler, U'l ler & Whitford,
Whitford & Brimmer, Whitford A Vara, and others have
there. Sheldon W.J, & Hull II. G.)aro
there now. William I. iris started the store now occupied
by Rasico & Niles a good many y> D I. nezer
K linson, Robinson & Mallory, Robinson & Allen, Allen
,V Deuison, D. Deni I D E. Dcnison, and W. F.
Taylor have been anion- those in trade there. The store
tpicd by Gifford tnblishcd, aboul 1845, by
I man Bonnet, John Whitford, Whitford A: Gifford,
Gifl n -I B Whitford, and II. ('. Gifford have
ho have Uradi ■! al that point. Schuyler
■ . tblishcd tl E. R. G ' some
twenty-five years ago. Greenman & Green, Green & Clark,
and Green & Hull have traded there.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. John Follies, the first physician of the town, located
at Sweet's Corners in 1775. Dr. Job Tripp was in prac-
tice near Berlin village early iu the century, together with
Dr. Peter T. Olds. Dr. Stephen J. Brown studied with
Dr. Tripp, and was in partnership with him for a time.
Dr. Moxson came soon after. Dr. Burton Hammond was
in practice at Berlin Centre quite early, and also had a store
there. He then moved to North Berlin, where he engaged
in practice. He built the Niles Hotel, a large mill, and
made other improvements in the town, and was a man of
enterprise and public spirit. Dr. Hammond died in 1837,
and lies buried at Centre Berlin. Dr. Henry Brown and
Dr. Emerson Hull were in practice at Berlin village in
1819. Dr. Brown removed to Orleans Co., N. Y.,in 1838.
Dr. Hull, a native of the town, remained in practice until
his death, which occurred on March 20, 1831. He was a
son of Elder Justus Hull, the first pastor of the first Bap-
tist church of Berlin village, and a brother of Dr. Alonzo
G. Hull, of New York City. Both the sons of Dr. Hull
became physicians. Dr. A. D. Hull is a noted surgeon and
physician, at Lansingburgh, N. Y. Dr. A. E. Hull is
in successful practice at Berliu village. Dr. Ebenezer Rob-
inson was a contemporary of Dr. Emerson Hull. He
removed to Bennington, Vt., in 1S31, and died there
in 187b". Dr. William H. Rhodes commenced practice at
Berlin village about 1836-37, but removed to Albion.
Wis., where he died a few years later. Dr. Joseph T.
Skinner came from Springfield, Mass., . about 1S56,
and engaged in practice. He remained about six years,
then went as a surgeon to the war. After the close of the
war he settled iu Peoria, 111. Dr. Strowbridge Smith
came to town in 185S, engaged in practice, and went into
the army in 1SG2. Dr. H. J. Horton came from Stephen-
town in 1850, and practiced until his death, in 1876. Dr.
A. Elton Sands has been in good practice at Berlin village
for the past three years.
LAW V Kits.
Charles M. Davis was in practice at Berlin village about
sixty yar- ago. He married a daughter of Dr. Hammond,
and practiced in town until his death, a few years ago. He
also had an office in Troy. Alonzo G. Hammond preceded
Mr, Davis. The two were subsequently in partnership,
under the firm-nai I' Hammond & Davis. Mr. Ham-
mond removed, after a number of years, to the city of
Brooklyn, where he died. Robert A. Lotridge came from
Hoosick, engaged in practice al Berlin village a fevi years,
and removing to Troy became district attorney, and rep-
1 the Siate iii the ease of Andrus Hall, of Peters-
burgh, Convicted of the murder of Noah and Amy Smith,
of thai town, in 1849. L rd I!. Saunders was next in
practice in the village, and remained until his death, a few
< ogo. Cornelius Snyder practiced at Berlin village a
number of years, and removed to West Sand Fake, where
he -till i-. Frederick A. Hall, a young practitioner, is now
in practice al the village.
TOWN OK BERLIN.
511
ROADS.
'I'lic road from Stephentown to Petcrsburgh, passing
north and south through the town, is the oldesl existing
highway in the town. It was first an [ndian hail, then
flie settlers' pathway through the wilderness, and finally a
public highway. The (liven Hollow Turnpike, running
from Albany to Williamstown, easl and west through the
town, is probably nearly as ancient. The Harlem Exten-
sion Railroad passes north and smith through the town,
having stations at North, Centre, and South Berlin.
MEN OF PROMINENCE.
Of those1 that settled prior to the Revolution and alter,
in the boundaries of now Berlin, were many men that have
been noted and honored for more than ordinary talents,
their eminent abilities promoting them to offices of trust
and honor.
Daniel Gray, an early settler after the Revolution, from
the State of Connecticut. He was one of those young men
that enlisted their all in the cause of independence. Was
taken by the Indians, with others, in the neighborhood of
Decrfield, Mass., or Bloody Brook, and hurried off towards
Canada. The first night after being taken the Indians
threw him to the ground on his back. They then extended
his limbs to their full extent, and fastened to staddles. They
then cut poles, eight or ten feet in length, and lay them trans-
verse him. Two of his Indian guards, with arms in their
hands, lay on each side of him and on the poles, bending
them to the ground, no inconsiderable amount of pressure
being on the prisoner. In this position Mr. Gray lay
through this night, and with an innumerable amount of
mosquitoes feasting on his blood. He was often beard to
say this was the most intense suffering he ever bore in one
night. In the morning he was relieved from this suffering
position, and allowed to sit up.
The Indians were often insulting and abusing their pris-
oners. At one time Gray, sitting upon a log, a young In-
dian came and spit in his face. He gave the Indian a
heavy kick, knocking him down, and causing the youngster
to "squall-' at the height of his voice. The Indians came
with tomahawks uplifted, just at the moment an old squaw,
who had witnessed the affair, spoke in bis behalf, and he
was saved. He was no more troubled with such tormentors.
The Indians hastened their prisoners forward, as fast as
possible, towards Canada. When any of the prisoners were
enfeebled for want of food and other severe hardships,
falling back, not keeping pace with the others, they soon
relieved them of further sufferings by applying the toma-
hawk and taking their scalps, leaving their bones to bleach
in the wilderness. Some days after the commencement of
their captivity the Indians asked Gray to show them how
to wrestle. He complied with the request. One Indian
came after another, he throwing each as they came. At
last the great bully came. He also threw him. The
Indian was mad, but he was not allowed to injure him.
After this the Indians showed him many favors ; his hard-
ships were mitigated, and privileges granted him that were
not to the other prisoners. This arose from the courage
and athletic exercises he exhibited to them. When they
arrived in Canada, the | old I" the British,
and put On board of a prison-ship at Halifax, and sailed for
New fork. The prisoners experienced i offering.
Gray's clothing con isted of Bhirl and pants, the weather
extremely cold, and no fire in the cabin, or an om-
forts for the prisoners. There was a fire on board, and all
were allowed to go and warm by it, but everj man that
went died soon after Gray took warning, and during the
whole winter kept at a respectable distance from thai in-
viting element that caused death to all that neared it. By
wrestling, jumping, and packing together as close as possible
nights, he and many others weri enabled to live through
the winter. At the expiration of thirteen months Gray
was released. From his own account, thai he was wont to
give in life, his sufferings in the bands of the English was
far more severe' than with the Indians.
Alter taking up his residence in ibis town he was the
first representative from this district to the Slate I,
lature, then holding its sessions in the city of New York ;
was chosen to the same office several times; afterwards
filled the office of supervisor for several years, and judge in
the county courts, and also frequently holding tl ffice of
justice of the peace. Mr. Gray lived to an advanced age.
The honorable distinction shown him in this, bis place of
residence, is all sufficient to show the talent and character
of the man.
Hezekiah Hull, a son of Daniel Hull, at the expiration
of his father's last term of magistrate, succeeded him,
holding the office many years. He was the first resident
surveyor of this part of the country. The greater part of
his life was spent in public employment, not only the above-
named offices, but drawing of bonds, deeds, mortgages, and
other transfers, engaged bis whole time. A political man
of bis day, and counselor in those times. He was in the
Legislature of 1837.
Daniel Hull, Jr., in the military, held various offices, to
a major's commission, by which title he was generally
known. He was one of the political men of the old school,
attaching himself to the Federalists; a frequent member
in conventions, representing his people in State and county,
and a member of the Legislature ; a strong advocate of
freemen's rights; unambitious, acting from principles of
duty that he owed to his fellow-man, rather than any honor
or self-interest; a promoter of arts and sciences, a friend to
the oppressed, and a Christian to his God. Lived to a
good age.
Dr. Burton Hammond, a resident of Berlin, was a later
settler. Did not make ibis place bis home in some years
after the Revolution. Game from New Lebanon. His
early life and education is somewhat obscure. His father
being a member of the Shakers of the above place, he also
became one of the fraternity; but becoming dissatisfied
with that people, he left, when a young man, and soon after
settled in this place. He commenced here as a physican.
His preparatory studies we're finished previous to his com-
ing into this place. He discontinued practice after a few
years, and went into the mercantile business in now Berlin
Gentre. This not proving as lucrative as he desired, he
abandoned it. lie next legated in now Berlin village. Dr.
Hammond might lie considered the founder of that stirring
- -
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
village. He went largely into building, opened a public-
house and store, encouraging business, mechanical arts,
Dr. Hammond was a representative to the Legislature
three terms, a supervisor nine terms, and a justice of the
rend terms. lie was a man of sound judgment,
nsive general knowledge, a profound scholar and lover
of the arts and sciences. He was always much interested
in political matters and the laws of his country, ete. 11. ■
was quite advanced in age, bu( continued to be the great
counselor till his death, or near. He was honored for his
qualifications and loved for his example of honesty and in-
dustry. Died lamented by all who knew him.
Along G II aim 1. son of Dr. Brinton Hammond,
was born in the town, practiced law there for a time, and
returning t.> Brooklyn became a lawyer of prominence and
a member of the State Legislature. When Martin Yau
Buren wa> Vice-President, in 1834, he called at A. G.
Hammond's office, in Berlin, to consult him on matters of
public interest pertaining to the State of New York. When
Reynolds, a Van Buren Democrat and an intimate
frend of Hammond's went into the office, Mr. Hammond
him an introduction to Mr. Van Buren, Mr.
R nded his hand and said. "Thank God my
• bcholdeth the man whom uiy soul loveth !" Mr. Ham-
mond immediately re]. lied. •■ And that love of this people
will yet place friend Van on the pinnacle of fame's proud
tern]
Rensselaer Bentley, son of Joshua Bentley, was also a
native of Berlin. He became an author and publisher,
being the author of " Bcntley's Pictorial School Works."
Zadoc T. Bentley, who taught school in the towu for many
years, removed to Madison <'•... N. Y., and became a member
1. 1' the State senate. Henry P. Barron, son of Moses
Barron, was born at Berlin village. He graduated at the
law-school at Saratoga, became editor of a paper at Auburn,
N ST., whence he removed t < » Kenosha. Wis., where he
' lie commenced the practice
of law there, and was elected district attorney of Rock Co.,
Wis. II.' subsequently became county judge, circuit judge,
a member of the State Legislature (becoming speaker of
the house . fifth auditor at Washington, State senator,
Lieut, unit i Sovernor of Wisconsin.
Samuel N. Sweet was born at Berlin, Aug. 21. 1805.
II - father fought for our country's freedom under the
■ Washington. At the age of seventeen he tau
■1 in Jefferson Co., V Y. In his twentieth year he
.1 Wright's ..the., in Adams. Jefferson Co.,
. -indent at law. and afterwards pursued the study in
the law-ofl \ '. Hammond, Berlin. B. B. Haw-.
I Neville, and .1. X. Ctuhman, in the citj of Troy. On
the -7th of March, 1846, he was allowed two years' i
II n. Green C. Bron f the justi
of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. In 1828
and '2'.' he represented Jefferson County in the State con-
ventions held at 1'ii'M and Albany; Rensselaer County al
in 1834; Osv I. Si I. iwrence, and
in o Dnil - convention al the
of Philadelphia. I I and i dih ■! a public
journal al - 'i ; another in l-:;::. al St.
• l i through the Union, sooth and n
in 1820. Was appointed professor of elocution in the
Auburn Female Seminary in 1S42. Delivered lectures on
elocution and phrenology to law associations at Coopcrstown,
1S34; Clinton Hall, New York, April, 1S36 ; Hamilton
Institution, 1837. Lectured in Hamilton College in 1839 ;
taught in Geneva College in 1S41 ; was in the Legislature
at Albany in 1839 ; wrote and published " Sweet's Practical
Elocution," at Rochester, 1839, of which there were four
editions issued. The remainder of his life was spent in
traveling, lecturing, and teaching elocution up to the time
of his death, which took place in 1875.
Russell Griswold, born in Berlin in 1S08, was the sou
of poor but respectable parents. Received a good common-
school education, and taught school for several years in his
native town. In 1830 he commenced the study of medi-
cine with E. Robertson, 31. D. ; graduated at Pittsficld
(Massachusetts) Medical College in 1835, receiving the first
honors of his class; settled at Lanesborough, Mass., in
1836, had a successful practice for several years, and re-
moved to Stamford, Conn., where he now resides.
George T. Denison, son of Griswold Deuison, was born
at Stephentown, N. Y., March 24, 1795. Received a good
common-school education, and engaged in farming. Re-
ceived a paymaster's commission in the 1st Regiment of
State Infantry under Governor De Witt Clinton, March
17, 1S21, and a colonel's commission under Governor Yates,
June 5, 1824. Held the office of justice of the peace of
Berlin eight years, dating from 1839. Represented the
third district of this county in the State Legislature in 1S47.
Died at Berlin, Feb. S, 1874.
John Reeve was born at Southold, N. Y.; settled in
Berlin in 179S ; bought a farm and engaged in the mercan-
tile business, in which he continued for over thirty-five
years; was elected supervisor of Petersburgh in 1SU4-5;
of Berlin in 1S06, — the first supervisor of said town. Re-
elected in 1807-10; again in 1814-1G; again in 1S22 ;
was in the Legislature of the State at the time when the
land-property qualification for voting was removed, and was
justice "I' i he peace for a number of years. He died at Berlin.
John Green, born at Newport. R. I., Jan. 10, 1754, was
in the Revolutionary struggle under Gen. Washington,
Gen. Nathaniel Greene, aud Gen. Gates. Settled in Berlin
in 177S; was one of the first justices of the town ; deacon
of the Seventh-Pay Baptist Church, and a member of the
State Legislature. Died at Berlin, July 31, 1837.
Jane- A. Culver was born at Berlin about 1813; was a
merchant at Berlin Centre for a number of years; was the
supervisor of Berlin in L844; was also postmaster at that
place, and represented the district in the State Legislature
in L8G '. and is now a resident of Peoria, III.
1 loiace C. Gilford, son of the Rev. I. S. Gilford, was born
ai Canaan, Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1824; went int.. the
mercantile business with John Whitford, at Berlin, in 1851 ;
was postmaster at Berlin under Line. .In. Johnson, Grant,
and Hayes, and represented the district in the Stale Legisla-
ture in 1871.
William P. Taylor, born at Berlin, Oct. 5, 1830, went
int.. mercantile business in I B57 . was supervisor of Berlin
in 1874, 1 ~7.V and 1876. Represented the district in
State Legislature in 1S75 and 1876.
TOWN OF RERUN.
513
IV.— CIVIL HISTORY.
The organization of the town begins with the year 1806.
The records ul' tlir town are in ;i very imperfect and con-
fused state. Down to I SIC they are entirely lacking, while
some later years are not recorded, and others are scattered
through books containing miscellaneous records. As a
natural consequence the following list is incomplete.
TOWN OFFICERS.
si PERI isnlts.
1806-10, John Reeve; 1811,'E. Niles ; [812 13, Daniel Gray; Isll
16, John Reeve; 1817, Eliphalet Niles; 1818, Daniel Gray; 1819,
Ed. Whitford; 1820-21, B. Hammond; 1822, John Reeve; 1823,
William II. Murray; 1.S2 I. L. Stanton: 1825-29, B. Hammond;
1830, John Vara; 1831-32, B. Hammond; is:;:; :;i. B. Robinson ;
1835-:Sli, Winter Green; 1837-38, J. J. Murray; 1839-40, D.
Babcock; 1841-42, R. A. Lottridge ; 1843, II. Hull; isll, J. A.
Culver: 1845-46, J. Denison; 1847, Thomas W. Jones; [848,
S. S. Streeter; 1849, J. W. Niles; 1850-51, S. Greenman; 1852,
J. B. Mooney; 1853-54, A. G. Niles; 1855-56, S. Green; 1857
58, John Whitford ; 1859-60, S. Greenman ; 1SG1-62, H. D. Hull ;
1S63, S. Hewitt; 1864-65, H. D. Hull ; 1866-68, E. W. Green-
man; 1S69, W. R. Jones; 1870, William A. Smith : 1871, W. R.
Jones; 1872-73, A. P. Hull; 1874-76, W. F. Taylor; 1877, W.
R. Jones; 1878-79, Jonathan Denison.
TOWN CLERKS.
1806, Hezekiah Hull; 1810, John Green: 1812, Daniel Gardner; 1814,
John Green; 1820, Stephen J. Brown; 1824, A. G. Hammond;
1825, Joel Mallary ; 1831, John Reeve; 1835, Charles V. Mallary ;
1838, Thomas T. Gray; 1S39, Squire L. Allen; 1841, S. S.
Streeter; 1S44, John Whitford; 1S46, Samuel S. Streeter;' 1847,
Horace P. Jones ; 1S4S, Job T. Wilcox; 1850, Albert G. Hall;
1851, Job T. Wilcox ; 1852, Jacob K. Simmons ; 1S53, E. R.
Green; 1856, Horace C. Griffin; 1857, William F. Taylor: 1859,
Job T. Wilcox; 1860, Albert P. Hull; 1861, Charles 11. Taylor;
1867, N. J. Nichols; 1S68, J. Bryan Whitford; 1869, Harvey W.
Saunders; 1870, Halsey B. Green; 1871, Alonzo E. Hull; 1872,
Alanson B. Niles ; 1873, Halsey B. Green : 1875, Harvey S. Deni-
son; 1S77, Thomas E. Greenman; 1879, Isaac J. Gilford.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1846, Rufus R. Allen: IS 17, Schuyler Green; 1848, Harry B. Hewitt :
1850, Rufus R. Allen ; 1851, Schuyler Green ; 1S52, Henry Hewitt ;
1853, Henry E. Denison; 1854, R. R. Allen: 1856, Harry Hill;
1857, Henry E. Denison; 1859, Henry Hewitt; 1860, L. R.
Saunders, Schuyler Green ; 1861, Alanson N. Green ; 1862, Alson
G. Niles; 1867, Philander Woodward; 1869, Alson G. Niles;
1870, William F. Taylor, Daniel J. Hull; 1871, Joseph D. Wells;
1872, William A. Smith; 1873, William J. Sheldon, Jr.; 1874,
Arra G. Harris; 1875, George Sering ; 1S76, Ebenezer J. Matti-
son, J. B. Whitford; 1877, William J. Sheldon; 1S78, Horace P.
Jones: 1879, Ebenezer J. Mattison.
V.— VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
NORTH BERLIN.
The principal village in the town is what is known as
North Berlin, or Berlin village. It was first formed about
the year 1800 by John Reeve, Dr. Beutou Hammond, and
other enterprising citizens, who located at that place, and
by their energy and enterprise furnishing the nucleus of
the present attractive little village. Nestled cosily in the
valley of the Little Hoosick, it presents an animated yet
peaceful appearance, the tall spurs of the Petersburgh
range of mountains seemingly standing as grim sentinels
guarding it from the intrusion of the corrupt and vicious.
* Down to this date the records are lacking. Above officer? are
taken from miscellaneous sources.
65
The village contains two lintel-, i lin-.- churches a number
of general stores, several tori d ited to special branches
of trade, a Dumber of Bhops devoted to the mechanic art-,
and about 200 dwelling-houses. The population of the
village is about 500, The oldesl houses standing now are
those occupied by Janus Irwin, which was built i ■. John
Reeve prior to L 800, and was formerly a store in which
Reeve & Allen traded; the Niles Hotel, iivrt.-i] in 1800
by Dr. Burton Hammond; and the one at the upper end
of the village in which Milford Rhodes resides, which was
built probably prior to the hotel. Dr. Ebenezer Robinson
was postmaster at the village in 1831 or L832. Robert A.
Lotridge, S. S. Streeter, John Whitford, I>. B. Denison,
and Loren Fields have 1 n among the "tber incumbents
of t lit- office. Horace c. Gifford, the present postmaster,
lias filled the position a good many years.
BERLIN CENTRE
is situated almost at the exact geographical centre of the
town, and is an active little hamlet. It first began to
assume importance about the year 1700, when the com-
bined energies of a store, tavern, potash-manufactory, and
tannery gave it the first impetus of its growth. It contains
a store and post-office, tavern, carpenter-shop, and a few
dwellings.
SOUTH BERLIN
is a hamlet of some size and importance iu the south part
of the town. Settlements were made there very early. It
now contains a chapel of the " Christian" Church, a store
and post-office, steam saw-mill, a cheese-factory, two black-
smith-shops, and about a score of houses, with a population
of perhaps 100 persons.
VI.— SCHOOLS.
The early educational advantages of the town have been
already referred to, and a repetition need not be indulged
in here. Rude as the early school-houses were, and uncul-
tured as were the instructors therein as compared with the
teachers of our day, yet they sufficed to develop good men
and women possessed of a fair average education, and,
above all, possessed of that moral courage and personal
pride which characterized the pioneer settlers of the town.
Some of the early teachers have been John Green, Abel
Burdick, and Hezekiah Phelps. The first school-house in
. the north part of the town stood in " Green Hollow," on
the farm occupied by Varnum Dyer. It was simply a log
structure. Previous to that date school had been taught
in private houses. The town now contains ten districts,
and is provided with a corps of competent and faithful
teachers. The school at Berlin village is of high char-
acter.
The following persons were the officers of the several
districts at the latest recorded date (1878) :
District No. 1. — David Fritz, Trustee; Charles Busher,
Clerk ; George Wilds, Librarian ; Joseph Haffey, Jr., Col-
lector.
District No. 2.— J. D. Wells, Trustee; T. W. Smith,
Clerk ; William Bliss, Collector.
District No. 3.— G. D. Niles, H. C. Gifford, H. F.
Brown, F. M. Corwee, James L. Green, J. B. Whitford.
514
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
M. J. Niles, U. J. Nichols, H. B. Green, Trustees; J. B.
Whitford, Clerk.
District No. 4. — A. C. James, Trustee; Eugene Max-
son, Clerk ; Hampton Green, Librarian.
District No. 5. — 'William M, Green, S. J. Nichols,
Caleb Bentley, Trustees; L. T. L. Lewis, Clerk; Stephen
Collector; Norman Church, Librarian.
District No. 6. — Edward I). Green, Trustee; D. K.
Green. Clerk; Egbert Green, Collector.
District No. 7. — Charles W. Zink, Alley Leflcr, Trustees;
William Miller. Clerk; Frederick Maniere, Collector;
Bonner. Librarian.
District X>. 8.— A. M. Hull, D. J. Hull, Christopher
Brown, Trustees; William P. Green, Clerk ; H. P. Bab-
Colleotor ; William P. Green, Librarian.
District No. 0. — Rinaldo Shaw, Trustee; H. Vara, Clerk ;
Ellen Kendall, Collector; A. S. Burdick, Librarian.
District No. 10. — Valentine Miller. George Goodimote,
John .1. Miller, Trustees; Casper Goodimote, Clerk; Val-
entine Goodimote, Collector; Valentine Yerton, Librarian.
VII.— RELIGIOUS HISTORY.
TIIK SKYKNTI1-PAY BAPTIST CHURCH
is the oldest religious institution in the town, and was or-
ganized on Sept. 24, 17S0. It is a branch of the Westerly
now First Hopkinton) Church of Rhode Island. That
church, on Aug. 20, 17S0, appointed Elder John Burdick
to _'o to Farmington, Conn., aud Little Hoosick, N. Y., to
confer with the brothers and sisters at each place relative
to the establishment of a sister church at each of those
places. On Sept. 20 he arrived in the locality, accom-
panied by brethren from Farmington. On the 21st he
attended a meeting appointed by Brother William Coon, at
.!■ - ph Carpenter's house, and at the close of the meeting
Jonathan Greenman made profession of his faith and was
baptized, and passed under the order of hands by Elder
Davis, and was joined to the church the 22d instant. He
then went to Little Hoosick, and at a general meeting
Thankful Crandall — " single woman" — passed under hands,
having been before baptized, and was received into the
church at the close of public service on the Sabbath.
On the 24th instant, Levi Crandall made profession and
was baptize. 1. passed under hands, ami received into the
church. A formal church-meeting was held on the after-
noon of thai day, for the purpose of taking into considera-
tion the formation of a chnroh. At thi> meeting it was
formally decide I uii/e a church, and William Coon
ii elder and William Greenmai minated for
d< icon The earliesl male members of the church were
William Co. ,ii. elder; John Millard. Brian! Cartwright,
Ebenezer Crandall, Joseph Greene, Zacheus Burdick, 11./.-
ekiah Coon, William Davis, Nathan Greenman, David
Davis, Jonathan L-imphh-r. Stephen MoXSOn, Jr.. John
., I' - Burdick. Mattlew Randall, William Green-
man, Luke Gi Nathan Coon, [saao Johnson, Avery
• j.p mi all Rogers, Jonathan Greenman, Adam Clark,
Joseph Carpenter, Sylvanus Greenman, William G. Gret d
man. John M , Stephen Moxson. William Scriven, Sam-
uel Stillman, Joshua Davis, Jonathan Randall, Wait Still-
man, Stephen Chapman, Jonathan Palmiter, Jabei Burdick,
Amos Lamphier, John Coon, Silas Greenman, Armon
Green, David Davis, Jr., James Cartwright, Luke Clark,
William Davis, Jr., Joshua Davis (2d), Wilbur and Perry
Burdick. .Tared Stillman. Benjamin Davis. Davis Stillman,
Benjamin Millard, and John Davis.
The earliest meetings of the church were held at the
house of Joshua Whitford. They continued to be held at
various private residences until Oct. 31, 1S00, when the
first one was held at the meeting-house, which was then
just erected and was the first owned by the society.
In August, 1S21, a severe gale occurred, and completely
demolished the meeting-house, — that being the only build-
ing in the village which was injured. The body of the
present church was erected in 1823. The spire and vesti-
bule were added in 1847. It has twice been struck by
lightning since, viz., in 1S69 and 1878.
The first pastor of the church, Elder William Coon, con-
tinued in active and faithful charge until his death, Jan.
18, 1S01. Elder Asa Coon next took charge of the church
from July 3, 1801, until Oct. 22, 1801, when he also
passed away. The next pastor of the church was Rev.
William Satterlee, who commenced his labors in 1802. L.
Cortlandt Rogers was pastor in 1855; came in spring of
1S52 aud was here five years. Varnum Hull followed him
in 1858 and left in 1862. Solomon Carpenter in 1865, one
year; James Summerbell, 1867, until the spring of 1875.
The present pastor is B. F. Rogers.
The present membership is 140 ; number in the Sabbath-
school about 120; Superintendent, Thomas E. Greenman;
number of volumes in the library, 325. The following
are the officers of the church : Pastor, B. F. Rogers ;
Deacons, James L. Green, J. B. Whitford, J. B. Satterlee;
Clerk, J. B. Satterlee.
The society, of course, observes the ordinary seventh day
of the week (Saturday) as the Christian Sabbath.
BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN BERLIN.
This church was organized about the year 17S4, and
Elder Justus Hull became the first pastor. He continued
faithfully to discharge the duties of his pastorate until his
death on May 29, 1833, in the seventy-eighth year of his
age, and fifty-sixth of his ministry. Among the early
members of the church were Deacons Joseph Bates. James
Green, Elisha Berry, Eleazar Auisdcl, Edward Rubies,
Benjamin Pearce, Eben Moffitt, Daniel Hull, Jonathan Bly,
Henry Reynolds, Allen Matthewson, Amos Fuller, Elder
Alderman Baker, Ebenezer Pearce. Walter Uliodes. \hel
Rhode-. William Ebenezer Rhodes, Henry Jones, Roger
Jones, Jose], b Doty. Jacob Brimmer, Ellis Doty, George
Tift, John Godfrey, Jacob Cropscy, Joseph Lee, John
Wilkinson, Russell Wilkinson. James Walker. Stephen
Tavl.,r. Jonathan Babcock, Gashorn Breed. Levi Darling,
Josiafa Godfrey, George Ay les worth, Samuel Berry, Paul
lli William Smith. Isaac Dorley, Joseph Lewis, James
Kin-. William Butts, John Goslin, Albert Justus. Mayor
Lockw I, Job Thomas, Jonathan Green. Eliphalet Niles,
Jonathan Godfrey. John Woodburn, Robert M. iit.T. Jr..
Mill.imi Godfrey. Joseph Carp. liter. Benjamin Rogers,
Henry Hull, William Sweet, Asa Bi i be, Ebenezer Barnes,
( laleb Bentley.
TOWN OF BERLIN.
515
The second pastor of the church, Elder Joseph 1).
Rogers, commenced his labors soon after the death of Elder
Hull, and remained until (he spring of lSliS. A serious
dissension arose in the church thai year, and a portion of
its members separated themselves from it and formed a new
church, known as the Second Baptist Church of Berlin.
The difficulty was finally adjusted and the bodies reunited.
Isaac S. Clifford, the next pastor, remained about fifteen
years. The subsequent pastors of the church have been
William Bowen, June 8, 1854, to April I, 1851 ; William
1W. Smith, 1852 to 1S55 ; Solomon Gale, called July 14,
1855, remained until April 1, 1860; II. A. Guild, called
May 13, 1861, remained until fall of 1865; William Gar-
nett, spring of 1S66 to fall of 1867; J. C. Butler, 1867
to fall of 1868. Rev. N. Mumford, the present pastor,
commenced his labors Aug. 1, 1S69.
The present membership of the church is over 200; size
of Sabbath-school, upwards of 100; Superintendent, John
A. Rasico. The church officers are as follows: Deacons,
H. P. Hull, F. M. Cower, David Denison, Milan Menter,
John A. Rasico; Clerk, H. J. Sheldon; Treasurer, Job T.
Wilcox.
CHRISTIAN CHAPEL, SOUTH BERLIN.
This church was organized Jan. 27, 1830, and the pres-
ent house of worship was erected in 1831. Among the
early members of the church were Samuel Hull, Rensselaer
Bly, William S. Clark, David Comstock, James Green, Jr.,
Henry W. Stone, Newbury Beebe, Philo Hull, John J.
Brown, Alson Hull, Lorenzo Green, Sheldon Bentley, Hiram
Bcntley, Calvin Brown, Iris Simmons, and Archibald
•Calendar. The members at the date of organization were
George Hakes, Jeremiah G. Burlingame, Benjamin Clark
(2d), Lyman Clark, John C. Crandall, Clark Hakes, Abra-
ham C. Day, Alexis Burlingame, Bethany Burlingame,
Electa Clark, Anna Hiscox, Tabitha Denison, Sophia Bur-
lingame, Clarissa Burlingame, Betsey Crandall, and Betsey
Clark. Elder John Spoor was the first regular supply of
the church in the pastoral relation. Elder John II. Crum
was the first regular pastor of the church. B. F. Summer-
bell is described in the church records as " pastor pro It in,"
in 1857. Elder Cox, the next regular pastor, commenced
his labors on March 1, 1857. Rev. Geo. R. Strevel was
voted pastor of the church on July 5, 1858. In May,
1873, Rev. J. R. Taylor began his labors as the regular
pastor of the church, and ended his labors April 1, 1S76.
The present membership is 45 ; size of the Sabbath-
school, about 30 ; Superintendent, Timothy Dole ; number
of volumes in the library, about 200. The church officers
are as follows : Rev. George Strevel, Pastor (began his
labors April 1, 1877); Alonzo S. Burdick, Clerk.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, BERLIN.
This society was organized in the year 1877, and was
connected with Petersburgh charge, under Rev. S. S. Ford.
The church was attached to Columbia charge in 1878, and
the present meeting-house was erected the same year, at a
cost of about $1200. The pastor of the church is Rev. J.
W. Coons, of East Poestenkill village. The church offi-
cers are John M. Potter, Leader; Henry F. Brown, John
M. Potter, Dr. A. Elton Sands, Trustees.
A small Lutheran Church exi U on the mountain in
South Berlin, of which Rev. .Mr. Vedder ij pa-tor.
VIII. BUR1 i\i. ri.AiKS.
The town contains a number of places of interment for
the dead, many of which are of a private nature, The
Hull burying-gvound is situate. l about half-way between
Centre and South Berlin, and was in use by thai family at
an early day. It contains a number of interesting inscrip-
tions, of which the following are noted:
"Daniel Hull. Esq., died Aug. 26, 1811, 89th year of his age."
" Rev. .In-iiis Hull, died May 29th, Is".."., in the 7-th year '.I his age
and 56 of his ministry.
'■ • Snon as his soul hy ^nire was well relinM
llr preached the saviour with a Godly mind.'
" ' No powers nor bribes could check his sacred zeal
In preaching what the Soriptares did reveal :
Fervent in spirit, faithful unto death.
His course he linisheil holding last the faith.
'• ' Patient he hole his pain ami living strife,
Anil died believing what lie | . i . ■ : i - - 1 1 . .J in lit*- ;
My work is done, lie said, and clos'd his eyes,
And took his speedy flight to paradise.' "
"Dr. Emerson Hull, son of Rev. Justus Hull, died Mar. 20, 1871,
In the 79th y'r of his age, and the 50th y'r of his practice.
"'I know that my Redeemer liveth.'"
The Reeve and Davis burying-grounds are situated near
each other at Berlin village. The following inscriptions
are of interest :
''John Reeve, born at Smithold, N. Y., June 1, 1761, died at Ber-
lin, N. Y.. May 20th, 1S37."
Mr. Reeve was the first supervisor of the town.
" Margaret Reeve, wife of John Reeve, Born at Westerly, R. I.,
October 6th. 1776, Died at Troy, N. Y., July 20th, 1841."
" Henry G. Green, Born Dec. 30, 1822, died Sept. 10, 1845.
" ' Prepare to meet thy God.' "
"Mary A. W. Green, Died Feb. 17,1845, In the 2:Jd year of her
age.
•'This monument is erected by the Citizens of Berlin in Memory
of Mary Ann Wyatt, wife of Henry G. Green, who was married Feb.
'.I, 1845, and on the 14th day of the same month was poisoned by her
husband with arsenic without any real or pretended cause.
•' Beautiful, intelligent, and virtuous, she was wept over by the
community, and the violated law justly exacted the life of her mur-
derer as a penalty for his crime."
"Arnold Davis, Born at Charleston, R. I., Dee. 12, 17S0, Died at
Berlin, N. Y'., June 19, 1861, aged SO years, 6 mo. and 7 d's."
"Esther, wife of Arnold Davis, Born at Berlin, N. Y., Nov. 8,
1784, died Aug. 28, 1865, aged 80 y'rs, 9 mo. and 20 d's."
THE SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CEMETERY
is situated southeast of Berlin village, and is a pleasant
spot. Among its inscriptions is the following :
"Rev. William Satterlee, Died March 29, 1861, aged 95 years. 6
months, and 26 days.
'• ' With us on Earth he'll meet no more;
His work is done, his toils arc o'er:
But there's entwined in memory's chain,
Till we in heaven shall meet again.'"
The cemetery of the regular Baptist Church is situated
near Berlin Centre, and a small but neat yard adjoins the
Christian chapel at South Berlin.
516
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
IX.— XuTKWiiKTHY INCIDENTS.
Tl>e most noteworthy incident that has occurred iu the
history of the town was the murder, in the summer of 1S45,
of Mrs. Mary Ann Wyatt Green by her husband, Henry
G. Green. Tlu' means used were opium and arsenic, and
tin' dreadful deed was perpetrated within one week after
marriage, l'"r do alleged reason other than a desire to marry
another yount: lady. Green was tried and convicted fur
the crime, and suffered the extreme penalty of the law on
Sept 10, 1845. I'rinr tn his execution he confessed the
crime. He was buried in the Reeve burying-ground at
B irlin by the side of his wife; but her remains were after-
wards removed, placed in the Davis burying-ground ad-
joining, and a mat monument erected over her as a tribute
of respect by the community.
X.-IM'i -TKI \l. PURSUITS.
The principal occupation of the inhabitants of the town
has been the cultivation of the soil, which has been done
with so much success as to place Berlin among the best
farming towns of t he county. The water-power of the
town has only been utilized to a partial extent, and then
only by saw- and grist-mills, some of which were erected
at an early period to meet the necessities and requirements
of the tirst settler.-. Caleb Benllev built the first grist-
mill, and Amos Sweet the first saw-mill, in 1780. At Ber-
lin village a large manufactory of shirts is at present in
operation.
XI. —MILITARY.
The military record of the town is quite complete. Some
reference has been already made to the scenes and events
which occurred during the Revolutionary period in the
town. Am ■ - 1 1 l-T the citizens of the town who served in that
memorable struggle were Rev. Justus Hull (captain), John
Greene, Joshua Smith (_one of Lafayette's body-guards),
Samuel Sweet, Col. Randall Spencer, William Bill, Elias
Bcnthv. Bradick Peckham, James Green, Oliver Bates,
I iah Hall. Samuel Rhodes, Thomas Crandall, Daniel
G y, Manus Griswold, Wells Keymon (orderly sergeant),
Wait Stillman, Thomas Burdick, James Shaw, Job Taylor,
Charles Saunders, Silas Jones, William Johnson. Jabez
Burdick. William Burdick, Jabez Moon, Caleb Bentlev.
Reuben Bones teel, Jr.. Henry and Si a Bonestcel, Dan-
iel Hull. William Sw« !. Moses Hendrick, Zaccheus Burdick,
Jehial Stewart, Paul Braman, Job Wilcox, Nathan Beebe,
Samuel Hoard, and Gideon Simpkins.
In the war of 1812 a large number oi the citizens of the
town served, bul were no) called into active duty.
In the late war the town bore an honorable and worthy
part, seconding the efforts of the government in the sup-
pression of the Rebellion by the passage of patriotic n
lotions, and by promptly Glling the quotas of men called
fir from the town. The soldiers who served in the army
in behalf of the town are given below. The list is prepared
from the printed muster-in mils of the State, and from tin'
reports of the census enumerators ..I 1 -
IBM 1 1 - 1 .
I, BttaaMT, rnl Hank J Begt
O I, Tl
I
II. IVnnrO, sal. Aug. 16, i: gt
Hiram Shaw, enl. Dec. 2S, 1SG3, 169th Kegt.
Aaron W. Manchester, enl. Dec. 25, 1S63, ICth H. Art.; shot through right luug.
William Blowers, enl. Sept. 6, 1S62, 151st Kegt.; trans, to 2d Invalid Corps.
Bonjnmin R. Brimmer, enl. Dec. 29, 1S63, 16th H. Art,; trans, to 1st Mounted
Rifles.
Kdsick C. Brimmer, onl. Feb. 20, 1S62, 31st Mass.; pro. 1st lieut.; re-enl. fall
1863, Col. Uegt.
Henry Bntroy, enl. Aug. 25, 1862, 125th Regt.
Indron J. Anthony, onl. Oct. 1863, 8th V. S. Col. Regt.
1'rankliii 1'. Bakes, enl. Oct. 1, 1862,169th Regt; pro. to Corp.
J.i S. Woim, enl. Aug. 26, 1S62, 125th Begt.
Jeflbreon D. Peckham, onl. Aug. 26, 1862,125th Begt.; trans, t.. Vet. Res. Corps.
Frederick M. Green, enl. July 10, 1864, 8th Muss. Regt.
William 1>. Junes, enl. Sept. 20, 1864, Harris Cav.
John Dolanoy, enl. April, lsoi, 2d Begt.
C. EI. Tracy, Jr., enl. Sept. 10, 1861, 7th Cav.; re-enl. Dec. 3, 1803, and June 13,
1866, Itli EJ. S. Cav.
\. s. Tracy, enl. Sept. 10, 1S61, 7th Cav.; re-enl. May, 1863, 16th Cav.
William H. Taylor, enl. Jan. 6, 1S64, 21st Cav.
Edward Hills, enl. Jan. 1, 1802, 31st Mass. Begt.; re-enl. June, 1864.
C. 11. Tracy, enl. May, 1861, 2d Begt.
Fred. Mulson, enl. Oct. 1S61, Scott's Nine Hundred.
Jonas Taylor, enl. Sept. 10, 1861, 19th Illinois Begt.
A. F. Looniis, enl. Aug. 18, 1862, 125th Regt.
0. II. Taylor, lieut., enl. Aug. 1, 1S62, 125th Begt.
II. II. Steward, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 125th Begt.
Franklin M. Brown, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 125th Regl.
Lewis Miller, enl. Aug. 1, 1SG2, 125th Begt; trans, to 11th Begt.
Victor Contois, enl. Aug. 15, 1S02, 159th Regt.
William Bentley, onl. May, 1801, 2d Begt.; re-enl. 10th H. Art., and joined the
Mounted Rifles.
Moncor Curlet, enl. Sept. 1S04.
Charles H. Whitman, enl. Sept. 2, 1S04, 61st Mass. Begt.
John Strousburgh, enl. April, 1803.
F. U. Hull, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, S4tll Mass. Begt. ; pro. to 1st lieut.
Felix Huff, enl. Jan. 1, 1864, 164tli Regt.
Fred. Boulyer, enl. Sept. 1863.
Cyrus A. Brimmer, onl. July 19, 1801 j Navy, ship "Sabine Run," Sept. 17, 1863,
and Feb. 14, 1805, "Kearsarge."
Honry Bills, enl. Aug. 20. 1802, 125th Regt.
John Whipple, enl. Jan. 1, 1802, 31st Mass. Regt.
Irviu Waterman, enl. Nov. 28, 1803, 1st Mass. Cav.
A. H. Brodt, enl. Nov. 1S03, 128th Regt.
Thomas Conklin, enl. Jan. 1863,4th Mass. Regt.
Rosey Brimmer, enl. Feb. 1S62, 31st Mass. Regt. ; res. July, 1804. *
Irvin M. Smith, enl. July, 1S03, 19th Mass. Regt.
Letter J. Grant, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 125th Begt.
Javish Odoll, enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 125th Regt.
Hiram S. Livingston, enl. 2d Regt.
George Grant, enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 125th Begt.
Ira A. Grant, onl. Sept. 3, 1S64, 140th Begt.
Lorenzo D. Brimmer, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 125th Regt. ; re-enl. 109th Regt.
Hamilton A. Mattison, capt., enl. Aug. 5. 1802, 12th N. Y. Regt
Nathan Macumoer, enl. Nov. 1803, Vermont Regt.
Philemon Trumbull, enl. April, 1801, 2d Regt.
Bonry Sloutsoner, enl. Jan. 1864, 16th H. Ait.
William B. Chamborlin, en]. Aug. 20, 1862, 125th Regt.
Wallace W. Walker, enl. Feb. IS, 1864, 109th Regt; pro. to ord. sergt
Charles Wink, enl. 1S62, Mass. Regt.
M. V. Carr, enl. Feb. 7, 1862, 104th Regt.
Joseph Smith, enl. Oct. 1802. 109th Rogt
John Miller, ml. Sept. 26, 1802, 169th Regt
H. V. Green, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 1251b Elegt,
Benjamin Church, onl. June, 1862.
\n I. Etooneman, enl. Jan. 1, 1863, 169th Begt
Ralph Chapman, enl. Jan. '.4, ISO::, I.TIIi Mass. Uegt.
Stephon B. Chapman, enl, April, 1861, 2d Begt; re-enl. Jan. 1,1864, 1st Mounted
!. i
Alhurtua Austin, onl. Sept, 1863, 2lsl I av.
oiis Thompson, enl. April, IS'.:., 192.1 Itegt.
«lli in Lfl l.u I. enl. April 22, 1865.
Joseph Ma. it. .nl. 1862, 12th Rut.
ti Bookman, eul. July, 1861, 2d Ind. Begt. ; pro. on Gen. Wood's staff.
John L. i .I. i Car,
Goorge Thompson, enl. March 7, 1862, 1 1 in Oar.
| Wildes, -nl Jin. 1. 1m: :. Til. II. Art.
II. N. W . 1864, 188th Regl | lost loft arm al Hatcher's Bun.
.lain. - ii. Bugl enl. Am;. i.
■ 8 ixby, . nl - 1 1 I
i nl Jane, 1861, 30th Regt.; re-enl. In Ponnsylvnnls Begt
Trumbull, enl, April. 1861, 2d Begt; re-enl. I2.'.th Regt.
Charles Buaher, -nl. Aug. 20, 1862, 126th I
Fred Mulson, enl. vpiii. 1861.
Winl. r Main. . i.l S-pt. 1, ls'.t. IsMh Pennsylvania Uegt
llerhert L. LOU, enl. ' , I. I . ; Wotmded.
James Wan), enl. Nov. 1661, 7th i . 125th Begt, and
18th Regl ,...t 1
TOWN OF BKRLTN.
.17
Thomas Nooning, enl. April 20, 1861, l-i Zouavee N. V. Oltj : ra-enl. Aug. 27,
1862, 1'jr.iii Regt.
Sumiiol Stone, onl. July, 186t, 2d N. Y. Vols. ; re-enl. 1 J.r>tli Regt.
John II. McKall, onl. Aug. '.), 1861, 126th Kogt.
Michael Lipser, ■■ill. .Inn. 28,1862,31st Mass. Regt.; re-enl. Oct, 1863, 176th
Regt.
Bdward T. Rhodes, enl. April, 1865, 21st Cav.
Gardner T. Khodos, I'll I. Aug. I SGI, Harris Cav. ; re-enl, Massachusetts regt,
L. I,. Lewis, enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 126th Regt.
Edwin B. Stono, enl. April 28, 1861, 2d Regt.; wounded, one leg disabled.
Gottlieb Stille, fill. Fob. lNii-1, l-jfiili liogi
Albert Tnylor, enl. March, 1866, 22d Cav.
Itoutii'ii Fry, enl. Aug. 21), 1862, 126th Kogt.
Adam Housse, enl. July 28, L862, 169th Regt., Co. A.
William 0. Hull, enl. Sept. 2, 1802, 169th Regt., Oo. 0 j trans, to Vet. Res. Corps.
Jorsey Crown, enl. Sept 1864.
Charles 11. Weaver, enl. 125th Hegt.
Bleazer Reynolds, enl, L26th Regt.
Charles Bathbono, onl. Aug. 26, 1862, 12.rith IScgt.
George K. Conner, enl. 1861, siltli N. Y. Vols. ; pr... t.i inlj't., 130th Regt. ; died
in service.
Herman Hull, enl. Aug. 26, 1862, 125th Regt.
Murray C. Saunders, enl. Jan. 28, 1862, 31st Mass. Hegt.
Philip Canfleld, enl. Dec. 11, 1863, 1st Mass. Art.
John Looker, enl. Feb. 20, 1862, 104th N. Y. Regt.
Jay Lee, enl. 1864, Griswold Cav.
James A. Hogan, enl. April 20, 1861, 1st Regt. N. Y. Vols.; pro. to sorgt. ; re-enl.
Jan. 1864, 16th II. Art.
Stanton P. Allen, enl. Nov. 6, 1S63, 1st MaSB. Cav.
Died in Service.
J. P. Parks, enl. March 4, 1862, 104th Regt. ; died Sept. 20, 1802, at Camp Pa-
role, Va.
Charles Buckbee, enl. Feb. ."., ISO:'., 164th Regt.; died June 1, 1864, in the Wil-
dernesB.
Lewis Eltaman, enl. Oct. 1862,5th Cav.j died J s20, 1864, at Richmond.
W. H. H. Green, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 125th Regt.; died June 30, 1SG4.
D. S. Lamphire, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 125th Regt.; died Aug. 26, 1863, at Conva-
lescent Camp.
B. Northup, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 125th Regt; died March, 1864, at Berlin.
A. Northrup, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 125th Regt. ; died July 18, 1864, at Andersun-
ville.
J. B. Sweet, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 10th H. Art.; died March 28, 1804, at Wilming-
ton, N. C.
C. \V. Judwin, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 10th H. Art.; died May, 1804, at City Point.
E. B. Hull, enl. Doc. 20, 1803, 125th Regt.; 2d lieut. ; pro. tolstlieut.; died
July 12, 1S04, at Petersburg, Va.
J. Watson, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 125th Regt. ; died Nov. 4, 1804.
George R. Conner, adjt., died Dec. 18, 1803, at Berlin.
Joel A. Greenman, enl. Aug. 18, 1802, 125th Regt.; died April 8,1863, at Berlin.
D. A. Nicholas, died Aug. 7, 1864, at Andersonville.
Joseph Reynolds, enl. Dec. 29, 1803, 16th H. Art.; died Nov. 20, 1864.
Hiram Horton, enl. May, 1801, 2d Regt.; died June 10, 1865, at Petersburg, Va.
Curtis Lookey, enl. Feb. 3, 1862, 31st Mass. Regt.; died July 18, 1864, at New
Orleans.
George B. Manchester, enl. Aug. 1, 1862, 125th Regt.; killed June 2, 1864, at
Cold Harbor.
Thomas J. Horton, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 125th Regt.; died June 5, 1864, at Cold
Harbor.
Martin Thompson, enl. Jan. 27, 1863, 7th Cav. , died Dec. 5, 1864, at Charles-
ton, S. C.
Adam Hiser, enl. Aug. 20, '62, 126th Regt.; died April 1, '64, at Alexandria, Va.
Philip Brightmyer, enl. Aug. 1, 1861,43d N. Y. Regt.; died May 5,1864, in the
Wilderness.
William Welbrant, enl. Jan. 10, 18G4, 169th Regt. ; died May 10, 1864, at Ches-
terfield.
Alfred Vars, enl. Jan. 1, 1862,31st Mass. Regt.; died April, 1862, at New Orleans.
Marcus Merrill, enl. March, 1S62, 4th Regt. ; died Sept. 17, 1802, at Antietam.
E. L. Green, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 125th Regt.; pro. to 2d lieut.; died June 17,
1804, at Georgetown, Va.
D. M. Brimmer, enl. Aug. 31, 18G2, 109th Regt. ; died March 18, 18G3, at Wash-
ington.
II. M. Tracy, enl. Dec. 25, 1863, 7th II. Art.; died June 24, 1804, at Balti-
more, Md.
J. N. Taylor, enl. April 1, 18G4, 109th Regt. ; died May 10, 1864, at Chesterfield.
George Coon, enl. Jan. 4, 1SG4, 169th Regt. ; died Oct 31, 1804, at Washington,
D. C.
For assistance rendered in the compilation of this town
history the writer is indebted to Arnold Davis, and also to
John B. Niles, Philo Hull, Jonathan Denison, and other
worthy and substantial citizens of the town. The " Reminis-
cences in the Settling of the Valley of the Little Hoosick,"
published by Nelson Hull in 1858, have also contributed
much valuable information.
BI0GRAPH [CAL SKETCH.
DR. A. E, HULL,
Of Berlin, is a BOIl of Dr. Kim-rsim Hull, also of that vil-
lage, who, for manj years, was the leading practitioner in
that part of the county. Ili> grandfather, Rev. Justus
Hull. performed aciive service in the Revolutionary war,
and subsequently spoiled a good soldier by entering the
ministerial profession. Be was the fii il pastor of the Bap-
tist Church of Berlin, and for half a century was a leading
member of the denomination,
DR. A. E. HULL.
Dr. Hull was born in Berlin in the year 1844. He en-
joyed, in boyhood, the benefits of such instruction as was
obtainable in the common schools of that locality. When
thirteen years of age he repaired to the Sand Lake Academy,
an institution of considerable note at that period, and there
attended for two years. At the age of sixteen he began
the study of medicine with his father, and three years later
attended a free course of lectures at the Albany Medical
College. A year later, after a competent examination, he
was licensed to practice medicine by the County Medical
Society of Rensselaer County, and commenced practice in
connection with his father, where he continued for two
years. He then attended a course of lectures at Bellevue
Medical College, in the city of New York, and, resuming
practice as before, soon completed all his professional studies
at the Albany Medical College, and received its diploma.
Upon the occasion of the death of his father a large share
of the lucrative and extensive practice which he had en-
joyed devolved upon the son. Though still a young man,
Dr. Hull has already attained a prominent position in the
profession, and is destined, with care and fidelity to duty,
to rank among the foremost in the county. A brother is
enjoying an extensive practice at Lansingburgh.
After the close of his professional studies Dr. Hull was
united in marriage to Miss Juliette Brimmer. One son
has been the fruit of the union.
SAND LAKE.
I.— GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
This town was formed from the towns of Greenbush and
Berlin, nn June 19. ISIl'. A part of Grcenbush was taken
off in 1843, and Poestenkill in 1848. It lies a little south
of the centre nt' the county, and is bounded on the north
by the town of Poestenkill. on the south by the towns of
Sohodack and Hassan, ^n the east bj the towu of Berlin,
an. i mi the wesl bj the towns of (forth Grcenbush and
Easl Greenbush. The area of the town is 21,9GS acres.
and the population, as given in the census of 1S75, is
2572.
The valuation of the town for assessment purposes in
the year 1878 was. real estate, $276,630 ; personal property,
S'Jo.l In. The amount of tax levied on a valuation of one
dollar was .01763, and the total tax levied in the town
55235.73.
II.- NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface of the town is mountainous in the east and
hilly in the west. Perigo Hill, in the northeast corner
of the town, attains an elevation of 900 feet above tide-
water ; aud Oak Hill, near the centre, is about the same
height.
The eastern part of the town contains large forests, and
i- a favorite resort for hunting. The town also con-
tains a number of 6ne lakes, which abound in great varie-
ties of 6sh. and attract many visitors to the locality. In
the south part >A' the town are Crooked and Burden (or
Martin's i Lakes. Ninth of Crooked Lake is Glass Lake.
Northeast of the latter is Sand Lake. Big Bowman and
Little Bowman Bonds lie near together in the .astern part
of the town. Richard Pond lies in the northwestern sec-
tioo.
'I'he principal streams in the town are Tsatsawassa Creek
and W'vn mi-kill. Tim former flows north and south
through tie- eastern section of the town, passing down into
.-I, 'lie- Wynantskill follows a very irregular course.
Rising in < Irooked Lake, in the southern pan of the town,
it passes northerly through Glass Lake; then westerly, by
way of Sand Lake, to Burden Lake ; and then northeasterly,
through West Sand Lake, into North Qr ibush. It
afford- ■ splendid water-power at various points, which
hi- been fully utilized by the manufacturing enterprises of
the town, elsewhere referred t... There are a number of
r streams In the town, the most of which are tribu-
te either Tsatoawassa Creek or Wynantskill,
The s.,il of the town among the uinii ill .1 i ii - i- .1 lend,
sterile clay, and in the central and western parts a good
quality of gravelly loam, ami quite productive, yielding the
ordinary productions of the climate, with the exception of
wheat) in fair abundance
518
1 1 1. -EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement of the town began as early as 1TG7,
but tradition has not transmitted to posterity the name of
the first person to settle in the towu. The western part of
the town was settled earliest by the Dutch and others who
had come from Holland or from the counties lower down
the river. An old map of the mauor of Rensselaerswyek,
deposited in the patroon's otfice at Albany, and made by
John R. Bleecker in 1767, shows but two settlers within
the present limits of the town at that date. These were a
family by the name of Adams, in the southwest part of the
town, and another by the name of Brett, a little north of
Adams. It is altogether probable that one of these was
the pioneer family of the town.* Mention can only he
made of a few of the earliest and most prominent settlers
of the town.
Ephraim Quimby lived at the outlet of Burden Lake at
a very early day, and was one of the first settlers of the
town. The place is now occupied by Hiram Calkins, and
known as the " Fish-House." Abram Bristol had a farm
on the west side of the lake at a very early date. The
place is now occupied by his granddaughter. Andreas
Wederwax came from Holland before the Revolutionary
war, and settled in the southwest part of the town. He
served in the Revolutionary war, and lived to an advanced
age. The farm is now occupied by Leonard, Eli P., and
Charles Wederwax. Philip Carpenter was also a very early
resident of the town.
Philip Gardner settled early, about a mile west of Sand
Lake village. He was one of the pioneers in that locality.
The place is now occupied by his grandson, Philip J. Gard-
ner, who is himself an old man. Abram Frere settled on
the farm of Rosel S. Hastings, at West Sand Lake, about
1790. He is not now represented in town. Nicholas Fel-
lows, Jacob Fellows. Zae.hariah Fellows settled very early
in the west part of the town. Nicholas located on the
farm afterwards occupied by Peleg II. Thomas. He kept
the first hotel that was ever kept in this section of country.
Jacob Fellows lived on the David Shaver farm. Zachariah
lived on a farm partly in North Greenbusb. Another J.
Keller lived where Frederick Sharer now resides. A por-
tion of it In.'lon In John L. Lape. Andreas Baert located
in the southwest part of the town. Tunis Van Der Zee
and Lodewick Wickhorst occupy portions of the farm.
Lawrence Wederwax settled near, and within the present
limits of Sand Lake. The farm is owned partly by Albert
O. Fellows and John <i. Mosimr. Frederick Shaver located
in the w.si p:lrt of the town on a farm now owned by Al-
exander M. Titnerman.
• It ii possible Hint the Brett was Andreas Baert, elsewhere rc-
ferrod to.
PHOTOS BV AIKINSON THOY
JOEL B. PECK
MRS JOEL B PECK
Residence of JOEL b. peck. Sand lake, n . y.
TOWN OF SAND LAKE.
r>in
John Carmiehael located very early in the southwest pari
of the town. He served in the Revolutionary war. His
sons were John, Peter, and William. Peter settled aear
the old homestead, and was a farmer. William was ;L sur
vi'vr. and lived to an advanced age in the town. Stephen
and John I. Miller located at an early date in the smith-
west part of the town. Joshua Lockwood ami William
Carpenter built the first grist-mill at West Lake, in lTtls.
Barnhart Uline subsequently came into possession of the
mill and operated it a ureal many years. It is now owned
by a descendant, William Uline. The old Uline farm is
still in the possession of the descendants of the family,
with the exception of a few building lots at West Sand
Lake. Michael Sipperly came from Germany in 1712, and
located at Rhinebeek, in Duclfess County. Joseph Henry,
his son, located at West Sand Lake, on a large farm, which
has been divided up, and is still occupied by the descend-
ants of the family. It was originally 328 acres of laud,
and included a saw-mill privilege, owned by Van Rensse-
laer, and leased to Henry Sipperly. The farm was after-
wards divided in two. One portion went to Henry Sip-
perly, and the other to George Sipperly, sons of Joseph H.
Joseph H. came before the Revolutionary war, and built a
log hut on the site of the brick house now occupied by
Alviu H. Sipperly. He was a blacksmith by trade, staunch
and true, and during the Revolutionary war was compelled
to conceal his tools from the Tories under the rocks border-
ing on the creek, and on property now owned by Akin &
McLaren. The place was called " The Oven." The Sip-
perly family was at oue time very numerous in the town,
but has become scattered, some being removed by death.
The family is, however, represented in Sand Lake and East
Greeubush.
Hendrick Younghans located at a very early day near
West Sand Lake village. He had two sons, Wynant and
Henry, and five daughters. The family is still represented.
Peter M. Younghans and William Rogers owu the original
farm.
Michael Reichard was an early settler in the same sec-
tion. The family is still represented. George Reichard
owns the farm now. B. Brunagen settled about the same
time in the west part of the town. Adam Mott subse-
quently occupied the farm. John D. Lape and Dr. Wm.
H. Nichols own the farm now. John Tice Snook was an
early settler in the southwest corner of the town, and a
man of prominence. William Goslin was an early settler
in the same locality. Thomas Johnson was another.
Wynant Van Alstyne lived near there early. His son,
Lawrence, occupied the place afterwards. John L. Lape
and Tunis Van Der Zee owned it at a later period. Job
Gilbert lived south of Sand Lake at an early day. He was
a surveyor, and received his farm from the Van Rensse-
laers as compensation for surveying " Middletown," a name
that was given to the land in the middle section of the county.
The Rexford family located at a very early day on the
southwest corner of Sand Lake. Two brothers took up
adjoining farms. The Wilkinson family came from Living-
ston Manor very early. There were two brothers of them,
one of whose names was Donald. They loeated on farms
next to the Rexfords. Daniel Thompson settled on the i
hill south of tin. Tillage, now OOOapied by William Dun-
ning, lie came at a very early day, probably from Chal
bam. Calvin and Thomas Tl pson came about the same
time, and settled on the ii< of lli.' village. Tic
Thompson ran a forge and saw mill on the -lie of tie- old
woolen mill.
Stephen Gregory was also a very early settler, and
located on one of the Rexford farm-. lie bought a
building-lot at the village, and built the house now
occupied by Henry II. Cook, about eighty yeai
Solomon Taylor Came from Sehodack. near Castletoii. in
17!H. being then ten years of age, and located on the
place now occupied by Charles II. Taylor. He put up a
house the same year, which is part of the present house.
He was a carpenter by trade, and also a justice of the
peace. He also operated a saw-mill on the site of the
"old woolen-mill," which he bought of one of the Rex-
fords. lie had six children, — four girls and two boys.
Solomon remained in town, and pa.-.-ed his life there.
He was a farmer, and occupied the place where Charles
H. Taylor now lives. He died in the year 1861, at the
age of eighty years.
Gilbert Westfall settled in the west part of the town
early. Lewis Bullock, father of James and Thomas, was
also one of the earliest settlers of that part of the town.
In the eastern part of the town Timothy Rowcrman located
at a very early day, near Bowman's Pond. Nicholas Reich-
ard was also an early settler on the side of the mountain, east
of Sliter's Corners. Lewis Finch located early about a
mile northeast of Sliter's Corners. Eleazar Peck, a lineal
descendant of Henry Peck, of New Haven, located on
" Oak Hill" in the year 1791. His son Isaac was long a
prominent man in the town. Marcus, son of Isaac, was a
farmer and a prominent public man, and was town clerk,
supervisor, and justice of the peace for many years. He
married Margaret Garner in 1806.
Andrew and Martinus Smith located in the north part
of the town early. John and Henry Stupplebeem lived
near them. Isaac Root located in the same neighborhood.
Wood was an old settler near the northeast corner of
Sand Lake. He had two sons, — Godfrey and Samuel.
Wright Thorn located a mile southeast of Sand Lake vil-
lage. His son Gilbert resides at Poestenkill. Henry
Wethy came from Connecticut, and located a mile and a
half northwest of the village of Sand Lake nearly ninety
years ago. He served in the Revolutionary war from Con-
necticut. John Souter settled near the village of Glass
House. He was a stone-cutter by trade, and worked on
the marble columns of the old capitol at Albany. John
Crook lived near Glass Lake, and was a Revolutionary
soldier.
Samuel Hammond lived early about a mile northwest of
Sand Lake village, on the farm now occupied by Henry
Reichard, and was a blacksmith by trade. Heury Moul
was an early settler in the southwest part of the town.
The family is still represented. John P. Clapper settled
at an early date in the north part of the town, and within
the present limits of the town of Poestenkill. He owned
a large farm, now occupied by his granddaughter and her
husband, John R Miller. Henry Coons was also a very
520
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
old settler in the southeast comer of the town. The farm
is now occupied by his son David. John Warner settled
at Sand Lake village, in the south part, at an early day;
i blacksmith by trade, and performed active service in
the Revolutionary war. lie came from Connecticut.
John Bowman lived west of Sand Lake village at a very
early day. He was uot very popular in the town, because
of his supposed sympathy with the mother-country during
the Revolutionary struggle. John Miller lived at a very
early day in the northwesl part of the town, on the farm
now occupied 1>\ Alberl Kilmer, lie had a number of
children, among whom were A. lam. Martin, and John, all
of whom settled in town, and died there. Several daughters
also married in town, and lived to advanced ages. Daniel
M . Uriah M.. Bben, and Justus Gregory were brothers of
Stephen, who has been mentioned, and lived near Sand
Lake village. Uriah M. was one of the first physicians in
the town, and lived where Hon. Albert R. Fox now resides.
.In.-: minister nf the Methodist Church, aud lived
where Joel B. Peck resides. Eben was a tanner and shoe-
maker, and his granddaughter occupies the place where he
lived. Daniel M. was a merchant and a glass-manufac-
turer. Mai. Thomas Frothingham lived near Glass Lake,
at a very early day ; he was an officer in the Revolutionary
war. Elias Gregory lived near Glass House at an early
day. In 1 71'T he received of Stephen Van Rensselaer a
lease of a tract of land, which included land now owned by
Joel B. Peck and Hon. A. R. Fox. Noadiah Smith came
from Claverack at an early day, and settled about a mile
of the village of Sand Lake. A man named Ap-
pleby lived there before him. Reuben Underwood lived
about two miles south of the village at an early date. The
Stone family resided at an early day opposite the site of the
Sand Lake Hotel. One of them was a tanner and shoe-
maker by trade. Philip Kilmer lived on the Troy turn-
pike, in the northwest corner of the town. Gottlieb Gat-
ler located in the town, near Glass Lake, in 1819. Wil-
liam, John, Tli a-. Abram. Wilson, and George were
sons of Godfrey, or Gottlieb, and located in town and
raised families. John resides on the old Souter farm.
Joseph H. and William E., sons of William, still reside in
town. The entire family, with the exception of Abram,
engaged in glass-making in the town.
David Am .Id came from Nassau, about 1815, and located
near Glass Lake. Samuel II. Arnold and Hosea H. Arnold
are -till living, and are - l>\ trade. Col. Rich-
ard J. Knowlson came from Albany in 1825, where he was
a prominent dry-g Is merchant. II.' at first engaged in
the glass business, and engaged in fanning and lumbering.
The tirm of KnowltOO, ButtS A: lli.rtnn operated a steam
in ill in thi of the town. II.- died aboul the
year 1857. His sons were James, Richard, John, Thomas,
Theodore, Andrew B . and Alexandcr,all of whom but James
w t<- born in ; Chomas, and Alexander reside
in Troy ; Theodore and Richard are dead ; John is a phy-
sicia- G invillc, Washington Co ; Andrew 15. is a
manufacturer ke.
\ v.-rill - family is also an old one in the town, and
includes somi of the most influential ami prominent of its
resident". It i- rtill orediubly reproaenl
William Butz went from Providence, R. I., after the
close of the Revolutionary war, in which he had served, and
located in Duchess County. Marrying there, he remained
a short time, and finally located, about 1790, at Sand Lake,
lie had nine children, — six sous and three daughters. Of
these, Gideon, the oldest, is the only member of the family
wdio located in town. He engaged in farming, and also paid
much attention to the lumber business, being first a member
of the firm of Knowlson, Butz & Hortou, and finally of
Knowlson & Butz. He died, in 1852, at the age of seventy-
three. He left four children, none of whom reside in town
save Miranda, wife of Dr. Eber W. Carmichael. John
Upham came from dowu the river at an early day, and
located near Crooked Lake. He served in the Revolu-
tionary war. He had a family of twelve children, of whom
John aud Ezekiel located in town. Asa located at Alps,
in the town of Nassau. John had a number of children,
among whom John, Nathan, Harris, and Morgan were sons.
They all settled in town for a time, John and Harris finally
went West. Morgan died in Troy, Nathan lives there.
Ezekiel had a family of thirteen children, of whom Asa,
Thomas, Lyman, Wilson, John, and William attained
adult age. Thomas and John are dead. Wilson and Ly-
man live in Stephentown. Asa resides in Iowa. William
has been in the general undertaking business at Saud Lake
for the past thirteen years, and is the only one in the town.
A very old " map of that portion of the manor of Rens-
sclaerwick lying east of the Hudson River," made by John
E. Van Alen, near the opening of the present century,
shows the location of those to whom the original lots of the
town were surveyed.
In the northern part of the town, commencing at the
western boundary, and passing eastward, appear A. Frear,
N. & J. Feller, H. Younghans. H. Cipperly, Barnhart
Uline, De Freest, M. Rykert, C. Clapper, J. Carpenter,
C. Kelly, P. Kerner, R. Kimmel, Stupplebeam, R.
Woodworth, H. Jacobs, J. Simmons, Huntington, J.
Jacobs, G. Fathers, and J. Guyot. Through the central
portion of the town, from west to east, appear F. Sheffer,
A. Wederwax, P. Feller, A. Baert, W. Van Alstyne, R.
Mickel, L. Wederwax, P. Krist, J. Strope, R. Brumagem,
W. Lappeus, F. Johnson, Hegeman. A. J. Coons, J.
Kenter, J. Spicer, Howland. Crannet, N. Beam,
Hogg, Rexford, Sutiff, J. Gilbert, J. Spen-
cer, Fonda & Freest, D. Cornwell, Huntington, D.
Cornwell, S. Richmond, Johnson, J. Ford, J. Davis,
W. & W. Russell, J. Cook, ami J. Emmons, In the south
part nf the town, from west to east, appear John & Stephen
Miller, S. Haves. H. Muller. S. Lecp. J. Kenter. .1. Iler-
rington, D. Calkins, Kilmer & Nier, Campbell & Conant.
E. Calkins, J. Vickery, Avery, W. Goslin, J. Owen,
L. Townsend, J. Carmichael, W. Stone, W. Terris,
Wheat'on, A. Bristol. A. Bristol, Jr., J. Crannel, Hig-
genbottom, Sheppard, S. Ford, Howland,
Fuller, D. & J. Bristol. Cmnb & Wells. E. Huntley,
Migtills, L. Sweating, Jr., Culver, J. North, J.
\ W. Wiekham, E. Fuller. R. & C. North, D. Bailey, S.
Gl - y, S Cornwell, B. Howland, Cook & Emmons,
Hemstead, J. Cook & J. Emmons, J. Preston, Pratt &
I,, wis, Fii tell & Culver, B. Culver. L. Sweating.
Photos, by Leo Daft, Troy, N. Y.
,'
cJt> '$ &&>#?UsJpL*Jl/-
EBER W. CARMICHAEL, M.D.
The subject of this sketch is a grandson of John Car-
michacl, who came from Columbia County before the Revo-
lutionary war and located on the Carmichael farm, in the
southwest part of the town. He performed active service
in the Continental army, and bad a large number of chil-
dren, among whom John, Peter, and William were sons.
John located in the town of Western, Oneida Co., N. Y.
Peter located near the old homestead, and engaged in farm-
ins:. William lived and died on the old homestead, was a
man of prominence and influence, and died in the year
1876, at the advanced age of ninety-two.
Peter was united in marriage to Mary Waters on July
26, 1795, and had a family of fourteen children, of whom
eleven lived to adult age. The sons were Hezekiah, Eber
W., and John P. Hezekiah settled in Illinois, where he
raised a family and remained through life. John P. settled
near Rockford, 111., and raised a large family, and died there
a few years ago. Both were farmers.
Dr. Eber W. Carmichael was born on Sept. 14, 1812,
and passed his early life on his father's farm, and in atten-
dance upon the district school of his locality. He subse-
quently enjoyed the benefits of an academic course at Sand
Lake Academy and Nassau Academy, finishing his educa-
tional course at Oberlin College, Ohio. Leaving the latter
institution in 1836, he entered the office of Dr. James
Thome, of Troy, and engaged in the study of his profession.
Soon after he attended lectures at the medical institution
of Castletou, Vt. In the year 1887 he begun study with
Dr. Samuel McClellan, of Schodack, with whom he re-
mained until 1840, meantime being in attendance upon the
Albany Medical College.
In that year Dr. Carmichael commenced the practice of
his profession in the town of Greenwich, Washington Co.,
where he remained four years. From there he came to
Sand Lake, and located in March, 1845, in the same house
in which he now resides, at Sliter's Corners, where he has
been in constant and successful practice ever since, enjoying
the confidence of the community to the fullest extent, and
filling for a time the position of physician to the county
house at Troy.
On May 19, 1841, Dr. Carmichael was united in mar-
riage to Miranda, daughter of Gideon Butz, of Sand Lake,
and has had a family of six children, of whom but two are
living, — Gideon W., who is engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness in St. Louis, Mo., and is a member of the city council
of that city, and Julia F., wife of Sylvester M. Lester, of
Sand Lake.
Dr. Carmichael has been a member of the Rensselaer
County Medical Society since 1845, and has been a delegate
to the State Medical Society at Albany. Prior to 1845 he
was a member of the Washington County Medical Society.
He has always been forward in all reformatory movements,
and on Aug. 23, 1855, was subjected to a gross personal
assault by masked men for his open and energetic support
of the law against " intemperance, pauperism, and crime."
His fellow-citizens took strong action upon the subject
subsequently, and his assailants were visited with the penal
infliction of the law.
\K
TOWN OF SAND LAK1
521
r \\ EttNS.
Barnhart Uline had the first tavern at West Sand Lake
at a very early day. Another was k.-pi where Samuel
Wilkinson now resides, on the old Troy road of that
One of the liexford brothers also had a public-house in a
log hut that stood on the southwest corner of Sand Lake,
near the above. One was built at Sand Lake where James
Wheatcrofl now resides, at a very early day. The .1
one at the village was built and kept by Thomas Thompson
for many years. It stood where James Nash now resi
and is a portion of the old hotel. The other ] ion is
occupied by Mr. Staats. It was a place of great popular
resort, and many convivial seems have been enacted be-
neath its root'. Large numbers of stages stopped at its
door. John Whittakcr, Levi Parker, Franklin Ami ill,
and others kept it afterwards, and, until a lew years ago,
Joseph 11. Gabler. Clement Sliter built the hotel at Sliter's
Corners over sixty years ago, and kept it a good many years.
That locality received its mime from him. William Finch
Succeeded him, and was followed by Nicholas Fellows. Calvin
Sliter, and George Sliter. John 11. Bonesteel has kept the
house for a few years past. John Bowers had a public-
house at Class House sixty years ago. It was afterwards
kept by Richard Spencer, and became a popular hotel.
Joseph II. Gabler erected the hotel at Glass Lake about
twenty years ago, and kept it for a number of years. Wil-
liam Haynor succeeded Mr. Gabler for three years, when
James Clark, the present proprietor, took it. John Miller
built a public house at South Sand Lake about forty years
ago, and kept it for some time. A tavern was kept on the
old Bullock place over eighty years ago by Lewis Bullock.
The Sand Lake Hotel was formerly the site of the residence
of Simou Tinney, and was converted into a tavern by Theo-
dorus Gregory, who kept it for some time, when it was
destroyed by fire. He then rebuilt it, and after a few
years sold it to Franklin K. Shaw. The latter disposed of
it to Daniel M. Gregory, whose son Elias kept it for some
time. A number of others had it for different periods
until about thirty-six years ago, when it was converted into
a school, known as Sand Lake Academy. Willard Griggs
converted it. again into a tavern about thirteen years ago.
In the east part of the town, on the mouutain, a tavern was
kept upwards of seventy years ago by Pliny Miller. It
stood on the old Albany and Berlin Turnpike. In the west
part of the towu Nicholas Fellows kept the first tavern, on
the farm now occupied by Albert P. Thomas. A great
many years ago, Jacob Hageman kept a tavern on the site
of the present hotel at West Sand Lake. It was kept in a
small building which was erected as a store by Jacob War-
ner and John Uline. The hotel kept by Samuel D. Sey-
mour was built by Jacob Hageman about forty-five years
ago. It was first occupied as a store kept by Jacob Taylor.
STORES.
Solomon Taylor had the first store at Sand Lake eighty-
five years ago. It was kept in a portion of the present
residence of Charles H. Taylor. Thomas Thompson had
one at an early day in a building adjoining his tavern.
t Calvin Thompison kept one soon after in a building next
to that of Thomas Thompson, Stephen Gregory had one
GG
next on llo- In opposite Calvin Tln-mp II
also deal! in lumber and stave and carried on a potashery.
At Glass House, Daniel M. Gi I an early
near the " glass works. Crandall & Fox kepi it aftcr-
wards, and Fox&Son. It wa ctiouwith
the glass-works. A. R. & S.ll. Pox had n largo tore there
aft. award-. About fifty igo Franklin A v. nil bad a
store at Sliter's Corners, on the site of Lester & Peck's si
The store of I. ter & Huntley wa 1 bj them a
few years ago. 1 1 .any Shibley I milt the Btore now occupied
by McConihe & Rowland al 1 thit Frank
Pettit and Mrs. Henry Hinkle also had stores al Sand Lake
village. A sti kepi in the not 11 1 of the
town, near Bowman's Pond, by David Horton over thirtj
years ago. George Horton bad a saw-mill at the same
point. William Stevens established a sti re al South Sand
Lake about fifty years ago ; he ran il a 1 many;.
The locality became known as Stevens' Corner-. Nicholas
Lester was also in trade there early. Ilenihaid I 'line kept
a small stole at West Sand Lake in connection with his
tavern. Willliain L. Stewart kept a successful store at the
same point a great many years. William II. Snydi r com-
menced trade about fifty years ago al West Sand 1.
His son, Washington Snydi r, is still in trade at the villi
Daniel Lappens is also in trade at the village of West Sand
Lake, and has been for a decade of years. Aaron B.
Knowlton has been in trade there for a few years past.
George F. Rogers is also in trade al the village
PHYSICIANS.
Uriah Gregory was one of the first physicians of the
town, and lived wan- Albert R. Fox now resides. He
practiced a great many years. Dr. Charles II. Grc^orv was
his son. Dr. Asaph Clark was in practice in the town over
sixtj years ago. Dr. Albeit Ball, a son of Dr. James H.
Ball, an early physician at North Nassau, located at Sliter's
Corners and practiced a good many years. Dr. Joseph H.
Elmore located at the same point shortly before Dr. Ball,
and was in practice a long time. Ho died at Elgin, 111.
Dr. Lorenzo D. Strceter succeeded Dr. Elmore, and prac-
ticed a good many years. Dr. Thomas Browning was a
student of Dr. Strceter, of Wynantskill, and practiced
in town some years. Dr. Ebcr W. Carmichael succeeded
Dr. Browning in 1845, and has since been in successful
practice at Sliter'.- Corners. Dr. Benjamin was also in
practice at Sand Lake. Dr. E. B. Boyce located at Sand
Lake village about five years ago, and is still in practice.
Dr. Diller lived about a mile west of West Sand Lake
village, adjoining the Thomas farm, eighty years ago, and
engaged in practice. Dr. Nicholas B. Harris came from
Stephentown, and engaged in practice at West Sand Lake,
about seventy years ago. He married a sister of William
Carmichael, who is still living. — over ninety years of a
lie practiced a great many years, was a member of the
Legislature, and filled a number of town offices. Dr. Ben-
jamin Judson practiced a great many years at West Sand
Lake. He came from Taghkanie, Columbia Co., about
1825, and died in 1855. Dr. Philander 11. Thomas came
from Hancock. Mass., ipiite early, and engaged in practice
at West Sand Lake. He died iii 1863, Dr. Alexander
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
II. Hull, at present in practice in the town, was at one
time in partnership with him. ]>r. Platl Barton practiced
a good many years at West Sand Lake, and died about
L850. Dr. 0. E. Lansing practiced a short time at West
San. I Lake, and removed i" Bl ning Grove afterwards.
h: Arlington Boyce, now of East Schodack, and Elias B.
B ■■■. his brother, now of Sand Lake village, engaged in
practice at West Sand Lake. I>r. William 11. Nicholas
has been in practice at West Sand Lake for a number of
year-. l>r. Wm. 11. Snyder practiced at West Sand Lake
lor a time.
LAWYERS.
('•'melius Snyder, John Hoag, and Samuel Gregory
represented the legal profession in the town a few years
The former lias been in practice at West Sand Lake
for a long time.
ROADS AND STAGES.
The "old Troy read" was laid out early, and only a por-
tion of it is in use new.
The "old Hoosick road" intersected the "old Troy
read." and ran over the mountain to Hoosick. Traces of
this ancient pathway, laid out and traveled through the
wilderness, are still visible in the town. Another old road
1 from Sand Lake to North Nassau, and is mostly in
yet The road to Nassau village, by way of Miller's
Corners, was put through early. The first turnpike which
was laid through the town was the Albany and Berlin,
about eighty-live years ago. The Troy and Sand Lake,
going from the latter place to Troy, was put through about
fifty-five years ago. The Eastern Union turnpike, running
from Sand Lake village to Hancock, Mass., was put through
soon after. An old map of the town, made by John E.
Van Alen. about 17S0, shows the "old Hoosick road," —
a read passing through the southwest section of the town
down into Schodack, and along by Hoag's Pond.
Numerous lines of stages have traversed the different
roads and turnpikes of the town. In a number of these
certain residents of the town have been interested as owners.
Theodoras and Joseph Gregory, Franklin Avcrill, and
I; I od Spencer were among the early stage-owners of the
tOWD. A daily line now passes through the town from
Troy to Wi si Stephentown.
NEWSPAPERS.
per known as the Lutheran Herald was established
at West Sand Lake in the year 1-11 1>\ Rev. Henry L.
l>ox. pa-tor of the S nd Lutheran Church of thai place.
li wi- n sprightly advocate of the doctrines of the denom-
ination, and lasted several years.
Ill N <>f PROMIN] Nil
ng the large Dumber of the residents of the town
who have attained distinction, it i- difficult to il any
for special mention. Stephen < Iregory was an early member
of tl I itore from the town, in the year 1812. Cal-
vin Thompson filled the same position in 1820-21, and
• I | li Gregory in 1M7. Maj. Thomas Frothingham was
■ member of the Senate from the Eastern District in
1820 22 Mberl i: 1 i woe n member of the State
in l-l- ind 1849
IV.— CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
This begins with the incorporation, as a distinct munici-
pality, on June 19, 1S12. The towns of Greenbush and
Berlin have the honor of its maternity. The first meeting
of the town after the incorporation was held soon after the
passage of the act. The record does not furnish the date.
Ebenezer Gregory was chosen moderator. At that meeting
Uriah M. Gregory, Samuel Delamater, and William Gors-
line were chosen inspectors of schools. Ebenezer Gregory
was chosen pounduiaster, although it was voted not to build
a pound. The following persons were chosen overseers of
highways : " Thomas Miller, Richard Miller, David Honson,
Jacob Lape, Philip Crest, Cornelius Lappus, Matthew
Y'onkhanee,* Andrew llernocker, John P. Cole, Frederick
Moul, Jr., William Burgdorf, Thomas Blewer, Michael
Richard, Solomon Taylor, Samuel Purdy, Coonradt Wheeler,
Andrew Currier, Benjamin Sibley, Joel Bristol, Daniel B.
Shepherd, Gilbert Bailey, Ebenezer Gregory, Clement
Sliter, Lewis Finch, Wright Thorn, Benjamin B. Brunjen,
John Stiepplebeam, Hiram Reynolds, John Root, William
D. Butts, Enos Larkins, Ellis Foster, Nicholas Slouter,
Jesse Ives, J. Smith, Jeremiah Chittendon, George De
Witt, Jr., Theodore Childs, John Ostrander, Zephaniah
Clark, Daniel Pock, Jr., Joseph Mason, Davis Hillman,
Levi Trumbull, Chester Tucker, Nicholas Ricard, John
Guoyt, Major Lockwood, Michael Campbell, Lebbeus Lar-
kins, Asa Upham, Richard Huntley, Timothy Ides, Lucas
Peck, Whiting Parks, J. Kinny, James Quinby, Israel
Root."
The by-laws of the town of Greenbush in force before
the division of the town were adopted with some changes.
Hogs to be " free commoners" when well " yoked and
ringed." The following persons were chosen officers of the
town : " Calvin Thompson, Supervisor ; David E. Gregory,
Town Clerk ; Lawrence Van Alstyne, John Clint, Ezra
Newton, Assessors; John Stevens, John North, Jacob
Boyce, Commissioners of Highways; Stephen Gregory,
Lewis Bullock, Overseers of the Poor; Jonathan Ford,
Collector; John Dimcbarke, Jonathan Ford, Henry Lord,
Constables; Aretus Lyman, Joel Bristol, Ellis Foster,
School Commissioners."
April 3, 1821, it was "Voted that a fine of 1 Dollar
shall be collected on every man that does not cut his Canada
thistles in the open land on his farm or on the highway
running through or adjoining the same, provided he is
notified that there is thistles growing."
The following persons have filled the principal offices of
the town since the incorporation :
si PERVISOR8.
1SI3-19, Calvin Thompson: 1820, l.Lymon; 1821-22, Lewis Bullook j
1823, George Sipperly; 1824, J. B rower; 1825, N. li. Harris:
I I . Calvin Thompson; 1827, Wm. F. Avcrill; 1828 31, II. It.
Bristol; 1832, N. B. Harris ; 1 838, G. Sipperly; 1834, N. B. Har-
i .;..>;. Reed; 1830-37, M.Pook; 1838 II, George Horton;
1ML' ll. J. I. Vosbargh ; 1845, ( p Sipperly; 1846,8 O
1847, Calvin Sliter; 1848 50, l.H. Fox; 1861, C. Sliter ; 1855
I. Matt; 1854-55, K I'pham Iv.i. ..;. n. Ilnrt->n : IS.'iS-fin, P.
II. Thomas; 1801, W. Stevens; 1802 65, Joel B. Peck; I860 57,
B. \. Thomas; 1868 60, J. B. Peek; 1870-71, M. Robin on;
Probably V/ounghans.
f'HOTOS 8* ATKINSON TPOY
<7&UAJ ?x C^2Lnj£rtAj(
r&.'-l^
-t^&st^ J^^L^Cm^p^
' V"-.---,' :'Z^^Z" -*:" "iu!v! J ■■■■-'- -.'■'- --J-'-l'.-'.-'W-:*.^'.
r
•^.r.-ifc
Residence of LEWIS W.ALLENDORPH, South Sand Lake. N.Y.
f
-
TOWN OF SAM) LAKE.
523
1872-73, S. M. Lester; 1874, J. II. Bonesteol; 1875, John II.
Akin; 1N7<;, David Horton ; 1877-79, Milo Robinson.
TOWN CLERKS.
1813, David E.Gregory; 1814, William Poster; 1816, William Pinch;
1819, Simon Tenny; 1823, Marcus Peek; 1825, Wm. P. Averill;
1827, Marcus Peck ; 1834, Peter F. Westervoll ; 1835, John I. Vos-
burgh; 1838, John H. Gregory; 1840, Calvin Sliter; 1841, John
II. Gregory; 1842. Solomon Coons; 1844, Reuben A. Thorns
1845, S. V. R. Calo ; 1846, David Ponda; 1847, David I. ;
1848, Lorenzo M. I.mvn; 1849, Wm. L. Stewart, Jr. ; 1851, Jacob
Boyee; 1852, Wm. II. Wickcs; 1853, Joseph I. Alden; 1854, Wm.
II. Lyons; 1855. Samuel D.Seymour; 1856, Harmon Westfall;
1857, George Sliter; 1858, Albert II. Dutcher; 1859, George Sliter;
1S62, D.E.Barnes; 1863, Wm. H. Ford; 1861, B.M.Wilkini
1865, Jefl'rey P. Thomas ; 1SG6, David Horton ; 1868, Lewis Rob
ins; 1869, Washington Snyder; IS7u, Sylvester M. Lester; 1872,
George F. Rogers; 1S74, Alvin II. Bipperly; 1876, Arthur M.
Peek.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.*
1830, Marcus Peck; 1831, Wm. P. Avcrill : 1S.J2, Eleazer Flint; Is:;:;,
Carpenter G. Conklin; 18:U, Wm. L. Stewart; 1835, Marcus
Peck; 1836, Wm. F. Averill, Eleazer Flint ; 1S37, Wm. F. Averill;
183S, Jacob Hagcman ; 1S39, Marcus Peck, John Wood; 1S40,
Jacob Wheeler, Ebenezer Barringer; 1841, Rescomc II. Wheeler,
Ebenezer Barringer; 1842, George Carnryke ; 1843, Marcus Peck ;
1S44, Jacob Wheeler, Eleazer Wooster ; 1815, Eleazer Wooster ;
1846, George Coonrich; 1S1T, Marcus Peck; 184S, Jacob Wheeler,
Willard Foster, Joseph Bly ; 1849, Cornelius Sohermerhorn ; 1851,
B.F.Foster, Adam Mott; 1852, Jacob Boyee; 1853, Cornelius
Sohermerhorn; 1854, Lewis Slit r. Wm. S. Stewart ; 1S55, Wm.
Moul, John L. Lapc, Thomas Brewer; 1856, Jacob Wheeler ; 1857,
Cornelius Sohermerhorn; 1858, Win. M. Horton; 1S59, Joel B.
Peck, Wm. Moul; I860, S. D. Seymour, Joshua Coons; 1862,
George Sliter; 1S63, Wm. Moul; 1864, B. A. Thomas, Wm. M.
Horton: 1865, Lewis Sliter; 1806, Win. M. Horton; 1S67, Wm.
Moul; 1808, John L. Lape ; 1869, Moses Coll; INTO, James
Clark; 1871, Wm. Moul; 1872, Burton A. Thomas; 1873, Wm.
M. Horton; 1874, Jeremiah Conaut, Moses Coll; 1875, Wm.
Moul; 1870, Burton A. Thomas; IS77, Frank Pettit, Joel B.
Peck; 1878, Joel B. Peck, II. A. Cook ; 1879, AVm. Moul.
V.— VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
SAND LAKE VILLAGE.
A collection of small villages or hamlets located at the
centre of the town are all included under the general name
of Sand Lake (P. O.). Sand Lake village proper is situ-
ated near the southern end of Sand Lake, and contains a
Baptist church and Methodist chapel, two hotels, several
stores, several woolen-mills, a cotton warp-mill, a paper-mill,
and about 1200 inhabitants. Dr. Uriah M. Gregory was
one of the first postmasters of Sand Lake, and kept the
office near the present residence of Albert R. Fox. Benja-
min Harvey followed soon after, and had the office at Sand
Lake village for a time, but during his administration it
was removed to Sliter's Corners. Calvin Sliter was the
next postmaster. The present incumbent of the office is
Harrison Lester.
SLITER'S CORNERS
is situated less than a mile east of the village of Sand Lake
village, and contains a Presbyterian church, a hotel, two
stores, an undertaker's shop, a carriage-shop, a blacksmith-
shop, a number of pleasant dwelling-houses, and a popula-
tion of about 300. The Saud Lake post-office is stationed
at this point.
* Prior to 1820 they were appointed by the Governor.
GLA98 HOI SE,
bo called from its having been the seat of extensive
works, which existed in i lie town for many years, is located
a .short distance southeast of Sliter's Corners, near G
Lake. It was formerly known as Kenssclaei Village. It
now contains a Methodist church, a hotel, and about
25 dwelling-houses.
WEST BAND LAKE
is a handsome little village, situated in the northwesl part
of the town. Ii contains two Lutheran and two Methodisl
(one a German) churches, a hotel, several stores, a woolen-,
stocking-, and a grist-mill, and about tOO inhabitants. The
place was formerly called Ulincsville, in honor of Barnhardt
Uline, who built the first house there. The post-office at
this point was established about forty years ago. The first
postmaster was Frost Myers, who kept the office where
John Smotel's store now is. His successors have been
Burton A. Thomas, Jacob Taylor, Samuel D. Seymour, Dr.
Wm. II. Snyder, Jacob Wheeler, and the present postmas-
ter. Elbert W. Moul.
SOUTH SAND LAKE
is a hamlet in the southwTest corner of the town. It con-
tains a store, a hotel, a blacksmith-shop, and a number of
dwelling-houses. The post-office was established upwards
of twenty years ago. William Stevens has been postmaster
for a long time.
VI.— SCHOOLS.
One of the first schools in the town stood about half-way
between Sand Lake and Sliter's Corners, where Charles
Conant lives. Some of the early teachers there were
Dalzell, Marcus Vining, Eleazer Flint. A select school was
kept by Dr. Elmore, and by Jaynes, at Sliter's Cor-
ners about fifty-five years ago. Daniel M. Gregory had one
at Sand Lake village about forty-five years ago. Eliam E.
•Barney was one of the first teachers there. The Saud Lake
Academy was established about thirty-six years ago, in the
present Gabler Hotel, by a man named Weston. Mr. Ses-
sions, a Presbyterian minister, had charge of the school
afterwards. The institution was run quite successfully for
a decade of years. The Sand Lake Collegiate Institute was
established by William H. Scram twenty-seven years ago
(1852). He carried it on with great success until his
death, a few years ago. A large number of excellent men
have gone forth from the school. The building is now
being changed into a hotel by Horatio F. Averill. The
first school-house in the west part of the town stood where
the present one does at West Sand Lake. Among the
early teachers may be mentioned Terry, old Mr. Fos-
ter, Steele, Wm. L. Stewart, Rev. Isaiah B. Cole-
man, of West Stephentown, Hannah Langdon, Burton A.
Thomas, and Abel B. Wilder. A select school was estab-
lished in the basement of the Second Lutheran Church at
West Sand Lake twenty-five years ago, and was taught by
various persons. Harvey H. Boone taught a select school
on the premises of Albert R. Fox, at Sliter's Corners, about
1860. It was conducted very successfully for ten years.
Mr. Boone subsequently became editor of the Syracuse
Journal, and died in that position a few years ago.
52 J
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
VII.— KELIGIOUS HISTORY.
The first church in the town of Sand Lake was a Luth-
eran edifice, built <>f logs. It was erected upon a portion
of the farm now owned and occupied by Henry J. Trover,
which w:us donated to tl ition for that purpose by
hen Van Rensselaer. Ii was taken down in 1816 and
removed to West Sand Lake. :
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SAND LAKE.
The Protestant soeiet) of Sand Lake was organized Jan.
7. IS05, by the election of six trustees, Henry Witby,
John Stevens, Stephen Gregory, Daniel Bristol, William
Vantrop, Samuel Hammond, and the adoption of a seal.
The Presbyterian Church in Sand Lake was organized Dec.
21, 1808. It grew out of a Congregational Church in the
township of Nassau. These, uniting with Presbyterians in
the village of Sand Lake formed a Presbyterian Church,
jisting of thirty-five members, viz.: Amaziah Bailey,
nel Holcomb, Mrs. Bcthuel Holcomb, John Belknap,
Mrs. John Belknap, Elijah Adams. Mrs. Elijah Adams,
J. dm French, Mrs. Anne French, Williams Bidwell, Mrs.
1 -. Esther [ves, Sally Woodbridge, Muses Brown, Wells
di zer Benjamin, Jonathan Williams, Ellis
I" ster, Gilbert Bailey, Royal Coleman, Mrs. Benjamin,
Mrs. Ruth Kirk, Fanny Bailey, James Quimby, Mrs.
Hemstcad, Mrs. -lane- Quimby. Uniting with the Pres-
1 ambia, the church was known as the First
1' sbyterian Church of Greenbush. When a portion of
the town of Greenbush, in 1812. became the town of Sand
Lake, the name of the church was changed to the <; First
I' sbyterian Church of Sand Lake." The present church
edifice at Slitcr's Corners was erected in 1835. Trior to
that time the Presbyterians worshiped in the Union
Church, which has sin ci 01 the property of the Bap-
tist society, and is used by them. The first elders of the
church were Betliucl Hole b, John Belknap, Elijah
Adams. John French, Williams Bidwell.
The following ministers have served the church as pas-
tor or stated supply: Revs. John Keyes 1808-12;
mi. J ihn Knill. William Glynn.
Lummis, Metcalf, W Ibury, John Young-
love, 1818-24; Ezra l». Kinney. 1825-30; Thomas S.
Wickcs, 1831 I rdner Hay den, |s:;2-:;4; Isaac
I ; McDowell, 1836-37; Thos. J.
II 1838-39; John Davis, 1840-4:; ; John Ses-
13-47; Chauncey II. Hubbard, 1847-30; Ebi c
M I; ,llo, L851 54 : Charles I little, 1855 59; John P.
Cnahmon, 1859 G2; ^ndren McMullen, 186 1-64; E M
I: Alheri C. Bishop, 1865 75; and James P.
hi pastor, who commenced his labors in 1 B76.
nl membership of the church i- 60; member-
shi] ~ i •■iiiiienrl.nl. Arthur M.
1' lie-
car! mnlj. Erctj effort una
offlc 1 liv iclual re
•( P.fiin'n from whom in ilia
nl i" impnrl
« . . r -
Peck. The present church officers are Elders Joel B.
Peck, Arthur M. Peek, and Lewis Sliter.
Till'. SAND LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized on Dec. 21'. 1831, with Joseph Gregory and
Isaac B. Fox as deacons. The first constituent members
of the church were IS in number, and were taken from the
Seliodaek Baptist churches and the Second Baptist Church
of Nassau. In January. 1S32, Rev. Calvin Williams be-
came the first pastor of the church, and remained in that re-
lation until Nov. 3, is:::). Rev. Orriu Dodge, a prominent
minister of the denomination and an agent of the Baptist
Missionary Union, was ordained pastor, April 30, 1834,
and was dismissed by letter. April 22, 1S37. The subse-
quent pastors and supplies of the church have been Rev.
Messrs. Barker, called April 22, 18:57 ; E. D. Turner, from
the winter of 1837-3S until July 6. 1S39 ; Merritt House
1 supply 1, from May 3, 1840, to March. 1841 ; Abel Brown.
from March, 1841, until December, 1842 ; Win. I. Loomis,
from December, 1842, until April 28, 1846; E. G. Perry,
from April 28, 1S4G, until 1850; J. B. Pixley, from 1S50
until Aug. 2, 1851 ; Alexander Milne, Sept. 6, 1851 ; Wil-
liam W. Allen from Oct. 20, 1855, until April 4, 1858;
Daniel Robinson, from the fall of 185S until February,
1862 ; Geo. W. Demers, from Sept. 28, 1863, until Sept. 2,
1S65 ; Ezra D. Simmons, from September, 1865, until 18G8;
and Rev. R. II. Weeks, the present pastor of the church,
who commenced bis duties on April 1, 1809. He was pre-
viously pastor of the church at Castleton, Orleans Co.
The meeting-bouse used by the society was erected about
seventy years ago by the various religious denominations
resident in the locality. It was subsequently used by the
Presbyterian and Baptist churches in common. Soon after
the organization of the latter church it became their sole
property by purchase. It has since been repaired twice.
The present membership is 131 ; number in the Sabbath-
school, 117 ; average attendance, G5 ; number of volumes
in the library, 300 or 100 ; Superintendent, John A. Coons.
The trustees are John M. Miller. J. W. Parks. Charles Co-
nant, Levi Metcalf, Frederick Hack, and Joseph Tabor ; J.
W. Barks. Treas. ; Fred. W. Kane. Clerk. Albert R. Fox.
John M. Miller, and Frederick Hack, Deacons.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF WEST SAND LAKE.
This church was organized in 1837, and grew out of dif-
ferences on moral questions that existed at that period in
the old society. The majority of the early members went
out from the Zion Lutheran Church of the same village.
The first pastor of the church was John I). Lawyer, who
was installed over the church soon after the organization.
Hi had formerly been pastor of the old church, lie re-
mained but a short time, and was followed in April, is:;*.
bj Rev. J. S. Robinson, who continued pastor one year and
two months. Rev. Isaac Kimball was installed pastor July
1, 1839, and < tinued -neb for a period often months. Rev.
II L, Dox became the pastor Jan. 1. 1841, and remained
nine years and six months. Ho was succeeded in July,
I860, bj I: Nicholas Van Alstync, who remained ten
years and five months. Rev. M. W. Empic was installed
over the church July 1. 1861, and is the present pastor.
.AT?N-
y-'
-yjfr-
RESIDENCE 6? GEO.B. HUFF, SOUTH SAND LAKE.N.Y.
IC LI,
l, LENOX AND
.' FOL -....
TOWN OF SAND LAKE.
The present church edifice al Wesl Sand Lake was dedi-
cated Oct. 5, 1839. It underwent extensive repairs in
1864, at a cost of about $2600, and was rededicated Jan.
19,1865. The church parsonage was erected in 1840 II.
an«l occupied the site of the present one. It was enlarged
in 1870, at a cost of $1601).
The present membership of the church is 190; the Sab-
bath-school numbers 110 pupils and 9 teachers,— Superin
Uanlent, John L. Lape. The trustees are A. I!. Travel',
Leonard Wctherwax, John L. Lapc, Harvey II. \VI ler,
and John McLaren. The deacons are David H. Green, A.
L. Timerman, David Link, John 11. Younghans, Win.
Bidwell, and Win. Sagendorph. Joseph Uline is clerk and
treasurer.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SAM) LAKE.
This denomination has long been firmly established in
the town. At Glass Lake the earliest meetings were held
in the eastern part of the town, and the worship at that
place has been regularly continued since. A neat church
edifice now accommodates the members at that point. Un-
fortunately, the attainable records of the church are so
meagre that but littie information of real value could be
derived from them, while the constant pastoral changes
make it next to impossible to obtain any great amount of
information from the resident pastor. At the present time
there are three charges consolidated into one at Sand Lake,
viz. : the charge at Glass House, at Sand Lake village, and
Clark's chapel, just within the borders of the town of
Schodaek. These are all under the pastoral charge of
Rev. William W. Whitney, who resides at Sand Lake
village.
Clark's chapel was erected about the year 1834, but has
since been remodeled. It was first connected, as a charge, with
the church at Nassau village, then with Glass House, and
finally with Sand Lake, as at present. The membership of
the society at that point is 14S ; size of Sabbath-school, 115 ;
Superintendent, Gardner Morey ; number of volumes in the
library, 275. The trustees are Joseph Morris, Gardner
Morey, Win. F. Pitts, John Pitts, E. Marvin, Daniel
Waterbury, Ransom Devereaux, P. Devereaux, and Lewis
Ham. The stewards are Daniel Waterbury, John Pitts,
and Lewis Ham ; Leaders, Ransom Devereaux, Joseph
Morris, Henry Becker, and Henry Waterbury.
Olive chapel, at Sand Lake village, was erected about
five years ago, at a cost of about §3500. It was connected
at first with the church at West Sand Lake. It became a
part of the Sand Lake charge in 1878. Its first regular
pastor was Rev. Wm. W. Whitney. The present membership
at this point is 84; size of Sabbath-school, about 100;
Superintendent, Frank Pettit; number of volumes in the
library, 275. The present church officers are : Trustees,
Frank Pettit, Dr. E. B. Boyce, Cornelius Wilkinson, John
Reichard, Henry Reichard, George Green, and II. A. Cook ;
Stewards, Albert Haynor and George Green. The leaders
of class are Frank Pettit and George Green.
At Glass House the membership is 46 ; average attend-
ance at the Sabbath-school, about 40 ; Superintendent,
George Nash; number of volumes in the library, 150.
The officers at that point are: Trustees, Lewis Adams,
.lam."- Gould, William ll.ibl.T. I 'Ink linlhv, and John
< i . « 1 1 1 . ■ r ; Stewards, Clark Bentloy, John Gabler, Qeoi
Nash. The leaders are Lewie \<lim and George Nosh.
THE "SALEM GERMAN CHURCH "I Mil. EVANGELICAL
association" at west sand lake
was organized in the year I- 15, through the influence of
Rev. -I. G. Margquardt. The firel class-leader was Andrew
Schafer, and tin; lirst trustci tvere Andrew Schafer,
Philip Schwartz, and Henry Kckhard The lii-i Bermon
was preached on Pentecost day, in the year 1845, in tl"
old Lutheran church, by Rev. .Mr. Margquardt The build
ing now used as a parsonage was purcha ifter, and
lor many years served a- both church and parson tgi . I ho
present church edifice was erected in tin' year 1865. The
pastors "I' the church have been a- follows: L845, Rev. J.
( i. Margquardt, two years ; 1 8 IT, l!c\ . M. Lamer, two years,
now editor of the church periodical (the Botschafter) at
Cleveland, Ohio; 1840, Rev. J. Schaf; 1851, Rev. J. Der-
iick; 1853, Rev. I>. Fisher, two years; 1855, Rev. L.
Herman and Lev. L. Jaeobie ; 1856, Rev. G. Lcklianl. one
year; 185S, Rev. .1. Greuzebach ; lKUO, Lev. !•'. Luhmeyer;
1862, Rev. C. F. Boiler, two years ; 1864, Lev. 11. Fisher,
one year; 1865, Rev. W. Mentz; 1867, Rev. C. F.Scheop-
flin, two years; 1869, Rev. M. Vaiuh ; 1871, Lev. G. J.
Siegrist ; 1st:;, Rev. A. Luescher; 1875. Rev. II. New-
inger, part of time of Rev. Mr. Luescher; 1876, Rev. C.
F. Stube, two years; 1878, Lev. A. Schlenk, the present
gentlemanly pastor, who modestly says, "all before me
labored with g 1 success."
A branch church was organized on the mountain in the
year 1S5S, by Lev. J. Greuzebach. Rev. J. Wagner
preached the first sermon on the mountain in the year 1849.
A church edifice was erected fur the use of this society in
the year lS(il), under the Rev. J. Greuzebach. The two
societies have always been under tiie same pastoral charge.
The present membership of both churches is 198; two
Sabbath-schools, organized in 1855, have, teachers, 24;
scholars, 125; Superintendents, F. Keller and Andrew
Schafer ; number of volumes in the Sabbath-school library,
330. The class-leaders of both churches are Phil. Eck-
stein, Aug. Becker, Andrew Schafer, J. Wenz, II. Stephen ;
Exhorters, J. Schmauder, F. Keller, A. Vogt, J. Bowen;
Trustees, J. Scheer, J. Schmauder, Phil. Eckstein, A.
Weigand, J. Bower, A. Vogt ; Stewards, J. Keller, J.
Stark, F. Mielenz, J. Bower, and A. Vogt.
ST. HENRY'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CUURCH, SAND LAKE.
Rev. II. Hopkins, of St. Francis' Church, Troy, said
mass a lew times at Sand Lake, at the house of M.
Cusack, in 1868. From October, 1868, the new mission
was regularly attended every four weeks by Rev. II. Ga-
briels, of Troy Seminary. He said mass the first time at
M. Cusaek's on October 25th, and continued his services
there, and afterwards at the house of M. Doonan till the
month uf March, 1*70. In June, 1869, the few Catholics
of the mission decided to erect a small church, and the
project received the approval of the Rt. Lev. T. T.
Conroy, Bishop of Troy. The first subscription list was
in July presented to the Irish and German Catholics of
526
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Sand Lake and vicinity, and showed encouraging results.
Mr. J. Akin, and (I. and ('. Arnold, manufacturers in the
village, promised generous help. In September. Mr. Akin
I r. sented a lot of ground to the church, and other land
was purchased, making nearly six acres in all. Jan. 4,
1870, the church became incorporated under the name of
"St Benry's Church." On Easter-Sunday, April 17th,
tin- church was closed in and lathed. Father Gabriels
I mass in it for the first time on that day. on a tempo-
rary altar.
cemetery, containing about half an acre of the
church land, began to be laid out by Mr. Kempf. in Sep-
tember, and was ready for dedication on October 14th.
I remainder of the land was leased to M. Cusack.
On October 16th, the Very Lev. V. G. Wadharns blessed
the church and cemetery, and the services of the day were
attended with appropriate musical renditions.
The Brsl pastor of the church was Rev. Father Gabriels.
II was loll,, wed by Rev. Father Wiebbc, now of Oswego.
The next was Rev. Father Schoppe, who was succeeded.
May 31, 1879, by the present pastor, Rev. Father Trieb,
late of Troy Seminary.
Col ted with the charge are neat chapels at Nassau
village and at Basl Poestenkill. They are all in a flour-
ishing condition, and additions are constantly being made
to the congregations.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CUfllCU, WEST SAND LAKE.
The ■ trliesl minutes of this society only extend back as
far as th 344. Several years before that time an
effort was made to build a Methodist meeting-house about
a mile and a half from the village of West Sand Lake.
• was only successful in part; the building
i several years in an unfinished state, and was removed
to when- it now stands and finished. West Sand Lake
.,t that time a part of a large circuit, comprising 20
ihing stations. Henry Weatherwax was a prominent
preacher, and Samuel Weatherwax a leader of some
influence. William Mott, a steward and leader, is fre-
quently spoken of as a man ,,1' mind, benevolence, and
The following persons have been appointed to the
charge since 1836: Asa Hand; 1). Stevens; 1S40, D.
- -.-; 1842, Mr. Bancock; 1-17. .1. Earns; 1850, John
Groves; 1853, John Chase; 1855, I'. 1'. Barrower, Wil-
liam Smith; 1861, W. P. Bend; 1863, Merick Hue-;
1865 •! I'. Burnham; 1-';-. .1. VV. Quinland; 1871, T.
I'. Elliot; 1872, K. Patterson; 1873, 11- C. Meeker;
1-7."- .1 l: Sylvester, C. M. dark ; 1-7-. I! Marsh
'fhe church is in good condition, and has a membership
of 1"". - bbath-scl 1 comprises 235 memb
Superintendent - -i Craver The society owns a good
parsonage, free from debt. The trustees of the church are
G S Lapo, William Moore, William Shaunts, C.
Ml i i. Dr. William II. Nichols, and I
B stol.
\ ill BURIAL-PI \' I -
There are but tlir smeteries of importance in the
town, two at West Sand Lake and one at .-lit,r'- Corners.
Tie • nt of the three is situated about a mile south
of the rill - ind Lake, It has been in use for
a great many years, and is still well preserved and eared
for. Beneath its sod lie the remains of many of the oldest
residents of the western part of the town. The Lutheran
Cemetery at West Sand Lake village has also been in use
from an early day, and contains a number of stones which
antedate the present century. It is located in the rear of
the Zion Lutheran church, is in good condition, and is
frequently used for interments. Among its inscriptions is
the following:
•• Sacred to the memory of Rev. Anthony T. Drown, pastor of tho
Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Brunswick and Greenbush, who
departed this life March HI, A.n. 1813, in the sixty-first year of his
age.
" He was an affectionate friend, a faithful pastor, and a pious
Christian.
■■ We trust he now rests in the paradise of God."
The cemetery at Sliter's Corners is under the control of
an association styled the " Rensselaer Burial-grouud Asso-
ciation," organized in June, 1840, and duly incorporated
under the rural cemetery laws of the State. The trustees
of the body (1S79) are Joel B. Peck, Andrew B. Knowl-
son, Samuel A. Fox, John M. Miller, William Upham, and
Harrison Lester; Joel B. Peck, President; and A. B.
Knowlson, Secretary and Treasurer. Three acres of ground
were deeded the association in 1840, by Wm. P. Van Rens-
selaer, and in 1S74 they purchased another acre adjoining,
of Eben W. Carmichael, making a good-sized and neat spot
of ground, containing many handsome tombstones and
monuments. Here, in quiet repose, are interred the re-
mains of a large number of the former respected citizens of
the town.
IX.— NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS.
In the month of October, about the year 1800, quite a
young man made his appearance in the town of Sand Lake,
with his clothes tied up in a cotton handkerchief and his
boots huug on his arm. His first inquiry was for a school.
The lad, though young, had the appearance of manliness,
honesty, energy, and perseverance. He was soon informed
that the employment he sought for might be obtained at a
certain place on the mountain. With light and buoyant
step he soon reached the place indicated, where his manly
appearance secured him employment for the winter. He
"chopped wood'' evenings and mornings to pay his board.
He gave his name as William L. Marcy.a schoolmaster just
beginning life. From this humble occupation he became
surrogate of the county. Supreme Court judge, State sena-
tor. United States senator. Governor of the State of New
York. Secretary of War. and Secretary of State of the
United States.
The following extract from the records will prove of
interest, as bearing upon the existence of slavery in the
town in early days. It was the formal and legal method of
manumitting a slave, h practiced throughout the State
before the abolition of chattel slavery :
•-! I 11 l: I'", '.IV. «.."
■• Enow nil in. ii by these present! thai I. Andrew Westhernaz, of
il, ,- town of Sand Lake, for and in Consideration and Regard I have
f"r iny black man, Named .1, b Brown, dun.. SI ■ . Bora unto me a
twenty-one, Doth agree t-> jri*,- him his Freedom as a frco
man to all intents ,t pnr] ose, and Consideration if I he poormasters f,f
TOWN OK SAND LAKE.
527
tlic above mentioned Town will agree I" enter him as one of the
paupers of the sniil town, or the Judges of tho County Court will
enter him as such pauper, Given under my hand and seal at Sand
pake this 2d daj of February, 1824.
Signed I " Andrew Weathekw \\.
"Attest,
" Nicholas 11. 11 vinus.
"Henri 1. Best."
Then follows a certificate of Stephen Gregory, one of the
overseers of the poor, that Jacob Brown is twenty-one years
of age, of sufficient ability to provide for himself, and is
admitted as a freeman. It is dated Feb. 1!*, 1824.
X.— SOCIETIES, associations.
THE MUTUAL INSURANCE ASSSOCIATION OF SAND LAKE,
POESTENKILL, BERLIN, AND STEPHENTOWN
was organized March 21, 1S78. The first board of direc-
tors of the association were Joel B. Peck, Dr. E. W. Car-
michael, Lewis W. Allendorph, John Vosburgh, John M.
Miller, Capt. John Miller, William Upham, and Arthur M.
Peck. Joel B. Peck was chosen president, and Arthur M.
Peck secretary. The same board and officers were re-elected
March 11, 1879. The company is a mutual enterprise, and
has a membership of 225 persons. The aggregate amount
of insurance is about $325,000, The annual meetings of
the association are held at the hotel at Sliter's Corners.
Its business is constantly increasing, and it bids fair to
become one of the first associations of its kind in the county.
XI.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The industries of the town have been manifold and im-
portant, the excellent water-power of Wynantskill affording
special opportunities in this direction. The earliest prom-
inent industry of the town was the manufacture of glass
at Glass Lake. The glass company of Sloanesville, Albany
Co., purchased 5000 acres of land near Glass Lake of
Stephen Van Rensselaer about the year 1 800. James
Kane, Mr. Brown, and others, were the early movers in the
enterprise. The blowers were mostly Scotchmen. William
Richmond was prominent in the undertaking. He went to
Scotland disguised as a bag-pipe player, with a patch over
his eye, to induce workmen to come to this country.
Maj. Thomas Frothingham was a native of Boston, sub-
sequently mayor of Hudson, N. Y., and located at Sand
Lake as superintendent of the glass-works. He was State
senator from this district in 1820 and 1822. The works
were destroyed by fire in 1816. In 1810 they were re-
built by Nathan It. Crandell and Isaac B. Pox, who organ-
ized a new company and resumed the manufacture of
window-glass. The old company manufactured crown and
cylinder window-glass, and the new, simply cylinder. This
firm continued until the death of Mr. Crandell in 1825 or
182G. In 1830 Richard J. Knowlson took hold of the
enterprise in connection with some German gentlemen. He
subsequently disposed of his interest to Stadlers, Ituch &
Co. In 1830 that company failed, and A. It. & S. H.
Fox purchased the property and continued the business
until the year 1853, when the buildings were destroyed by
fire and the enterprise abandoned. The company first
located in Sand Lake, supposing the sand there would be
suitable for glass manufacture. But it proved inadequate
for the purpose, being too dark. The Band «:i- subsequently
broughl from Berkshire County. For a long time this was
one of the leading enterprises of the county, and gave em
ploymenl al some period of its existence to as man] as 100
persons.
Taking now in turn the " privileges" thai bad bom estab-
lished upon the stream, we can besl form some concept ion of
the manufacturing importance of the town. A forge and
saw-mill, started "ii the site of the "old woolen-mill," was
buill eightj years ago by Thomas Thompson, who ran them
a good many years. The saw-mill ran for fifty yean Jami -
Kerr and Warren ( loleman operated it last. ( lalvin Thomp-
son built the •■ nbl woolen mill" about fifty five years
and it was first run by Coleman & Heminway as a Batinel
mill. After a few years ('(.Ionian bought Heminway out,
and ran it over thirty years. John Kerr, of Troy, then
purchased the mill and operated it four or five years, and
was succeeded by Hczekiah and George Ann Id and Daniel
White, who changed it to a hosiery-mill, and ran it a few
years. James Aken then purchased it, and changed the
mill into one for the manufacture of hosiery. He operated
it until April, 1870, when it passed into the bands of Kid-
der & Aken, until it was burned the year following.
An old tannery stood on the site of the present Aken
mill, and was built by Ephraim Whittaker about fifty-
seven years ago. lie ran it about ten years, when it passed
into the hands of Caleb Pinch, and, after about ten years,
John Ladue came into possession of it. John Ladue op-
erated it six or eight years, when Gershom Tabor took it
and ran it as a tannery. He was burned out five times,
and finally sold the site to James Aken. Then Mr. Aken
erected the present mill in 18G2. as a hosiery-mill, and op-
erated it until 1873, when Jephtha Kidder and James F.
Aken leased it and operated it for one year. Kidder &
McCreedy and Kidder & North followed next in turn.
James Aken finally again became the owner of the mill
under mortgage foreclosure. Nelson P. Aken, of Phil-
mont, Columbia Co , then operated the mill for about
eight mouths. It stood idle after that for two years, when
it was leased by Nicholas T. Kane, who operates it, as well
as the Troy Hosiery-Mill, at Albia. It is uow engaged in
the manufacture of a medium grade of general hosiery,
furnishes employment to S5 persons, using annually about
300,(100 pounds of raw material, and producing annually
about 30,000 dozen. The monthly pay-roll is about S1S00.
It is a five-set mill, and run solely by water furnished by the
lakes of the vicinity.
The next privilege established upon the stream was
where the Arnold cotton-mill now stands, and was a saw-
mill. Aretus Lyman owned it over sixty-years ago, and it
was an old institution then. A grist-mill stood just below
the saw-mill, which was changed into a plaster-mill, and a
new grist-mill was built below that. These latter were
operated by Aretus Lyman and Stephen Gregory, who ran
them a good many years. The first cotton-mill then was
built by Conrad Albridge, on a small scale, who manufac-
tured cotton-batting and yarn. It then went into the hands
of Arnold it Robinson, who were shortly joined b}" Daniel
White. They went to making satinet warps for about
thirty years, when Isaac McConihe, the present owner, came
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY. NEW YORK.
into i of it. Mr. McConihe is now engaged in
manufacturing cotton-warp, both white and colored, and
2500 spindles. The amount of raw material used in
the lac-tun- a week is about 7200 pounds, and the weekly
luction is ali. 'in 4000 pounds. Employment is afforded
to forty persons, and the monthly pay-roll averages S600.
The main building of the factory is 120 bj 10 feet. Water-
:- alone is used. E aid V. Richmond, for many
years connected with the Nassau Mills, at Brainard's, town
of Nassau, is the superintendent
Between Arnold's mill and the " Eagle Mill" stood an
old cloth-dressing factory, which was run by Alberson over
sixty years . Reuben Chapman followed him, and was
there seven or eight years, and then left business. The
buildings wen- afterwards taken down. Where the " Eagle
Mill" t'.iry now stands. Ileminway & Coleman put up
a small satinet-mill sixty years ago. After a few _\ ears tliej
followed by Clark &, Hopkins, who operated it about
five years. Henry Finney was the next proprietor, and
ited the mill ten or twelve years. Then it laid idle
ption of a short time that Asa Barker made
'• nigger cloth" there to go South) for ;i number of years.
3 Schi rmerhorn then ran the old mill until it was
: by tire, lie thou built a new mill on the same
< >- ii- Arnold succi eded Mr. Schermerhorn as pro-
prietor of the mill, and engaged in the manufacture of
tephyr worsted, of old woolen cloth. It was again destroyed
by tire in the fall of 1870, but was rebuilt by John Fore-
man, who bought the privilege after the mill burnt. Mr.
man ran it as a hosiery-mill a few years, when William
II. Cary purchased it. and carried on the same business
until his death soon after. At the upper dam of the Smart
paper-mill was an early saw-mill about sixty years ago,
which was run by John C S. And where the paper-mill
now stands was a cloth-dressing establishment. A furnace
for making castings was built there and run by William
nichael, about forty-six years ago.
smart's palm-leaf paper mill
built by Si its D Tompkins over thirty years ago, by
whom it was operated until about the year 1865, when it
- old to Euj John W. Merwin. These latter ran
the mill until March. 1S7.">. when it came into the posses-
Andrew J. Smart, of Troy, who has had an experi-
■five years in the branch of manufacture in
which he is engagi d, and who largely increased the capacity
of tb.- mill. The enterprise exhausts about 1000 tons of
■ annually, producing therefrom 700 tons of paper.
Employment is afforded to IT persons.
The site of the Knowlson mill was established about
forty-seven years ago by John Y.m II u d, «vhi
1 1 ran ii n few years, and after ;.
grist mill, and was run by Arnold.
Hunt & White twenty eight years ago. Andrew I!.
A-I-..H afterwards operated the grist-mill a short time,
mill, and ran it
until the summer of 1874, when it was destroyed by
fire. Mr. K the mill, and operated until
the .-ion of 1876. It is let HOW in 0|
The Sipperly saw-mill privilege at West Sand Lake was
first utilized by Fonda & Sipperly. The latter family
operated it for a great many years after. George Sipperly
bad a cloth-dressing establishment there a great many years
ago. John II. Akin and John McLaren finally became
owners of the privilege, and established the prcscut hoisery-
mill. The purchase was made in 1865. The new firm
added to the old cloth-dressing establishment, and began
the manufacture of hoisery. Since that they have added
a dry-house, boarding-house, residences, and tenement-
bouses. They employ about 40 hands. The mill is a
three-set mill; uses about 135,000 pounds of cotton
annually, and produces about 10,000 dozens of shirts and
drawers. The pay-roll of the firm averages about §800 per
month.
Albert Donaldson and William Ulinc have a small
stocking-yarn factory at West Sand Lake. The industry
has been in operation a score of years.
XII.— MILITARY.
The military history of the town is brief, but creditable.
In the war of the Revolution roanyr of her citizens per-
formed active service in the Continental army, and filled
the part of true patriots. It is impossible to gather up
the names of all who served from the town, or who having
served subsequently were known as its honored citizens.
Among those who served may be mentioned Ebenezer
Lane, Thomas Thompson, John Croat, Robert Burroughs,
Joseph Huntington. Daniel Peck, Henry Wetby, David
Arnold, and Maj. Thomas Frothingham.
In the war of 1812 a large proportion of the citizens of
the town were cither drafted or enlisted, but few of them
saw active service. A few of those who were in the army
were Paul Wattenpaugh, Peter Sipperly, Philip Snyder,
and Philip Lifite.
In the war of the Rebellion the town gave active and
earnest support to the general government, and the several
quotas of the town were promptly filled. Tin- names of
those who performed service in the army in behalf of the
town appear below. The list, as prepared from the print. 1
muster-in rolls of the State, and from the census reports of
1 865, is .-is follows :
Silas Hinted, enl. Jan. :, ISM, 13th Art., Oo. F.
Honry Turner, enl. Jau. I, 1804, 13th An, I l
0 I Re Iflold, Uh jorgt, enl. July 24, 1862, 125th Bcgt, Co. C.
Arilnir McCr ly. enl. Ahl-. 5, 18G2, 125th Kegt . I '
ciii.rl.-s Lnrkin ,onl.S pi t, 1862, U lt.li
Hul ipplo, onl. lug. 181 I. 12th Oav.
VI m. Lowla, enl. Sept. 1864, '.Usi RegL
M.. t.. i hase, onl. April 7. 1865, 03d N. Y. Itegt.
Albert Dorton.enl. May 31, 1862,25th li.-ct.
Jama Horton, onl. Sept, ''., 1862, 160th R I
Stephen Blcunrds, enl. Juno 28, 1861, 5th
i Bentloy, cnL Ang. 30, 18G3, fl wounded ; lost right hand.
nnl.l S ' lilpp iro "
Andrew Knowleon, enl. Se|
i. June i, 1861, 30th Rogt.
. II 0 le, - nl 126th Regt
hael, onl. Jnno, 1 862, 26tli :
.. ."-ret., "nl - IrUwold Cav.
Williu.l Clark, enl. Sept 186.1, Griawoldi
Juhn Knowlton, amt. turg, enl. - 109th Regt
Ollrei 1:- Iflold, onl. Sept I, 1864, 125th B
lug. 18, ' ■ ■ i- nrtllo in
months.
D nm it. enl, Sept. 20, 1864, Qrismld c*x.
A-^ / vZ»
'f/// sr./
I
PUBLIC I
JUND/
TOWN OF BAND LAKE.
529
Ania.it Retinoid, enl. Aug. 27, 1861, 128th Kegt.
Samuel Bailey, onl. Auk- 15, 1802, 126tU ltogt.
Bobert I. Wiuie.onl. Sept. I, 1864, Qi lawold Cav.
ju a E. Atkins, enl. July 26, 1803, '.list 0a\
Henry Harvey, enl. 30tli Regt.
Geo. II. Follows, 2d Bergt., enl. Aug. 23, 1882, 169tb Regt.; pro. I" com. sorgt.
ITIaurlsten .loins, enl. Dec. 1862, 125th Regt.
Win. II. Lyon, 2d lieut., enl. Oct. 0, 1802, 169th Regt.; pro. to 1st li.nl.
Hiram Haynor, Corp., enl. Oct. 0, 1802, 109th Regt; pro. to'capt May 26, 1804.
Geo, v.iunn, enl. Oct 6, 1862, 169th Regt.
Anion Long, enl. .Inn.', 1863, 13th Alt.
Martin Hayner, enl. Sort. 10, 1804, Kith Art.
Charles Smith, enl. Sept. 1802.
Oharles F. Wright, ml. Dec. 28, 1st;:, 7th Art.
Christopher Zeling, .oil. Oct. 6, 1862, 169th Regt.
David Trapp, enl. Aug. 1862, 126th Regt.j wounded in foot.
John Wandolph, enl. Jan. 1862,43d Regt.; ra-enl. Jan. 1863
Tobias Hougbtallng, enl. Doc. 19, 1861, 4:;d Regt.
Henry Unit, enl. Sept. 12, 1864, 13th Regt.
Nathaniel Marvin, mil. Hit. 1862, 169th Regt.
Stillman Roichard, enl. Aug 1864, 10th Regt.
Lorenzo Schritzman, enl. Sept. 1862, 169th Regt.
Peter Shomaker, enl. Oct. 1862, 169th Regt.
Joseph Borst, enl. Oct. 1863 j re-enl.
Win. Ilnr.v, enl. Aug. 1*04, Kith N. Y. Regt.
Charles Rappertsberg, 2d lieut., enl. May 13, 1801, 54th N. Y. Regt.
John Clapper, enl. Aug. 1G, 1862, 125th Regt.; wounded in right hand.
Win. l'ohl, enl. Aug. lSIVJ, 109th Regt.
Wm. Loyd, enl. April, 1862.
Benjamin McNee, enl. Aug. 1803.
Win. Bidwell, drummer, enl. Jan. 12, 1864, 169th Kegt.
Andrew Strope, enl. Dec. 13, 1801, 01st Regt.
James II. Coons, enl. Sept. 1.'., 1864, 18th Cav.
Labia A. Green, enl. Aug. 1862, 125th Kegt.; trans, to 24th Kegt.
Fisher A. Green, hosp. steward, enl. Dec. 1861, 91st Regt. ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1863.
John Momrow, enl. Aug. 1802, 125th Regt.
Philip Hoffman.
Henry Bauer, enl. Feb. 1S62, 104th Kegt.
Kuel Canfleld, enl. Feb. 1802, 104th Kegt.
John Saxby, enl. Aug. 1802, 1251b Regt.
Alfred Carman, enl. Oct. 0, 1862, 100th Regt.
Win. Adriance, enl. Aug. 1802, 120th Regt.
Geo. Fryer, enl. Feb. 1804, 8th Art.; pris. on Belle Isle.
Henry Feathers, enl. Sept. 1S02, 109th Regt.
Win. C. Leroy, enl. April, 1861, 25th Kegt. ; re-enl. in CM Regt.
W in. II. Robbins, enl. March 3, 1802, 5th Art.
Trieadlnnd Schritzman, onl. Fob. 1802, 104th Regt.
Albert M. Moore, enl. Feb. 1804, 0th Cav.
Wm. Dunning, enl. June, 1882, Mass. regt.
John Boss, enl. May 11, 1801, 32d Regt.
Austin Fry.
Geo. Frith, enl. Aug. 1862, 125th Regt.
Arthur McCready, enl. June, 1861, 30th Regt. ; re-enl. Aug. 1862, 125th Regt.
Geo. McCready, enl. June, 1801, 30th Regt.
Wnl. Clements, enl. Sept. 3, 1802, 109th Regt.
Luther Horten, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 125th Regt.
Henry Halsapple, enl. Aug. 1862, 125th Regt.
Richard H.nton, enl. Sept. 1S02, 169th Kegt.
Henry Warager, enl. Sept. 1802, 109th Kegt.
Henry Ernst, Sept. 25, 1802, 105th Regt.
Addison Canfield.enl. Sept. ISM.
Thomas King, enl. Oct. 1801, 77th Regt.
liiC? in Service.
Nelson Clements, enl. Sept. 3, 1802, 109th Regt.; died July 3, 1S04, at Peters-
burg.
Joseph Crape, enl. 10th N. Y. Regt. ; died at homo.
Win. II. Saxby, enl. Dec. 1801, 01st Regt.; died May 25, 1863, at Port Hudson.
Scraiilon K. Wade, Corp., enl. Sept. 1862,169th Kegt.; died Nov. 18, 1801, at
Fortress Monroe.
John Z. Bobbins, enl. Aug. 1803, 21st Cav.; died Nov. 3, 1863, Washington, D.C.
Marcus Peck, sergt., enl. Sept. 5, 1862,169th Regt; died March 19, 1863, at
Washington.
Andrew Truml.le, enl. Oct. IS, 1802, 91st Regt.; died July 12, 1803, at New
Orleans.
Francis Hendrick, died June, 1S04, at Washington, D. C.
John Willy, enl. May 11,1861,30th Regt.; died Aug. 30, 1S02, at Bull Run.
Leroy M. Hawkins, enl. July, 1802, 134th Regt. ; died July 1, 1803, at Gettys-
burg.
Charles A. Smith, enl. Aug. 30, 1SG2, 153d Regt.; died Aug. 4, 1SG3, at Wash-
ington, D. C.
M. Knovvlton, Corp., enl. Aug. 1802, 109th Regt.; died Aug. 13, 1804, at Hamp-
ton Roads.
Albert K. Adams, enl. Jan. 19,1864,8th Art.; died July 22, 1 S04, in Libby prison.
Ervin K. Cole, enl. Sept. 1863 j died 1864 at Albany hospital.
Barn.} Marvin, enl. Sept. 1802, 109th Kegt.; died June, 1864, at Petersburg
G7
Barnard s I llm , onl. A IM No». », I
i .
u ni -i. mi, p. . >,! Jul) I i Regt.: died Jt ">rg.
8a ■! Dowlln ii i i lj diotl Jul) 1 1,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BURTON A TIKiM \>.
A truthful representation of u worthy life la ;i legai j to
humanity. As such we present a brief sketch of the life
of our subject.
Horn of sturdy Welsh patronage, of a family that early
.Mine In this i-iiiuitry, settling lirst in (Ik; Stair of Rhode
Island, and finally in the town of Berlin, in this county,
he early exhibited strong traits of character, and a deter-
mination and zeal in anything that he undertook, that
marked him for success.
Peleg Thomas hi great-grandfather, settled at the close
of the Revolutionary war in the southern part of Berlin,
moving his family in in an ox-cart, and became one of the
pioneers of that then rude locality.
Peleg R. Thomas, only son of Rowland | who died young)
and father of Burton A., located in the town of Stephen-
town at an early day, and was a blacksmith by trade ; also
eneasina in farming:. Ho married Freelove, daughter of
George Arnold, one of the descendants of the distinguished
Arnold family of Rhode Island, whose family escutcheon,
though dimmed by the erratic career of Benedict Arnold,
has, nevertheless, been preserved bright and untarnished by
the brilliant and patriotic achievements of others of its rep-
resentatives. Two members of the family have been gov-
ernors of the State of Rhode Island, while others have filled
various important stations in the State. The old colonial
flag which belonged to Governor Arnold, and was concealed
during the war of Independence, and displayed with the
establishment of American liberty, is still preserved with
the venerable official chair of state which he occupied. A
branch of the family became among the first settlers of
Stephentown.
Peleg R. Thomas bad a family of ten children. In the
spring of 1S26, with his wife and six children then born,
he removed to the town of Sand Lake, and located on the
old Nicholas Fellows farm, in the western part of the town.
He died Feb. 9, 1847. His wife, Freelove, passed away
June 18, 1863.
Burton A. Thomas was the oldest child of Peleg R. and
Freelove Thomas, and was born in the town of Stephen-
town on July 25, 1809. His mother's mother was Mary
Hopkins, a member of the noted Hopkins family of Rhode
Island. He passed his early life in working upon his
father's farm, and- in attendance upon the district schools
of his day. At an early age he developed a taste for
surveying, engineering, and landscape-gardening, a pursuit
which, developing in time by practice and experience, be-
came the leading one of his life. He is probably the oldest
surveyor now living in the county, and has survived a large
portion of the county and adjoining territory, besides lay-
ing out. many public cemeteries and parks in this and other
Slates. The number of the former is about twenty-five, of
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
which those at Manchester, Vt, and at Hart's Falls, Still-
water, Schenectady, Amsterdam, and Oswego, in tins State,
1' ir the past thirty-two years he has been sur-
: and engii r of the Albany Rural Cemetery, and
much of its graceful outline and architectural beauty is due
i.. the taste and ingenuity of Mr. Thomas.
Amid his other duties Mr. Thomas has still found time
to perform various ■ a behalf of the town in which
he resides. He has filled the offices of commissioner and
inspector of schools, town clerk, supervisor, and justice of
the peace for twelve years, an office which he now holds.
In political matters Mr. Thomas was early identified with
the Democratic party, and worked actively and energetically
for the success of the party. He has since become promi-
nent in the councils of the Republican party. On Sept.
IT. 1831, Mr. Tl las was united in marriage to Maria,
daughter of Henry Cipperly, and a representative of one of
the pioneer families of Sand Lake. Two children have
born to them. An estimable daughter. Alsina, married
. Esq., now a lawyer v\' Albany, but died
itly lamented at an early age. Jeffrey P. Thomas, the
has followed closely ill the footsteps of his father, and
is a successful surveyor and rural architect. For the past
ten years ho has been superintendent of the Albany Rural
1 tery.
Mr. Thomas resides in a pleasant home at West Sand
Lake, a view of which appears elsewhere in this work.
Though nearly seventy years of age, he preserves his fac-
ulties unimpaired, and still devotes much of his time to his
duties as surveyor. His hand is still able to trace with
precision the outlines of his draughts, and his chirography
uarkably fine for a gentleman of his age. His wife is
still the esteemed helpmate in bis home.
ALEXAXDHi; II. HULL
'II zekiah Hull, of the town of Berlin, Rensselaer
1 and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of
that town.
IT was born at Berlin Centre in the year 1S12, and is
lie- third of a family of nine children. He passed the
earlier years of his life on his father's farm, attending the
ordinary district school in the winter seasons, and subse-
quently enjoying tin- benefit of an academic education at
Pitlaficld, Hass,
At the age >.f twenty-two In mmenced the study of
ne loin,, with Hr Philander II. Tl as, (hen of Hancock,
Mass., but subsequently of West Sand Lake. Hercmaii l
with I»r. Tie. mas three years, meantime completing his pro-
mal studies by attendai upon the institution of the
Mi dical Colli gi . nl Pittsfield, whi re he was
'
In .Taiim I within a fortnight after graduation,
he received the appointment of principal of the Marine
Hospital a position which he filled with ability
f..r II - health failing, il I amo necessary
for him t.. make a change, and h.. was soon appointed
ami i/ war •> I. which wa-
tt marim i to R Janeiro, South
Am. ri. a Accepting the appointment, he filled the position
with great acceptance, and after a six months' cruise re-
turned to Boston with greatly improved health.
He then took up his residence in his native town of
Berlin for a short period, and filially located in the practice
of his profession at Petersburgh, Rensselaer Co. Here he
remained from 18-12 until 1860, when he was invited by
his former preceptor, Dr. Philander IT. Thomas, to enter
into partnership with him at West Sand Lake. He entered
into the arrangement, and. after a partnership of three years,
succeeded to the entire business, owing to the sudden death
of Dr. Thomas. He has remained in continuous and suc-
cessful practice at that point ever since.
Modest and unassuming in character, he has never pushed
his claims to an}' of the public offices of the town and
county, hut has quietly pursued the practice of bis chosen
profession. Enjoying to the fullest extent the entire con-
fidence of bis friends, he has frequently acted as executor,
administrator, trustee, or guardian for many of them, and
discharged his duties with singular fidelity and success.
His son, Dr. William II. Hull, is a practicing physician
in the town of Poestenkill. A daughter is the wife of
George Clark, of the same town ; while a younger daughter,
Lillian, resides with her father at West Sand Lake.
JOEL B. PECK.
This gentleman is a lineal descendant, in the seventh
generation, of Henry Peck, who settled at New Haven,
Conn., in the spring of 1G38, and became one of the first
settlers of that city. His " home-lot" was in that part of
the town which is now included in the limits of the city of
New Haven.
Eleazer Peck, the great-grandfather of Joel B., was in
the fourth generation from Henry, and settled on " Oak
Hill," in the town of Sand Lake, in this county, in the
year 1791. He died there about the year 1813.
Isaac Peck, son of Eleazer, was born on Aug. 21, 175C,
and located at Sand Lake, in connection with his father, in
1791, and died in 1S38.
Marcus Peek, son of Isaac, and the father of our sub-
ject, was horn (let. 111. 1783, and was eight years of age
when he settled with his father and grandfather in the
town of Sand Lake. Of his five children, Joel 1?. was
the only son, anil was horn at Sand Lake on April 1, 1809,
a little west of the centre of tlie town, on the place recently
occupied by John W. Moul.
Mr. Peck passed his earlier years in attendance upon the
district school of his day and in working upon his father's
Farm. Upon attaining the age of twenty three he married
I'arinelia. daughter of (leorge Horton. ami engaged in the
lumber busim ss on the " mountain" in connection with the
firm of Kuowls.in. Bute iV. Horton, and later on in connec-
tion with others. For a good many years he conducted
the lumber business on hi- own account, and built a saw-
mill about half a mile south of Bowman's Pond. This
Occupation has been the leading one ,,f Mr. Peek's life.
B ire entering the lumber business he engaged in the
mercantile trade at Sliter'a Corners as a member of the
firm of Farnuin & Peck, In connection with the lumber
•3K
PUBLIC I
-.
TOWN OF SAM i LAKE.
531
business, Mr. Peck has also carried on Farming to some
extent.
He Ikis also filled various prominent public offices in the
town, brills collector, school commissioner, assessor, super
visor, and justice of the peace; the latter of which offices
he still holds. During the late war, Mr. Peek was super-
visor of the town, and was intrusted throughout the con-
test with the filling of the town quotas, disbursement of
the bounties, and with the general charge of the military
affairs of the town.
In his religious affiliations, Mr. Peck is a member of the
Presbyterian Church at Sand Lake, and has filled the office
of elder in that body for a period of forty years. He was
a member of the committee for building the parsonage, and
has contributed liberally of his means to the material sup-
port of the church.
Nine children have been born to Mr. Peck, of whom
six only are now living. Marcus Peck, the fourth child
of Mr. Peck, was a member of the 169th New York State
Volunteers, Co. H, and died at the hospital in Washington,
from fever contracted while in the service. Charles 11.
Peck, another son, is State botanist of New York. Arthur
M. is in the mercantile business at Sand Lake. G. Mor-
rison Peek was a student of medicine at West Sand Lake,
but died before completing his studies.
Mr. Peck is still living at Sliter's Corners, in the town
of Sand Lake, and has retired from active business. A
view of his pleasant home appears in this work.
LEWIS W. ALLENDORPH,
son of Henry A. Allendorph, was born at Milan, Dutchess
County, N. Y., in the year 1825. He remained at that
place until the removal of his parents to Sand Lake, in
this county, when he was yet of tender years. His father
purchased two hundred and eighteen acres of land in that
town. Lewis W. remained at work upon this farm, resid-
ing with his parents, until the death of his father, on Nov.
5, 1878, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. His
mother died the following year, in the seventy-sixth year of
her age.
Since that time he has been the owner of the paternal
farm, upon which he still n id ind i an activi ind ox
cessful farmer. The plaa idercd oni of the best in
tho town, and is under a high I il ol ultivation.
Mr. Allendorph i a i i tenl member of the Lutheran
Church, with which his pari dI had been connected lor half
a century. Ho is liberal and charitable to all deserving
public enterprises, but specially as to i !■■ ■ fa religious
nature.
In L849 he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah
Hidley, of Greenbush, by whom he had oni son, Doug-
las, born Oct. 9, 1850; his second wifi wa Mil I 'arrie
Snook, daughter ol Cornelius and Anna Uline Snook,
whom be married in 1 872.
The Allendorphs are of German descent, and Mr. Allen-
dorph's great-great-grandfather was the emigrant to this
country.
GEOKGE B. HUFF.
Among the successful farmers of the town of Sand Lake
the subject of these lines deserves especial mention. lie
was born in the town of Nassau on Oct. 27, 1826, and is
the second son of Henry Huff of that town.
The earlier years of bis life: were passed upon his father's
farm, and his educational advantages were limited. At the
age of ten years he started forth in life to earn his own
livelihood, and at the outset of the rugged ascent to success
was compelled to work much for others. Gradually, by in-
dustry and economy, he accumulated a fine property, upon
which he still resides. His vocation lias been strictly that
of an agriculturist, and he would never permit himself to
seek or accept public office, or to engage in anything that
would interfere with his chosen calling.
In his church connections he is a member of the Lu-
theran Church, and is a liberal supporter of church institu-
tions.
Mr. Huff has been twice married. His first wife was
Miss Almira Lake, of Sand Lake, to whom he was married
in 1851, and who survived the union but. a few months. His
second was Miss Mary A. Shouts, on March 2, 1854.
Their son, Warden D., was born in December, 1855, and
still resides with his parents.
BRUNSWICK.
I.— SI II \TH>N. BOUNDARIES, AREA, TITLE.
Hiti n-u [ok is one of the interior towns of the county.
It U bounded north by Pittstown, east by Grafton, south
by Poestenkill and Greenbush, and wesl by the city of Troy
nnd the town of Lansingburgh. The farm acreage, as detcr-
mined by the census of 1 -~7.Y i> -^, l-_ acres, which is. how-
cver, less than the real area. The town is a portion of the
manor of Rcnsselaerswick, ami the title is fully described
rherc in this volume. Originally the farms were of
course all held by the lease tenure. In late years the pro-
prietors have consented to sell, nnd most of the land is now
owned in fee-simple by those who occupy it. There are
still remaining, however, many panels upon which perpetual
gronnd-renl is due to the legal representatives of the Rensse-
jtate.
11 NATURAL FEATURES.
This town occupies a portion of the hilly region west of
the summits of the Petersburgh Mountains. The surface is
undulating, rising in the east and in the northwest to eleva-
tions varying from 800 to 1000 feet above tide-water. Bald
M untain is a well-known range, and the most prominent in
t.ovn. The Poestenkill enters the town near the middle point
of the south boundary, flows northwardly, and then diverges
sharply to the west, furnishing valuable water-power within
the town, and also in the city of Tiny. A large portion of
the town i- drained by this stream and its tributaries. The
ken Kill, rising northeast of the centre by one branch,
and in Grafton by another, flows southward by uniting with
the main stream just beyond the south line of the town.
■ Milk t'r.'.k drains another section farther west, and
joins th.- Poestenkill near the toll-gate1. Other rivulets in
this section are numerous, some (lowing directly to the
I' itenkill, others to the branches named. A portion of
the wesl part of the town is drained by the stream thai
supplies the Troy reservoir. In the northwest are some of
the head-waters of the Tomhannock Brook, and in the north-
ral Btreams, also Bowing to the valley of
tie- Boosick. Bald Mountain, with the ram_'.- of uplands
terry from it, thus forms the dividing
ridge between tin' waters of the Boosick Valley and those
of tli r tcnkill. The town on the whole has much fine
ind lying near to Troy, many of the wealthy eiti-
of th.- latter have erected residences within its limits,
III BARL1 SETTLEMENT
[l am ■ ited in thi 3tate and the
•-.tli it Brunswick was settled by a colony of Germans,
il 1760, but there are many facta, some of which ap-
tch under the head of churches, which indi-
cate an early date by nearlj f.v.n'. ,ii-. This pioneer
settlement was in the northwest corner of the town, in the
neighborhood now known as llaynerville. Upon the map
of the Rensselaer manor, drawn in 17(37, by John R.
Bleecker, twelve names appear : " Adam Reetn, Rorck,
Franz Hogg, Hans Hayner, Outhout, Jacob Van
Arncm, Fisher, Mclgert Fret, Jacob Quackenboss,
Hans Muller, David Bctin, and
Watson.'' There arc
nine other dwellings indicated on this map, but without names
attached. One is said to be " at the Reaver Dam." Other
names given by early writers are those of David Coons, Mr.
Hardwick, Brunschweiger, Springer, Goewy, and Clura.
Many of these names were prominent forty-seven years
later, when the town was organized, and several of them
are found in town at the present time.
John Fonda is said to have come from Albany County
about 1750. He took up 500 acres of land. Mr. Fonda
was robbed during the Revolution by Tories, some of whom
were executed for this or other crimes, and Mr. Fonda took
from one of them a pair of silver knee-buckles which had
been previously stolen from him. Jcnnette Fonda, a
daughter of this first pioneer, married Samuel I. McChes-
ney, who was assemblyman from this to>vn in 1SK>. She
was one of three from Rrunswiek who first attended school
in Troy. She lived to the age of ninety, and died in Rruns-
wiek, Jan. 26, 1870.
Maj. Flores Rancker was an early resident. A tract of
land was given to him for his services in the Revolution.
The present well-known Hiram Derrick farm is a part of
the Ranker place. Mr. Rancker built the house occupied
by Mr. Derrick. It has been called the oldest house in the
county by gazetteer writers, but this can hardly be possible,
as certain ancient structures along the river, at and below
Greenbush, must antedate by many years any building in
the northern part of the county.
Henry Dator moved to the present Henry Dator farm
about 1770. A bam standing on these premises was the
first frame barn erected in town. All the small timbers,
braces, and in fact everything except hoards and shingles,
were hewn.
The entire li-t of taxable inhabitants at the time of the
Organization of the town, seventy years ago, is easily ob-
tained through the custom begun in 1S08, and continued
to the present lime, of annually recording in the town-book
a full statement of the road districts, and the inhabitants
jed f"f labor in each district. The record for ISO!' is
as follows :
District No. I, " beginning on the south side of John
Wheeler's bridge, running n Bouthwesl directioi Baid
road pasl Abraham Lansing's until ii intersects the Troy
line:" Samuel McChesney, Thomas Bt < . William Mc
Chesney, Emerson 1>\ Zebediah Wetherill, Jonas Smith,
MRS J.L.COLLYSON
J.L.COLLYSON.
■
*&&&*&<
wmn7Wrnfimii||i[miMMii|iHWity^ "T
Residence of J. L. COLLYSON,, Brunswick. N.Y.
TOWN OK BRUNSWICK.
Elisha Adams, Samuel (Jalap, Abraham Lansing, [saao
Fowler, Jacob Schernierhorn, Stephen Fowler, Jacob
Adams, Seneca Millawarg, Everett May, .lacob Wairar, and
Barnet Brodt,
District No. 2, "beginning on the southwest side of the
road leading from Abraham Roberts' until it intersects the
lloosiek road ; thence along said road a northeast course till
it comes opposite the house of Melehart File :" Bastian
Lohnis, John M. File, Christian Shaver, Adam Lohnis,
Christian Shook, Widow Elizabeth Hanor, William Ci
rad, Alexander McJoy, Nathan BettS, John Shafer, Jacob
Snyder, Judd Abbott, Burwell Belts, Peter Shafer, Widow
Elizabeth I. Hanor, Christopher File, Abraham Roberts,
Gideon Reed, Abner Roberts, Nathan Betts, Jr., Andrew
Smith, George C. Hanor, and Coonrad File.
District No. 3, " beginning at the Widow Downing's, run-
ning past John Wagar's until it intersects the old Hoosick
road ; from thence to John M. Files, and from John Hanoi's
to the manor, including all the taxable inhabitants from
George Brust's to James Cleveland's :" John Brust, John
Downing, Henry Wager, Joseph Taylor, Henry Shcffer,
John Wager, John T. Wager, John Hanor, Matthew Brust,
Robert Cleveland, James Cleveland, Widow Weasouhouse,
Andrew Hanor, George Taylor, George I. Wager, Nicholas
SheflFer, Jr., George Brust, Isaiah Wager, George Wager,
Barnet Wager, Leonard Sheffcr. and Henry I. Hanor.
District No. 4, " beginning at the Dutch church, leading
to the main road, from thence to the Pittstown line, from
thence to Gilbert Alexander's, thence leading on the Lan-
singburgh road, and stopping at Cornelius Filkins' ; to be
continued till it extends half-way between Cornelius Fil-
kins' and Isaac Filkins', including that cross-road leading
from Pittstown manor swing-gate till it intersects the public
road :" George Snyder, Lodewick Snyder, Jacob Snyder,
Robert Eddy, Lodewick Stanton, Gilbert Alexander, Henry
Dator, Joseph Freout, Isaac Filkins, Daniel Riser, Benja-
min Downing, Andrew Gardner, James Cullens, W. Hilley,
Jacob Snyder, Isaac Filkins, Jr., Barnet Mower, Henry
Link, Isaac File, and Coonrad Slower.
District No. 5, "beginning on the line between the town
of Brunswick and Lansingburgh, running entirely to the
old Hoosick road, at Gilbert Travers' inn :" Anthony
Lockers, Samuel Derick, Zechariah Carnrike, Zechariah
Carnrike, Jr., Daniel Marvin, Peter Cipperly, Nathan
Tubbs, Charles Derick, Alexander Van Pelt, George Cip-
perly, John Preston, Jerry Waker, Adam Derick, Abra-
ham Burns, Samuel Link, Robert Craffert, Barnet Hagaty.
District 6, Jacob Ham, Walter Van Pelt, Coonrad Ham,
Jacob Barnet, Obadiah Johnson, Isaac Taylor, Samuel
Burns, John Burns, Abraham Burns, William Cleveland,
Samuel Van Pelt.
District No. 7, "beginning at the west line of the town
of Brunswick, near Capt. Holt's, running easterly by Ben-
jamin Brewster's, continuing an eastern direction until you
pass Joel Northrup's, intersecting the road not far from the
brook:" Benjamin Brewster, Asa Dwella, Abraham Cate-
paun, Isaac Bucklin, Daniel Buckliu, Nicholas Sisco,
Henry Ham, George Hanor, Lewis Filkin, David Coe,
Thomas Bacon, Peter Brewster, William Shanfelt, Aaron
Holt.
District No b nin the new town line I"
Brunswick and Grafton; from thence running past Jobn
Dick's till it intersects the Manoi line " William Lamport,
James Agan, Patrick Gannon, Edward \..r. John Dick,
Moses Avery, John Snyder.
District No 9 'b ginning at the east Bide of the
drowned land bridge, on the line between Thomae Moi
rison ami the Widow Downing, including the cross-road
running north to the road of Peter Hanor John Ban nt,
John Barenl Jr., Barncl [.Wager, Peter Cammel, John
Keller, George Robinson George W. Wheeler, Lodewick
Barent, Peter If r, Henry Hanor, Andrus Colehammer,
Jacob I. Wager, Baltus Cammel, A a Ferry, Henry
Link, John P. Coons, Nathaniel Baker.
District No. 10, "beginning at the of drowned
land bridge, and running pa I Peter Plate's inn to the old
Hoosick road at William Coonradt's, including the cross
road leading to Matinus Haner's, until it intersects the
line between .Matinus Haner and the Widow Haner:"
William Smith, Widow Downing, Thomas Morrison,
Michael Cipperly, Paul Smith, Benjamin Alexander, Peter
Plates, Solomon Unison, Alexander Bulson, Jr., John
Bulson, Abraham Bulson, Cornelius Bulson, Augustus
Burdick, Jacob Barent, Matinus Haner, Luther Haner,
John Curhman, Zachariah Haner, Henry II. Haner, Leon-
ard Smith, Henry C. Hydorn, Peter Ilydorn, Jr., Peter
Hydorn, Widow Bonestecl, John Haner, Jr., Henry Cole,
Christian Bonesteel, Henry Bulson, Barent Cipperly, Jacob
Cipperly, Alexander Bulson, Jacob Haner, William Smith,
Henry C. Hydorn, Jr., John Hydorn, Jr., Andrew Smith,
Aaron Ferris.
District No. 11, "beginning at Leonard Smith's, and
running past Henry Clum's mills, nearly a southeastern
direction past Philip Coonradt's, until it intersects the town
of Grafton, with an addition of that cross-road leading past
Adam Clum's, until it intersects Road District No. 6 :"
Harbert Lansing, John Lansing, Robert Lansing, Gen-it
Lansing, Frederick Smith, John Eddy, Luther Eddy, Adam
Clum, Henry Clum, Henry Clum, Jr., William Keller,
Henry Morrison, Philip Coonradt, Samuel W. McChesney,
Valentine Cropsey, George Lohnis, James Morrison, Sebas-
tian Hoot, William Kelly, W. Alger, David Cropsey, John
Cronkhite, Walter McChesney, Pardon Crandall, William
Crandall, Nicholas Egins.
District No. 12, " beginning at the Greenbush line, near
William Bidwell's new dwelling-house, and running a north
course past Matthias Coons until it intersects Road District
No. 12, on the north side of the bridge formerly called
Clum's bridge :" Judd Abbott, William Bidwell, Lode-
wick G. Snyder, John Winsor, Frederick Myers, Matthias
Coons, Christian Croy, William McChesney, William
Philips, Adam McChesney, William Hofe, Samuel R. Mc-
Chesney, Michael Philips, Peter Pitcher, Barney C.
Childs.
District No. 13, " beginning at the corner of Matthew
Coon's fence, and running past Philip H. Coonradt's until
it intersects the town line between Grafton and Brunswick:"
Philip II. Coonradt, Philip Pollock. Jacob Pitcher. Enos
Larkins, Abraham File.
District No. 14, "beginning at the Hoosick roid, at or
534
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
near the house of Mr. Faye, ionholder, running from
thcDCC an easterly course till it intersects District No. 12.
near Robert McChesney's :" Henry Coonradt, Matthias Ab-
bott, Francis Collison, Hugh McChesney, Joseph McChcs-
ney, Peter Boomhower, Cornelius Veeder, Albertus Sim-
mons. Daniel Simmons. John Davits, John Myers, James
lv ■■. P Idy, Philip Coonradt, Jeremiah Smith, Nicholas
Boncstcel, Frederick Bonesteel, John Boncstccl, Adam
i mradt, Jr., John McManus. Daniel Wagar, Reuben B.
Way, Hermanus Simmons, Jacob Derrick, Matinus Boom-
hower, Philip A. Coonradt. Adam Coonradt, John Smith,
[saac McChesney, Alpheus Blake, Henry Myers, Matthias
Wager, Aaron Wager.
District No. 15, "beginning at Greenbush line, near
Abijah Ive.-'. and running northwest until it intersects the
road by Frederick Agan's:" John Filkins, John Finkle,
ge Klichner, Cornelius Dubois, Jacob Springer, George
Springer, Jacob Springer, Jr., John II. Shaver, George
Clicbner, Jr., John Dator, Peter Diner, Jacob Wiland,
David Wheeler. John Moul.
District No. 10, "beginning at an oak sapling on the
town line, near Wandel Yager's, between the town of Green-
bush and the town of Brunswick, running past Henry Siui-
mons' to Lemuel Hawley's, including all the roads and
roads to the town of Greenbush, with an addition of
that part of the road leading down Schuyler's Hill to the
Troy line, also an addition of that part of the main road
mooing from the Greenbush line past Edmund Perry's and
- Vail's bridge to the Troy line, and
also from the east and west road which leads from Samuel
Simmons' to the east and west road leading past Benajah
Brown's :" Lemuel Hawley, Thomas Cotteral, Nicholas
Wilson, Henry Wilson, Thomas Jones, Gerret G. N.
_wiek. Cooorad Sharp, Edmund Perry, Jeremiah Sim-
mon.-. Wm. Schernecker, J. C. Schermerhorn, John Fonda,
is Simmon-. Peter I. De Freest, Joel Northrup,
Wm. Griswold, Samuel Simmons, Philip Ilanor, Elijah
Simmons, Bcnry Simmons, Wandal Simmons. Jacob Smith,
II Miami- Simmons, Wandal Yager. Jonas Yager, Philip
Vager, Coom ■ immer, John Coonrad, Anthony
Smith, Daniel Fonda, Thaddcus Don,. David Boomhower,
Wm. Smith.
I1 ■ No. IT "begioningat Isaac Fowler's, and run-
niog past Fli res Baockcr's, where it intersects the road
ut from Lansiogbargh from the parting of the
road south ol Floras Baockcr's, aod running to where it
intersects the road near the house of Levious I.
the town line :" John Ga Dai G Goe-
■ ' II rrick, Henry Van Arnaio,
J . ob Van Aroam, Baroel Roman, M • Dusenbu 1
K. Wini, I Millard, Derrick Vanderheyden, Boxie
ker, Wiiliam Van Blake, Cornelius Swartwout, Widow
i . L -I bo i . Y ■• j, Adam Yates,
Corn - WOUt, Jr.
District No. 18, " beginning al John Myers', aod ruo-
ni r>_ by Clower's mills on tint il it intersects tho
Liberty i h of Vail's bridge." Benajah Brown,
. Baroa McManus, Frederick Acauff, Wandal
pll Si are, Hiram
lam Clichner, Thomas Baylcy,
Abraham Lansing, Peter Pollock, Philip Clichner, Peter
Bonesteel, George Colehammer, Peter Smith, George Smith,
Paul Snyder, Stephen Snyder, Christian Snyder, Chris-
topher Dinehout, John Swartwout, John I. Myers, James
Con, Luther Lyman. Mr. Whitney, Peter Frink, Nathaniel
Brewer, Peter Carnrike, Francis James, Peter Fonda, James
Robertson, Charles Vail, Thomas Brewer.
District No. 19, " beginning on the south side next of a
bridge over the Beaver-Dam Creek; from thence easterly
along the Hoosick road to the south corner of Abraham
Roberts' road, with an addition of a cross-road beginning
at Gilbert Travers', and from thence along said road to
Andrew Hanaman's north line:" John Wheeler, Anthony
Derrick, George Derrick, Philip Derrick. Amos Sweatman,
Gerrit Miller, Thomas Miller, Jacob Miller, Wilhelmus
Ilanor, Andrew Ilanaman, John Doty, Henry Hanaman.
The location of these road districts may be stated as fol-
lows, and it shows very nearly the neighborhoods in which
the people of seventy years ago were living : District No.
1, on the old Hoosick road, — the Betts neighborhood; No.
2, in the vicinity of the brick church ; No. 3, somewhat
north of No. 2; No. 4, near the Lansiugburgh line, west
part of the town; No. 5, probably just east of No. 4; No.
(i, northwest part of the town aud in the vicinity of Bald
Mountain ; No. 7, near the centre of the north part of the
town ; No. 8, in the northeast corner of the town ; No. 9,
near the Grafton line, east part of the town; No. 10, in
the vicinity of Platestowu ; No. 11, near the Grafton line,
east of Cropseyvillc ; No. 12, southeast part of the town ;
No. 13, in the mountains near Grafton line, kuown as
Clam Hollow School District; No. 14, east of Millville;
No. 15, southwest of Millville; No. 16, southwest corner
of the town ; Xo. 17, west part of the town, near Lansiug-
burgh ; No. 18, southeast of Millville; No. 19, northeast
from Centre Brunswick.
Many of the early families can be more definitely located :
Nathan Letts' inn, where the first town-meeting was held,
was the present place of Richard Derrick. Robert McChes-
ney. justice of the peace, presiding at the first town-meet-
ing, lived where Charles Link now resides, near the " white
church." John McManus, another of the justices presid-
ing in 1S07, was at what is now the place of Surrogate
Moses Warren. Daniel Simmons, one of the first assessors,
lived at the present place of Jacob Coonradt. The house
is partly the same as the original one. Gilbert Alexander,
another of (lie first assessors, was at Platestown, on a farm
lately owned by John Dator. Levious Leversee, the third
assessor of 1807, lived in the northwest part of the town,
near Lansiugburgh.
Bernard J. Wager, the first collector, lived in the north
part of the town, on the present place of Sidney McChesney.
Augustus Burdick, one of the first overseers of the poor,
was located on the Cippcrly farm, near Platestown. Thomas
B tts, one of the coostables of 1807, lived near Nathan
l- tts. A son oi' Thomas now resides on the same place.
Daniel Kiser, another ol' the first constables, lived near
Platestown. Abner Roberts, also constable in lso", was
located near Brunswick Centre. John Wheeler lived on
place lately owned by Moses Gillctt, in tho wesl part of
the town. The Wheelers wool to Steuben County at an
DERRICK V. LEVERSEE.
MRS. DERRICK V LEVERSEE.
Resilience: of DERRICK V. LEVERSEE, Brunswick, N. Y
TOWN <>!•' BRUNSWICK
535
early day. John H. Shaver lived, in 1807, a mile and a
half northeast of Millville.
George Brust, mentioned as one of the overseers of high-
ways in L807, lived north from Brunswick aboul two mil's.
George Cipperly lived near Platestown. Daniel Van Pelt's
farm was in the northwest pari of the town. William
Smith's place was about half a mile east of the brick church.
Walter McChesney lived near ( Ynpseyville. Michael Philips
lived east of Millville nearly three miles. His place is now
owned by his sun, David Philips. Philip Coonradt's farm
was one and a half miles mirth from Millville. Henry
Coonradt's place was the present farm of Charles Potter.
Muses Dusenbury lived in the Adams neighborhood, two
mill's from Troy. Sebastian Lohnis lived north of the
brick church, about two miles. Wilhelmus Haynor lived
north of Centre Brunswick. He was familiarly known as
"Old Helmus." Cornelius Swartwout lived near Troy, in
the northwest part of the town. Peter Polock's place was
in the southeast part. Lodewick Stanton lived in the north
part of the town. He is first entered on the jury lists as
merchant tailor, afterwards as innkeeper, and later still as
"yeoman." In the town records of Pittstown Mr. Stan-
ton's name occurs frequently in the description of school
districts. Martin Springer, supervisor and town clerk for
many years, lived about two miles southeast of Millville. on
the present farm of John Collison. John M. File lived on
a cross-road, and about half-way from Platestown to the
Hoosick road.
In the list of jurors for 1S07 Gilbert Alexander is re-
turned as a blacksmith ; Augustus Burdick, blacksmith ;
Barnet Cippeiiy, blacksmith ; Benjamin Downing, shoe-
maker; Wilhelmus Haner, carpenter; Lemuel Hawley,
innkeeper; Enos Larkins, blacksmith; Isaac McChesney,
innkeeper; Edmund Perry, innkeeper; Peter Plater, mer-
chant; Paul Smith, carpenter; Lodewick Stanton, mer-
chant tailor; Joseph Taylor, shoemaker; Nathan Betts,
innkeeper ; Isaac Fowler, innkeeper ; Aaron Ferris, car-
penter ; Isaac Gray, merchant.
In the jury list of 1808 we find other names : Valentine
Cropsey, innkeeper; Daniel Riser, blacksmith; Abraham
Lansing, innkeeper; Charles Millard, blacksmith; Peter
Plater, innkeeper (18013); Lodewick Stanton, innkeeper
(1809).
In the list of 1815 appears the following: Lodewick
Bonesteel, blacksmith ; Robert Collins, physician ; Asa
Gardner, merchant; Israel Youngs, physician.
In the jurors' list of 1817 appear the names of Leonard
Morrison, carpenter. In 1819, Valentine Cropsey, miller;
Josiah B. Goodwinch, tanner. In 1824, Limes Henshaw,
shoemaker.
IV.— OKGANIZATION.
The present territory of Brunswick was for more than
forty years after its settlement a part of Troy, which had
been organized as a town in 1791, and the same year a
charter was granted to the village. The growing import-
ance of the prospective city beneath the bluffs, and its re-
quirements in civil organization differing so much from
those of the outlying territory beyond, soon led to its natu-
ral result, and the new town was incorporated March .'JO,
1807. The old German name Brunswick was given to it,
whether in honor of the nationality of the firel Bottlers of
1 760, "I' '•!' i ho fumil ) of I h aun < h h i i ;oi am wg I In n
on! settled eith t in historj or tradition. Foi
its appropi iatone i mnoi be disputed.
The following, from the town I ks, which are in
lent preservation, .-how the organization undei the acl of
March 30th:
" ' I ' 1 1 1 ■ I i !
i. : i [ay ol Lpri I 17, ii th< hou ol I inn-
holder. I'i c enl ,
■
Banokcr, Supe ■■ i h» ; Daniel 1 I 0 uons,
Southeast District, Gilbert i I
Lo\ oi ec, Western District, A c B i i I ll< ■ :"i ;
Daniel S i , Augu tu Burdicl Ovorsci o tboPooi lugustu
Burdick, John Filkin . I Bucklin, ' !oi of H fays :
'I'I i ' : John Will-.. n. Andrew
M erg, Daniel Kiscr, Barnard I. "H i : Co
John Wheeler, Frederick Myers, John Wagar, John P.G Jol
H. Shaver, Fence-Viewers ; Qilberl I I avi Hiram Clower, Pound-
mnstcrs; Itobcrl McChesney, Floree Bancker, Lemuel Hawley, t
inissi srs of Schools ^braho R Nathan Betts, geB
[saac Filkins, Georgi Cipperly, Daniel^ ajamin Brewster,
John Dick, Jacob I. Wagar, William Smith, Walter McChesney,
Micl I Philips, Philip II. Coonradt, line/. Coo It, Co uelius Du-
bois, Lemuel Flawley, Ma ■ Dusenbury, Overseers of Highways."
I'I. ICES i>F TOWN-MEETINGS.
Town-meetings are recorded as held at the following
places during lie first half-century of the town's existence:
1S07-8, '-at the house of Nathan Uctls. iiinholder ;" 1809,
"at John Wilson's inn;" 1S1I), '-at the house of John
Gray, innkeeper;" 1811, "at the house of Leonard Smith,
innkeeper;" 1812, "at the house of Nathan Betts, inn-
keeper;" 1813," at the house of Joseph Golden, innkeeper;''
1-1 I, "at the house of Daniel Way, innholder ;" 1815, "at
the house of George Morrison, innkeeper;" 1810, "at the
house of John Wheeler, innkeeper;" 1817. "at the house
of Paul Smith, innkeeper ;" 1818, " at the house of Leonard
Smith, innkeeper;" 1819, "at the house of Henry Bone-
steel, innkeeper;" 1820, "at the house of Sylvauus Lud-
den, innkeeper;" 1821, "at the bouse of John Wheeler,
innkeeper;" 1822, "at the house of Jacob Derrick, inn-
keeper;'' 1823, "at the house of Paul Smith, innkeeper;"
1S24-25, " at the house of Jacob Derrick, innkeeper;"
1826, "at the house of Paul Smith, innkeeper ;" 1*27, "at
the house of Jacob Derrick, innkeeper;" 1S28, "at the
bouse of Paul Smith;" 1S29, "at the bouse of Henry
Snyder, innkeeper;" 1S30, " at the house of Paul Smith ;"'
1831-35, " at the house of Henry Snyder;" 1836, " at the
house of Sarah R. Ilutton ;" 1837-39, "at the bouse of
Henry A. Clum ;" 1840, "at the bouse of Elihu Blanch-
ard ;" 1811, " at the house of 11. A. Clum ;" 1842. " at the
house of Cornelius II. Dubois;" is I."., "at the house of
Henry A. Clum ;" 1814, " at the house of Nathan Godfrey;"
1845, "at the house of Aaron Hastings;" 1846, "at the
house of Cornelius II. Dubois;" 1847, "at the house of
Henry A. Clum ;" 1818, "at the house of John V. Good-
ell ;" 1849, "at the house of Henry A. Clum;" 1850, "at
the house of O. P.Tifft;" 1851, "at Millville;'' 1 852, « :lt
the house of N. 1'. Babcock ;" 1853, "at the Snyder place;"
1854, "at the house of Joshua W. Hakes;'' 1855-58, no
staled ; 1859, " at the house ol' Houhen SimmdnS
536
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
TOWN OFFICERS 1807 TO 1S79.
si i'i:i:\ ISORS.
1807 I.PIorcs Banckor; IS10-11, Sebastian Lobnis; 1812-22, Daniel
Simi ; 1823 25, Lodowick Stanton; 1826-29, Daniel Sim-
mons; IS30 33, John Wheolor; 1S34-35, Daniel Simmons; 1S36-
39, Martin Springer; 1840, Thcodorus Duscnbury; 1S41-12,
Henry *• Clumj 1843, Thcodorus Dusenburyj 1844, Harry
ho Green; 1 •■ n,, (;,.,)rge Derick; 1S47, Thcodorus
Dasenbary; IS48-50, II«-nry McChesney: 1S51, William Lapc;
1852, Henry Morrison : 1853, Martin Springer; 1S54-55, William
Lane; 1858 57, Joseph H. Allen ; 1 858-50, Alanson Cook; 1S60-
61, William Lnpoj 1862 64, Win. MeChcsney; 1865 68, Abram
Uul : IS69-70, William Lapo; 1ST 1—72. William MeChcsney;
1873 71. Joseph Lord; 1875 76, Jacob Brust; 1*77, Daniel L.
Van Polt; 1878, Paul Springor; 1879, Robert Morrison.
TOWS CLF.riKS.
1807, Daniel Wagar; 180S-10, Daniel Simmons; 1S11-17, Martin
Springor; 1818, John M. File, Jr.; 1819-20, Robert Collins;
1821, Henry A. Clumj 1822-24, Martin Springer.: 1825, Daniel
Simmons; I John Wheeler; 1831-34* Henry A. Clum;
Honry Ensign; 1S36-40, Henry A. Cluin; 1841, Moses
Smith: 1842, John T. Lnpe; IS43, Moses Smith: 1844-45, Wil-
liam A. Derick; 1846, Michael Wotherwox; 1847, Honry Mor-
rison; 1848-50, William Lapo; 1851-54, John W. CI urn; 1S55-
■ :. William II. Ensign; IS58, James Smith; 1S5H, John W.
Clum; 1860-61, Moses Lohnis; 1862-63, John S. Eddy; 1SG4-
ihn Springer; 1871-72, Francis C.Collison, Jr.; 1873, Elijah
l!iil«"ti : 1874 -75, Mai tin H. I lay tier; 1S76, Elijah Bulson ; 1S77,
Springer; 1S7S, Martin II. Ilnyner; 187!), Andrew Mnllin.
.11 STICES OP rill'. PEACE.
At the organization of the town in 1S07 the tlivee pre-
Biding justices, already mentioned, were Robert MeChcsney,
Daniel Wagar, John McManus. From that time down to
the adoption of the constitution of 1821 the following
served one or more years each, some of them continuing in
office for a long period :
Daniel Simmons, Lemuel Hawley, Roswcll Knowlton, Henry Clum, Jr.,
' Alexander, Jarcd Bctts, Burwell Uetts, Jacob I. Wagar.
Tbaddcui Dan, William Van Vlcck.
In pursuance of laws enacted under the constitution of
1 B2 1 justici - of the peace were chosen at the general elec-
tions "r were appointed by the courts. During this period
the following nanus appear upon the roll of justices kept in
the ofli I' the county clerk :
Thai in February 22, 1823; Jarcd Bolts, Fob. 27,
1823; J» ib I. Wagar, March 1. 1823; John M. File. Deo. 29,
1827; "in. Van Vlcck, Jan. 1. 1828; Jacob I. Wagar, Jan. 9,
Martin Springer, Jan. 19, 1831.
I election of justices al town meetings began in Bruns-
wick in 1831, ami the record is as follows:
I, Win. Van '■ !, John M. Fib I 3, Jncob I. Wngar;
1834, Martin Springer; 1835, Win. Van Vlcck, Joseph Hastings;
Hat ■■ iy, Joseph Bi it- ; 1838,
• i B. Cipporly; 1839, Russell Peck; 1840, Daniel) Simmons,
John M. Way. David F. Smith: 1841, Samuel B.Cippcrly; bi:'.
■ 1 B. ' Ipperly; 1843, Sa I B. Cipporly, Dennis Bolding;
1844, I '■ rrbur) ; 1846, Joseph Bi Us; 1846,
r I loo; 1847, Samuel B. Cipporly : 1848, Thos.
Nowbury; 1849, Jonas C. M I ffm, \. Dcriek;
1861, Samuel B. Cipporly; 1862, Thomas Ncwbnry; 1853, Paul
1854, Wm. \. Di . Real en Smith; 1866,
-. Win. .\. Derick
tfull • to iwi n vacancy; 1869, Henry
■ In tbayear 1834 thora was no choi . bol Henry I. Clnin
Brust; I SCO, Jonas Smith; 1SC1, Joseph H. Allen (short term),
Alford Buss (full term): 1862, George Brust; 1S63, Daniel N.
Van Pelt (full term), Charles W. Dater, vacancy; 1S6I, Edward
McChesney : 1865, Wm. S. Newbury; 1860, George Brust; 1SIS7,
Joseph II. Alien; 1S6S, Edward MeChcsney; lSfi'J, Thomas New-
bury (full term), Reuheu Smith (vacancy); 1S70-72 (no election
recorded) ; 1873, David F. Smith ; 1874, Jarcd A. Van Pelt (full
term). Thomas Newbury (vacancy); 1S75, Isaac S. Main; lS7fi,
Edward MeChcsney; 1S77, Josiah B. McChesney; 1S7S, Richard
A. Derick ; 1S79, Isaac S. Main.
EARLY TAVERNS.
An early tavern was kept by Mr. File near the present
site of the Lutheran church. This was about 1790. Upon
the Stone road there was rpuite early a large number of
taverns, that being a great thoroughfare before the opening
of railroads.- Commencing near Troy, the first was where
Mr. Lord lately lived ; the next at the old John Wheeler
place, near Joseph McChesney's; the next was that of
Nathan Betts ; next that of Leonard Smith, lately kept by
Henry Dubois; and another one still before reaching; the
Grafton line was that of Ludowick Stanton. Other inns
are pretty fully given elsewhere in stating the place of
town-meetings.
PROFESSIONAL MEN.
The well-known physicians of early times were Dr. Col-
lins and Dr. Buckland at Centre Brunswick preceding the
present physician, Dr. Burbeck, who has practiced there
for twelve years. At Eagle Mills were Dr. Scriven, Dr.
Holsapple, and Dr. Westervclt. The present physician,
Dr. Winship, has been located here for about twenty years.
V.— VILLAGES.
CENTRE BRUNSWICK
was a point of early settlement, and is a little north of the
centre of the town. Located upon the well-known Stone
road, it once had a larger amount of business that at
present, owing to the former travel over that thoroughfare.
The place at the present time has a store by Michael Coon-
rad, and there is a shoe-shop. Dr. Burbeck, a well-known
physician of town, resides and has his office here. A short
distance east is the Lutheran church and the new cemetery.
nAYNERVILLE.
This place is a hamlet, and is situated in the north part
of the town. It is adjacent to the old Cooksborough
neighborhood in Pittstown, and is the post-office for that
section, Ilayncrvillo derives its name from the llayner
families, settled near there in early times. This place was
another poinl on the Stone road, a stopping-place for the
stages thai formed an important line between Troy and
Bennington. Its present business comprises a store and a
wagon-shop. The settlements in this vicinity, as shown in
the history of the Lutheran Church, began in 1747, or
about thai date.
PLATESTOWN.
Tlii- place is better known to the citizens of the town as
"Tamarac" Near here was a poinl of quite early business,
i mentioned elsewhere; hut this has all passed away, and
there are no shops or stores to bo written of al the present
lime. The place is on n route of considerable former travel
from Eagle Mills to Boyntonville in Pittstown.
£^&^
PHOTOS. BY ATKINSON, TROY
%€a-^Z_£M tyJLtCK q/b a4{*r^&-e^K^Ci
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RESIDENCE of SYLVESTER fAc. CHESNEY. Brunswick, H.Y.
:
TOWN OF BRUNSWICK.
5 (7
EAGLE Ml M.s.
This is the largest ;m<] most important business place in
tlic town of Brunswick. In later years the name " Mill-
ville" is quite commonly applied to the village, but the
name of the post-office is Eagle Mills. The chief factory
building has long borne that name, and the people gener-
ally prefer, it is believed, to retain this old and well-known
name. The water-power, which is valuable, is supplied by
the Poestenkill, which stream here makes a sharp bend
from a northerly direction to a westerly. The present busi-
ness may bo stated as follows: a hotel, l>\ George W. Rus-
sell ; a grist-mill, by M. Herrington ; a saw-mill, by Reuben
Simmons; a foundry belonging to the estate of Hiram
Phillips, where are made plows and other agricultural im-
plements; a blacksmith-shop, by George Brooker; a black-
smith-shop, by John Hook ; a blacksmith-shop, by Guetz
& Myers ; the Planters' Hoe Company's works, by Lane &
Allen (George T. Lane, of Troy, and .1. II. Allen, of Bruus-
wiek) ; a shoe-shop, by Peter H. Van Zandt (sewed work ) ;
a shoe-shop, by James Mambert (general work) ; a store,
by Silas McChesney ; a store, by Peter H. Van Zandt ; a
wagon-shop, by Lewis Brault ; a wagon-shop, by Mr. Chase ;
a cigar- manufactory, by Andrew Mullin ; dress-making, by
Mrs. Sarah Bradt ; dressmaking, by Mis. Julia Simmons;
and a short distance east a vinegar establishment, by John
Dubois. The store of Silas McChesney is a new and hand-
some building, erected the present year ( 1879 ). The public;
building's of the place are the Methodist church, the Dis-
ciples' church, and the district school-house.
At Eagle Mills is the office and residence of Dr. C. A.
Winship, who has bad a large and extensive practice for
many years in the village and its vicinity. The activity
displayed here, and the perpetual sound of the machinery,
make the village seem, what it really is, a place of stining
business, working out valuable result both to the capitalists
who furnish the means, and to the laborers who secure
steady and remunerative employment.
There was a mill in early times on the Wyland farm, a
mile or so below Eagle Mills.
CROPSEYVILLE.
The present business of Cropseyville consists of a store,
by Edward McChesney ; a harness-shop, by Richard Hurl-
burt, a returned soldier of the late war ; the post-office, by
Thomas Newberry ; the grist-mill, by Paul Smith, and also
a saw-mill by the same proprietor; a wagon-shop, by Daniel
Rockenstyre ; a blacksmith-shop, by Joseph Rockenstyre.
A little above is the fulling- and carding-mill of Mr. Green,
where custom weaving and manufacturing is done to some
extent. Cropseyville is quite an old place, dating back to
the first settlement. The water-power is valuable, and has
been improved for many years.
EAST BRUNSWICK — ROCK HOLLOW.
This latter name is most certainly an appropriate one. It
applies to a neighborhood along the Quacken Kill above
Cropseyville, on the old Troy and Williamstown Turnpike.
The Quacken Kill here tumbles down through rocky gorges
and along deep channels, furnishing numerous valuable mill-
privileges, only a few of which are improved. At the
G8
present tine- there is a verj neat rural chapel belonging to
the Methodist Church al the west i ad of Rock Hollow
proper, and at ill.- ea t end is the district school hen-.-.
Between the two is the pn enl bu i n of the place in-
cluded. Tie- ..Id Lawton twine-factory, now unused, was
the mosl important enterprise. Mr. Lawton built the heavy
si. .in- chini now standing there, and erected a line building,
hut the enter] h i . nded by In- death, N< m I.', is the
blacksmith-shop of Daniel McChesney, Farther up are
w l-turning works where brush-blocks and brush-hati
have been extensively made for the Lansingburgh brush-
factories, Some business is still done there, but not as much
as in former times. A short distance above, on the oppo-
site side of the read is the blacksmith -Imp of Daniel Huff-
man and the hotel of the Hollow, kept by L. S Hakes.
Above, a valuable water power was improved for many
years. Only the ruins of the buildings arc to be seen at
the present time. first there was a tannery at quite an
early date. Then it was run as a paint-mill, and later .• .
paper-mill. No business has been dune there for several
yens. On the site of the Lawton mill mentioned above
there was a saw-mill in very early times.
clum's corners
is a well-known point of early times. It is on the road from
Eagle Mills northeast to Boyntonville in Pittstowo. The
hotel is now kept by Porter Bobbins. The other business
there is blacksmithing, by 0. Clum ; Rice's wagon-shop and
Refienburgh's wagon-shop. The section of the town neat-
is a fine farming region, the extensive and fertile flats pro-
ducing abundant crops.
THE WHITE CHURCH NEIGHBORHOOD.
This is a pleasant valley of rich and well-cultivated farms.
The church, the parsonage, and the school-house constitute
the important features of the place. Trade and manufac-
tures have not invaded this valley. Edward Link, residin"-
here, is an extensive dealer in meat for the Troy market,
slaughtering a large number of sheep and cattle annually.
VI.— SCHOOLS.
At the first town-meeting three school commissioners were
chosen, — Robert McCbeney, Flores Baneker, and Lemuel
Hawley. No further action with reference to schools ap-
pears in the record until the town-meeting of 1812, when
Flores Baneker, Lodewick Stanton, and Daniel Simmons
were chosen commissioners, — pursuant, probably, to the new
school laws passed about that time. In subsequent years
other citizens served in this capacity one or more years each,
as follows: John H. Mabbett, Sebastian Lohnis, John R.
Winney, John D. Brown, Israel Young, William McChes-
ney, Robert Collins, Martin Springer, Philip M. Coons,
Adam Derrick, Henry A. Clum, Judd Abbott, Jr., Benja-
min Alexander, Theodorus Dusenbury, Leonard Morrison,
Coonrad Ham (3d), Thomas Betts, Adam Derrick, Johu
M. File, Valentine Cropsey, Jacob Adams, Jr.. Philip P.
Dator, Lodewick Stanton, Hugh McChesney, Elisha Adams,
Jr., Samuel B. Cippcrly, William A. Clark. Aimer Roberts,
Gilbert Bulson, Russell Peek, Nicholas Robinson, Harry
Betts, Henry Phillips, George Brust, Jr.. Philip Polock,
53S
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Jr.. John II. Wager, Lewis Derrick, Joseph Hastings,
Henry Van Arnum, Rufus Parks. Jr., Henry Brust,
Joshua File, Robert Cipperly, Joseph Betts, Russell Peck,
John Burnt, Jr.
Inspectors of common schools were also appointed during
the period from 1812 to 1844. The following citizens
served one or more years in that office: Daniel Simmons,
James Morrison, Walter McChesney, Jacob Adams, Peter
Winnev. John l». Brown, Israel Young, Robert Collins,
John Younglove, Allen Watson, John Younglove, Jr.,
1. lewick Stanton, Reuben Towle, Henry A. Gum, Syl-
vanus Luddcn, Benjamin Alexander, Martin Springer,
Cornelius Lansing, Jr., Harry Betts, Caleb Slade, Daniel-
Simmons, William McMauus, Gerrit R. Miller, Joseph L.
Greene, Luther 1>. Eddy, Robert Collins. Henry Ensign,
Peter L. V. Westervelt, George Hayner, John W. Gum,
Abratn D. Spoor.
The offices of inspector and of commissioner were abol-
ish.'d in 1843-44, and the system of town superintendents
succeeded. The incumbents of that office in Brunswick
were as follows: 1844, Luther D. Eddy; 1S45, Robert
Collins; 184G-47, Isaac B. Button; 184S-49, James J.
McChesney; 1330-51, Daniel D. Bucklin ; 1852-53,
Daniel D. Bucklin; 1S54-55, Henry Lohnis ; 1S5G, Ira
A. Button.
Iu June, 1S56, the system of supervision by towns
ceased, aud the control of the schools passed to the district
commissioners.
The present condition of the schools is shown by the
certificate of school apportionment dated March, 1S79, which
gives the following statistics, having reference to the town :
Whole number of districts, 14 ; number of children between
five and twenty-one years of age, 989 ; average daily attend-
ance. 34(3.429 ; money apportioned according to number
of children. S592.G6 ; money apportioned according to at-
tend! - 11.86; equal district quota, 8677.88; library
.- 130. G5 : total paid districts, 81933.05.
VII.— CHUKCHES.
The following valuable paper upon the history of the
Lutheran society is courteously furnished by the pastor,
I! j. J. N. Barnctt.
(ULEAD EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CD.UBOH, CENTRE
r.lti NSWICK.
The precise date of the organization of this church can-
not be given. It is said that settlement was made here
mi of Brunswick, vicinity of Baynerville) in 1700, by
Germans from the Palatinate. But the few papers yet in
existence .-how this date to be wrong. ( me of these papers
i- a receipt given John ss Baincr lor dry-poods purchased
at the manor store, and bean date Maj 31, 17 10. Another
like ii i- dated Jan. 2, 17 17. Mr. Baincr was one of the
church officers. The church book began its records in 1777.
The " Kirchenordnung" (church constitution then adopted
ires that about twenty years previously they built a
church 1757 . This was n log house, which stood where
the tenant lion-. ■ ..f Mr. Charles Mickcl now stands, in
II lyncrville. In 1777 they began the building of a frame
church, declaring that the old church was in such a Btatc of
dilapidation as to render it unsafe, " fearing it might fall
down and kill us," they say. The first settlers seem, there-
fore, to have immediately organized a church. The name
of the first pastor has not been preserved. He went over
to the Church of England, and sought to carry the congre-
gation with him, but failed in this. In 17GS, Rev. Samuel
Schwcrdfeger came from Frederick, Md., and took charge.
He served the church twenty-four years, going from here
to Williamsburg, Canada, where he dedicated and served
to the day of his death the first Protestant church in all the
Canadas. The church, begun in 1777, was not finished till
17SS, owing to the disturbances connected with the war.
An emissary of the British government persuaded many of
the simple people to side with the Crown, which for a time
caused the suspension of religious services, and many deeds
of violence and bloodshed were perpetrated. One of the
church officers, Abner Roberts, who was also an officer in
the patriot army, was waylaid, killed, and scalped by the
Tories about one mile east of Troy, where the old Hoosick
road then ran. The approach of Burgoync's army drove
the people to Lansingburgh, then called " Stone Arabia."
While this state of things continued they attended divine
service in Albany. Previous to 1789, when St. John's
Lutheran Church, Schaghticoke, and Zion's Lutheran
Church, West Sand Lake, were organized, all the Germans
east of the Hudson River, from Livingston manor, on the
south, as far north as settlement had been made, and west
of the river, toward Schenectady, belonged to Gilead.
During the twenty-four years Pastor Schwcrdfeger served
the church the infant baptisms averaged one hundred and
twenty-two per year. Samuel Collamer, carpenter, finished
the frame church, which stood between the old log church
(then used for the parochial school) and the burying-ground,
at which time John Barnett, Jacob Waeger, Jr., Casper
Frets, and Sebastian Lohnis constituted the church council.
Space could not be spared here to give a complete list of
members of the church for even the first year. An idea of
its length may be formed when it is stated that there were
13G infant baptisms recorded that year. Perhaps two-
thirds of all the family names in Rensselaer County are
found on the church book. Among them are Johannes
Hainer, Conrad Ilainer, Petrus lienor, Bernhard Hener,
Henry Dadcr, Johannes Dader, John Barnett, Sebastian
Lohnis, Heinrich Conrad, Abraham Kuntz, Johannes Hein-
rich Cross. Petrus Loose, Johannes Bergman, Geo. Wetzel,
Jacob Cipperly, Christopher Beckman, Jacob Schmidt, Jo-
hannes Straub, Adam Ostrandcr, Jonas Giintber, Bernhard
Polak, Jacob Waeger. Philip and Andoni Derk, Laurentius
Schneider, John Gerhard. Jacob and Albert Brath, Jo-
hannes I Ink. Johannes Horn, James McCowen, Duncan
McMullen, George KLlbckner, Louis Laquois, Arnd Ilallen-
beck, YVilhelm \ "an Aelstcin, Hcrmanus Van Buehren,
Abner and Abraham Roberts, John Fergison. John McChes-
ney, Petrus and Laurentius Wciderwaks, John. James, and
Thomas Burnside, and many others, such as Quackenbos,
Flack, Winne, Gum. Goewy, l>u Bois, Van Valkenberg,
Van Duscn, Vandercook, Van Zandt, etc.*
For complete li-t see " History of Gilead Ex. Lutheran Church,
l.v Rev .1. N. Barnctt."
I
Photo, by Capper, Troy.
^■y-T^lAy
Richard C. Derrick was born Feb. 29, 1S04, in the
town of Brunswick, Rensselaer Co. His parents' names were
Samuel and Abigail Derrick. He was the fourth son in a
family of eleven children, four of whom are now living.
His ancestors came from Holland, and were among the
earliest settlers in Rensselaer County. They followed firm-
ing. His boyhood was spent on the farm, and was devoted
to toil. He attended the district school in winter, and
learned the elementary branches. His education was prac-
tical,— wasderi\.'l more from observation and experience
than from books. He understood human nature and inter-
preted motives correctly. Mr. Derrick began life without
iniary help. In lii- later years, when prosperity sur-
rounded him, he used to remark, that when he was married
and had paid the minister bis fee he \v.\A but twelve dollars
l'-ft to begin life with. He followed agricultural pursuits.
Be plowed deep, enriched the soil, raised good crops, made
machinery lighten labor, and admired fine Btock ; his cattle,
sheep, and pigs usually took the first premiums at the
county fairs. He was prompt in bis business engagements.
making it the rale of bis life to meel bis obligations when
il before if | ible.
He WIS an earn of temperance, and never used
spirituous li.jin.r-- in any form. He was strong in his friend-
ships, and never d rted '1 to whom he was attached.
He srai ■ man of gnat fun F character, Btrong in his convic-
tions and correct in his judgments, II' wa fitted by nature
for great emerj Ever industrious and economical,
he managed hi- affair- prudently and accumulated a band
some property. He never sought public office or political
honors. Formerly identified with the Whig party, upon
the organization of the Republican party he became a firm
supporter of its principles. During the civil war he was
loyal to the core.
He became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
in ls:;o, and remained a worthy communicant of that body
during his life. His wife united with the church at the
same time, and still remains constant in her profession.
On Jan. 20, lKl!5, be married Joanna M., daughter of
Jacob and Jane (McChesney) Derrick, of Brunswick.
She was born Oct. 11. 1S05. Their children are Mrs.
Henry J. Abbott, Mrs. Nathan B. Betts, Mrs. Lemuel B.
Hanaman, and Richard A., all residents of the town of
Brunswick.
Mr. Derrick died at bis bom,' in Brunswick Ma)' 18,
1870. He lived from 1 85(1 until the time of his death on
the farm where his son Richard A. now resides, — a view
of which may be seen on another page of this work. Be
and his wife during the latter years of his life spent their
Bummers at Round Lake, where he owned a fine cottage at
the time of his death. Mr. Derrick was physically strong,
tall in stature, and commanding in person. He was a fine
physical type of the pioneers who planted civilization in
I; nsselacr County. He was an earnest advocate and liberal
supporter of the Church, and every enterprise that tended
to make society better. He lived long and happily, com-
manded the respect of all who knew him, and at death's
-ate laid down the burden of life cheerfully.
- ' " " "
TOWN OK BRUNSWICK.
539
The location of the first and second church buildings lias
been given. In 1817 the third church was built i>n land
donated by Win. Coonradt, on the spot where the church
erected in 1805 now stands, three miles west of llavner-
ville, and five miles east of Troy. The last cost about
$13,000.
The pastors have been as follows : up to 1768, name not
preserved; 17(58-92, Rev. Samuel Schwerdfeger ; 1792—
91, Rev. Frederick Meier; 1794-95, Rev. Geo. Seigmund
Liebich ; 1795-1S01, Rev. George Joseph Wichtertnan ;
1802-12, Rev. Anthon Theodor Braun; 1812-14 (sup-
plies, Revs. Uhl, Coe, and Younglovc) ; 1814-15, Rev.
John Bachman, D.D., LL.D. ; 1815-16, Rev. John Mol-
ther; 1816-21, Rev. William McCarthy; 1821-28, Rev.
John R. Goodman; 1S28-53, Rev. Jacob L. Senderling,
D.D. ; 1853-64, Rev. David Kline ; 1864-68, Rev. Philip
A. Strobel; 1868-71, Rev. P. M. Rightmyer; 1871-75,
Rev. Alonzo P. Ludden ; 1 ,875-79, Rev. J. Nelson Bar-
nett.
The first precentor was Dr. John Godfrey Knauff, the
last, now in office, John Springer.
The church owned 64 acres of land at Haynerville, the
gift of the patroon, also 50 acres half-way between the first
site of the church and its present location, also donated by
him, now owned by Uriah Sheffer. The first named was
divided into two equal parts, and permission from the Court
of Chancery having been granted, was sold, the north half
to Leonard Sheffer, the other half is now owned by Frank-
lin Derrick. The first parsonage stood on the land now
owned by Charles Mickel, about six rods south of the grave-
yard. The second parsonage, on the old road just east of
the buildings now owned by Uriah Sheffer. The third was
in Troy. The present parsonage is located one mile from
the church, at Centre Brunswick. Only one of the pastors
died while in charge of the parish, — Rev. Mr. Braun. He
was buried at West Sand Lake.
The time-honored custom of catechetical instruction and
confirmation, as held and practiced by the Lutheran Church
for over 360 years, which fell into disuse for some years,
has lately been revived. Luther's Smaller Catechism is
used. The Sunday-school was organized June 13, 1S37,
with Rev. Dr. Senderling as superintendent. The parochial
report for the year 1S78 gives the number of scholars as
408, with 40 teachers. This includes two branch schools.
Rev. J. N. Barnett, Superintendent of the church school ;
Mr. J. L. Snyder, Superintendent at Tamarack; and Mr.
Dexter J. Snyder, at Haynerville. There are about 1000
books in the libraries.
The church numbers nearly 300 regular communicants.
The council consists of four elders and four deacons, who
are elected for a term of four years. The board of trustees,
the members of which hold office for three years, consists
of six persons, who, as well as the elders and deacons, must
be communicant members of the church, and contributors
to the extent of their abilities and engagements towards its
expenses and benevolent operations. The present officers
of the church are : Pastor, and chairman of the church
council, Rev. J. N. Barnett; Secretary of the church coun-
cil, John Springer; Church Treasurer, Lewis Hayner;
Elders, Jacob J. Bornt, Jacob II. Bornt, Jonas Brust,
Michael Wetherwax; Deacons, James L. Roberts, Amos
Hayner, George Colehamer, Calvin Brusl ; Trustees, Jacob
Brust, Calvin Dater, Jacob L Snyder, Sherman Smith,
Thomas II. Betts, Jeremiah I. Best.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BRUNSWIC1
The first steps which led directly to the establishmenl of
a Presbyterian Church in Brunswick were taken in the
year 1809. At a meeting of the inhabitanl of the town,
held July 11th in that year, presided over by Rev. Jonas
Coe, the following resolutions and subscription paper were
adopted :
"1st. That all proper measure* bo adopted as speedily as po riblc
to obtain tin. preaching of the Gospel in this town in the English
language, in a regular and stated manner, as we bave already lived
too long without ;i .
"2d. Resolved, that Francis Collison, Reuben Mcrriman, Hiram
Clowes, William Bidwell, Samuel De La Mater, ami John Filkins be
appointed a committee lor raising funds and procuring a preacher as
sunn as convenient, and they are authorized to treat with tin- Rev.
John Keys, of Sand Lake, and with tin: trustees of that congregation
for one-fourth of bis time to be appropriated here should he he set-
tled there."
The subscription-paper was as follows:
•■ We, the subscribers in the town of Brunswick, in the County of
Rensselaer, being desirous of having ttie Gospel of Christ preached
among us, do hereby promise to pay to Francis Collison, Reuben Mer-
riman, Hiram Clowes, William Bidwell, Samuel De La Mater, and
John Filkins the several sums annexed to our respective names yearly,
for the term of five years in quarterly payments for the Rev. John
Keys, to preach one-fourth part of the time for the said term of five
years in the town of Brunswick, at such place or places as a majority
of the subscribers shall deem proper in said town, or on the borders
of adjoining towns."
The above subscription was signed by 63 persons, and the
amount of the subscription was $115.37, the largest single
subscription being §8, which was given by two persons, —
Francis Collison and Walter McChcsney, and the smallest
37 cents, by ili'- widow. At a subsequent meeting of those
who subscribed to the support of Mr. Keys, held Sept. 25,
1800, it was unanimously voted, only one dissenting, that
the meeting should be holden on the Sabbath-day, in the
school-house near Mr. Matthias Abbott's, or in that neigh-
borhood.
Rev. John Keys preached in said school-house about a
year before any move was made towards a definite organi-
zation. On the 23d of July, 1S10, a meeting was held
in said school-house, when the following resolutions were
passed :
" 1st. That a society should be incorporated, constituted, and
known by the name or title of the ' First. Presbyterian Sooiety of
Brunswick.'
" 2d. Resolved, That five trustees be immediately elected, and that.
William Bidwell and Judd Abbott preside at said election, and judge
of the qualifications of such electors as the law made and provided in
such cases directs."
In accordance with the above resolutions the society was
constituted, and the following-named persons were duly
elected trustees : William Bidwell, Matthias Abbott, Wal-
ter McChcsney, James Cox, Jr., and Francis Collison.
The certificate of incorporation and election was attested by
William Bidwell and Judd Abbott, and sworn to before
Judge Daniel Whiting, on the 19th day of August, 1S10.
Written by Rev. J. V. Griswold, past >r of the church.
540
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
At the above meeting Mr. Matthias Abbott offered to the
trustees the land upon which the present house of worship
stands. The following is a list of the names of those per-
sons who were considered as voters to organize a church in
the town of Brunswick, July 23, 1810: Francis Collison,
Judd Abbott, Samuel K. McChesney, Isaac Gray, Hugh
McChesney, Matthias Abbott, James Cox, Jr., John Ab-
bott, Samuel MoChesney, Jr., Joseph McChesney, Valen-
tine Cropsey, Cornelius Dubois, Matthias Abbott, Jr.,
David Wheeler, Adam McChesney, John Dater, Jacob
Derick, David Cropsey, William Bidwell, Pelatiah Marsh,
I. 3ter Flagler, Philip M. Coons, Josiah B. Goodrich, John
Button, Bernard 1. Wager, and Walter McChesney.
Having employed the Rev. John Keys to preach for
them, they worshiped, under his administration, in the
school-house a part of the time and in Mr. Pollock's barn
until a meeting-house was built. Late in 1811 or early in
1-12 a movi in. nt was made towards building upon the lot
offered to the trustees by Matthias Abbott. The work was
done by contract by William Bidwell, and progressed rapidly,
so that on Sunday, the 21st of June, 1S12, Rev. John Keys
first preached in the meeting-house without a pulpit. Sun-
day. Oct 11. 1812, was preached the first sermon from the
pulpit of the Firsl Presbyterian society of Brunswick.
Work on the building continued until it was finished, early
in the following year, the cost of the completed house being
about $1500. Mr. Keys continued to preach for them until
May 1. 1813. The pulpit was then occupied by different
ministers, of whom there is little known, until July, 1S1G,
up to which time there was no organized church of Chris-
tian believers. Thursday, July 11, 1816, the following-
named persons met in the meeting-house and were organized
into a Church of Christ, having produced certificates of
membership in the First Presbyterian Church of Troy :
lli.li McChesney, Johanna McChesney, Catharine Mc-
Chesney, Mary McChesney, John Abbott, Leah Abbott,
J I!. Goodrich, Mary G Irich, Christina Coons, Pelatiah
Marsh, Elizabeth Marsh, Eunice W. Barker, Eleanor Dur-
kee,John Button, Elizabeth Button, Margaret McChesney,
and Ruth Abbott. — 17 iii all. At the same meeting the
following-named persons were elected ruling elders: John
Button, J. I'>. Goodrich, and John Abbott. The Rev.
a Younglovc, having filled thepulpit for several months,
was now constituted pastor of the church. lie rilled this
office with great acceptance until Dee. 29, 1827, when he
died very suddenly of heart-disease. The church was pros-
ii- under bis administration, and the most powerful
revival the church has yet witnessed surred during tin'
lew months of his pastorate, when 78 members were
April '.'. 1825, tie- Bocietywas reorganized, when t be fol-
lowing persons were elected trustees: Phillip M Coons,
Phillip 1'. Dater, G< b nick, Valentine tit-.;. John
I. osing, and Walter McChesney. At this time the society
irntcd, the certificate being attested by
John Button and -I iiah B. Go Irich, and sworn to before
Judge Daniel Bucl On the fifteenth of the same i ith
the - I of trustees met to consider the necessity of
tiring the house •■! worship. Having decided to make
ppointcd a committee to solicit funds for the
purpose. The repairs were made at an expense of over
§1000. Shortly after the death of Rev. John Younglove,
the committee appointed to secure preaching employed
Rev. Joshua A. Clayton, who supplied the pulpit several
months, and was, April 21, 1S29, unanimously elected
pastor. His labors, however, closed about April 1, 1S30.
July 11, 1S30, the Rev. Leonard Johnson, having preached
for several weeks, was unanimously elected pastor. He
continued in the service of the church about two years,
when the Rev. John B. Kendall acted as stated supply
until April, 1834. Little of note occurred during the
years from 1827 to 1834, except that the meeting-house
was repaired somewhat in 1S32 and 1834, and that Stephen
Van Rensselaer (which is indeed noteworthy) deeded to
the trustees, for the exclusive use of the church, about 25
acres of land and the original parsonage buildings. This
deed is dated June 23, 1S33, and was the fulfillment of a
promise made many years previous.
June 5, 1834, the Rev. Gardner Hayden was unani-
mously chosen pastor, with a salary of 8300 and the use of
the parsonage and land. Air. Hayden accepted the call, and
continued with the people for fifteen years. During his
ministry the church maintained its usual strength, and in
1S40 a revival of considerable interest occurred, when quite
a number of the efficient men of the community took hold
of the work of the church.
At the close of this long pastorate, Rev. Waters Warren
supplied the pulpit for two years. In 1852 the Rev. Joseph
E. L. Lamb became pastor, and continued until 185S.
During the third year of his ministry a great revival oc-
curred, when about forty were received into the church.
In the spring of 1800 the Rev. Samuel M. Wood became
the acting pastor. Up to this time the meeting-house had
maintained the general form of the original building: gallery
on three sides, high box-pews, facing in three directions,
very high pulpit, surmounted by a threatening sounding-
board, and the general appearance quite antiquated.
The new pastor endured this for one year, when the
people seemed ready to arise and rebuild. March 29, 1S61,
a congregational meeting was held and the following build-
ing committee appointed : Joseph II. Coons, Francis C.
Collison, Daniel Roekenstyre, David Phillips, Jonas C.
McChesney, and Reuben Dower. The committee proceeded
to solicit subscriptions, and also began the work. The old
house was all torn away save the bare frame, galleries gone.
pulpit gone, and seats gone. The old building was renewed
so as to he unrecognized. Up to Feb. 4. 1862, the com-
mittee had expended the sum of $2082.40, and had col-
lected -*-'11! I. At the final report of the committee. March
16, 1863, the cost of the building complete was found to
'Hi.- few hundred dollars wanting when the building was
finished was not long in coming, and the people were then
more awake to spiritual things. No very marked revival
Occurred during Mr. W I's ministry, though in the years
l-i.l and 1870 an unusual number of young people of
excellent character wen- added to the church, and a good
-|ii itual power was Pelt during his whole pastorate.
II ■- faithfulncse ns a servant of Christ won and held for
him the love and respect of the people for ovci sixteen
JAMES L. ROBERTS
MRS JAMES L ROBERTS
"gya^h-^-N; '■--■•; v -■■'.. ..:-■■■■■■;- v,- ---,.:.: ■ ■ '■ ■' ■ ~'~ — ~. r: """ ::^^w?.< — ; JSjpgf
Residence or JAMES L. ROBERTS, Brunswick, n. Y
/,
MRS. JOHN HARE.
JOHN HARE.
OF JOHN HARE. LAKE AVENUE. BRUNSWICK NY.
TOWN OF BRUNSWICK.
:,ll
years, until by increasing Feebleness he was compelled to re-
linquish his stronghold. His ministry closed in June, IS7(i.
In October of the same year the present pastor, the Rev.
J. V. Griswold, was called, and installed November 1st by
a committee from the Troy Presbytery, consisting of Dr.
Charles E. Robinson, Revs. Donald McGregor, N. B.
Remick, and Clarence Eddy. For (be three years of tire,
present pastorate a good degree of spirituality has been
maintained, and unusual financial prosperity, the revenues
of the church being more than at any time in its history.
During this time the pulpit lias been lowered and set back
into a recess, making more available seats for the congrega-
tion, at an expense of between $250 and $300; and the
barn belonging to the manse has been rebuilt, at about the
same expense. The cemetery has been improved in appear-
ance by care, and by the erection of monuments commem-
orative of the beloved dead. The whole number of mem-
bers from the organization of the church to the present time
is just 400. The present number of members is 105, all
of whom are personally known by the pastor. Others have
wandered away, of whom the church has no knowledge.
The present number in the Sabbatb-sebool is 12G.
The present church property consists of the meeting-
bouse in good condition, the cemetery, the manse, and all
the land that was ever attached to it, consisting of about 2
acres, and 23 acres situated on the east hill, all of which
is entire.li/ free from iL hi.
The following is a list of the elders who have served the
church and entered the church triumphant :
Ordained. Pied.
Joshua Hutton 1816 [835
Josiah B. Goodrich 1816 1836
John Abbolt 1816 1840
John Dater IMS IS:::;
Daniel Howe 1829 1855
Samuel B.Davis 1839 1869
Philip P. Dater 1857 1S68
The present officers of the church are Rev. J. V. Gris-
wold, Pastor, installed November, 1876 ; Elders, Job Greene,
ordained 1832; Jonas C. McChesney, ordained 1839;
Daniel Roehenstyre, ordained 1857; Orlando J. Greene,
ordained 1857; and David Phillips, ordained in 1870.
The following are the trustees, with the date of their elec-
tion : Aaron Davis and Samuel II. Dater, 1S77 ; Edward
McChesney and John S. Eddy, 1878; Edward Link and
Josiah B. McChesney. 1879. Treasurer, Philip A. Dater,
1879; Clerk, Herbert Greene, 1S79.
MILLYILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Methodist work in Brunswick dates back to an early
period. A class was formed in Troy in 1801 , but the mem-
bers soon after scattered. Two or three years later the effort
was resumed, and three men — Andress, Betts, and Curtis —
are spoken of as the leading members. The family name
Betts is familiar in the early history of Brunswick, and in-
dicates that this portion of Troy shared in that religious
movement. Troy, including Brunswick, first became a dis-
tinct charge in 1810. Dr. Pheebus was the preacher. In
1813 Laban Clark, and in 1815 Tobias Spicer, were the
ministers, and there were then 107 members in Troy,
Albia, West Troy, and Lansingburgh. During Mr. Spicer's
ministry they increased to 250.
The church at Eagle Mil! was organized in 18 19. Thej
have a convenient house of worship, pleasantly located easl
of tin' village. The present organization consists of the
following official members :
Pastor, Rev. Samuel McChesney; Stewards, Charles
Potter, Silas McChesney, Mordecai McChesney; Trustees,
Jeremiah Link, Jacob Mayers, Charles Potter; George
A. Wager, Janus McChesney; Class-Leaders, Mordecai
McChesney, .lames McChesney; Sunday-school Superin-
tendent, Samuel Met 'lieMiev.
This society was incorporated April 2, 1849. The cer-
tificate is attested by Adam Coonradt and Wm. J'. Coou-
radt, who presided at the meeting. The trust i elei ted at
that time were Adam C iradt, Lodewick Myers, Ambrose
Eddy, Joseph McChesney, and Edward L. Roberts.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY OF CENTRE I'.lll NSWIc'K.
This body was incorporated Feb. 2, 1835. The certifi-
cate was signed by Henry Smith and Hiram Van Pelt,
officers of the meeting. The following trustees were chosi n
at that time: David Titus, Martin M. Hayner, Joseph
Cleavelanl, Jacob E. Adams, and II. Van Pelt. The
present organization (October, 1879) consists of the follow-
ing official members : Pastor, Rev. E. A. Brayman ;
Stewards, N. B. Belts, II. J. Abbott, W. II. Ensign ;
Trustees, H. Brust, U. Sbeffer, H. J. Abbott, J. V. Adams,
R. A. Derrick; Class-Leaders, L. Hawthorne, H. Brust,
Win. Cleaveland ; Sunday-school Superintendent, Ellery
Abbott.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY OF EAST BRUNS-
WICK.
A religious body bearing this name was organized March
28, 1874. The certificate of that date was signed by David
Wager and Walter McChesney. The trustees named in
the instrument were Levi Hayner, Jacob Honsingcr, Wil-
lard D. Green, Orrin McChesney, and William Wager.
This society, as the above date shows, is a new enterprise.
A very neat house of worship has been erected, occupying
a central position in the somewhat irregular but decidedly
romantic village of " Bock Hollow."
THE CHURCH OF THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.
This society was incorporated Feb. 27, 1854. The
certificate is attested by the signature of J. H. Allen, who
presided at the meeting. The trustees appointed at the
time were William Kinloch, John Welch, and Henry
Myers. The church was formed several months earlier, —
Dec. 14, 1852. The first members were Joseph H. Allen,
Sarah II. Allen, Jacob Van Schaick, William Kinloch,
Matilda Baraban, Alexander Baraban, Mary J. Van
Schaick, Sarah II. Kinloch, Henry Myers, Henry C. Par-
sons, Charity Parsons, Charles Kinloch, David Moody,
David II. Payne, Wales French, Amanda Woolworth,
Mary Kitbcdge, Robert Band, Catherine A. Payne, Mary
Hale, William Mason, Job Heddcn, Patience Hedden.
Henry C. Parsons was the first clerk, and the first deacon
was William Kinloch, who afterwards removed from town.
The bouse of worship was built in the summer of 1853,
and cost about §1200. The house was dedicated Feb. 5,
:, 12
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1854, thesermoD being preached by Elder Silas E. Shepherd,
of New York. The successive ministers of (he church
have been Elders Benrj C. Parsons, Bartlett. Z. P.
Birdsall, Dexter Moody, Edwin Wakefield, James Garfield *
J II Gardner, J. C. Stark, J. 0. Cutis, J. G. Ensell.
The pasl elders in the church as officers have been John C.
Welch, Lyman Suydam, and John Simond; Deacons David
H. Payne and M. Herrington.
The present organization is as follows: Deacons, Robert
Band, Stephen II. Smith, Hiram Wager; Elders, P. H.
Van Zandt, M. Herrington; Clerk, M. Herrington; Trus-
.1. II. Allen, .1. C Allen, Hiram Wager.
VIII.— BURIAL-PLACES.
These are quite numerous in town. The following named
are the principal grounds, but some places of private burial
are probably overlooked. At Eagle Mills the burial-place
is east of the Methodist church. This is comparatively
modern. Some portions of it arc in good order, and the
whole plat may easily be arranged with taste and beauty.
At the white church i PresbyteriaiO is an old cemetery,
dating back to the early settlement of the town. It is well
preserved, and still in use for that neighborhood. The
burial-place upon the present Collisou farm is largi Iv
devoted to the Springer family. It is kept in good order,
and is still used. At Cropscyville there is a burial-ground,
near t lie residence of Roberl Morrison. It is still used to
some extent There is a burial place on the Paul Springer
farm, not very large, but containing many ancient graves.
Some of the earliest settlers of the town are buried there.
Only a few burials have been made there in late years.
Si Mary's burial-ground belongs to the Catholic socie-
ties of Troy. It is a large and handsome cemetery, laid
out in accordance with modern ideas of beauty. Tbere are
many line monuments already erected upon the lots. The
mat, a id have shown a wise forecast of the future
by recently purchasing forty acres as an addition to the
grounds. In the vicinity of the Lutheran church are two
very interesting burial-grounds. On the west side of the
road is the ancient one, — a place where " the rude fore-
fathers of the hamlet sleep;'' many of them in nameless
and forgotten graves. < >n the east side of the road is the
new foundedbyan incorporated association. The
legal certificati bears date April -~. 1S1T. and the follow-
ing trustees were named in the instrument: Michael Hay-
net Brust, Ja ' Clum, Lewis Hayner, Jacob L.
ler, and Charles H. Mickle. There is a burial-place
the residence of Abncr Derrick, wesl of Centre Bruns-
wick. It i.- -till in use i" soi xt int. Another is on the
jr. farm, known as the Myers burial-place. This
i- very old; the Polock family of early times are buried
there, and many others of the firal bottlers. This is no
|. oger nscd. < >n the Draper farm i- a burial-place, largely
• d the Simmons family, but including many others. Now
unused The Colehammer burial-place, on the well known
■ haiiiiin r I. ii in. I - a -| 1 1 id interest to that family and
tin ir i . .inn i ' - and rclativi s have ben
buried tin re almi of y< ars.
DOW Ibc wcll-kn"
It is still in use. On the Philip Wager farm is an old
burial-place ; not now used. In connection with the
Methodist church at Centre Brunswick there is a burial-
place of comparatively modern date.
IX.— SOCIETIES.
The town of Brunswick lies adjacent to Troy, and there
are members of Masonic lodges as well as of Odd-Fellows
who reside in Brunswick, but belong to the societies of the
city. There are no lodges of these orders in Brunswick.
The Sons of Temperance at one time maintained a flourish-
ing division. It finally dissolved, more for want of a suit-
able room than from a loss of interest iu the objects of the
order. Other societies have occasionally had a brief exist-
ence, but they have left little or nothing for the historian
to gather.
X.— PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST.
There are neither battle-fields nor the camping-grounds
of armies in Brunswick. The points around which cluster
special historic interest are the places of early settlement,
the sites of pioneer churches, the lonely graves in obscure
fields, the points where early pioneers first compelled the
dashing streams to grind their grain.
XI.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
Brunswick is a fine farming town, splendid fields, under
careful cultivation, stretching away in every direction.
The soil upon the summit of the hills is hard and sterile,
but on the slopes it is productive, and in the valleys and
lowlands it consists chiefly of a gravelly loam intermixed
with clay, and yields abundantly. Large crops of rye,
oats, grass, and potatoes are produced. Lying just beyond
the city line, everything raised in the town finds a quick
sale for cash. The people of Brunswick are extensively
engaged in furnishing milk, vegetables, small fruits, and
hay for the Troy market, Other business enterprises be-
sides farming — as mills and factories — are spoken of in con-
nection with the villages where they are located. In all
the northern and central portions of the town the streams
arc not of sufficient magnitude to furnish water-privileges
of value. The Quacken Kill and the Poestcn Kill are the
only sources of water-power. Outside of the villages men-
tioned there are a few business enterprises; here and there
various shops; and near the Troy line the "Excelsior
Mills." There is an extensive slaughtering establishment
mi the Eagle Mills Turnpike a mile or more from the Troy
line. This is carried on by the brothers J. S. and Z. D.
Main. They do a large business, butchering sometimes
100 h'iid a Week.
THE PLANTERS' IIOE COMPANY.
Joseph II. Allen came to Eagle Mills Jan. 25, 1851, and
established the manufacture ol augers and bits. This was
ill the Eagle Mills building. In 1 85 I there was formed the
Millville Manufacturing Company. Tiny secured water-
power from the Eagle Mills pond, and tunneled through
the rock tu conduct the water to the new buildings which
they erected in the rear of the Eaglo Mills. They manu-
factured cal.lc chains. In a short time this company be-
■I .^r:^y
•
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ail
RESIDENCE Or B . B. LINK , BRUNSWICK. N,sY.
riS;S:
\ vobUC
TH-
PUBLIC 1
ASTOR.
TOWN OF BRUNSWICK.
:.i:;
came involved in legal diffeulties, and finally dissolved.
Then Mr. Allen, having purchased the whole property,
commenced making planters' hues for use! in the South.
The demand was large, the business increased, and a fine
trade was secured, but when the war broke out the South-
ern market closed. When Mr. Allen entered the military
service, as elsewhere mentioned, this factory and the store
connected with it were closed, and the business ended for
the time. On returning' to Brunswick at the close of the
war Mr. Allen, associating with himself Mr. George T.
Lane, of Troy, reopened' this branch of manufacturing, and
the same heavy Southern style of hoes has been made from
that time to the present. A large and prosperous trade
was again secured, and has been retained. The company
design to add in a few months the manufacture of the
lighter common hoe in use East and West. The brick
building known as Eagle INI ills lias quite a history. It was
built in 1831, the turnpike-road having been laid through
this place the year before. The late Mr. Roberts used to
state that his first job of painting in this village was upon
the Eagle Mills ; that he painted the name as it. now appears
upon the walls in 18.'>2. The building was erected for
Sheldon, De Freest & Van Alstiue as a flouring-mill, and
was run as such for many years. It passed into the hands
of Mr. Allen in 1851, and was sold by him to Mr. Groom
when he joined the army. Subsequently it was bought by
the Planters' Hoe Company, who now own it. The grist-
mill of Mr. Herrington is in this building. The earlier
mills were upon the other side of the road nearer the dam.
They comprised a grist-mill, a fulling-mill, and carding-ma-
chine, and these dated back to the early settlement. Mr.
Hoag was the owner for some years, or connected with
them. There was at one time a knitting-mill, established,
about half-way to Troy, by William II. Young. It was
operated for a few years, when it was destroyed by fire and
not rebuilt.
XI L— MILITARY.
The town was but thinly settled previous to the Revolu-
tionary war, and but few entered the Continental service.
Of the war of 1812 we have but little account showing
who participated from the town of Brunswick. The " Eddy
Expedition," so called, of course embodied all the militia
that belonged to the 155th Regiment. Maj. Philip Dator,
who died recently, was in the war of 1812.
WAR OF THE REBELLION.
The opening of the war evoked national enthusiasm in
Brunswick as elsewhere throughout the country. Lieut.
Hagadoru joined the 125th Regiment, taking with him 30
or 40 of his townsmen. After the defeat before Richmond
the call for 300,000 men, with the quota of Brunswick at
about 50, was received, and the war committee, of which
Joseph II. Allen was chairman, held a meeting at the hour
of eight in the morning. The question was, " Who will
go?" "who will recruit a company ?" One citizen requested
to lead declined, and other names were canvassed, when the
chairman himself was suggested. The proposition was ac-
cepted by Mr. Allen. As chairman of the committee, he
said, " Come, boys," instead of " go," and 2D men were en-
listed before noon. Locking up factory and store, ('apt.
Allen, within three (lays, led into Troy a full company, re-
cruited largely from this town. Bounties were paid and
every icssarj effort made to meet the crisis. The follow-
ing resolution of the town board appears in the records of
Brunswick :
•• Resolved, That the sum of $5400 bo raised u] the taxable prop
erty of the town for tho purpo c ol paying the debt incurred for
bounties to volunteers and the incidental expenses thereof, and that
said tax bo levied 1 collected on some day or days previously to the
1st, day <>l* Juno next.
■■ Dated Brun wiol , Feb 14. 1863."
The following list is prepared from the best attainable
sources, but may be defective in some particulars, as no
complete record is preserved in the town clerk's office
ARMY LIST, WAR of 1601-65.
GuBtave A. Klauso, onl. Sept. 3, 1802, lOOtl Regl , Co C.
Franklin Partridge, onl. Si'pt. 0, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. C.
Philip Polock, onl Sept 1, 1862, 169th Regt., Co C; died Boon after his return
of disease contrai ted in tho n my.
John Rickard, enl.Sept.ft, 1802, LCSth Regt.,Co. C; was wounded in a skirmish
I ro Richmond on tho New Market road ; jusl c lag in oil of picket-
lino.
Joseph Rodgers, onl Sept. 3, 1802, 100th Regt., Co C.
Lewis A. Roberts, enl. Sept. 3, 1802, 109th Regl ,Co C.
Henry Smith, enl. Sept. 0, 1802, ICOIh Reg., Co. C.
George Smith, enl. Sept. 0, 1802, 109th Reg! , Co C.
John C. Sum, enl. Sept. 3, 1802, 10 tl. Regt . Co. C.
Stephon II. Smith, enl. Sept. 3, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. C.
Green Tilly, enl. Sept. 3, 1802, 109th Regl , Co C
David Vincent, onl. Sept. 0, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. C ; he rami- from Grafton.
Jucob Wager, onl. Sept. 9, 1802, 109th Regt, Co. C.
Uvury Hoffinoister, enl. Sept. 0, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. C ; disabled ; died since,
about lsTT.
Ottman Grimmerger, enl. Sept. 3, 1802, 109th Regt.,Co.C; died in the Bet-vice
at Folly I&landin South Carolina.
Joseph H. Allen, capt. of Co. C, 109th Regt.; pro, to maj., and brev. to lieut.-
col. (See biography elsewhi re
Edgard M. Conner, 1st sergt., enl. Sept. 3, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. C; pro. to 2d
lieul. in Co. 1J. ,
Chillies S. Phillips, 5th Corp., onl. Sept. 0, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. Co ; wounded
in the elbow, havinga crippled arm.
Samuel L. Cipperly, 4th Corp., enl. Sept. ft, 1862, 109th Begt., Co. C; pro. 2d
lieut. : wounded at Cold Harbor.
William Stewart, 4tli sergt., enl. Sept. 1, 1802, 109th Regt,, Co. C.
Philip Bennett, enl. Sept. 4, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. Cj from Grafton; disch. for
disability.
Charles Bruce, enl. Sept. 1,1862, 109th Regt., Co. C; wounded and died in tho
sei i ice.
John II. Brimmer, enl. Sept. 0,1802,169th Regt.Co.C; wounded; Bhot through
the lungs survives, but feeble ; wound -till running.
John A.lirodt, eul.Sept. 4, 1802, 169th Regt., Co. C ; wounded, and draws a
pension.
Edson Brnndage, enl. Sept. 0, 1802, I09lh Regt.Co.C; from Pittstown ; sup-
posed died either in the service or soon after.
Pliilandi r Bull, enl. Sept. 6, 1802, 169th Regt .Co. C.
Jnmes M. Casey, enl. Sept. 3, 18G2, 109th Regt., Co.C; died of malarial revel at
chain Bridge; the first death in Co. C.
W, II. Carner, enl. Sept. 3, 1862, 169th Regt . Co.C.
Charles I.. Crandell, enl. Sept. 4, 1802, 109th Regt , Co. C.
.I;u-,,l, II. C iio.lt, enl. Sept. 3, 1802. 109th Regt , Co. C ; disch. for disability.
Kll.r.dge Green, enl. Sept 6, 1862, 160th Regt., Co C; trans, to Invalid Corps.
Joseph I! Hall, enl.Sept. 0, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. C; died a few years alter tho
war; ho was from Grnfton.
John 11. Hoffmoister, enl, Sept. 6, 1SC2, 169th Regt., Co. C; severely wounded ;
jaw Bhot away ; now residing at Cropseyville.
Sebastian Rise, enl. Sept. 0, 1802, 109th Regt., (Jo. C.
Jacob Ci s, enl. LCStli Regt., Co.C; disabled; pension applied for.
John II. Strunk, enl. 169th Regt., Co C.
George Broccker, private, enl. 109th Regt.Co.C; wounded; draws a pension.
Joseph A. Sogers, enl. 169th Regt, Co C
Michael Vaughn, enl. 109th Regt., Co. C.
Michael Cullen, enl. 109th Regl Co. O.
Aaron It. Davis, enl. 109th Regt., Co. C; from Pittstown.
David Keller, enl. 109th Regt., Co. C; disabled; died since the war; refused
to apply lor a pension.
Hiram Wag u, enl. 188th N. Y. S. Vols. : lost an arm at Hatcher's Run.
Charles r McChesney, enl Nov. 21, 1861, In 14th X. Y. Vols ; trans, to the 5th
Regt., March It, 1802; 1st sergt. Co. G,6th X. Y. S. Vols. ; taken pris-
oner at the battle of WYl.lon Railroad, Aug. 19,1804; put in And
ville prison; disch. ft prison March21,1865; died March :i0, 1S65.
5 II
IlISTOllY (>!• KKNSSKLAKl! COUNTY, NKW Yul'.K.
l>»vi.l Lace, --ill. I25tb Regt.; ca borne sick, and died in a fow days.
■ill. Co.ll, 125lh Regt N. Y. Vole.; term expired.
i. M. I25th Regt ; terra expired.
Uenrj • i; • Cavalry) N.T. Vols.; term ox-
J..|in Bai i, « r-t . .Hi SOtli Regt . April,
Co. (,30th Regt; killed At second battle of
Hull Ron.
11 R S 1 - V.. Is.
Charles I' II Chi may, enl. Nov. 21, 1861 ; joined the 14th Regt X. Y. S. Vole.,
b 1. 1862; trans, t.. Iho .'.(Ii Regt. N. Y. S. Vol*., Juno 2.1SG4; 1st
...inh 1,1864; Inkon prisoner In tuo bnttlo of Weldon Bnll-
roail. Ang. 19, 1864 ; reached home with a thirty days' furlough, March
•■■ , 1865.
, .' - fJ. Wager. Lovy al. Bice, Bonjamin J. Bovee, John
Berney, Sylvester Shnmvay, 1'.' Win C. Clark, onl. S pi. 2, 1864.
Charli < Goorgi W. King, John H.Wood, M.W.
w i. William I'. Calhi George Mash, Richard 11. .lam.-, John It.
Hack, Jami Id lleury, Horman Warnor, Samuel Fox, Philip
11 >l Sepl • . 181 I
1 l. Isaac II. Roberts, Alonzo Riley, riuirles
Hall. Joao] ' - Sepl 15, 1 B64.
, K. Smith, onl. Sept. 1863, -1-t I .v
Timothy Uydorn, onl. Aug. 20, 181 ■. 126th Regt
\ ,1. eul. July, 186 I, 1 S Regul .1-.
enl. Sept 2, 1864, 21st N. V. v.. Is.
II Ulllar, .nl. Aug : Hegt.
. HI, R .1
1 Rol oris, .nl. 1861, Black tiorso Cavalry.
nl. .1.111. 1864, 169th 1:
Henry Richer, .-nl. April, 1861, -al Inf.
1 1 Unrlbert, Corp., onl. Aug. 14, 1862, 125th Regt.; pro. to sergt.
1 Is, so ft, .-hi. An,-. 1 1, 1862, 125tli 1: -i.
David Uagadorn, lieut, onl. Aug. 1862, 125th Regt
John K. Huffman, enl. Aug. 31, 1862, I25tl Regt
1,1863, i -tli Heavy Art.
. 1862, [25th Regt; lost an arm in batllo of
Philip A. Flle.i nl. Aug -7. 1862, 125th Regt.
1,1863, 16th Heavy An.
K.. lor, .nl. Aug. 1863,21st Cav.
I'lnlil Au.. 1862, 12511] Regt
Aug. 11, 1862, I26tll Regt.
Martin 1.. Smith, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 126th 1: -1
', !-■ ;. U.'.ili Regt
901, 2d Regt
I II Fonl, onl. April, 1865, 1 1.
■ her, "hi. April, 1866, 192d Regt
Ctuuli - 'A " iger.i nl \... 6, 181 1. 126th Regt
1 . Howlnnd, ml. Aug. :;", 1864, Jl-i Cnv.
1 -Mh Regt.
U. 1861, -■! lt"-'t.
Willi,,. .1 ... 1. 1-..1. 188 th 1
knor, '-nl. Jan. 1864, I69tl
nl, 1 96 ;. Kid 1 lav.
' HcArdlo, . 125th Regt.
ll. Dec 11. l-'J. lllli II". 111 Art.
16th Regt.
Cb*rl
II II .rn.T, Ji . .hi 9 pt 3, :-',J, 169th Rcgl , I I
I*, .nl. April .:. 1861,30th I
! II- .Hi. .nl. An.-. :-. 1862, 126th R<-gt.
Regt
I Iprll 1", 1806; burled ut
Brans
:-■■:. 126th Begt.j killed Maj 12, 1864, at Spohryl-
ti. Regt.; died Oct SO, 1
l.nry. ..f starvation aii'l eX]
B.D died N01 16, I81
r . accidentally drotraed In
:
>• Brunswick.
WHUem ; in Virginia in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1 "I. JOSEPH ll ALU
John ami Sarah Allen, was born in Albnrg, Yt .
1 -:;i ll;-' 1 ■ 11 11... t i. -11 1
and of English origin, and his mother was a native of Ver-
inniit and of Scotch desceut. He left home when only
eight years of age to carve out a fortune for himself. He
commenced to work in an auger-factory at, an early age, at
Hamden, Conn., and continued until he was seventeen
years old. when lie purchased a store of clocks, which he
traded lor horses iii Vermont and Canada. He shipped
his horses, " thirty-two in number." to the West Indies;
hut the ship was wrecked, and his horses were lost, thus
placing him badly in debt. With a perseverance whieh
has characterized him through life, he obtained credit, and
again shipped a number of horses to the West Indies, this
time doing well, which enabled him to pay all his indebted-
ness ami leave him a margin besides. He resumed his
place in the auger-factory, where he remained until Sept.
1, 1843, when he came to Troy, N. Y., and entered into
partnership with 0. W. Edson in the manufacture of
augers. This business connection continued until the fol-
lowing January, when he purchased his partner's interest
and continued in business until he was burned out in 1S50.
January, 1851, he purchased the flouring-mills at Eagle
Mills, whieh he changed into an auger-factory. In 1S59
he added machinery for the manufacture of hoes. He
closed his business in 1861. September, 1SG2. he enlisted
in Company C, ltSihh Regiment, New York Volunteers,
and was chosen captain, having organized the company
within six days. He participated in all the battles in
which his regiment was engaged, except a few minor ones,
which occurred while lie was detailed for five months in
New York to forward recruits, during which time he was
recovering from his wounds. He received a severe wound
at Cold Harbor, which shattered the bones of his wrist, a
flesh wound in the same place at Fort Fisher, and in the
same engagement was wounded in his leg near the ankle,
where the ball still remains. He was promoted to the rank
of major in June. 1 S(J4. He had command of his brigade
at Fort Fisher, and for meritorious conduct in that engage-
ment was recommended for promotion by President Lin-
coln, and brevctted lieutenant-colonel, to rank from March
13, 1865.
At the close of the war Col. Allen reorganized his manu-
facturing business, "except the auger department," in
company with Geo. T. Lane as senior member, since
whieh time they have carried on an extensive business.
This firm is known as the " Planters' Hoe Company,'' of
which the colonel has charge of the manufacturing depart-
ment. He was a Whig in politics until 1861, since which
time he has been an unswerving Democrat, He has held
the offices of justice of the peace and supervisor of his
town, lie is one of 'be foremost of his town in promoting
ii- educational interests, lie married Sarah H., daughter
nf ]>avid II. and Catharine ('. Payne, of llaniilen. Conn.,
.1 nU ii, 1 - IT. ( if 1 In- niii. hi two children have been born,
viz., Sarah, wife of Andrew Mullen, and Cornelia May.
8YLVESTEB McCHESNEY
was born Nov. 24, 1818, on the rariu where he now resides,
in (he town of Brunswick. Bis grandfather, Joseph
Mi t'licsney, emigrated from (he north nl' Ireland, ami was
'^u-
PHnrtiT BV ATKINSON TKOY
QjssVUjJ, TtoJifXe^LP
— . ■ ". .- ■ — ■■'.•"'■ ■■•",■ -rJ-\- ■■--■•~ ~ : — "~
S3?
RESIDENCE of COL. J. H. ALLEN, lAGLE Mills, N.Y.
EDWARD McC'HESXEY .
was born iu the town of Bruns-
wii-k, Rensselaer Co., N. Y.,
in the year 1828. His great-
grandfather, Robert McChes-
in-y, in company with three
brothers, emigrated to America
from Comity Monaghap, Ire-
land, in the year 1764, and
• 1 in tlic town of Bruns-
wick. He had eight children.
Ili— grandfather was born in
1760. rcand a family of fifteen
children, and died in 1830.
His father, Jonas C. McChes-
uey, was born in 1802, reared
a family, and has followed
agricultural pursuits during his
life, and uow living — 1879.
Mr. Edward McChesney has
always resided in the town of
his nativity, except from 1853
to 1863, when he resided in the
adj oining town of Pittstown . He
received a good education while
young. He has taken an active
part in politics and all ques-
tions of interest to the citizens
of his town and county. In
1856 he was elected to the office
of justice of the peace, which
office he continues to fill in
1879 ; and for two terms, 1870-
71, he was one of the associate
judges of Rensselaer County.
He is a man of good judgment,
integrity, and honesty of pur-
pose, and respected by all -who
know him.
RESIDENCE or EDWARD Mr:
NEY, BRUNSWICK-.N.Y
TOWN ol' BRUNSWICK
5 1 5
the tirsi of the MeChesney family who settled on ilii- farm,
whore Will. M (-('In 'si icy, father of I he subject of I liis narra-
tive, was burn and resided during his life. A view of iliis
place wiili its improvements mav be seen on another pa ;o
of this work, showing the industry of three successi; i
erations. .Ian. 25, 1SII, .Mr. MeChesney married Chloe
A., daughter of Daniel and L. Way, of Lansingburgh.
Mr. MeChesney was formerly a member of the did Whig
party, and is now a Republican, lie lias never been so-
licitous (if official honors, although he lias always taken an
active part in polities, and has never held ofliee except as
overseer of the poor. Characteristic of Mr. MeChesney
are integrity, correct habits, and force of character. He
has always been opposed to the sale of intoxicating liquors,
and has done what he could to suppress their use
BURRELL B. LINK
was horn in the town of Brunswick, Rensselaer Co., N. Y.,
July 2, 1825. He is a son of Helmar and Esther Link,
natives of the same county, who were buried in Oakwood
Ccmetry. His father was an apprentice while young, fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits during bis life, was on a rented
farm lor a few years, and passed the latter part of his life
on a farm of his own in comparative comfort. Mr. Link,
in company with his brother (Jeremiah Link), purchased
the farms on which they both now reside, and for five years
carried on the milk business together. A view of his res-
idence, showing the work of industry and economy, may be
seen on another page of this work.
Mr. Link represents the agricultural interests of his
town, and is known as a thrifty, enterprising farmer and an
honest man.
He married, Nov. 16, 1864, Fannie, daughter of Jacob
P. and Jane Coonradt, of the town of Brunswick. Their
children are Burrell B., Arba N., Stanley C, Allen, Nellie
B., and one not named. Mrs. Link was born Nov. 29,
1841.
JAMES L. ROBERTS,
son of Isaac and Mary C. Roberts, is of German descent,
and was born March It), 1824, in the town of Brunswick.
The farm, on which he now resides, was first settled by bis
great-grand lather, Abram Roberts, who was one of the first
settlers of Rensselaer County, and located on this farm
when it was a wilderness tract of land. He was killed by
the Tories.
The farm has been successively owned by his grand-
father and father, both of whom were farmers by occupa-
tion, and good members of society.
Mr. James L. Roberts married for his first wife Sophia,
daughter of Henry Hayner. Of this union were born three
children, — Isaac, William M., and Martha (wife of Marvin
H. Du Bois). Mrs. Roberts died Aug. 31, 1S53, He mar-
ried for his present wife Mrs. Smith, daughter of Charles
and Barbara Boyles, Jan. 28, 1 S.">7. They have one
daughter, Jennie E.
6a
A view of Mr. Robert n i lence may be seen on another
page of this work, showing thi progri mndi ';'"' the first
Bettlemenl of the count} . and the result of ind ■ and
economy.
\| i Roberts is a mcmbei of the Republican pan
both In- and hi- -a id mb i - of the < lilead Lutlii ran
Church, ami interested in all thai makes society better.
JOHN L. COLLYSON
was Kuril in the town of Brunswick, August 29, 1 — ' < T -
lie is the youngest son in a family of seven children
four of whom arc living of Francis ('.and Mary Collyson
who reside ii] the old Collyson homestead. The family
was among the early settlers of Reus lii County, and
have been tillers of the soil.
Mr. Collyson resided at home until June, 1833, when
he married Catherine Maria, daughter of Martin and Helen
Springer, of the same town. Her father was horn on the
farm where Mr. Collyson now resides, — the place being
known as the Springer homestead. Mr. Springer was a
surveyor, and a man of much influence iu the community.
He held many oificcs in the town, and was a representative
in the State Legislature from his Assembly district.
Mr. Collyson since his marriage has been a resident of
Sand Lake I'ur three years, and of Schaghticoke I'm' ten
years. In 1847 he settled on the farm where he now re-
sides. The house was built by Martin Springer in 1^27.
A view of the residence and improvements on this place
may be seen on another page of this book.
Their children are Mrs. Lester Rains, Martin, Mrs.
Garret Bloomingdale, and Mrs. ]•]. N. Garner, of Columbia
County. Mrs. Collyson died Sept. 18, 1863. Mr. Colly-
son is now in his seventy-second year, and is hale and in
possession of the vigor of both body and mind of a person
much younger in years.
DERRICK V. LEVERSEE
was horn in the year 1814 in the town of Brunswick, Rens-
selaer Co., N. Y., on the farm where be now resides. The
family of Leversee have occupied the farm since Jan: 8,.
1773, — this being the date of the deed given by King
George III. to his great-grandfather, William Leversee,
the first settler.
'fhe business of the four generations who have occupied
this farm has been strictly as farmers, and a view of the
residence on another page of this work shows the result of
industry, economy, and thrift.
His father, Jacob Leversee, died in 1851. His mother
died in 1861.
Mr. Leversee was married in 1856 to Mary Fonda, of
Saratoga, X. Y. In politics be is a Republican, and both
he and his wife arc members of the First Presbyterian
Church of Lansingburgh, N. ^ .
GRAFTOK
I.— SITUATION BOl N'DAKIKS. AKKA. TITUv
Grafton is situated a little nortli of the centre of tlie
county. Ii i.- bounded nortli by Pittstown and Hoosick,
bj Pctcrsburgh, south by Poestenkill, wesl by Bruns-
wick. The farm acreage is ^-t :i i i<l in the census reports of
1 — T -"> ; l r 26,965 acres. This is not, however, an accurate
statement of the area of the town, as roads, villages, and
oilier parcels of land arc not included. The town is a part
• •I" thi K ass laer manor, and title to the soil is derived
from the representatives of thai estate. Originally it was
held by lease, bul in later years farms have been purchased
in tee-simple. Portions of the town, however, yet remain
• t" the payment of a fixed annual rent.
For convenieni nee we give the legal description
of the town as found in the revised statutes of the State:
" Tlie town of Qrafton shall contain all that part, of said county
by Brunswick, southerly by Sand Lake and Berlin,
northerly by the north bounds of the manor of Rcnsselaerswick, east-
erly by a line to commence on the ^ii-l north bounds, soven miles east
of tho northi acrol Brunswick, and running from thence south-
erly, parallel to the cast line of Brunswick, to the north line of Ber-
lin."
II NATURAL FEATURES.
surface of Grafton is rough aud mountainous. It
ia situated within the range of the Petersburgh group.
The summits of the hills are from eight hundred to twelve
hundred feet above tide-water, and many of them are
bj huge jagged masses of graywacke. This state-
ment from the gazetteers is substantially correct, and yet
there is a large a unl of land susceptible of cultivation.
The proprietor of the stage line said to the writer that
■ii was one of the most level towns in the county.
There are large sections where the slopes are nol steep,
where the field- arc if rocks as to he easily plowed,
and where there are many handsome farms.
Tlie town abounds in Streams, ponds, nnd mountain
springs. The Quackcnkill, rising in Cranberry Lake in
tlie southern1 portion of the town, flows by a circuitous
route to the wesl town line, furnishing water-power of con-
siderable value. It has several branches and drains in the
central and Bouthem portions of the town. One branch
itrc i- tl utlet ,,f White Lily Pond. The
branch nt the centre has a chain of ponds closely connected.
A lil ;- another tributary, upon which is Shaver
i. The northwest pari of the town i- drained bj
il Bow towards the Hoosick Valley. There
'her small -tre.-ims in the north and northeast, (lowing
northward. In the e.i-r nnd southeast are unimportant rivu-
utli Babcoi k 's Pond derives its
n.nne from the early proprietor of the lands around it, —
II Babcock. White Lily Pond is so called
the beautiful lilies found there Long Pond I- named
from its figure. It is noted for the purity of its waters.
When the question of procuring water for Troy was under
discussion this and other ponds in its vicinity were exam-
amincd, and some design was entertained of taking the pro-
posed supply from there. Another plan was, however,
adopted, as shown elsewhere. Second Pond derives its
name from its position in the succession of three. Mill
Pond, next below Second, is partly artificial, and furnished
the power for the old grist-mill built by the patroon. Shaver
Pond perpetuates the name of an early pioneer drowned in
its waters. Red Pond is so called from the fact that the
soil gives a slight tinge to the water. Peekham Pond is
named from the early pioneer who lived near it. South
Bound Pond has an appropriate name, being nearly circular
and io the southeast portion of the town. South Long Pond
is also named from its shape and location. Dykeing Pond
is partly artificial, raised to secure water-power for mills
below ; perhaps named from the hanks thrown up to pre-
vent the waters from escaping at some points. Cranberry
Pond has an adjacent tract of bog upon which cranberries
grow. Tt is the source of the principal stream of the
Quackcnkill Valley. Other ponds in the south are Mup
Pond, Ilayner's Pond, and Gravel Pond. The last named
is regarded as one of the finest in town, with gravelly bot-
tom in a portion of it and clear, pure water. There are
many other small ponds, said to number in all twenty-five,
and they form an attractive feature of the landscape.
III.— EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
It is not easy to ascertain the precise date when the first
settler penetrated the forests of Grafton, nor the spot where
he located his rude log cabin ; nor is it at all clear which of
the pioneers came in at the earliest dale, but from the opin-
ion of citizens of Grafton who have given attention to this
matter, it is safe to infer that the Revolutionary war had
closed before any one located in Grafton. As to the actual
first settler, it seems probable that Abel Owen, mentioned
below, was really the pioneer. The efforts of the patr i
to secure settlers, and the fact that tradition assigns to Mr.
Owen alone a gill of 200 acres, render it probable that he
preceded all others; as the patroon would have hardly
though) it necessary to give Mr. Owen a farm if the town
had already been opened up and settlers were already com-
ing in.
From an unpublished paper prepared by l'r. Amos Hall,
ol Grafton, Bome years ago. we have his courteous permis-
sion to make the following extrai la
" li i- bcliorod thai no pormanenl i ttlcmonl was made within the
Qrafton till i aftoi tho settlement of moil
ol the surrounding towns. The rich intervales and thi mparatively
i oth fertile lendi -a tho surrounding country were mnel re ftl
.oi [he rough, broken, and heavily timbered
TOWN OK OK \l"l'o\
54;
111 it ni no us virions n f this town, lie mi- ii" perm ml ottlomonts
wen nil' lirra ulll.il li much luli'r period."
S -SI III * » * » *
" As an induoement to emigrants from the Eastern Siutes I mo
and settlf these lands, Gen. Van Konsselaei causi I vorj glowing
in-, its of tin' fertility ft' ihe soil, the salubrity of tl limate, i >
to be circulated among them. There were few (if any) inhabitant
within tin' present limits of Qrafton down t" the time of thoootn
menocmenl of tin- Revolutionary war in 1775. Sunn after peace wo
restored, in 1783, many porsons whose families had boon reduced to
poverty ami to great extremities during tin' Btrugglo for liborty,
found it noee-siuy to emigrate in order, it' possible, t'. improve their
oiroumstancos, and t" regain tin- lost means of supply in \ tho inorco
ing wants of their families.
•• In the in i' 1st ..r these oircumstances, from 17^."' in ITss, i ery many
industrious, hardy yeomanry came with their families nnd sottled
here. It was a complete wilderness at the time, all tin' country
being covered by heavy timber, ami, as a matter of course, they Suf-
fered the usual wants ami privations of the first settlers of most new
countries.
"Among tho first families that settled here, as far as can now be
ascertained, wero Owen, Coons, and Denimons. Abel Owen, a Revolu-
tionary soldier, soon after the olose of the war emigrated from Con
necticut or Rhode Island, and settled on the farm where Steward
Allen now lives. Gen. Van Rensselaer, as an inducemenl to settle on
the manor, gave him a deed-title to '-'HO acres of land. He In ed in a
log house on the old road, some fifty rods south of said Ulen's house,
ami the well from which his family drew water is still in use. As
early as 17*7 be had many acres cleared, kept some stock, and raised
his own grain and provisions. Being a somewhat prominent resident,
the old road which run through the town from Petersburgh to Troy
was called in all the old leases ' Owen's road.' lie had several boys
and girls, ami it is believed that he possessed considerable pecuniary
means, for be sent his second son, Lewis Owen, to William- College,
where in due eourse of time he graduated ; and so far as the writer
knows, be is the only individual from Grafton who ever graduated at
any literary college, and even this was before the town had a eepa-
rate organization.
" JIc did not, however, succeed in obtaining a livelihood by means
of bis education, and finally settled down to the good, practical busi-
ness of shoe-making.
"Abel Owen occupied his farm until about the year 1790, when he
sold out his possessions to Lemuel Steward, Esq., aud with the rest
of the Owens, removed to Manlius, Onondaga Co., and settled on n
tract of land which fell to him as a Revolutionary soldier."
Other early settlers are determined to some extent, and
their location follows: Mr. Demmons settled at an early,
day on the present Jabez Hakes farm, near the centre. Mr.
Coons is said to have been one of the earliest, settlers in the
town. John Babcock, from Rhode Island, settled about
the Revolutionary war, on the present J. P. Slade farm.
He was married to Delma Wager in 1792. He was highly
esteemed, and was known as " Honest John." -Elkanah
Smith, from New Jersey, settled on the present Aaron El-
dred farm. He was a soldier of the Revolution. Joshua
Banker settled about the same time on the present Ziba
Banker place. William Scriven, from Rhode Island, set-
tled in the east part of this town from 17S3 to 1786. He
had seven sons and two daughters. Three of the sons —
James, Zebulon, and John — were Revolutionary soldiers.
Other sons were Joseph, Joshua, Thomas, William. John
Phillips and Thomas Phillips settled on the present Truman
Keller farm. Francis Brock, from Vermont, settled on the
present Silas Brock farm. John Mills and David Mills
located on the present Reuben Hall farm. John Monroe
settled in the north part of the town. Solomon Smith
settled on the present place of Widow Warren Church.
Rufus Rix located not far from Mr. Smith. Capt. Charles
Fen j ettled on the pn i nl l». I,. Simmons farm. Daniel
Littlefield, in 1797, located mi tho present Hiram Little
field farm. Solomon l!""i c to Grafton in 1785 If
was li.. in Connecticut. Franc'ia West sottled in Grafton in
L793.
Nathaniel Dumbleton came from Grafton, Vt . in 179C,
mi, I located on Hi prest nl 1 1 car ('. Dumbl iton place. John
I'. Hayner was an early BCttlcr on the present Samuel New-
ton farm. Dining the twenty year- preceding lb'- forma-
tion of the town i 1807 I tli" following were also very likely
settled mi this territory ; William Snyder, Heorj C iradt,
B. Haynor, Hcnrj Efcydom, James lteid Godfrcj Howard,
Ambus Miller, John Hcydorn, Lodewick Bonesteel, Marcus
Simmons.
Abel Ford, from Massachusetts, settled on the present
.). West farm. If' was a Revolutionary Boldier, and prob-
ably moved in s after the close of the war. The war
ended in 1783. lie might have been discharged Bomewhat
earlier than that and moved here before the struggle closed.
AlpheuS Ford, a son nl' A.bel, was burn in this town in
17!»:;, ami died only a few years since tit an advanced age.
A s f Alpheus is Ira D. Ford, a merchant at Grafton
Centre, and supervisor of the town fir many years.
The jury list of Grafton for 1807 shows that the follow-
ing named freeholders were residents in tin- town tit that
time: Reuben Gallup, Elkanah Smith, Jr., Lemuel Steward,
Thomas Wist. Zebulon Scriven, John Phillips, Benjamin
Wist, Luke Clark, Daniel Saunders, Joshua Scriven, Jede-
diah Wcllman, John Twogood, Thomas Smith, Samuel
Prindall, Nathan West, Fortes Reynolds, Ezra Davison,
Benjamin Phillips, George Hakes, Joshua Peckham, Joseph
Scriven, Daniel Smith, Walter Durkee, Ziba Hewitt, Pat-
rick Agan,.John Babcock, Lewis Ferry, Christopher
Mitchell, Simeon Smith, John Worthington, Lodewick
Bonesteel, John T. Hanor, Joseph Burdick, Clark Rogers,
Benjamin Rogers, Marius Simmons, Henry Hydorn, Peter
Haynor, Stephen Chandler, Abraham File.
The assessment-roll of 1813 has many curious statistics
respecting early settlement. Patrick Agan was assessed for
a cider-mill, $80 ; John Babcock, for a cider-house and mill,
$140 ; and for a saw-mill (Gray farm), 8100; Joseph Bur-
dick, for a saw-mill, $200 ; Nathan Hakes, Jr., for a shop,
$25 ; Jacob File, saw-mill, $100 ; James Hall, for a cider-
mill, $13; Matthew Maxon, for a blacksmith-shop, $15;
John Phillips, for a cider-house and mill, $80; Thomas
Phillips, fora cheese-bouse, $20 ; Jonas Parks is entered as a
musician, and is not only not taxed for bis professional ability,
but exempted on his property ; Rufus Parks is assessed for
a shoe-shop, $30 ; William Potter, for the " mill farm." 200
acres at $1400, and for a grist-mill, $700; Dr. Joseph
Rogers, son of Carey Rogers below. ■• permitted to preach"
( perhaps for that reason exempted in part), assessed for a
"shop." Carey Rogers is entered as a minister. Elijah
Smith, for a shop, $15; Thomas West, for a cheese-house,
$10; Benjamin West and Ebenczer W est are entered in
the list as musicians.
There are about 200 names in the tax list. Those as-
sessed for above $3000 were Patrick and Samuel Steward,
$3071 ; William Potter, $3045 ; Agan, $4G8S ; John
Babcock, $7<i3S ; Joseph Burdick, $3037. A few others
.'. I'-
ll I STORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ar,. -_ 00: Thomas West, 82552; John Twogood,
-_: ". 11. m v Rifenburgh, $2910; Joseph Phillips,
-_ 10; John P. Haynor, $2415 ; Rufus Gallup, §2051 ;
Francis Brook, 82616 ; Michael Breninstahl, S2255. The
total assessed valuation of 1813 was 8206,670. There were
■bout fifty log houses in town, and quite a large number of
log barns.
ITEMS FROM Till'. TOWN BOOKS.
Maj 13 : — > • T . tli.- board of excise commissioners, ( -
Bisting of Nathaniel Dumblcton, Supervisor, Zebulon
Scriven, Lemuel Steward, and Tin. mas West, Justices of the
Peace, ased John P. Haynor, Joshua Scriyen, and
\ ban Bakes each "to keep an inn or tavern." This
board certified, in its usual legal phrase, that each applicant
is "of -••••<1 moral character," each lias the necessary
Dimodations for travelers, and each "sufficient ability"
to keep an inn; anil that inns are •' absolutely necessary"
at those points.
The first entry of marriage is as follows:
"StateopNev York, Rexssklaer Countv.
" I hereby certify thai Ethan Maxon, boii of Mr. Samuol Maxon,
.in. I Dorcas Wells, widow of Jason Well > both of Grafton,
or in tho honorable state of marriage in
ration the 12th day of April, 1809."
wing soon after the record of the first town-meeting
there were enten '1 the " ear-marks" of the owners of sheep,
the town clerk drawing a diagram of each in the book.
Sixty-five such "pictures" appearand the ingenuity neces-
sary to make so many different styles on the same pattern
of d r is creditable to the artistic skill of either
the farmers or the town clerk, or both.
EARLY PUBLIC-HOUSES AND STORKS.
The first tavern is stated by some authorities to have
been opened at East Grafton by Thomas Scriven. In the
■ part of the town Elijah Ferry is said to have kept a
public-house at an early day. S. McChesney kept a tavern
•bout 1800. The patroon built the Grafton Eouse, kept
by Mr. Phillips at the present time, in ls:w. He had
built the grist-mill the year before. It is said that the two
- - I, Tho unpaid rent of tenants was allowed
to be worked out upon the job at almost any price, and
-u. h process the extravagant figures were
i I-.
V sti re was opened at Quackenkill by Josiah Litchfield
probably about the time he built the saw-mill > 1 800).
- M ' j al pi nod a store in
town.
PRO! ( »li.\ \I. MEN.
I»r. Rufus S. Wait.- was born in Petcrsl rgh, June 5,
IT'.'T II studied with Dr. Ebeneicr Robinson, of I'
burgh II to practice about 1-17
II I in Brownnvilli ^ 'i but in 1819 came to
fton Ccnti tiled here permanently. His home-
upicd by J, S. S mndci - Ele
During this long period, of about forty yi
hi- | instant and cxti n-i \ •■. and he became well
known irtion of the county. He was the
in of lb ■ town. I 1 1 Waitc —
Rufus Waitc, Jr.. and Reuben F. S. Waite — reside at Graf-
ton Centre, and have both filled the office of justice of the
peace a< well as other public trusts. Dr. Amos Allen was
born in Petersburg!), Jan. 2S, 1851. Having received a
1 education he taught school for manv years. He then
tinned his attention to the medical profession, and gradu-
ated at the Berkshire Medical School in 1846. lie settled
immediately in Grafton, where he has ever since resided,
lie was soon engaged in an extensive practice, and since
the death of Dr. Waite has been the sole physician of the
town, with the exception of a brief location by one or two
others (or a year or two at a time. Before entering the
Berkshire Medical School he studied with Dr. Moses, of
Petersburgh, and Dr. Joseph Bates, of Lebanon Springs.
Dr. Allen is now in the prime of active life. Besides his
labors as a physician he has given much attention to botany,
is thoroughly posted in the flora of this section, and is stan-
dard authority upon that subject in Rensselaer County.
IV.— ORGANIZATION.
Previous to the year 1S07 the residents upon this portion
of the Rensselaerswick manor were included either in Troy or
Petersburgh, but the population had by that date increased
sufficiently to justify a separate organization. Accordingly,
the town of Grafton was incorporated March 20, 1S07.
There is no record preserved showing the reason for be-
stowing the name of Grafton upon the new town, but it is
evident that it was named for Grafton, Yt., from which
place Nathaniel C. Dumblcton, the first supervisor, had
removed.
"The first annua] town-meet inn f»r the town of llrafton was held
atNnthnn Hakes', the 1st Tuesday of April, 1807, Joseph Burdiok,
moderator; and at said meeting the following town officers were
.■li. -en for the year eighteen hundred and seven: Nathaniel Dum-
blcton, Supervisor ; David S. Crandall, Town Clerk ; Patrick Agan,
Zilw Hewitt, John Hancock. Assessors; Joseph Burdick, Benjamin
West, Ovorscers of the Poor: Samuel Prindall, James vv. -i
Jedediah Wollinan, Commissioners of Highways: Joseph Bui-dick,
Jr.. Collector; Ethan .Maxon. Simeon Smith, Joseph Ion-. lick, Jr..
Constables : Thomas West, Jonathan Brook, .Tame.- West I Isl .. John
Worthingion, Nathan West, Josepb Burdick, John Phillips, Marcus
Simmons, William Snyder, Henry Coonra.lt, John Heel, Sylvester
Chose, Peter Wogcr, Stephen Chandler, Walter Durkco, William
Scriven, Francis Brook, Zebulon Scriven (2d), Jonathan M. Scriven.
Michael Brenanstubl, Charles Hall. John Babcok, Overseers ol High-
ways and Ponce Viewers; Thomas Smith, Joseph Scriven, John Bub-
cock, Poundkccpors."
The town-meetings of Grafton during the first half-cen-
tury of the town's existence were held at the following-
named places :
The town-meeting of 1807, "at the house of Nathan
Hakes;" 1808-9, "at the house of William roller;"
1810-11, " at Jesse Barber's;" 1812 to 1820, inclusive,
■■ at the house of William I'olter."
The meeting of L 820 voted to adjourn to the house of
Elijah Smith, but yet in 1821 the meeting was still held
at the house of William Potter; 1822, "al the house of
John Si.ven-." and to 1831, inclusive; 1832, "al the
house of David See. Jr.," and to 1838, inclusive ; L839,
•■at tho house of Linn- P, Worthingion ;" 1840, " al the
l"iii..u Bouse;" 1841, "al the Rensselaer House," and to
1843, inclusive; 1844, "at the house of Caleb W.
Scriven;" 1845, " nl the Grafton lions.;' and to 1848,
TOWN OF GE UTON.
549
inclusive; 1849, " at the Union House," and to 1853, in
elusive; 1854-55, "at the Grafton House;" L856, "at
Quackenkill, at the house of S. S. Hakes;" 1857, " al the
Grafton House."
TOWN OFFICERS, 1807 79.
si PEnviaons.
1S07-S. Nathaniel Dumbleton; 1S00 17. Zibn Hewitt; 1818, John
Bobi k; 1819 23, Zibn Hewitt; 1824, John Bal ik; 1825
John Wortbington; 1829-32, Ziba Hewitt; 1833-35, Nathan
West; 1836, Ebenezer Stevens ; 1837, Zebulon P. Burdicli ; 1838,
Ebenezei Stevens; 1839, Zibn Hewitt, 1840 II, Ji Mel ni
ney; 1842-43, David See, Jr.; IMI 15, John M. Davison ; 1846,
!i;i Lllenj isir 18, Joseph D.Wells; 1849 50, IbijahD.Lil li
field; 1851, Caleb W. Scriven; 1852 i3, P C. Da\ ;
is.ii 55, John Tilley; 1856-67, Ebenezer Stevens; 1858, Imo
Allen; 1859-60, Daniel E. Saunders;** 1861, John II. Bone teel
1862, Peter P. Hydorn ; 1863-66, [rn li. Ford; 1867 68, Caleb
W.Soriven; 1869 72, Ira B.Ford; 1873 76, Alva H.Sorivenj
1877-79, Levi T. Dunham.
TnU N CLERKS.
1807, David S. Crandall; 1808, Elisha Wells; [809 II, David S.
Crandall; 1812-13, Thomas West; 1814, Lemuel Steward; 1815
-22, William Potter; 1823, Elijah Smith: 1824 28, Joseph A.
Potter; 1829-35, Joseph Burdick; 1836-37, David See, Jr. ; 1838,
Pottei Maxim: 1S::;». Joseph P.urdick; IS 111- 1 1, . I .lit, M. Davison;
1842, Paul Iv. Davison; 1843, Nathan T. Burdick; 1844-45, Etufus
S. Wait,-: 1846-47, Hiram B. Littlefield ; 1848 19, Joel T. Bur-
dick; 1850-51, RufusS. Waite, Jr.; L852 53, Ulen Maxon; 1854,
Morgan Stevens; 1855, .Joshua W. Hakes; 1856 58, Daniel E.
Saunders; 1859-60, Reuben S. F. Waite; 1861, George W.
Maxon; 1862-6S, Reuben S. F. Waite; 1869-71, Amos B. Sweet;
1872, George W. Maxon; 1873-74, Warren Steward; 1S7J-7G,
Henry Whitney; 1877-78, Braddock II. Peckham ; 1879, Harvey
W. Ford.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Previous to 1821 justices of the peace were appointed by
the Governor, and their names appear in the county civil
list. After the adoption of the constitution of 1821 they
were elected by the people at general elections, or were tip-
pointed by the courts for a few years. During ibis period
the following names appear upon the justices' roll in the
office of the county clerk :
Ezra Davison, sworn in Feb. 24, 1823; Joseph Burdick, Feb. 28, IS23;
Nathan West, Feb. 28, 1S23; John Stewart. Dec. 31, 1S:'7; Al-
pheus Dumbleton, Dec. 31, 1S27; Nathan West, Dec. 31, lsi'7;
Francis West, Dec. 31, 1S27; Alpheus Dumbleton, Jan. 1. 1 S2S1 ;
William Heydorn, Dec. 31, 1829; John Stewart, Jan. 12. 1831.
The election of justices at town-meeting commenced in
1831, and the list is as follows:
1831, Nathan West; 1S32, Alpheus Dumbleton (full term), Daniel
Mills (vacancy) ; 1833, Zubulon P. Burdick ; Is:; I ( name omitted
in records); 1835, Nathan West; 1830, Israel Smith: 1837, \l
pheus Dumbleton ; IS3S, John P. Davison; 1839, Andrew Ila\ ner;
1S40, Isaac Smith (full term), Andrus Brown (vacancy), Patrick
Hill (vacancy): 1841, Asa Partridge ; 1842, Joseph D. Wells (full
term), Ira Allen (vacancy); 1S43. Leonard C. Burdick; 1844,
Eliphalet Steward; 1S45, Potter Maxon: ]S-lt;, Andrew P. Hny-
ner; 1817, Leonard C. Burdick (full term), Aaron F. Dumbleton
(vacancy); 1848, Eliphalet Steward : 1849, William Heydorn;
1S50, Nathan T. Burdick; 1851, Linus P. Worthington; 1852,
Eliphalet Steward; 1853, William Heydorn ; 1854, Caleb Slade;
1855, Aaron F. Dumbleton; 1856, Nathan T. Burdick; 1857,
William Heydorn: 1858, Caleb Slado; 1859, Aaron F. Dumble-
ton ; 1860, RufusS. Waite; 1861, Varnum B.Jones; 1862, Nathan
T. Burdick; 1S63, John H. Bonesteel ; 1S6-1, Joel T. Burdick;
::' A tie vote, but Daniel E. Saunders held over.
i u , \ ii nam I:. Join 1866, ] D Howard
II. Bonesteel; 1 I "■ B. Jones;
rO Elijah B Howard lull lot m . u illiam Hi
I , i. \ [than P. Burdicl ;
S. !■'. Wniti 1873, Ralph I lej foil
. P. Ili> not
full i), Daniel J. Pi ■ Di i J.
Pi khain full term I, w illiam II, Siinn
\\ iili li ''•'■ illium I . Brow n
1878, \\ ill] B. 0 loll Hiram U. Phillip
1879, Illiam B. Phillips (full term , Calvin B. Durban
\ VILLAGES
OB \l l"N CENTRE,
twelve and one tenth mil. a distant from Troj . air line mi
urement, is a small rural hamlet, the inosl important
village in town, and the place of most of the public town
business. It was the point al which the patroon originally
made considerable efforts to provide for the wants of the
tenants, erecting a saw-mill and grist-mill, a church and an
inn Its public buildings i sist of two houses of worship,
Methodist and Baptist, and the district school-house. Its
present business may be stated as follows: hotel, by Justus
Phillips ; hotel, by Henry Whitley ; store, by A. II. Scriven ;
Store, by J. H. Scriven, who is also postmaster, though the
office is kept at the store of A. II. Scriven ; store, by Ira
1!. Ford & Son; store and shirt-shop, by George Maxon ;
chair-shop, by Joseph Saunders; blacksmith-shop, by P. W.
Holt; a blacksmith-shop, by Waite & Hakes; a wagon-
shop, by Harrison West ; a .shoe-shop, by Leonard Scriven ;
a shoe-shop, by Amos Sweet; dress-making, by Mrs. 1'. W.
Holt, ami also by Mrs. L. Spotten. To this list is to be
added the shirt business, mentioned elsewhere.
EAST GRAFTON.
This is a small hamlet, consisting of half a dozen dwell-
ings, a hotel, store, and several shops. It is on ihe main
road from Troy, via Brunswick and Grafton, to Petersburgh
and Williamstowu, Mass.. and in the old days of staging a
hotel-privilege at East Grafton was of considerable value.
The present business consists of a hotel, by Eri Bennett ; a
store, by Zora Bennett ; a blacksmith-shop, by Aaron Worth-
ington ; and a wagon simp, by Edward Clark.
■ ii LCKENKILL.
There were settlers very early at this point. The little
village, of course, is named from the stream on the banks
of which it is situated. The water-power here was im-
proved at the first settlement of the country. The present
business consists of a hotel, by Joseph Russell ; a blacksmith-
shop, by Ralph Westervelt; the post-office, kept by Ralph
Westervelt ; and the paint-mill. This last is an enterprise
of considerable magnitude.
The proprietur is II. S. S. Clark. They grind up the
rock found in this section. They make three different
colors, and are turning out some 600 or 700 tuns a year.
The article is known as " Grafton Mineral Paint," and is
shipped largely to Boston, :uiil considerable is sen! across
the ocean to England. The business was originally begun
by Mr. Newcomb, 1850 or is.M. It was subsequently
carried on by Mr. Biddlc, then by Clark A Davenport, and
now by Mr. Clark alone.
550
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
A" I. -SCHOOLS.
The earliest action recorded with reference to schools was
soon after the passage of the new act organizing the com-
mon-school system of the State. 1812-13, when the town
voted "to raise money to obtain the school money, or the
dividend of the school fund to this town." Jedediah Will-
man, Thomas West, and Daniel Mills were chosen as the
first school commissioners, and David S. Crandall, William
Totter, and John Button as school inspectors. It was voted
to allow commissioners and inspectors seventy-live cents a
day for their services. September 7th, of the same year, the
commissioners divided the town into ten school districts.
Other school commissioners serving one or more years
each, in the period from 1814 to 184 I. were William Pot-
ter, John Baxter, Joshua Littlefield, Elisha Wells, Zcbulon
Scriven, Jonathan Brook. Oliver Willman, Joseph Burdick,
Jr., John Armstrong, John Scriven, Jr., C. Mower, J.
West, Joshua M. Scriven, Oliver DllStin, Ezra Davison,
Lodewiek L. Bonesteel, Elias Hayner, Braddock Pcckham,
a ;,:, i;. Burdick, Unfits Parks, Jr.. Zebulou C. Scri-
ven. John Crandall. Asa Partridge, Jr., Francis West,
J remiah Allen. Linus P. Worthington, George W. Scri-
ven, Charles M. Stevens. Caleb W. Scriven. Patrick Will,
Samuel Hewitt. Unfits C. Durkee, J. I). Wells, D. Smith,
Jr., S. Stoet, Jr., Daniel P. M. Davison, Joshua W. Lit-
tlefield, Darius Rogers, Henry Keller, Benjamin Brock,
Justus H. Wells, [suae Hayner, Thomas M. Potter.
Other inspectors of schools who served one or more years
each during the same period were Daniel Mills, John Ras-
ter. Ninian A. Diistin. Jeremiah Allen, John Phillips, Jr.,
Elisha Wdls. Oliver Willman, Benjamin Phillips, Elijah
Wilds, Thomas West, John J. Wager. John P. Agan,
Simeon Smith, Jr., Joshua Burdick, Daniel A. Cobb, Ru-
fus S. Waite. Robert Webster, Paul K. Davison, Zebulon
Jones, Zebulon P. Burdick, John Mills, Samuel Hewitt.
Jeremiah Burdick. John Brook, Samuel L. Scriven, Darius
Douglass, Linns 1'. Worthington. Nathan T. Burdick, Ben-
jamin Babcock, Joseph R. Brown, David L. Bonesteel,
I, aezei Brook, J. Milton Davison, Thomas W. Potter,
I '.ill Mills, David F. Worthington, Alanson Moor, Joseph
I' Wells, Moses L. Burdick, Sylvester Bonesteel, Daniel
P. M. Davi-on. Whitman R. Wells.
The system of supervision of schools by town superin-
tendent- succeeded for a few year-, and the following were
the incumbents of that office in Grafton ;
Election .__!> ||- |.-,. Thomas W. Totter; 184G,
John C. Totter: 1-17. Paul K. Davison.
ton.- 1-I-. Paul K. Davison; 1 -50-52,
Amos Alien ; 1-.", I 56, Daniel II. Davison.
In 1856, under tin- new law. th ntrol of the -i hi ols
passi 1 from the town to the district commissioners. The
annexed items from the certificate of the school commis-
sioner apportioning the public moneys lor the current year,
1879 BO, -how- the condition of the scl Is at the present
time. Number of districts, 11; number of children be-
ind twenty- 578; overage attendance at
.. h0 .; i-i 034 ; money apportioned according to the num-
b r of childn n 83 IG 37 ; money apportioned according to
atteiido |ual district quota, $532.62 ; library
money, 917.91 ; total paid districts, 91232.57
VII.— CHURCHES.
THE BArTIST CHURCH IN GRAFTON*
Among the earliest pioneers of Grafton were several Bap-
tist families. They came mainly from the New England
colonics. Prominent among these Baptist families were
those of the names of Scriven, Lewis, Wells, Wilcox, West,
Burdick, and Rogers. The Scriven family canie as early
as 17S6, some of the others a few years later.
The Wilcox and Scriven families were of the regular
Baptist faith, the West, Burdick, and some others were of
the Seventh-day faith, while a few from other families were
of the Open Communiou order. The regular Baptists had
an organization at an early day, and ultimately absorbed
most of the others, who attached themselves to any church.
First Preachers. — The data from which these details are
derived leaves the impression that for a number of years
there was no church organization, but that most of the
Baptists in town had their membership with the church in
Berlin, of which Rev. Justus Hull, a somewhat distinguished
preacher, was for many years pastor. He used not unfre-
qucntly to visit the members of his church who resided in
this town, and upon occasion administer the ordinances of
religion. Less prominent as preachers, but still active and
useful, though they followed manual avocations, appear the
names of Joseph Wilcox, who was a former residing upou
what is now called the Thomas Reynold place; Carey
Rogers, who lived near the centre of the town ; and John
Lewis, also a farmer, who resided about two miles south of
Grafton Centre.
Though at this early period there appears to have been
no rcular organization, yet there were several distinct con-
gregations. One in the northeast part of the town, now
called the Cobb school-house neighborhood (from the fact
that a preacher of that name subsequently lived there), was
under the care and ministration of Elder Joseph Wilcox.
Another band, as they were then called, met sometimes in
a school-house in what was then known as the Scriven
neighborhood, now known as East Grafton. This was
composed in part of the members of Berlin church, and
known as a branch of the same. Sometimes in summer,
when the congregation was too large to be accommodated
in the school-house, they worshiped in Col. Scriven's barn.
Here, as we have been informed, were held some very
interesting meetings, and tin' communion service adminis-
tered to a large number by Elder Hull, the highly-esteemed
pastor of the Berlin church. During this period there
were added to their numbers two young men, who for
many years preached to the Baptist people, ami subse-
qucutly became joint pastors of the united interests and
ations Rev. Nathan Lewis, son of Elder John
Lewis, was ordai 1 by a council called by the church in
Berlin, the ordination and meeting of the council being
held in a maple grove, still standing, on the farm owned bj
petei T. Ueydorn, recently deceased. This occurred in
tin- summer of 1 815.
Joseph l>. Rogers, son of Elder Cany Rogers, was or-
dained at the 1 -e of Elder Joseph Wilcox in the year
1819. Rev. Mr. Somers, of Troy, preached the ordination
i ii. - . i • i •-
town of' <;i; m'Tdn
:,:, i
sermon. Rev. Justus Hull, of Berlin, and Rev. John
Leland, of Cheshire, Mass., were also at the a uncil "I' or-
dination. From this time until 1S2T Rogers and Lewis
preached to their respective congregations, going also, a
occasion required and opportunity offered, into tin- adjoin
ing towns of Hoosick and Petersburgh. A considerable
number of persons in Hoosick united with the congregation
under the charm' of Rev. N. Lewis; and both Rogers and
Lewis preached for several years, alternately, in Peters-
burgh.
J. 1). Rogers was a self-educated, self-reliant man, an in-
genious artesian, and supported himself fur the mosl part
by the labor of his hands. lie was a cabinet maker,
clock- and watch-maker. Though in his lain- years he re-
sided in the town of Berlin, he was buried beside his wife,
in what is known as the Steward graveyard, in Grafton.
Nathan Lewis was also a man who for the most part
supported himself by his own labor, being by occupation a
farmer. He was a ready speaker, often impassioned and
eloquent, and was inclined to pathos and a hortatory style
of preaching. Of genial and social disposition and rather
fine personal appearance, he had many friends and few en-
emies. He, too, is buried by the side of his wife, in what
is known as the Hewitt burial -ground, in East Grafton.
As the numbers of Baptists increased from year to year
and the scattered settlements extended into the vicinity of
each other, and especially as they from time to time nearly
all came together and held the same faith, it was natural
that there should be discussed the expediency of uniting in
one church organization. This desire was finally accom-
plished in the year 1827, when both organizations were
disbanded and a new organization was formed. Such
members of the previous societies (churches they could
hardly be designated) as preferred to unite in one were
received. The ministers of each party themselves favored
the union and became members in the Grafton Baptist
Church. The council of sister churches which recognized
them as a regular Baptist church was held at the meeting-
house at Grafton Centre, and consisted of ministers, dea-
cons, and lay delegates from several churches.
The meeting-house was situated a few rods west of the
present church edifice, and was very nearly on the spot now
occupied by the residence of Dr. Amos Allen. It was the
first church erected in the town, and was built by Stephen
Van Rensselaer. He did not build it for any particular
church, but for the people. The Baptists were the only
church at the centre of the town, and were invited to oc-
cupy it. The house when not used by them was free to
other denominations.
The names of those who constituted the church at the
time of organization were Joseph D. Rogers, David West,
John L. Lamphire, Ira Lamphire, Cyrus Davenport,
Ezra Davison, Jabez Hakes, George Hakes, Oliver Main,
Elisba Wells, Daniel P. M. Davison, Nathan Lewis, John
Crandall, Beuajah Allen, Roswell Crandall, John Eldred,
John Howard, Daniel Brimmer, Elias Wells, Ira Stone,
Diedania Davison, Comfort Scriven, Elsie Scriven, Charlotte
Rogers, Patty Bennett, Ruby Borzee, Nancy Main, Elinor
Davenport, Celura Davenport, Salome Davenport, Anna
Poole. Renuah Hakes, Betsey Davison, Lucy Tilly, Eunice
Burdick, Sully Wells, Miranda Wc I Miriam Hal
Huldah Reynolds, Areata C Lamphire Cynthia Wells,
Mary Brock, Sybil Burdick, Pamelia Lewis, Susanna
Allen, Dorca Peckhaui, Zipporah Allen, Sybil Howard,
Lydia Eldred, Polls Brock, Mercy Lewi Lydia Babcock,
Hannah Saunders, 1 1 uldah Record.
Revs, N. Lewes and. I. I» Rogers were called as joint
pastors of the recently-organized church, and continued to
minister on the Sabbath anil I lor many
years. They sustained harmonious relations to tin- church
and to each other. Although Ro ibsequentlj re-
moved to Berlin as his permanent homi md Lewis in his
later years preached to other churches, both retained their
standing anil membership in the Grafton church until rc-
moved bj death.
The period of organization was followed by a season of
revival, and during the next five year- the number.- were
increased by important additions. Especially to be noted
were the additions made in the years 1829 and 1830, dur-
ing which KID members were added, making the whole
number at that time 15 I.
During this period Elder David Gifford came to reside
in town, and preached frequeutly in connection with Lewis
and Rogers, lie resided near the Cobb school house, at
which place he held meetings on Sunday afternoons, and
his labors were attended with considerable success. He
was a lively and rather interesting speaker, but was rather
eccentric in some of his expressions, and not unfrcquently his
audience were moved to merriment by his incidental remarks.
During this time several young men began to preach,
among whom may be mentioned Benjamin Baxter, for
many years since a resident Baptist minister in the State of
Texas, and Justice Wells, who exercised his gifts for sev-
eral years in Central New York. Both became acceptable
ministers of the gospel.
The years of 1850 and 1851 were marked seasons of
revival, during which a large number of persons became
religiously interested, and many were added to the church.
More than seventy were added by baptism, and the church
which had been declining became active and prosperous.
The meetings were held at first at the Cobb school-house,
and the interest increasing, East Grafton ami Grafton Cen-
tre participated in the good work. In the winter of 18 I!1.
H. J. S. Lewis, son of Rev. N. Lewis, and grandson of
Rev. John Lewis, of Grafton, began to preach. In March,
1850, he was ordained to the ministry, and became pastor
of the Grafton church. About this time it was resolved
to erect a new church edifice, and the one now in use was
built. In the fall of 1852, Rev. II. J. S. Lewis resigned
his charge and removed from town. Rev. J. D. Rogers,
of Berlin, took his place, and under the pastorate of Ro-
gers the church recently finished was dedicated. Unlike the
old meeting-house this was the property of the church.
P. T. Shirley, a young man from Madison University, was
the next pastor. Under bis labors the church made some
advancement. He was ordained here, and served as pastor
about two years. In the spring of 1S5G, Rev. H. J. S.
Lewis, who had been absent for several year-, serving other
churches, was re-engaged as pastor, and remained iu that
relation eight years.
history oi- kensski.aki; county, new yoke.
1 »iirin lt the autumn sad winter of 1856 -57 occurred one
of the "i">t extensive and powerful revivals of religion
which the church ever enjoyed. Prcquenl conversions
marked a period of some three years, and during the eight
- of this pastorate the uhurch membership was the
largest since the organisation, being nearly 200. In addi-
tion i" the labors "f the pastor during the revival period
It i; . D. A Cobb, who then resided in town,
rendered important service. Two licentiates also held fro-
gs at school-houses, — !'•. E. Scriven and J. D.
j. In the spring of 1864, Rev. Mr. Timberman, of
• Fall, N. V.. became pastor. He remained only one
In the following spring 1865 Rev. E. 1>. Wilcox,
I hestertown, Warren Co., N. Y.. became pastor. His pas-
torate was also one year. There was some time during which
the church was with. 'in a pastor, when they engaged the
K . Roswell Collins, who remained two years, followed by
the Rev. 11. ■). S. Lewis, who remained two years, after
which they were supplied, for a short time, by casual
preaching. !!■ v. Mr. Cattin, of Troy, preached a year, on
alternate Sabbaths, closing his labors in the springof 1878.
Their present pastor is Rev. II. J. S. Lewis, who was for
the fourth time colled to the pastoral charge of the Grafton
church, and is now in the second year of his present pas-
toratc. This church, like niunj others, has passed various
- - ms of prosperity and adversity. At the present time
the society is remodeling and improving the church edifice.
During its history it has occupied mainly the central part
of the town, together with East Grafton. Of course other
denominations have held meetings on the same territory.
A few years since the Methodist Episcopal Church erected
a house of worship at the centre, in which they have since
. th.-ir regular Sabbath services. Below will be found
the names of the deacons and clerks of the church since
rganization in 1827. The church has been connected
with the Stcphentown Baptist association since the organ-
i/ ition of the same, in 1 832.
leacons of the church have hern Elisha Wells, de-
Whitman It. Wells, removed ; Zchulon Jones, re-
moved, deceased ; William Lund, living; Parley R. Scriven,
living. The clerks 1 Ezra Davison, deceased ; John
Mii I; David West: Dr. It. S. Waite, deceased ;
Potter Maxon, deceased ; R. S. Waite, removed; II. S. P.
Waite. Acting Clerk.
To this valuable paper we add thai the legal certificate
of incorporation was filed Aug. 11,1841. It was signed
by David W. Gifford, Moses S. Burdick, and Joseph D.
Well-. The trust. ..i Bcnajah Allen, Potter
M Caleb W. Scriven, Joseph I' Wells Zebulon P.
Burdick, Rufua 8. Waite,
Ml niODISl I PI* OPAl I in BOH OF OB M l"V
was incorporated April 7. 1828. The certi
rned by Philip Bom tee! and Timothy B.
Wiles, who w. r.' the officers ol the meeting. The trustees
named in the instrument were David Hayner, John I' •'
II ner, and Timothy I). Wild-.
bad been held in < Irafton for manj
n. Lorenzo Dow had preached
here not long after ibout that time Tl i
i/.ition of 1SJS was in the west part of the town, a mile or
so east of Quackenkill, and known as the " Hemlocks"
Church.
Meetings were, however, held at the centre regularly in
1 S.",7. and lor a few years following: The place of meeting
was the old patroon meeting-house, free to all. During a
great revival, in lS-i!>— 4-1, David See, the landlord of the
Patroon Hotel, was converted, and opened the hall-rooui
for a time.
The record of incorporation given above is for the church
in the west part of the town. The old property at " Hem-
locks" was sold by permission of court, and used to build
the parsonage at the centre in 1S77.
John Howard was the first class-leader at the centre,
and Henry Stead was the preacher. The series of meet-
ings in 1843—4 I were held under the lead of Rev. Ensign
Stover. After the old patroon meeting-house was taken
down there were few or no Methodist meetings at the
centre until the new movement by which the church was
built at the centre. This was completed in 1S77, at a
cost of 83500.
Following is the present organization of Grafton charge
(October, 1879). Earlier it was Petersburgh and Graf-
ton : Pastor, Rev. G. W. Douglass ; Stewards. John Coon-
radt, John Wood, Harmon Snyder, Jacob Snyder, Harvey
lt. Worthington, Amos B. Sweet; Class-Leaders, Amos B.
Sweet, Harvey It. Worthington ; Trustees, Amos B. Sweet,
Marcus Snyder, Joseph West, Harmon Snyder, Harvey R.
Worthington, Levi Snyder, Clarence Shaver, Almon Sny-
der; Superintendent of Sunday-school, Clarence Shaver.
Sunday-school library, 150 volumes.
It was under the labors of the present pastor that the
work of building and establishing the church at the centre
was accomplished. He filled out a three years' pastorate,
then removed, according to the rule of the Church, but,
after an absence of a part of a year, has now returned to
this charge to fill the place made vacant by the death of
his successor, Itcv. John Sumner.
The communicants of the church number about 65 ;
congregation, 75 to 100. The parsonage cost about $600.
John P. J. Hayner, now residing at Janesville, Wis., al
the age of eighty, was a local preacher, and was active in re-
ligious work for many years in this town.
THE FEEE METHODIST CHDBCH OF QBAFTON.
This body was incorporated June 18, IST'J. The cer-
tificate is signed by Aaron 15. Burdick and Cieorge ('raver.
The trustees chosen at that time were Edward Birdsall,
Jonas Snyder, George ('raver, and Aaron B. Burdick. The
iwing Facts are furnished by the pastor of the church,
and have an interest hey 1 the Grafton congregation, bc-
causi ial position of the Free Methodist churches
throughout the county is thus set forth.
This church was organized on the fifth day of January.
\ i, 1863. 1 1 i- supposed to he the oldest society of its
connection cost of Syracuse, N Y. Having its origin in
the early history of it- denomination, it is included in the
[uchanna Conference, which was organized the year
previous at Union, Broome < !o . N. ST.
In the statistics of the three Coul'. i.necs then existiic
TOWN <>l' GRAFTON.
553
we find a total of 07 preachers and ;ii;r>."> members. There
are now 12 Annual Conferences, with a corresp ling in-
crease of ministers and members.
Government. — The government is an elective one ; the
members have an equal voice with the ministers in all the
councils of the Church. Both the Annual and the General
Conferences are composed of as many lay delegates as min-
isters. The appointments of the preachers are made hy a
stationing committee.
The official boards arc chosen by the societies. They
have general superintendents, elected once in four years,
whose duty it is to preside at the Conferences and travel
through the connection at large.
Doctrines. — In doctrine they are Methodists. They
believe in the Holy Trinity, in a general atonement, in (hi;
necessity of the new birth, in the witness of the Spirit,
in future rewards and punishments, and in the experience
and spread of scriptural holiness.
Church Edifices. — All their churches are required to be
plainly built, with free scats. No pews can be sold or rented
among them. Thus, " the poor have the Gospel preached
to them" without respect of persons.
Support of the Gospel. — No donation-parties, fairs, fes-
tivals, picnics, or Christmas-trees are allowed. They be-
lieve there is no more virtue in giving to the cause of God
for carnal pleasure than in any other selfish act. Hence
collections and contributions are received directly for the
object for which they are intended.
The class when formed at this place consisted of seven
members. A. B. Burdick was the first pastor. For a length
of time the society was but irregularly supplied with pas-
toral labor.
They are now in a more prosperous condition, having
been recently favored with a gracious revival, the result of
which is, ten of the converts have united on probation.
They have bad a fine Sabbath-school for a few years past,
much of the time numbering over 100 members. Their
house of worship is situated about three-fourths of a mile
east of Quackenkill. It was erected in 1873 at a cost of
about 51200, and is nearly paid for. The effort to secure
this object was a protracted and untiring one. Many names
are enrolled of those who kindly assisted by contributing of
their means and labor for this purpose. The building lot,
with 825 in money, was given by Mr. J. S. Hakes.
The present membership is 30, supplied with stated ser-
vices as follows : Sabbath-school at ten o'clock, address at
eleven a.m. Preaching on Sunday and Wednesday even-
ings. A. B. Burdick, preacher in charge.
It is required of all who are admitted into full connection
in the Free Methodist Church that they give evidence of
a renewed heart, by living up to the General Rules, meeting
in class sis months on probation, have been baptized, and
giving satisfactory answers to the following questions, which
shall be proposed to them before the society :
1. Have you tho witness of tlic Spirit that you are a child of <!<>d ?
2. Have you that perfect love which casteth out fear? If not, will
you diligently sock until you obtain it?
3. Is it your purpose to devote yourself wholly to the service of
God, doing good to your fellow-uien, and working out your own sal-
vation with fear and trembling?
4. Will you forever lay aside all superfluous ornaments and adorn
70
I ii ii |i i . i ■ | • in I, with b ""• '■"■• >■ " " '-■■ "'''
with 'broidored hair, oi gold •■ but which
.■..in. i i. i i . profi
,. Will you iib I hi. I ■ one ' ' I'
ing y Bolf free to follow tho will of the Lord in nil thi
i',. Do y ib ' ni. I- artiol II [ion and
our di oiplinc ? nnd aro you w illing to bi
7, II... | Ihi i nun follow ihip and lovo foi I 'hin
Booioty, and will you o liel tbom a God hall givi you ability in
1 1 1 | mil; on the work of i bo Lord
Persons giving affirmative answers to tho above questions
shall, with the consent of three fourths of all the members
present at a society meeting, be admitted to all tho privil
of a member.
\i a recent General Conference, Bmoking, chewing, oi
snuffing tobacco, to gratify a depraved appetite, is made a
test of membership.
FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OB GRAFTON.
This religious society has had only a brief existence,
having been incorporated Jul) 20, 1-73. The certificate
is signed by Rev. T. Choate Pratt, pastor, and by B. II.
Peckham. The trustees named in the instrument were T.
Choate Pratt, A. C. Durkee, and Warren Steward.
VIII.- BURIAL-PLACES
These are scattered in every part of the town. The
early generations arc sleeping in the open field, in the grove
and the orchard, on the hill-side and in the valley. Prob-
ably the oldest burial-place in town is near the centre, just
cast of the north end of Mill Pond. It is on a knoll, very
likely once a cleared spot, in the midst of the original dense
forests surrounding it, now rough, neglected, desolate. It
has only rough stones to mark the graves, of which there
may be twenty or thirty. One stone still bears an inscrip-
tion, though fast crumbling away.
■• Feb. 1, v.n. 1S08. Samuel Maxun, 64."
Another stone near, marked " L. M.," indicates another
member of the same family.
Only a mere mention can lie added of other places of
burial, viz., the new one at Grafton Centre; an old one on
the farm of Steward Allen ; one at East Grafton, on the
old Ziba Hewitt farm ; on the Gilman P. Madison farm ;
on the Truman Keller farm, north part of the town, still
in use ; the red school-house burial-ground, now in use ;
one opposite the last mentioned, still in use ; on the Sim-
mons farm, burial-place of the pioneer Abel Ford ; opposite
East Grafton school-house, only a few buried there, mostly
the George Scriven family ; on the farm of Silas Brock,
the Brock family ; at Quackenkill, a public one, now in
use; on the farm of Sanford Brown, the John Baxter
family; on the farm of Varnum -loins, known also as the
Baxter burial-place; on the farm of Lyman Burdick, still
in use; on the farm of Morgan Snyder, still used; on the
farm of Daniel J. Peckham, the Sweet family; on the farm
of Calvin E Agan, the West family.
Others still are the Allen Maxon family ground; one on
the Thomas Reynolds farm ; one on the John Tilley farm ;
also another of the James Tilley family on the Weedon
farm; the Hakes family lot on the Henry Hassan farm;
the Pressor family on the Parley 11. Scriven farm ; the
55 [
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Tli imas W. Soriven family cm the Alonzo Hall farm, and
it is -aid thai this doea nut by any means complete the list.
I \ TOM N SOC1 IT I l-'.s.
An occasional association for literary purposes, ami soci-
- for ohnrcb ami benevolent work, together with more
frequent temperance societies, constitute all there is to be
noted under this head in Grafton. M tsi ds or Odd-Fellows
residing in town belong to lodges in other towns,
\ PLA( ES OF SPECIAL [NT] REST, HISTORIC
OB OTHERS CSE.
Tii.' place at tli.' first settlement at the Steward Allen
farm, tin- site of Abel Owen's firs! log house, and the well
from which his family drew their suppl) of water in this
then dense and lonely wilderuess, these constitute points of
considerable pi r interest.
Tie' scene of the tragedy in the " Anti-Bent war" may
be mentioned as another point of sad interest connected
with that internal struggle. On the 19th day of December,
1845, Elijah Smith was killed. This was about half a mile
■ •!' the centre, near the house then occupied by Oliver
West, and now by II •: Dunham. The events of that
day are too fresh in the memory of men now living to need
the peu of the historian to dwell upon the scene. The ex-
cited crowd in the street before the present residence of
Henry Dunham, the uplifted axe of Elijah Smith filling
from hi- nerveless grasp a- a bullet, sent by an unknown
hand, laid him low. was a drama of sad reality.
Other point- of special interest appear in the general
sk.teh of the town.
\l [NDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
During tin- lir.-t fifty years of the history of Grafton fire-
i and lumber were staple articles of production by the
! - of the town were cut away ;
money to pay rent — an ever present demand — and to meet
tie- want,- of families was procured mostly through this
BOUrCC. 'fan hark and charcoal were sold in considerable
quantities. A- tie' timber-supply disappeared, more atten-
tion w.i- given to tin- cultivation of the land. The .-oil is
v. underlaid by hard pan. and is wet, cold, and
altivatiou. Jfet, under proper management, ex-
•-. potatoes, and grass are produced.
raising of sheep and cattle is extensively carried on,
and tin' produce of tin- dairy i- of considerable value.
An important industry of tie- I i-i twenty-five years has
the manufacture ol shirts. The lit'' Caleb W. Scriven
:■■. making bosoms and collars for a New
l work w.i- put out into families, and the
scwin.' done by hand. The business developed rapidly.
Q j l Green was tie- New STork proprietor, located
under tie- Astor House, thi n the most fashionable pari of
Mr. Scriven had tie' first Bewing-macliinc in town, and
their introduction into fai me- general. The
making of >hirt.- followed that of making bosoms, •
1856 I • production w.i- probably during the
: 375 fin' firm of .1 || ,v \ ||. Scriven
■ their !■ '"■ time the names "i 300
families in this and other towns. The firm of Ford &
Bennett, afterwards Ford & Jones, and later Ira D. Ford,
also did a large business. Other- have engaged in the busi-
ness to some extent. The production has sometimes risen
to 1S00 dozen a year. The business lias furnished work
to many families and been a source of profitable industry.
II I U.S.
These were numerous in early times. Here were the
forests to be manufactured into lumber and the water-power
to run machinery, and accordingly saw-mills were erected
at many available points.
Commencing on the head-waters of the Quackenkill, at
Cranberry Pond, and tracing down the stream, the first mill
was that of John Steward, a very early affair, long since
given up. Next below was the saw-mill of Joseph Bur-
dick, its water power known as the Rensselaer Pond ; this
has nut been improved for many years. Next is the pres-
ent Stevens mill, built originally by Ebenezer Stevens,
owned by the family ever since, still known as the
Stevens mill, and now running. Next was the John
Armsbury saw-mill, an old affair, abandoned many years
ago. Near this, on the same "fiat,'' was the Baxter
brick-kiln, a very early enterprise. The brick made were a
trifle smaller than the regular 'standard. Many of them
are in buildings in this town at the present time. Not far
below were the Baxter saw-mills, — one by John Baxter,
the other by Dennis Baxter. These have not been run for
twenty years or more. Below these was the saw-mill of
Simeon Smith, an old affair, rebuilt once ; gone long since.
Next was the George Avery saw-mill, now known as the
Hydorn mill, entered on the late map of the county as the
Clark Johnson mill. This privilege was improved at an
early date, and is still used. Not far below was the Shaver
saw-mill, of early times; none there for many years.
Next in order was the Worthington saw-mill, also given
up. Xext below the Worthington was the saw-mill of
Philip Bonesteel. It was rebuilt by him about forty-five
years ago, and he was killed at the raising. It has now
been abandoned for many years. Not far below was the
saw-mill of James Hill; not there now. Next in order was
ill. saw-mill of John 1'. Hayncr. It was built early, and
has been gone for thirty years.. A short distance below
was the mill of Paul Hydorn, built by Win. Hydorn,
perhaps sixty years ago. Next below is an old mill-site
occupied by David Hayner, mi the Jerry Hakes farm.
'fin. lir-i saw-mill is -aid to have been buill at Quacken-
kill in 1800, by Jo.-iah Littlefield.
The patroou built a grist-mill in l^i>_'. near tho centre
Abel for. 1. lb. pioneer mentioned elsewhere, did the car-
penter-work.
\i Quackenkill villa,''' was the old McChesncy saw-
mill, established verj early in tie' settlement of the town.
I- tood "ii or n, -ar the site of the present paint-mill.
In manufacturing of paint was established bj Daniel
K Kiddle, of New York. Aaron Dumblcton, superintendent,
twenty to twenty li\. years ago. Tie- business i> still con-
tinued to .-.an. extent. The present proprietors an' Daven
port .\ (lark. 'I'll.' painl is nude IV the red argillile
found near by.
niW \ OF GRAFTON.
.,...•
On a small creek eniptj ing into the Quackcnkill near the
village was the saw mill of John P.J. Hayner, on thepri
George Crave farm. Ii was given up many years ago.
In die south pari of the town, on a small stream rising
in Mud Pond and flowing southward, was a series of null .
The first is the well-known Snyder mill, buill l>\ George
Snyder, and now run by Jonas Snyder. The second is I rial
of Jamli and Adam Snyder, ami now run by Morgan Sny-
der. The third was thai of Jacob Wager, a saw-mill of
the early limes, given up many years ago. The fourth was
the saw-mill of Adam Wager and Henry Wager, now run-
ning. The fifth, near the south line of the town, was thai
of Adam Bonesteel, given up thirty years ago or re
On a sinall stream south of Quackenkill village, and
near the west town line, there was established a mill for the
manufacture of Prussian blue fifty years ago or more. It.
lias been carried on to some extent in later years, and is
now owned by A. Davis. Upon the northern branches
of the Quackenkill there have been several niill-siles im-
proved. On the outlet of White Lily Pond was the old
saw-mill of Lemuel Steward, an early prominent citizen,
a justice of the peace for many years. Upon the next
branch east, near the centre, was an early saw-mill, between
what is known as Second Pond and Mill Pond. It was
built by the patroon. None existed there for many years
past. Below Mill Pond was the only grist-mill of Grafton.
It was built by the patroon about 1802. Abel Ford, grand-
father of Ira D. Ford, did the carpenter- work. It was run
down to 1SG2, when it was burned and not rebuilt. The
barn of P. J. Snyder now occupies the old site. On the
same stream next below is the present chair-factory of J.
S. Saunders, the business having been established in 186 I.
Mr. Saunders manufactures the carpet-seated folding-chair,
an article of great convenience and rapidly growing in public
favor. The building was erected for a woolen-factory. It
was fully completed and equipped, but was never operated.
Not far from this chair-factory was an old carding-machine,
near the main road, operated by Albertus Stevens. After-
wards there was a saw-mill at the same point; none there
now. Next below is a paint-mill founded by Potter Maxon,
who is said to have been the real originator of the mineral-
paint business in this country. He was associated with
Dennis Baxter. The business was given up twenty years
ago or more. The buildings are still standing. They arc
on or near the site of an early cloth-dressing mill operated
by Smith & Randall.
Upon the next stream west, the Shaver Pond stream, is
the site of the old Martin mill, on the Joseph West farm ;
gone twenty-five years ago or more. Farther down the
stream was the Littlefield saw-mill, on the turnpike; mill
on one side of the road, the dam on the other. This only
lasted a short time, and was given up thirty years ago or
more.
In the northwest part of the town was the old Rifen-
burgh saw-mill, abandoned long since. Farther cast, in the
north, was a saw-mill built by Coonradt T. Ham, — an early
affair ; none there for many years past. Also, there was a
mill on Spring Creek built sixty years ago, probably by
Durgtn ; gone many years ago. Below was also the Doug-
lass mill, on the farm now owned by the Agan heirs.
t in the i n mn mm. in eir tie- seh, ,1,1 I, i her
,.l ,,1,,,. ,|t i .mi,', :,i Id mill of Jonathan
Brook. < »n the outlel of Bal ik'i Pond was the mill of
\ iron Kin i Ige. This is o illy i an al the pri - ul
time. There have been im mill buill in town.
One bj Sainu.l Stowell, better known as the Lyman II
I'.i '.. ill, and an, .lb, -I' b Jo ph Mt Chi
tance wi I of Bi yanl : both of these onlj run a ihorl
time. < In the of Dyking Pond U am-mill
I, mil by Tompkins Hull, water being furnished for the
boiler bj a lai This mill for a time did a largo
biisiniss. It was d jred by lire and not rebuilt. John
Telly buili a i,. "ill al Bast Grafton, cut oul heading
and staves, and ran a aw mill ; bu in DQOVed to
West Troy.
Various other entei pi i i have had a brief exist* nee
from time in time. \ n I turning -hop, by Caleb Scriven,
at East Grafton ; a distillery, by John Babcock; the Parks
tannery, a potash establishment, ami numerous cider mills.
Ml MILITARY
The war of the Revolution had passed before the settle-
ment of Grafton. Several of those who came to the town
had been soldiers of the Revolution. Among them arc
mentioned Abel Ford, Zebulon Scriven, and his two brothers,
.lames and John, Abel Owen, John Barnhart, and there
were undoubtedly others.
Some from this town were in the army during the war
of 1 S 1 2. Several were in the so-called Eddy expedition ;
out only a few days. The names of the following are re-
called by older citizens : Alpheus Ford, Alpheus Dumble-
ton, John Howard, Henry Simmons, Varnum Jones, Dan-
iel Birdsall, and Matthew Burdick.
At the present time, the following are or have been re-
cently in the regular army : Benjamin F. Burdick, for seven
years, — belonged to the 7th Cavalry ; was in Custer's com-
mand, and only escaped the slaughter by being sent out
that morning on special dutj connected with the wagon-
trains, — Niles J. Beals, AlonZO Warren, Mclvin Wood,
David ('nous.
This town made prompt efforts to meet the demand for
soldiers in the war of 1861-65. About 7."> citizens went
into the army, of whom 13 lost their lives. Two or more
calls were tilled by recruits hired abroad, — and the general
war expenses paid by the town, exclusive of what was re-
funded by the State and county, reached nearly 820, mill.
At a special town-meeting, Jan. 7, 18G5, it was voted
that a tax be levied and assessed upon the town sufficient
to procure men to fill the quota under the call of the Presi-
dent—of Oct. 19, 1864— for 300,000 men. The town
board were instructed to issue bonds or uotes for the
amount in advance of the collection of a tax, and further,
in the event of another call, they were invested with un-
limited authority to fill the quota and issue whatever bonds
were necessary for that purpose. Coder this authority 13
men were procured to the credit of the town of Grafton.
Under the previous call of July 18, 18G4. the town had
also procured 19 recruits to apply upon its quota.
The following list is copied mainly from the official rec-
ord in the town clerk's office, and is intended to include
556
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the Dames of citizens of Grafton who entered the service,
and Dot the Dames of the recruits hired abroad. This rule,
however, may not be strictly followed.
\l;MY LIST, w.u; OF 1801-05.
w .it.-, enl. Aug. 6, 1802,12511) Bogt, Co. A; disch. :it close of
war.
Pater II. Jours, enl, Aug. 11, 1S02, 126th Bogt, Co. A; dlscta. Juno IS, 1SD3.
ii tics, enl. Aug. 6, 1862,125th Regt, Co. A; disch. Juno 1,1865.
; irduor, enl. July 31, 1862, 125th Bogt, Co. A ; disch. June 22,1805.
125th Begt., Co. A ; dlsch. and re-enlisted.
! trdtck, enl. 125lh Begt, Co. A ; was captured, and is .supposed to
have died in Libby prison.
Albert - ml. Aug. 11, 1862, 125th Regt., Co. A; .lisch. Jim.- s. 1S05.
i.l Aug. 11,1802, 125th Bogt, Co. A; dlsch. Aug. 26,
m -ii, Jr. , .•ill. 125th Begt, Co. A; dlsch. March 13, 1SG3, for disa-
bility.
: nrt, enl. Ang. 2, 1862, 125th Begt., Co. II; captured at Ream's
ner six months ; dlsch. June 17, 1SC5.
It. Ball, enl - . I60tb Bogt, Co. C; disch. Sopt. 3, 1865.
Keller, enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 161 Hi Begt,, Co. C; disch July 13, 1865.
Braddo k Pi kham, iergt,enl. Aug, IT, 1862, 125th Bogt., Co. G; disch, June 8,
vroundc I.
1 Blfonborgh, enl. 125th Begt., Co. II ; disch. Juno 22, 1865.
Oaltrln Blfonborgh, enl. 125th Bcgl . Co. II.
Aaron Bogers, enl. 125th Begt , Co. II.
Oeorgo Clpperly, oul. 125th Begt., I 1
nl. Jan. 4, 1864, 21st Cav.; disch. June 9, 1865.
Howard, enl. July 24, 1862, 126th Begt., Co. A ; died Aug. 2, 1803, at
Carver hos| ital, Washington, D. C; buried in the Soldiers' Cemetery.
Alonzo Green, enl. 125th Begt, Co. A; killed in front of Petersburg about
the 1st of April. 1-|
Cortland Green, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 125th Regt., Co. A ; diseh. March 3, 1SG3;
blllly.
berts, enl. Ang. 16, 1862, 125th Regt., Co. A.
William C. Crandall, .ir„ enl. 125th Regt., Co. A.
Nathan Corbio, enl. July 24, 1862, 125th Regt., Co. A; disch. April 22, 1S03.
■nl. July 25, 1862, 126th Regt., Co. A ; disch. Juno .5, 1SG5.
it. enl. 169th B
lidnll, Jr., eiil. 169lh Regt.; died of disease in the service.
ill, enl. I25fh Begt,
Coonradt, enl. An.-. 14, 1862,125th Regt.. Co. 11 ; disch. June 17, 1865.
[ ... enl. 125th Begt,Co.A.
Adam Fentbera, enl. An. Ih Regt., Co. II ; disch. June 17, 1805;
soon alter return.
' .ilvin W. Feethora, enl. 125th Regt.; died soon after return, of disease con-
tracted in the army.
r, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 125th Bogt, Co. Hj disch. Dec. 18, 1864.
Levi Hayner, enl. I26tfa Begt.; . 1 1 - - > i in the service.
Calvii i Aug. 11,1862, 125th Begt, Co. A ; disch. June 16, 1865 ;
wonniled.
B. Boneateel, enl 2, 126th Regt., Co. A ; disch. March 19,
; wounded at Gettysburg.
Albert S. Bunlick, enl. 125th Regt.
David IT. Bonestecl, enl. 125th Regt., Co. II.
Jacob \V. Boncstocl, enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 125th Regt., Co. H; disch.; re-onl. Dec.
14,1863; disch. Oct 1, 1865.
Charles O. Bruce, enl. 109th Regt.; died in the service.
Philip Bennett, enl. Sept. 4, 1S02, 109th Regt., Co. C; disch. March, 1863.
John II. Brimmer, enl. Sept. 0, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. C; disch. May 29, 1805;
severely wounded.
Charles Crandall, enl. Sept. 7, 1S02, 109th Regt., Co. C.
David L. Simmons, enl. July 28, 1S62, 120th Regt., Co. II; disch. March 9,
1805.
Levi Snyder, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 125th Regt., Co. A ; disch. May 18, 1805 ;
wounded.
John Snyder, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 125th Regt., Co. A; disch. July IS, 1803.
Hi nun II. Smith, enl. Aug. 7, 1SC2, 125th Regt., Co. D; disch. Juno 17, 1805.
Hiram D. Snyder, enl. 125th Regt.
William Steward, onl. Sept. 7, 1S02, 109th Regt., Co. C.
Green Klloy, enl. Sept. 3, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. C.
Chauncoy Tracoy, enl. 169th Regt.
James L. Tilley, enl. 125tli Regt., Co. A ; pro. to sergt, capt., and brev. maj.
Samuel L. Spotten, onl. Aug. 4, 1802, 125th Regt., Co. A; disch. May 19, 1865.
Dunford 1'. Millis, eul. Aug. 4, 1802, 125th Regt., Co. A; disch. Dec. 24, 1SC2;
re-enl. Aug. 29, 1SG4; disch. June 18, 18G5.
William II. Hakes, 2d iieut., enl. 125th Regt., Co B; pro. to 1st licut., capt.
Charles Dumbleton, enl. 125th Regt., Co. A; died in the service.
Benjamin F. Ilayner, enl. 126th Regt., Co. A ; disch. Juno 17,1805; severely
wounded.
Stephen V. R. McChesney, onl. 125th Regt., Co. A ; a prisoner, aud died in
Libhy prison.
Henry S. Dunham, onl. Jan. 4, 1SG4, 21st Cavalry.
Buel Barnbart, onl. Jan. 4, 1804, 21st Cavalry.
Jeremiah Burdick, enl. 10th Heavy Artillery; died soon after return, of disease
contracted in the army.
George Whipple, enl. Aug. 15, 18G2, 109th Regt., Co. A (perhaps from Peters-
burgh).
Albert S. Hall, onl. Sept. 30, 1861, 2d Mounted Volunteers, Co. C ; disch.; rc-
enl. in the 109th Regt.; died in the army.
Daniel Odell, Jr., enl. Oct. 4, 1861, 2d Mounted Volunteers, Co. C ; disch.; re-
enl. Aug. 14, 18G2, 125th Regt., Co. A.
Jabez Odell, enl. Oct. 20, 1801, 2d Mounted Volunteers, Co. C; disch., and re-
onl. Aug. IS, 1SG2, 125th Regt., Co. A ; disch. June IS, 1805.
Amos B. Sweet, Jr., Oct. 1, 1801, 2d Mounted Volunteers, Co. C; disch.; re-enl.
July 24, 1SC2, 125th Regt., Co. A ; killed in the battle of the Wilderness,
May 7, 1SG4 ; body not recovered.
Russell P. Saunders, enl. Sept. 25, 1861, 2d Mounted Volunteers, Co. C; disch.;
re-enl. 109th Regt., Sept. 7, 18G2, but was not must. in.
Alfred S. Tracey, enl. Sept. 10, 1861, 2d Mounted Volunteers, Co. H.
David Vincent, onl. Sept. 7, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. C.
Levi Wugar, onl. 125th Regt.; killed in battle.
Isaac Wagar, enl. Aug. 1SG2, 125th Regt., Co. A.
Chas. L. Wagar, enl. July 24, ISC', 125th Regt., Co. A ; disch. Juno 17, 18G5.
David A. McChesney, enl. Aug. 8, 1804, 46th Regt., Co. E ; disch. Aug. 4,
1865.
Hiram N. Bulson, enl. Dec. 31, 1804, 21st Cavalry.
Albert N. Coonradt, enl. 125th Regt., Co. A.
^*-M^
PHOTOS BT ATX'.HSOK 7R0Y. N.Y.
to. & ^fc^f
b
wmlSBS*
iii
Residence nr w. l.COTTRFLL, Poestenk/ll. n. y.
POESTEN K I L L.
I.— GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
This town derives its name from its principal stream,
the Foestenkill, which signifies, in the Dutch language,
"puffing'' or " foaming creek." Ii is situated near the
centre of the county, eight miles southeast of the city of
Troy, and was formed from the town of Sand Lake on
March 2, 1848. It lies upon the western declivities of the
Petersburgh mountains. On the north it is bounded by
the towns of Brunswick and Grafton, on the south by Sand
Lake, on the east by the town of Berlin, and on the west
by the towns of North and East Grcenbush. By the census
of 1875, it contained a population of 1727. The assess-
ment valuation of the year 1878 gives the total valuation
of the real estate of the town at §144,219, of the personal
property §17,475, the amount of tax on one dollar valua-
tion .0212, and the total tax at §3507.93.
II.— NATURAL FEATURES.
The central and eastern portions of the town are ru™ged,
rocky, and mountainous, and the soil is cold and sterile.
The western part of the town is hilly, and the soil, which
is gravelly loam, is quite productive, and well adapted to
pasturage. Snake Hill, near the centre of the town, is one
of the principal elevations. The Poestenkill rises in the
eastern section of the town, and flows in a westerly and
northwesterly direction into the town of Brunswick. At "
Barberville it furnishes a fine fall, of perhaps one hundred
feet high, nearly one-half of which is perpendicular. An
excellent water-power could be formed at this point. Several
other privileges exist on the line of the stream, which re-
ceives as tributaries several smaller streams throughout the
town. Hosford Pond is situated in the north part of the
town, east of the centre ; Hick's Pond is located south of
East Poestenkill ; and Vosburgh and Cooper Ponds are in
the western part of the town.
III.— EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first permanent settlements were made in the town
about the year 1770. The early settlers came mostly from
the river towns, working their way northward and eastward
as the pioneer settlement of the county and section pro-
gressed.
The name of the first to locate within the limits of the
present town of Poestenkill is not definitely known, but
the general belief is that the Lynd, Whyland, and Ives
families were among the first to establish a formal settle-
ment in the town. Archelaus Lynd located first in the
city of Albany, where he engaged in the carpentering
business. At that place he was united in marriage to Mary
Dachenbach, by whom he had one son, Aaron, at Albany.
With this family ho located before the Revolutionary war
near Poestenkill village, tnkiii_r the land by lease from Van
Rensselaer. Tie- land so taken up included the present
funis .'f Win. L. Cottrcll, Garret [ves, and another, lb-
was a farmer, bul devoted much of In- time to bunting, a
pursuit in which le- was very expert, and in which he took
great delight, lie had a large family, among whom were
John, Archelaus, Andrew, and Leonard bi ides Varon,
who was born before he settled in tie- town. Tie-'- sons,
with the exception of Andrew, who returned to Albany,
located in Poestenkill, and raised families there. John
had four chidren, — Polly, John, Leonard, and Archelaus,
— all of whom are deceased, bul raised families in town.
Archelaus hail seven boys and seven girls. Leonard resides
in town. Phoebe i> the wife of Volkerl Bradt. Rosetta
is the wife of Edward K. llimes. Both live in town.
Andrew had four girls, all deceased. Leonard had two
sons, — Albeit and Edgar,— both of whom at first settled in
town. Albert is now a fanner in Sand Lake. Edgar is a
merchant at Troy. The Lynd family originally came from
Ireland.
The ancestor of the Whyland family settled a little over
a mile east of Poestenkill village before the Revolutionary
war. The place is now occupied by Nicholas Etatts. His
sons most all settled in town. Among them were John,
Barnard, Leonard, and Jacob, all of whom located in town,
and raised families there. William, sou of Barnard, lives
about a mile east of the village. Joseph, son of Jacob,
lives about a mile north of Poestenkill village. Agnes,
his sister, is the wife of Leonard Lynd. Jacob H., son of
Jacob, is a store- and tavern-keeper at the village of Poes-
tenkill. Catharine, his sister, is the widow of Jacob Fos-
mire, and lives at Poestenkill village.
Lazarus Ives came from Connecticut before the Revolu-
tionary war, and located about a mile north of the village of
Poestenkill, where he leased several bundled acres of land,
and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He had several
sons, who settled in town, among whom were Christopher
and Lazarus, who became the father of Jesse Ives. Chris-
topher had Abijah, Truman, John, and Jacob, sons, who
settled in town, and whose representatives are still in the
county. Jesse, Randall, Abijah, and Lyman were sons of
Lazarus, all of whom are dead save Abijah. who lives in
Michigan. James and Lyman P., sons of Jesse, are still
living in town. Hiram lives in Troy. William resides
near Alton Station, N. V.. and Charles in Illinois. Jesse,
Jr., is dead. His sons, George W. and Orland, live in
town.
Settlements were commenced in the western part of the
town much earlier than in the central and eastern sections.
An early map of that portion of the manor of Rensselaers-
wiek lying cast of the Hudson River, made by John E.
557
I
BISTORY 01- RKNSSI.LAKR COUNTY, NKW YORK.
Van _V1.ii. shows the location of iln' earliest settlers. In
the north part of the town were "J. Livingston, Peter Clap-
l • - 1 I » i 3t, P. Coo| er, ('. Coo] or, W. Cooper, S.
S. Berringcr, Il.Sirunk. Muller, J. Tater, Jr.,
II. Burkdor, J. Berringer, B. [vcs, L. Eves, A. Lynd, W.
- aon, and G. and A. Peck." In the south part of the
town were P Beyner, J. and Craver C s,A. 1 1 < > i ker,
W. Kilmer, P. Kink. .1. Lcibhite, T. Blewer, N. Fulnian,
E. Nightart, and C. Sluyter."
Minnick settled early in the southwest part of the
town, on the place now occupied by Jacob Minnick.
II nry and Philip were grandsons, and he had several
granddaughters besides. David J I1 Pr est lived at an
early day in the northwest part of the town, on :i farm,
portion- of which are now owned by Peter Castle, Cyrus
M n. and Gabriel Cameron. He has no descendants in
.1 icob and S. Muller lived ninth of the village at an
early day. Jacob had s ■ il sons, of whom Garret was
Garret had John, Henry, Jacob, and .hums. The
form - in town, and owns the old homestead. S.
Barringcr settled very early near Poestenkill village. Fred-
crick and John Barringer lived there early. Frederick
lived on the Leonard Lynd place. Philip Strunk lived
early about a mile southwest of the village, and
Henry, David, Peter, and John were among his sons.
P resides on the old homestead. John Barringer lived
a mile and a hall' northwest of the village. He had sons
I1 rid, Jeremiah, John, and Edward. Jeremiah resides
on the old hoi ind is the only one living. Peter
Link, on the Sand Lake and Troy Turnpike, in the south-
part of the town, and was a fanner. Andrew. Stephen,
and Martin were among his sons. The latter lives in town,
n Greenbush. Lorenzo and Calvin are sons
of Stephen. The former lives on the old homestead.
John N. and Stephen Liphite lived early in the southwest
of the town and raised families. Eliphalct, one of the
ts of the family, occupies the old homestead.
John Sluyter lived about a mile south of the village, and
Was a firmer. lie had sons, William. Joseph, John, and
Joseph and Cornelius live in town; John lives
in Troy; William is dead. Jacob Fosmire lived WCSl of
1' -lonkill village at an early day. None of the faulty arc
now in town. Gideon Reed was an early resident of the
• of tie- town, and occupied a farm adjoining the
nk& I If hi- -"ii-. John. Nathan, and ( IcorgC are dead.
Do - in town. Charles and Barber, sons of
John, reside in town. J. dm Cottrell came from Roxbury,
M ol -"7. and loc ill d three miles east of
I' itcnkill village, on the farm now occupied by hi- son,
', I lie had nine children, all of whom are
living rl. Of the sons, Ocorge resides on the
old homestead ; J about a mile west of Poesten-
kill; John ('. resides in Michigan; William I. resides in
in Iowa. Eldci Aid.iiiKin Baker
tli of the town, on a farm now occupied
bj .1 M I nhen B ngaging in farming he
hurcli that
kill, [l Elder i burch." Jo* ph
■■I, kill, and kept II hotel
Simon Dingman lived mar Amidon I I
tcnkill. lie came from East Greenbush about the year
lSlit. and loeated on the Grafton line, in the northeast part
of the town. His sens were Joseph. Jacob. Simon. John.
Ji -i ph lives iii [owa : Jacob located in town and engaged
in lumbering. He subsequently removed to Troy, and now
resides at Millville, in the town of Brunswick. Simon and
John located and reside in the town.
.1 - :ob and Peter Moul lived early in the west part of the
town. John Polock lived at an early day at Poestenkill
village, and occupied the little red house near the bridge,
in which Hri Streeter now resides. Vincent Castle lived
about two miles wesl of the village. He had sons, John,
Joseph, Eli, and Simeon, all of whom located in town save
the latter. Joseph resides at Poestenkill village. The
family is represented in town. William Plass lived at an
early day about a mile west of the village. Henry W.
Koon and Bernard Weatherwax occupied adjoining farms
in the western part of the town at an early day. Both are
living at advanced ages. Coonradt Snyder settled early in
the south part of the town. Bernard and Peter M., his
sons, live on the old homestead. John lives in Schoharie
County. Stephen R. llimcs came from Berlin in the year
1818, and located at Poestenkill village and engaged in
blacksmithing, being one of the first. He had three chil-
dren, Sarah E., Edward K., and Emeline. Sarah E. be-
came the wife of Peter Van Wagcnen ; Emeline married
John J. Reed. Both reside at Poestenkill village. Edward
K. is a blacksmith at the same place. Philip Simmons was
a blacksmith, and lived at Poestenkill village at an early
dav. Samuel Delematcv was another old resident of the
village, and kept the Blewer tavern for a long time.
Thomas Blewer came from Staffordshire, England, about
1750, and located west of Albany for a few years. He
came to Poestenkill on horseback before the Revolutionary
war, and bought a small place of a man named Strope. in
the southwest part of the town, for which he paid £1.").
lie subsequently took up 240 acres of land of Van Rens-
selaer, including the land upon which Strope had ''si platted."
Thomas and William Blewer were his sons. Both lived ill
town for some time. Thomas subsequently removed to
Schaghticoko. William passed his life on the old home-
stead. Stephen V. II. Blewer, son of William, keeps the
tavern known as Union Hall, at Poestenkill village. John
Clint was born in the city of London, England, came to
this country at an early day. and located first at Philadel-
phia, where he married Barbara Wolf, and then proceeded
on to Albany, where he passed bis life. IL- was a man of
finished education, a master of five languages, and was a
teacher at Albany throughout his life. He had three chil-
dren. John, his only -on. located first in lie- town of
Brunswick, and then at Poestenkill village, at the opening
of tie present century. He was a carpenter by trade, but
engaged in farming after locating in the town. His farm is
occupied in pait by hi- -en. He Witt. He had nine chil-
dren.— live daughters ami four sons, — viz.: John. Aaron,
Daniel, He Witt. Elisabeth, Margaret. Ann. Barbara, and
Ahnira. The daughters ail married in town save Margaret,
ami. with the exception of Elizabeth, who lives &i Hoosick
Falls, all reside in town. Daniel ami He Win occupied ad-
joining fauns at Poestenkill until the death of Daniel, a
TOWN OF POESTENKILL.
,59
few years ago. De W i 1 1 is engaged in farming at Poesten
kill, but is about to undertake the bakery business,
A man by the name of Greenman located ;it a very early
where I larrison Harrington lives, iii the east part of the
town, lie was one of the pioneers of tin- section, and
tied in what was then almost an unbroken forest.
Henry Seniles. Solomon Cady, Royal Cady, the Morey
family, Edmund Wheeler, Josiah Mull, John Stevens, Sam
uel Cottrell, David Horton, Giles Burrett, Frederick Cra-
mer, George Davitt, Daniel Peck, William Cropsey, Theo
doroChilds, Reuben Babcock, Hendricks,- —Owens,
Levi Trumbull (who built the first frame house in the sec-
tion), Otis Gould, were all pioneers in the eastern section
of the town, and many of them raised large families. The
Hull, Horton, and Amidon families were the moot numer-
ous. Of the Mulls, there were Ames, Klisha, Joel, and
Josiah, all of whom settled in the east part of the town.
Of the Mortons, then' were Amos, Piatt, David, Pierce,
George, Major, Truman, Alfred, Henry, Peleg, and Leon-
ard, all of whom settled in town and raised families there.
Major is still living,; Joseph, Reuben, John, and Jabez
Amidon all settled in town. A man by the name of Bald-
win was one of the tirst settlers on the Colehamer farm,
adjoining George Cottrell. Coonradt Colehamer came from
Brunswick early, and settled in the same locality. Wil-
liam Cooper, at a period considerably antedating the Rev-
olutionary war, settled in the northwest part of the town,
and took up several hundred acres of land. Among his
sons was Christian, who also settled in town, and occupied
the part that became the Colehamer farm. His sous who
attained adult age were John, Christian, Lawrence. Peter,
Coonradt, and Henry. Of these, Christian and Coonradt
settled in town and raised families. John and Lawrence
settled in Monroe County, Peter in Schoharie, and Henry
in Saratoga Co., N. Y. Christian had Edward, who is a
minister in the West, Peter, John, and Robert, none of
whom located in town. Coonradt had George H., wdio re-
sides in town, and has been engaged in farming, store- and
hotel-keeping, and operating a grist- and saw-mill, an occu-
pation which he is at present pursuing.
TAVERNS.
Samuel R. Delernater kept one of the earliest taverns in
the town. It stood on the site of the present Blewer
tavern. The principal ones to keep tavern there since have
been Henry Ensign, Jacob Clark, Justus E. Gregory,
Leonard Lynd, Milton Niles, Darius Allen. Stephen V.
It. Blewer has kept tavern there since the spring of 1878.
William Barber kept a tavern at au early day on the site of
the present Whyland tavern. A man by the name of Car-
penter kept there afterwards. Ebenezer Barringer built
the present tavern in 1834 and kept tavern there for sev-
eral years. William H. Snyder, Jeremiah Baker, Ethan
P. Hall, Franklin Hayner, Horace Morris, Patrick Winn,
Peter Neilson, Isaac Southard, and Jacob C. Whyland, the
present proprietor, have been among those who have kept
there since. Eli Streeter kept the Holcombe tavern thirty-
years ago. Henry Lance, Richard Barber, George M.
Cooper, and Andrew J. Holeomb, the present host, have
been there since. Mac. Creamer kept tavern, about fifteen
year IgO about tWO mil if the village. All early
tavern existed in the southwest pan of the town, where
Isaac Roo •■■ kcc| tavern. George Kilmer kepi it a
in) years Petei II Minnick and Janice Wooden
have also been hosts there. The hotel nl Barbcrville
kept a great ru I lac Allen, Wait Winchell,
Burr Van Evcrcn, Ma on Jami Manning, and
Bi nj imin B u bei i a long time . Hem Mi in, the present
proprietor, took po session April I. 1870. Reuben Bab
cock kepi a tavern about n mile cast of Barberville •
seven tj yen ago,in a building which was erected by John
Taylor Justus Coatc Reuben Bal sk, Jr., Robert
Austin, Whitman Place, and others kepi there afterwards.
Joseph Amidon kept n tavern about a mile east of I
Pocstcnkill (P. 0.), and kept it a great many years. Ii
was a place of considerable notoriety. David Horton, -Ii ,
had an early tavern and store about a quarter of a mile
west of the Amidon tavern. A tavern was kept at he-'
Corners fifty years ago by Reuben Babcock. Among sub-
sequent proprietors have been Justus Coats, Whitman
Place, Edward Manning, and James [ves.
One of the tirst store- at Poestenkill village was kept by
Abram Newman, and afterwards by .lane- Bidwell, in
the lower end of the village. Samuel R. Delernater had
a store at the village in connection with his tavern, which
most of his successors continued to keep. The store now
occupied by James M. Bonesteel was built in 1852 by Jere-
miah L. Becker, and first occupied by Stephen V. It. Blewer.
J. L. Becker, Edgar Green, David Fonda, Bonesteel &
Whyland, Jacob H. Whyland, and Fonda A Bonesteel
have traded there since. John Rochenstire kept a store a
great many years ago when' the tin shop now is. Jacob
Dennis, Fay, Ebenezer Barringer, and Durfee Reed
have been among the proprietors there since. Gregory &
Fonda were in trade in the old Cooper tavern a good many
years ago. Coonradt C. Cooper, Durfee Bed. and George
M. Cooper have been in trade there since. Betsey Bail" i
had a store for a good many years at Barberville at quite
an early day. In the east part of the town Cyrus Amidon
erected a store near the Amidon Motel. Amidon A W 1
(John) traded there for a time, followed by Amidon alone.
Jacob Dingman, George Herrington, and others traded
there afterwards.
In the the year 1SI7, Eliphalet Mimes erected a store at
East Poestenkill, and engaged in trade. George Barber
built one near, and also traded at East Poestenkill. John
Flint, Joseph Ilinkle. and others traded there. William
Cooper established the next store at Bast Poestenkill, and
was followed by Lewis Morton. George Barber, Jr., is in
trade there now, and keeps a small hotel besides. Darius
Amidon erected the store now kept by J. B. Dingman and
engaged in trade there. Henry Herrington, Barber & Her-
rington, have traded there since. Charles Horton has been
in trade in the old Barber store at Poestenkill for SIX years.
John King built a store in the east part of the town about
1850, and traded there some years, followed by William
Rogers. George Henderson bad a si ore near there. Miles
Clark established a store at Poestenkill village about thirty-
5G0
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Nix •. whore the shoe-shop is. Jacob Clark, Peter
II. Minnick, Martin Nilcs. lianvt Ives. Janus II. Hone-
Aaron Bouse, ami Sydney Simmons followed. Jacob
II Wyland has a well-stocked store in connection with his
i ti nkill village.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Matthew M ly was in practice at Poestenkill vil-
lage at an early day. After the " washout" of the " Pool"
lie located where Marvin Moody now lives, and was in suc-
- jful practice a great many years, and had a wide reputa-
tion as a practitioner of the " healing art." Dr. Peter F.
- Wester veil practiced at Poestenkill village, and suc-
. 1 l>r. Moody. Be subsequently removed to Grafton.
I'r. Luther II. Barber followed Dr. Westcrvelt, and was in
practice a long time. Br. Sabins was in partnership with
him for some time. Dr. William II. Hull lias been in suc-
il practice at the village for over a decade of years.
Dr. Searli - came about the same time, but removed to
Troy afterwards. Dr. Elmer was in practice at Barber-
ville a good many years ago.
LAWYERS.
i,. orge Davitt was in practice at the village about 1842,
and remained several years. Eleazer Wooster was in prac-
>d many veal's, and bad an office adjoining the
I' stenkill Hotel. Albert E. Wooster, bis son, studied with
his hither, practiced awhile in town, and removing to Troy,
became district attorney of the county.
ROADS.
The Troy and Berlin Turnpike was laid through the town
about 1- in. It was subsequently changed to a plank-road,
but is now graveled part of the way.
The Troy and Sand Lake Turnpike was laid through the
th part of the town quite early, and was known as one
ofthebesl in the county. The road from Poestenkill vil-
lage to Brunswick was laid oul early. The roads leading
and southwest from the village were also put through
early.
MEN 01 PROMINENCE.
• B. Wooster, son of Eleazer Wooster, is a native
of the town. Be is a lawyer a< Troy, and filled tbe office
of district attorney fr-.m Jan. 1. I -^ 7 < ■ . to Jan, 1, 1879-
William L. Cottrell, Bon of John Cottrcll, is a nativeof the
town, and filled the offi f school commissioner for the
Third Assembly District, i prising nine towns, from Jan-
nary, 1864, to January, 1 -To.
IV.- i l\ I I. ORGANIZATION
The civil h the town commences with its it
tion, on March 2, 1848. The first town-meeting was
held at the house of J. L Becker '>n April I. 1848.
John Amidon was chosen moderator, Bcnry W. Coon .oul
lectcd t" till vacancy for the day, and
David Ld d clerk. Tin- first town offii
■ < Bcnderson, Jr., Supervisor; David
1.. : I i iser Flint, Superintendent of Com-
i' - John I Vosburgh, Benjamin I'.. Randall,
mon Vandi riec, Asses B j W( thi i
phen Austin, Commissioners of Highways ; George Cot-
trell. George Barker, Benjamin Wilkerson, Justices of the
Peace ; Christian C. Cooper, Samuel Comick, Overseers of
tbe Poor: John Barker. Alonzo Wliyland, William Cooper,
John F. Wliyland, Constables; John Barker, Collector;
James D. Simmons, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Since the incorporation of the town tbe following persons
have filled tbe principal town offices:
SUPERVISORS.
I 348 49, J. Henderson: 1850, E. Wooster; 1S51, C. Sliter; 1S52-53,
J. I. Vosburgh ; 1S54-55, L. Lynd; 1850, J. I. Vosburgh; 1857,
1.. Lynd; 1S58-53, D. Amidon; 1SG0-G1, L. Lynd; 1S62-63,
li. W. Davitt; 1S04, L. J. Barnes; 1865-66, G. W. Dnvittj
1S67, L. Lynd; 1868-69, George II. Cooper; 1S70, L. Lynd;
1S71-72, J. J. Sliter: 1873, L. B. Whyland; 1874-75, H. Iler-
rington: 1S7G, George II. Cooper; 1S77, Win. L. Cottrell: 1S78,
George II. Cooper; 1879, Albert W. Davitt.
TOWN CLERKS.
184S, David Luce; 1850, John .T. Place; 1851, Jeremiah L. Becker;
1S55, Cbas. N. Quittcrfield ; 1S56, David B. Clark; 1S57, Nicho-
las Taylor: 185S, Coonradt C. Cooper; 1S50, Ives Lynd; I860,
George W. Taylor; 1861, Jacob II. Whyland : 1863, Daniel ST.
Place; 1S64, Win. 0. Ives ; 1S65, Charles H. Reed; 1S67, Casper
Pawley ; 1SG8, Jacob II. Whyland; 1871—79, Thomas Nelson.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1848, George Cottrell, George Barber, Benjamin Wilkerson; 1849,
Eleazer Wooster, Samuel Carnrik : 1850, ^Vm. II. Snyder, Georgo
Cottrell: 1851, George Barber: 1852, Abner Garrison; 1853,
Wm. II. Snyder; 1854, Georgo Cottrell; 1S55, Solon Bingham,
Jr., Wm. Slaughter; 1S56, Ezra W. Haskins; 1857, Edmund
Cole; 1S5S, James Ives, Wm. Cooper: 1859, Win. Cooper, David
Fonda; I860, David Fonda: 1861, Wm. II. Snyder; 1862, James
Ives; 1SG3, Win. Cooper; 1864, George Barber; 1SG5, Wm. II.
Snyder; 1866, James Ives: 1SG7, Leonard M. Hortcn: 18GS,
Wm. Cooper; 1SG9, Win. H. Snyder, Georgo Barber; Ism.
James Ives: 1871, William A. Snook; 1S72, George Barber;
1873, Wm. II. Snyder; 1S74, James Ives: is;;,, Wm. A. Snook;
1S76, George Barber; 1877, Wm. II. Snyder; 1878, Wm. Cooper;
1879, Wm. A. Snook.
V.— VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Tbe principal village in tbe town is situated just west of
the geographical centre on the Poestenkill, and is known as
Poestenkill village. It contains two churches, three stores,
a grist- and saw-mill, three hotels, and about 4011 inhabi-
tants. In 1821 it contained a store, hotel, and saw-mill.
A medicinal spring is located near tbe village, and in earlier
days was a great place of re.-ort. on account of its supposed
qualities for the cure of cutaneous diseases. Large bathing-
houses were erected there. About tbe year 181 1 a heavy
rain, lasting two days, occurred in the town, the creek rose,
the dams of the mills gave way, and the torrent came
b weeping down. Tbe first building to give way was an
old tannery operated by John Heals, then seven other
buildings in turn, and finally the bathhouses and boarding-
houses, causing great destruction. The principal part of
the village was located then \nioi,i_- oilers Kl'iitn.
a shoemaker: Luther Child-. Dr. Matlbew Moody. Ellis
Foster, and Otis Gould lived there. The inhabitants never
rebuilt in that locality again.
The post-offici al Poestenkill was established about forty
four 'fbe lii-t postmaster was Dr. Luther II.
Barber, who had the office in bis residence, a little red
TOWN OF I'OESI'ENKILL.
561
house that stood on the site of the residence of Freemantle &
Cottrell. The incumbents of the office since then have l»vn
Harmon Van Derzee, Gilbert B. Thorn, Jeremiah i-. Becker,
Eleazer Wooster, Charles G. Leonard, Durfee Reed, Edgar
Green, Garrett Ives, David Fonda, .lames II. Bonesteel,
the present postmaster, has tilled the office about ten
years.
EAST POESTENKILL POST-OFFICE
is a hamlet, and situated, as its name implies, in the
eastern part of the town. It contains a Methodist and a
Baptist church, two stores, an inn, and about KM) inhabi-
tants. It was formerly known as Columbia. The post-
office was established cpuite early. Cyrus Amidon was
an early postmaster. Joel B. Dingman, the present post-
master, was appointed in 1879.
BARBERVILLE
is a small settlement a short distance east of Poestenkill vil-
lage, and boasts of a toll-gate, a hotel, store', shoemaker's
shop, and about a dozen houses.
IVES' CORNERS
is the name bestowed on a still smaller settlement farther
east.
VI.— SCHOOLS
were organized in the town soon after its first settlement.
The following grant of land for school purposes was made
by Stephen Van Rensselaer at an early day :
" These Certify that I grant about five acres for the use of a school
adjoining the farms of Johannus Burger, Grant Peak, Wtn. Peak, II.
Stronck, & for thnt use only.
"Steph. Van Rensselaer.
" Rensselaerwvck, March 12, 1788."
The land is still the property of District No. 3, Poesten-
kill village, and a portion of it, being occupied by buildings,
is leased, yielding a fair return to the district.
An early school-house at Poestenkill village stood on the
north road, near the Poestenkill Hotel ; Marshall Conant,
Eleazer Flint, Darling, and James were early
teachers there. The present school-house was built about
forty years ago. The Poestenkill Academy was kept, about
twenty-five years ago, in the building which is now the
Disciples' Church ; Prof. Martin and others were the in-
structors there. The institution was sustained about a
decade of years, and had a good reputation. A number of
select schools have also been kept at the village. An old
log school-house stood near the present residence of George
Cottrell, more than fifty years ago. The next stood near
Ives' Corners, on Henry Searles' farm. The present school-
house in District No. 4 was erected about 1S38. Some of
the early teachers in that locality were Eleazer Flint, Jede-
diab Crehore, "Squire" Foster, and Lemuel N. Barber. In
the present house the first teacher was Joseph Wagner.
Elizur Hayden, Hubbard, Ezekiel Shelden, Samuel
Barber, Noel B. Fellows, Wni. L. Cottrell, Crandell,
and Mary E. Peck (now the wife of William L. Cottrell)
have been other teachers. There are eight school districts
at present in the town, having in attendance 656 pupils
between the ages of five and twenty-one years.
71
VII RELIGIOUS HISTORY.
\ Dutch Reformed society existed al Poestenkill villa
about >i\i\ years ago. Thej erected the meeting-house
now occupied by the Disciples' ('lunch a i plao of meet-
ing, and maintained an organization in the town a good
many years. The pastor of the church during 'hi-, period
was Rev. Henry Belinger. The organization was subse-
quently merged with the Wynantskill church, and tbe
building became an academj .
FRANCKEAN EVANGELIC LUTHERAN CHURCH, POESTEN-
KILL.
This church was organized Aug. 11. 1*33, with 73
members, by Rev. .). I). Lawyer. At that time the charge
included three stations, — Raymertown, I' tenkill, and
West Sand Lake. The first church edifice was dedicated
Nov. 13, 1832. It stood on the site of tbe present struc-
ture. It was taken down and the present one rebuilt, and
dedicated Dec. 24, 1865.
Tbe pastors of the church have been Rev. Messrs. J. D.
Lawyer, Aug. 11, L833, and who remained five years; J.
S. Robinson, April 1, 1838, who remained one year and
three months; Isaac Kimball, July 1, 1830, and remained
ten months; U. W. Porter, 1848, who remaiued one year;
R. Smith, Jr., 1850, who remained seven years; J. A.
Rosenberg, 1857, and remained ten years ; J. Kling, Aug.
1, 1S67, and remained seven years; H. A. Strail, 1874,
and remained three years ; Silas W. Young, the present
pastor of the church, who commenced his labors March 14,
1877.
The parsonage of the church was built about 1860.
The value of the property owned by the church is about
$10,000. The church is in a prosperous condition, and
has a membership of 150 persons. Size of Sabbath-school,
120 ; number of volumes in the library, about 500 ; super-
intendent, the pastor. The council of the church consists
of the pastor and Deacons Jacob Clickner, Joseph Why-
land, and Christian Wagner. The clerk of the council is
J. H. Bonesteel. The trustees are John Prediger, Peter
Strunk, Leonard Whyland, Lysander Clickner, Aaron
Wager. The church is about to erect a stable and horse-
sheds in the rear of the church building. Religious ser-
vices are held, morning and evening, each Sabbath, — school
before the morning services.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, POESTENKILL.
This church was organized in 1814. The first pastor of
the church was Elder Alderman Baker. The other pastors
have been Elders Joseph Rogers, Peter Ambler, Edwin
Westcott, Ashley. Charles T. Catlin, the present
pastor, has been in charge several years. The first meet-
ing-house stood about a mile west of East Poestenkill, and
was formerly a wagon-shop. Worship was held there fifty
years ago. The present church edifice was erected about
twenty years ago. The present membership of the church
is over 70 ; size of Sabbath-school, 40 to 50 ; volumes in
library, several hundred ; superintendent, Roswell Horton.
The present church officers are Deacons Charles Horton,
Daniel Hanchet ; Clerk, William Cooper; Trustees. Ros-
well Horton. Simpson French, and Charles Cropsey.
562
HISTORY OF RENSSELAEB COUNTY, NEW YORK.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, POESTENKILL.
rda the close of the year 1871, through the influ-
. ukham, Esq., of Troy, George Hudson,
.,1 preacher of Castleton, N. V.. wcul oul to Dyking
Pond, on Berlin Monntaiu, occasionally, and preached in
the Bchool-honse, — the i pie being mostly Germans. Late
in the year, through the efforts of the "Troy Praying
taken oul from Troy and pitched
near William Rogers', about two miles up the mountain
from the village . Poestenkill. Soon after it was deei 1
rm a charge in thai locality, to be known as
Ihe "Columbia charge.' The people of the "Oak Hill
lintment" of tl Sand Lake charge" vacated their
church edifice on Oik Hill and united themselves with the
now society nt Poestenkill post-office), when worship was
commenced in "Lewis Horton's Hall." The charge, to-
her with that at Dyking Pond ( Berlin i, became a mission
f the Church, and al thi the Confei
-;_ i; |' \ Blam h ird was appointed over the
charge, and became its first regular pastor. The present
!' stenkill was erected in 1S72, at a
The parsonage and barn were purchased
the same year al a cosl of 51000. The church at Oak
Hill was removed to Dyking Pond, in Berlin, where it now
ids.
Ti. of the church since Mr. Blanchard have
.Thomas Monroe, April 18, 1874, and who left
April -". 1876; Rev. John Sumner, appointed April.
1 - 7< ; . and who remained two yi ars ; Rev. John W. Coons,
the present pastor, who began his labors in the mouth of
April, 1878. The charge is in a g 1 condition, com-
prising a membership of 100; size of Sabbath-school, 108;
volumes in library, ~» 1 1 > » ; Superintendents, Albertus Austin,
.kill, and George Busher, Dyking Pond.
The present church officers al P lestenville are : L<
George Feathers and Albertus Austin; Trustees, C. F.
nnan, G there, William Smith. John Bab-
cock, Spencer II E rl Foster, Sylvester Horton,
Charli - II. Bills, and •' I
The officers I Dyking Pond are: Leader, George W.
K nnedy; Tr W. Kennedy, C. H. Busher,
ami Samuel Edwai
hurch at Berlin i~ connected with the charge, ami
i- treated of in the history "I' that town.
■ in urn. POESTENKILL.
Thi- red forty-five j The
the church was Elder Miller. Tie- early
arns, and "tier i
■ ■
hurch edif I on " Oak llili
ition. The third and (present place of
1 ii milr v. I ■ i ' .kill over a
■ renty. I :
mil- of the pi
f the church have '■• en I B. ( lolcman,
.1 |i II B H lv t'li.im. aiwl
Van Erdcn. Elder Smith had had charge of tie'
church I The membership of tie' church i-
<iuite larg.- and the church 1 1
THE ill I m 'II OF THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
at the village of Poestenkill was organized a number of
years ago, and occupies a neat house of worship. The
society is nol a large one. but has a settled pastor.
VIII. BURYING-PLACES.
The cemetery near the village of Poestenkill was laid out
at the opening of the present century. Archelaus Lynd, the
founder, was buried there. April -'_. 1802, at the age of
seventy-eight wars. It is a neat and attractive spot, and is
inclosed by a substantial white fence. Its long rows of
white tombstones and handsome monuments present a
mn appearance, and forcibly suggest to the mind the
ephemeral nature of life.
Among those buried there are Mary, wile of Archelaus
Lynd, win. died June '.'. 1^1-. al tie- age of eighty-two;
Lazarus Eves, who died Sept. 17, 1S12, aged seventy-nine
years; Lydia, wife of Lazarus Ives, who died Feb. 17,
L824, aged eighty-three years:
The Whyland burying-ground, in the centre of the town,
near Barberville, was laid out very early. The oldest .-lone
now standing in the yard is that of Joseph Amidon, who
died Jan. 1". 1802, aged fifty-five years and four months.
The yard can probably boast of the longest inscription in
the United States. It is presented to our readers for trans-
lation, and is as follows:
•• .lane E. McCrco, wife of Timothy Saylcs, died Feb. IS, 184$, ngod
27 year.-. 9 months, and t!i days.
•• Eat and drink I say.
Ami enjoy the gooti of thy labor here.
And bo of passive mind.
And bow the bending knee
Ti. thy Saviour, brother dear.
i lb. m shall happy be,
Happy in eternity :
nly. there thy line; i never end."
i in back el' tombstone, —
■ l mn a Shaker, though Lutheran by name,
I am forced to speak my prin liplo :
At this present day
myself a Shaker:
1 am nothing by .
i ;,i! ye that know the I
('..in.' on the common stand,
And join heart and hand
And call yourselves Chri
bore the nam.'.
■• And then you will bo unite I
Sinnci - will come Hocking
Like sheep (■• the
And then will be happj
■■ I .all mysi if a Shal ' ecause
iritually beliove that a Christian
Can very happj
• i think that a Christian
Musi like that willow }.'•• do. |
•• \n I ye that km.w the
Thai
Uown from the willows lake thy I:
I:,. I , iwake,
n;; and dnnco and •limit before tin i
TOWN of POESTENKILL.
:,.;:;
" Then \ nil IS ill \ <T\ h:i|>|.\ DO
No« I bat e bold 3 i\ pi Inoiple
I must bid 3 "ii adieu
I am going, gone in tbal bappy land,
w bare I he mm are ■! I rest."
Ii is to !»' regretted thai the stone was m.i larger, or had
doI Pour sides.
Another stone records the death of
"John Cottroll, born Deo, 15, 177(1, died Aug. m. 1842; aged 65
j r.u-. 7 months, an I .'., days.
"Left a wife and 9 children ."> sons and I daughters— to mourn
their l"-s. Bui how happy i- he who sleeps in Christ.
"Sarah I'. Cottrell, died Sept. B, 1869, aged 80 yoars, 9 months,
ami 1 1 davs."
I\ INCIIIKNT.
In May, 1833, Reuben Amidon killed a man by the
name of Bliss, in a dispute about the right to draw wood
from a wood-lot. The instrument of killing was a stick of
wood. Amidon was tried I'm- the ciime, and, being found
guilty, was sentenced to State's prison for life. The occur-
rence took place in the eastern part of the town.
X— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
Poestenkill village lias been quite a noted point for
blacksmithing, several shops constantly existing there.
Nicholas Taylor and William L. Hoag operated a cotton-
batting factory in the rear of the Blewer tavern for a number
ol' years. Mr. Taylor also had a tannery near the batting-
factory, and a flax-mill near by was run by him. The
grist-mill at Poestenkill village was run by Coonradt C.
Cooper for a long time. George H. Cooper is there now.
Thomas Williams and John Simmons ground grist there a
good many years ago. John II. Dater has a small shirt-
factory at the village. William L. Hoag is a manufacturer
of wagons at the village. The manufacture of shirts and
collars has been the principal industrial pursuit of the east
part of the town. Joel 15. Dingman is the leading manu-
facturer there.
XI.— MILITARY.
'flic military record of the town is very praiseworthy.
At the time of the breaking out of the Revolutionary war
the town contained but few inhabitants, a large portion of
whom, however, served in the army. Among these were
William Sluyter, Archelaus Lynd, Barent Polock,
Windsor, ami Daniel Peek. Benjamin Cottrell, grandfather
of George and William L. Cottrell, and a subsequent resi-
dent of the town, served in the war, and drew the first
wheelbarrow-load for the Bunker Hill fortifications.
A number of the citizens of the town also served in the
war of 1812, among whom were Joel Peck, William C.
Cooper, Thomas Morrison, Bugbee Feathers, and Piatt and
George Horton.
The record of the town in the late war was especially
creditable, and the quotas of men called for were promptly
furnished. The list of the names of those who served in
the army in behalf of the town is prepared from the printed
muster-in rolls of the State, and from the reports of the
enumerators in the census of 18G5.
\I.'M V II- r nr Tin. WAR I
.1 .|<i, Mill , ,1 .1 ,,, . I I ■ r, . 1. 12.
Jo . |.i, m.. m 1 1 1 1 ' No. 12,
■ : ' '1
Hi nrj lue, enl, Bopl I* 109th Bogt., Co. A.
Hi ni 1 1 inito, ' ■ni. Si pi 1 1 I 2, 109th Re 1 , Co \
Anton I;. ■!■ 1 . enl - pi D, 1802, IDS D I 0, A.
John Wagner, ■ ni .-■ 1 1 1 Cb.A
1 liu 1 ■
W, 11 M , ..a, .ni Sept.i \
John Mi i'ii, onl. ■ pro. i" corp. ; wounded.
TunU Mi. i'ii. en] Maj -a r'e mate, ship " Octo
Qi 1 'i 1 ,.. rly, ■■ni. s, pi 1 ' 1
Ezra Clppi rly, onl Sepl I8G2 12 " R 1
Thomas Burdlck, onl. May 8, 1801, 1th Wis. Root; it,,, i-. Corp.; pro.seTen
1 mi 1 amp ■ '■ onl M
n i.'n SIo re, onl III 1, 1804, 01st N. 1 1:
Ii "1 ' a tli "1 111 11 1 84, ."Hi II. Art.; had served h.-forc in the
Gi 11 ■■ 1 impson, enl May, 1 B62, Scotl Nine Qui
Benjamin Sharp, onl. Nov. 1861, 1 ith B \o
'ill iron \ Tromblo, 1st Sharpshooters, drummer; enl. Aug. '
Byron W. Tromble, Isl Sh irpshoot
William .1. Chapel, enl Sopl 6, 1864 13d H \ D
II. in \ K, 1. bum, enl. Dec. '
trad K. Leflnger, enl. Vug. 1862, 125th Regt
Ddal iii. I- 1 Iverocker, enl. .1 une, 1864.
Darlue G lewey, enl. Aug. 1862, 1- ith Kegt.
Ollvi 1 Goewey, enl. Si pt 1861, 30th
.1. .1. 11 Causick, enl. Dec. 16, 1864,7th II. AH.; wounded.
Anton Render, enl. Sept 25, (80 . 169th Rcgt. ; pro. to corp.
Flunk Bronagen, enl A
Honrj Rii hard, enl. Dec. 1863, 7t!> H Ait
Jacob Loderick, enl. Dec. 1863, Ttli II \. 1
rgc Stropc, enl. I 1863, 7th II. Ait.
Hugh Mi hi,:, ni, I. fill. Dec. 1863, 7ili II. Art.
Edward Hammond, enl 1863,104th Regt.; re-enl. March 14.
George Place, enl. June, 1861, 30th N. 1 Re I
David Hanner, enl. Aug. 26, 1862, 125th Regt.; pro, to
Alonzo Horton, enl. Sept. 3, 1862, 169th Begt. ; turn,. 1., "tli Vet Res. 1 orpa.
Lewis Menheifer, enl. Sept. 15, 180*2, IG'Jth Regt.; wounded in lower limbs.
Abraham Bailey, enl. Sept I, 1862, 169th Regt.
Nelson Isle, enl. Dec. 0, 1861, 2d Regt
P. m, I Pulner, ml. Sept 1864, 12tli 1 '.,-..
Alfred Freamauth, enl. 5th Regt. ; wounded in foot.
Israel Mason, enl. Dec. 14, 1863, 7th II. Ait.; wounded ; trans. Nov. 1804.
Albert Cropsey, 'til. Dec. 21, ISO *.. 7th II. Ait. ; pro. to corp.
II, in y Lance, enl. Sept. G, 1802, 109th Regt.; pro. to corp.
Peleg Mason, enl. Aug. 17, 1862, 125th Kegt.
Edward Lawless, enl. Aug. 17. ls,;2. [25th Regt.
John Lawless, enl. ISO'!, 7th II. Art. ; trans, to Infantry.
Henry Frit/., enl. Sept. 15, IS132, lG9th Regt.; wounded in hand.
Leonard Mason, enl. Aug. 17, 1862, 125th Regt ; prisoner at Harper's Ferry,
.1 onl, Coons, -nl. Sept. 1863, 169th Regt.
Webster Bailey, enl. June, 180:s, Sth Art.
William C. Waterman, enl. March 11, 1862, Scott's Nine Hundred; re-, nl.
March, 1864,11th 1 ■.
Herman Simmons, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 125th Regt
George Simmons, enl. Dee. 21, 1863, 7th II. Art ; wounded through the band.
Charles Austin, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 12 5th Itegt.
Joseph Feathers, enl. Sept. 1", 1862, 5th Art.
William O. Bly, enl. Aug. 21, 1861, Harris Cav.; re-enl. Feb. 1864.
Alfonzo Horton, enl. 109th Regt.
Adam H. Feathers, 1st sergt., enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 125th Regt.
11, man E. Uerrington, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 125th Regt.
John M. Feathers, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 125th Re 1.
o -ge F. Uerrington, Corp., enl. Sept. 11, 1802, 115th Pa. Regl
Emerson D. Lee, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 125th Regt.
William (.'. Bly, enl. Feb. 1862, Cavalry.
Emerson Hull, blacksmith, enl. Sept. 1861, 7th Cav.
Henry S. Howe, enl. ', n 27,1 64, 21-t Cav.
( harles O. Quittcrfield, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 125th Regt.
Zacbariab Z. Wager, enl. Sept 2. 1864, 188th Regt.
Moses M;is, ,n, enl. Dec. 19, Is'',:'., 7th II. Art.
Walter M. Wheeler, enl. June 6, 1861, 30th Regt
a Lockwood, enl. Dec. 1863, 7th II. Art.
Hiram F. Austin, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 108th Regt.
.tames E. Austin, enl. Dec. 31, 1863, 7th II. Art.
John i:. An-tiii. .-nl. March 27, 1- . 19 Id Regl ; re-enl. 11th Regt.
Charles Horl in, enl. Aug. 19, 1804, Scott's Nine Hundred.
David P. Horton, enl. Dee. 2, 1863,7th II. Ait.
Luther A. ldnms,en] I lee. . L863,7tfa II. Art; pro. to corp. and sergt. ; re-enl.
Jnn
Benjamin T, Amidon, enl, Man ti, 1865, I92d B
n i ii i,i ii Flint, .nl. March 7, 1862, Sett's Nino Hundred.
Will in in \\ . Cooper, enl. 1', i 21, 180 7 th II. Art.; severely wounded.
564
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Benjamin F. Amidon, eul. Feb. 2S, 1802, 11th X. Y. Kcgt.
Alfred Moon, eul. April, 1S01, 30th X. Y. Begt. ; re-onl. Aug. 14, 1S02, ami Jan.
12, 1S04.
George M. Hall, enl. July 12, 1802, 7th H. Art.
' .bn Hills, enl Jan. T, 1862, 12ih Battery.
Died in Seroice.
Daniel Morrison, enl. Sept 20, 1862, 2d N. Y. Kegt. ; re-enl. 30th Wis. Begt. j
died March 28, 1865, at Goldsboro', of wounds.
George Bradt,enl. Sept £", l!->',2, 125th Regt. ; died March 18,1865, at Wist
Philadelphia, of bleeding at the lungs.
William II. II. Wood, enl. Sept. 20, 1SC.2, 12:.th Begt.; died of starvation In
I risons.
20, 1S02, lJ.'.th Begt; died of wounds before
Kk-hinond, Va.
Daniel M. Horton, enl. June 24, 1S63, 12th Civ. ; died Sept. 3, 1S63, at home, of
typhoid fever.
George Simmons, enl. Feb. 13, 1804, Scott's Nine Hundred; died nt Xew Orleans,
of typhoid feTor.
William Henry Mason, enl. Sept. G, 1S62, 169th Begt; died June 1, 1864, at
Cold llarbor, Va.
Wiltard Bailey, sergt, onl. Dec. 1802,7th X. Y. Begt; killed in 1804 in the
battle of Beam's Station.
Thilip AmiJ.m, enl. Dee. 18,1363, 7th Art; killed at Cold Harbor, June 1,1804.
Martin L.iradee, enl. Aug. 1S62, l'JSth Begt. ; died Sept. 18, 1863, in Virginia.
Dexter Bandal, enl. Dec. 1862, 7lh Art. ; died Juno 3, 1S64, of wounds at Cold
Harbor.
John Wagonor, enl. Sept 1862, 109th Regt. ; died Jan. 1S63, on his way Xorth.
Acknowledgments are due to William L. Cottrell, George
Cottrell, Gilbert Thorn, David Fonda, Edward K. Himes,
Marvin Moody, Jacob Dingman, and others, for assistance
rendered in the preparation of this sketch of the town.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
WILLIAM L. COTTRELL,
son of John and Sarah Cottrell, was born in the town of
Poestenkill, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Oct. 6, 1829. He
spent his boyhood on his father's farm and attending school,
and during his early manhood was a teacher. His acknowl-
edged ability in educational matters in after-years caused
him to be brought into favor with the people, and in 1864
he was elected school commissioner, which office he held to
the satisfaction of his constituents, and performed its duties
with honor to himself for two terms. He has ever been
conversant with the leading topics of interest at home and
abroad, and interested in all legislation that effects the
rights of the citizen. Somewhat active in politics, he has
always stood an unswerving supporter of Democratic prin-
ciples in the town and county. Both his father and mother
died in Poestenkill.
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